Palisades Horse Horse Camp
The campground is currently closed for the season. Full operations run June through September with reservations via Recreation.gov. A limited-service first-come, first-served season runs from late September through mid-November at half price, with no potable water or trash service during that period.
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 9 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
ESFGJT A strong low pressure system off the Pacific Coast will begin to draw in tropical moisture associated with Topical Storm Rachel this weekend. This strong southerly fetch will draw anomalously high moisture content across the Desert Southwest and into eastern Utah and western Colorado. The chance for widespread precipitation increases Saturday evening into Sunday. Total precipitation forecasts range from 1 to 3 inches across high terrain, with highest amounts favoring the Uintas, Tavaputs and the Southwest San Juan mountains. Embedded thunderstorms are also possible Sunday afternoon, increasing the threat for flash flooding across vulnerable terrain. While confidence in location and rainfall rates remain low at this time, the potential for rapidly rising rivers, streams, normally dry arroyos and slot canyons are possible Sunday through Monday. Please follow the evolving forecast, especially if your plans including recreating or commuting across eastern Utah and western Colorado Sunday onward. Also, keep in mind weather potential above your location and upstream, particularly for those who reside below sensitive terrain like recent burn scars.
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 is a dedicated equestrian campground in Colorado's San Juan National Forest, designed exclusively for campers with horses or mules. Situated at 8,400 feet elevation about 30 miles north of Pagosa Springs, the campground offers 12 sites arranged on a one-way loop with both pull-through and back-in options. Eight single sites and four double sites accommodate varying group sizes, with corrals divided into sections that can hold 2-6 horses depending on configuration. Each site includes camp/tent pads, a hitching rack or four-unit stall with feed manger, fire grates, and wheelchair-accessible picnic tables. The campground provides potable water faucets for campers and a separate water tank for livestock. Two vault toilets serve the facility, and wheelbarrows and rakes are available for corral maintenance. Campers are expected to clean pens daily and upon departure. The Williams Creek Trail departs directly from the campground, providing access to the Weminuche Wilderness and the Continental Divide. Grazing is prohibited within the campground, so campers must bring certified weed-free feed. The area supports abundant wildlife including bears, deer, elk, and moose. Bear-safe food storage is required.
Directions
From Pagosa Springs, travel 2.5 miles west on US Highway 160. Turn right on Piedra Road (CR 600/FSR 631) and drive about 16 miles. Continue on FR 631 for 6.2 miles. Turn right onto Williams Creek Road (FR 640) and go about 5 miles to the campground entrance, just past Cimarrona Campground.
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 | $32 - $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 |
Photos
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