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.
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.
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.
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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