Snowslide
Closed — Closed for winter. La Plata County gates the access road from December through May. The campground typically reopens in May and operates through September on a first-come, first-served basis with no services during the off-season.
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
Snowslide Campground sits in the scenic La Plata Canyon within San Juan National Forest, offering 13 first-come, first-served campsites nestled among shaded trees along the La Plata River. Most sites are well-shaded, and several provide direct river access for a peaceful mountain camping experience. The campground accommodates RVs up to 35 feet in length, though the narrow parking spurs require all wheeled equipment to fit within designated spaces with no overflow parking available. Amenities are basic but functional, with fire grates and picnic tables at each site and two vault toilets serving the campground. There is no potable water available at Snowslide, but campers can obtain water from Kroeger Campground located across the road. Bear-safe food storage is strongly recommended due to active wildlife in the area. There is no trash service; all garbage must be packed out. The campground is accessible from Hesperus via County Road 124, which becomes a gravel forest road at the National Forest boundary. The road to Snowslide is passable by 2WD vehicles, though it continues beyond as a rugged 4WD route deeper into the canyon. The campground operates seasonally, typically from May through September, with winter road closures from December through May when La Plata County gates the access road at the cattle guard.
Directions
From Durango, head 12 miles west on U.S. Highway 160. Turn north on County Road 124 at Hesperus and go 5 miles. The paved road turns to gravel at the National Forest boundary. Snowslide Campground is 6 miles up the canyon from Highway 160, accessible by 2WD gravel road.
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 | 35ft |
| 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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