Thistledown Campground

Open

Open seasonally from late May through late fall, depending on road accessibility. First-come, first-served only. No winter road maintenance past McNulty Lane.

Hydrologic Outlook issued October 9 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

October 9th, 10:53 AM — October 12th, 6:00 PM

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Weed Free Forage Products

The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.

About

Thistledown Campground occupies a scenic spot at 8,700 feet elevation in Canyon Creek, adjacent to the historic Thistledown townsite and the Weehawken Trailhead. The campground experiences heavy use from hikers accessing Mount Sneffels and other peaks in the surrounding wilderness, as well as visitors drawn to the spectacular wildflower displays in Yankee Boy Basin during summer months. This is a primitive, dispersed-style campground best suited for tent camping. Vault toilets are provided, but there is no potable water on-site, so campers must bring their own supply. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Access depends on road conditions. The campground typically opens in late May and remains accessible through late fall. Winter access is not maintained past McNulty Lane on Camp Bird Road, and visitors attempting winter camping must be prepared to traverse unplowed conditions.

Directions

From Ouray, travel south on Colorado State Highway 550. Turn right (west) at the end of town onto County Road 361 (Canyon Creek Road). Turn left at the campground sign.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed —
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed —
Showers No
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store No
Price $10

Vehicle

Max RV Length —
Max Trailer Length —
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites —

Contact

Phone +1 (970) 874-6600

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

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