Palisades Horse Camp
Currently closed for the season. Opens May 29, 2026. Summer season runs through September 27 with reservations via Recreation.gov. Limited first-come-first-served operations begin September 28 at half price ($16/night) until mid-November or when weather forces closure. No water service during fall/winter season.
Flood Watch issued August 30 at 7:37PM MDT until September 1 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of Colorado, including the following areas, Central Colorado River Basin, Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin, Central Yampa River Basin, Debeque to Silt Corridor, Flat Tops, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River, Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys, Grand Valley, Grand and Battlement Mesas, Northwest San Juan Mountains, Paradox Valley/Lower Dolores River, Roan and Tavaputs Plateaus, Southwest San Juan Mountains, Uncompahgre Plateau and Dallas Divide, Upper Gunnison River Valley and West Elk and Sawatch Mountains and Utah, including the following areas, Arches/Grand Flat, Canyonlands/Natural Bridges, La Sal and Abajo Mountains, Southeast Utah and Tavaputs Plateau. * WHEN...Through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Recent burn scars will also be especially susceptible and these include the Lee and Elk RX, Gold Mountain and Elk, Ferris, and Babylon burn scars to name a few. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Monsoonal moisture will remain across the area through Monday evening and will support thunderstorms and showers with heavy rainfall across the watch area. Several rounds of heavier rain are expected increasing the chance for flash flooding especially in our more susceptible areas. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
Weed Free Forage Products
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.
About
Palisades Horse Camp sits at 8,400 feet in a stand of pine, spruce, and fir trees in the San Juan National Forest. Designed specifically for equestrian campers, all 12 sites include corrals with feeding bins accommodating 2-6 horses depending on site type. The campground requires certified weed-free feed as grazing is prohibited. A one-way loop offers both pull-through and back-in sites across 8 single-family and 4 double-family configurations. The Williams Creek Trail departs directly from camp and leads into the Weminuche Wilderness, eventually crossing the Continental Divide. The surrounding forest provides prime wildlife habitat for bears, deer, elk, and moose. Campground amenities include vault toilets, potable water faucets, a livestock water tank, fire grates, and wheelchair-accessible picnic tables. Wheelbarrows and rakes are provided for cleaning horse pens. This is bear country and proper food storage is required. Dogs must be leashed at all times. The campground accepts horses and mules only; no llamas or other livestock permitted.
Directions
From Pagosa Springs, travel 2.5 miles west on US Highway 160, turn right on Piedra Road (CR 600/FSR 631) for approximately 16 miles, continue on FR 631 for 6.2 miles, turn right onto Williams Creek Road (FR 640) for about 5 miles to the campground entrance.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $64 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 45ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| SM.FS.PagosaRD@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (970) 264-2268 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!