Pine River
Open for the season. Operating late May through September on a first-come, first-served basis. No advance reservations; payment on-site via Recreation.gov mobile app Scan and Pay feature. No potable water available.
Flood Watch issued October 29 at 9:42PM MDT until November 2 at 11:00AM MST by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of southwest Colorado, including the following areas, Animas River Basin, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River, San Juan River Basin and Southwest San Juan Mountains and southeast Utah, including the following areas, Canyonlands/Natural Bridges, La Sal and Abajo Mountains and Southeast Utah. * WHEN...From Sunday morning through Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, recently burned areas, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected across portions of southeast Utah and southwest Colorado from Sunday morning through Monday morning over soils that are still saturated from recent rainfall and flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 29 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
ESFGJT Low pressure begins to dig southward from the PACNW on Friday, tapping into a fetch of Pacific moisture that will evolve into an atmospheric river streaming into the Desert Southwest this weekend. Showers and thunderstorms develop on Friday and Saturday across the region. Lighter rainfall totals Friday and Saturday will reflect, initially lower, moisture. However, a few thunderstorms could produce impactful downpours on saturated soils left over from last weekend's historic rainfall. Deeper moisture develops Saturday night and early Sunday. This is expected to produce heavier and more widespread rainfall across southeast UT and southwest CO Sunday and Monday, mostly below 10000 feet. While rivers are forecast to remain below action stage, a growing concern lies in the potential for runoff around saturated hillsides in the region. This could produce rock, mud, and debris flows onto roadways, as well as flash flood prone burn scars, washes, slot canyons, and arroyos. Early estimates predict an area of 1 to 2 inches of new rainfall for portions of southeast UT and southwest CO. This is a preliminary forecast that hinges on slight shifts in a strong moisture plume impacting the region. It also attempts to capture the most statistically likely outcome, despite stronger and weaker outlier predictions. Outdoor enthusiasts, motorists, and residents of recent flood impacted areas are encouraged to remain abreast of the developing forecast in the coming days.
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.
About
Pine River Campground is a primitive, 6-site campground located at the terminus of Forest Road 602 in the Columbine Ranger District of San Juan National Forest. Situated adjacent to the Pine River Trailhead, it serves primarily as a base camp for hikers and backpackers accessing Pine River Trail #523 and the Weminuche Wilderness. All campsites offer views up the Pine River Valley, though private land adjoins the campground with no public river access until three miles up the trail. The campground accommodates tents and small RVs up to 16 feet only. Sites must fit within the parking spur, and no overflow parking is available. Facilities are minimal: a single vault toilet at the trailhead and picnic tables. There is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. Quiet hours are 10pm to 6am, and generator use is limited to one hour at a time. Horses are prohibited within the campground itself, but the Pine River Trailhead offers a separate parking area with a horse corral for overnight horse camping, hitching posts, and trailer turnaround space. Dogs are permitted but must be leashed at all times and never left unattended.
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, then continue 4 miles to the campground entrance. From Bayfield: Travel 22 miles north on County Road 501 to Middle Mountain Campground, then continue 4 miles.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $18 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 16ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 884-2512 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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