Transfer Campground

Closed — Closed for the winter season. The campground typically operates seasonally from late spring through fall.

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.

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.

McPhee Park Road Closure Order

The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources.

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.

From Recreation.gov

PLEASE NOTE that the Horse Sites are located before reaching the campground on the opposite side of the road off FSR 561. The Horse Sites are in a separate area.

About

Transfer Campground is situated in a picturesque aspen grove at 8,500 feet elevation in the San Juan National Forest, approximately 11 miles north of Mancos, Colorado. The campground provides a serene mountain atmosphere with the sounds of birds and whispering aspens, occasionally punctuated by horses neighing from the nearby corrals. The facility includes 12 first-come, first-served family campsites and one reservable group site that accommodates larger gatherings with five double picnic tables, a serving table, and cooking grills. Parking spaces can accommodate some RVs up to 45 feet, though spaces are relatively small. All sites and restrooms are barrier-free. A separate equestrian area with 4 horse sites and adjacent corrals is located across Forest Road 561 before reaching the main campground, as horses are not permitted in the main camping area. Transfer Campground is particularly popular with off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, as the Aspen Loop Trail for ATVs and motorbikes is located just half a mile north of the campground. The area offers exceptional trail access for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, with nearby trailheads including the handicapped-accessible Big Al Interpretive Trail, Rim Trail, and Box Canyon Trail. Additional trails in the surrounding area include Chicken Creek Trail, Morrison Trail, Gold Run Trail, and West Mancos Trail. Jackson Gulch Reservoir, located six miles south, provides fishing opportunities.

Directions

From Mancos, travel 1/4 mile north on Highway 184, turn right on West Mancos Road (Forest Road 561) and travel 10.5 miles to the campground. Most of the road is unpaved but has a good gravel surface. Horse sites are located before reaching the main campground on the opposite side of Forest Road 561.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
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 $24 - $75

Vehicle

Max RV Length 40ft
Max Trailer Length 40ft
Big Rig Friendly Yes
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (970) 882-7296

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

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