Pine River
Closed — Closed for winter. The campground typically operates late May through September. Forest roads in this area are often closed throughout December and January due to snow.
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
Pine River Campground sits at the end of Forest Road 602, four miles beyond Middle Mountain Campground in San Juan National Forest. This primitive campground serves primarily as a base camp and parking area for hikers and backpackers accessing the Pine River Trail #523. The campground features six first-come, first-served sites that accommodate tents or small RVs up to 16 feet in length. All sites provide scenic views up the Pine River Valley. The campground is quite remote and offers basic amenities only. There is no potable water available, so visitors must bring their own. A vault toilet is located at the nearby trailhead. Private land adjoins the campground, restricting public access to the river until three miles up the trail. While horses are not permitted in the primitive campground itself, the Pine River Trailhead features a dedicated parking area with a horse corral for overnight horse camping, plus hitching posts and a turn-around area for trailers. Access requires traveling approximately 17 miles on Florida Road from Durango, then 13 miles on County Road 501 to Middle Mountain Campground, and an additional 4 miles to reach Pine River. The remote location and limited facilities make this an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet, backcountry-style camping experience near quality hiking access.
Directions
From Durango: Travel 17 miles on Florida Road (County Road 240). Turn left onto County Road 501 for approximately 13 miles to Middle Mountain Campground. Continue on CR 501 for approximately 4 miles to the campground entrance. From Bayfield: Travel 22 miles north on County Road 501 to Middle Mountain Campground, then continue 4 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 16ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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