Palisades Horse Horse Camp
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operated through November 16, 2025 and typically reopens in late May or early June. During peak season (June through September), sites are reservable via Recreation.gov at $32 per night for single sites and $64 for double sites. In fall (late September through mid-November), the campground operates first-come, first-served at half price with limited services: no water or trash service, but vault toilets remain open.
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.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect the public health and safety in the Rocky Mountain Region. This Order is supplemental to and does not rescind or replace those restrictions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A, or any Forest Supervisor Order issued under 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart B.
Cave Closure and Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.
Falls Creek Closure Area, Camping, and Motor Vehicle Travel Restrictions
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R.
Dolores River Restoration Project Closure Order
The Dolores Ranger District has issued a Forest Closure Order for Dolores River Restoration Project located on "The Beach" for the construction of instream structures and bank improvements.
West Fork Road and Bridge Closure Order
The Pagosa Ranger District's West Fork Bridge is closed by Forest Order due to damage during the October 2025 flood events. Forest Road 648 (West Fork) is closed at location identified by this order.
Multiple roads and trails damaged by flooding on SJNF
In early October, severe flooding events created ongoing safety and access concerns for Forest users on the Columbine and Pagosa Ranger Districts of the San Juan National Forest.
Lemon Reservoir Restrictions
The following act is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and waters on the Columbine Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest:
Cascade Flume Safety Closure
Area closure: The purpose of this Order is for public health and safety during the Cascade Tacoma Flume repair. The recent failure of the flume resulted in infrastructure damage and a landslide that has destabilized the Described Area.
McPhee Reservoir Prohibitions
The following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and waters on the Dolores Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest:
Mancos/Dolores Camping Restrictions
The following are prohibited on the National Forest System Lands on the Mancos-Dolores Ranger District, San Juan National Forest.
Forest Orders
Visit our Forest Order page for a list of all the current Forest Orders: Closures, Fire Restrictions, and Camping, Occupancy, and Use Restrictions.
About
Located 30 miles north of Pagosa Springs in the San Juan National Forest, Palisades Horse Camp is designed exclusively for campers with horses or mules. At 8,400 feet elevation, the campground features a one-way loop with pull-through and back-in sites among pine, spruce, and fir trees. The 12 campsites include 8 single sites and 4 double sites, each equipped with camp pads, hitching racks or four-unit stalls with feed mangers. Metal pipe corrals are divided into sections to accommodate 2-3 horses per side depending on temperament. Sites 9, 10, 2, and 4 have dedicated pens, while sites 6 and 12 share a corral. The campground provides potable water for campers and a separate water tank for livestock. Grazing is not permitted; campers must bring certified weed-free feed. Amenities include vault toilets, wheelchair-accessible picnic tables, fire grates, and wheelbarrows and rakes for pen cleaning. Campers must clean corrals daily and upon departure. Williams Creek flows nearby, and the surrounding forest supports abundant wildlife including bears, deer, elk, and moose. The main attraction is the Williams Creek Trail, which begins at the adjacent trailhead and leads directly into the Weminuche Wilderness, crossing the Continental Divide. The trailhead parking area accommodates 14 horse trailers with hitching posts and unloading platforms. Additional trails are accessible from nearby locations along Williams Creek Road.
Directions
From Pagosa Springs, travel about 2.5 miles west on U.S. Highway 160. Turn right on Piedra Road (County Road 600/Forest Road 631) and drive about 22 miles. Turn right onto Williams Creek Road (Forest Road 640) and head about 5 miles to the campground entrance, just past Cimarrona Campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 | $13.5 - $64 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| SM.FS.PagosaRD@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (970) 264-2268 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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