Ute Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates May through September. Reservations are available on Recreation.gov, with some first-come, first-served sites.
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.
Falls Creek Closure Area, Camping, and Motor Vehicle Travel Restrictions
This San Juan National Forest forest order describes closure areas, as well as camping and motor vehicle travel restrictions in the Falls Creek.
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. Available forest employees are assessing the many roads, trails, bridges, and other infrastructure that was damaged or…
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. Concerns for public safety include loose debris, continuing…
McPhee Reservoir Prohibitions
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the infestation of aquatic nuisance species.
Mancos/Dolores Camping Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and natural resources.
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.Forest and Regional orders are generally temporary in nature and are designed to protect public safety and our natural resource. After review, Regional…
About
Ute Campground is situated at the base of Haystack Mountain in the San Juan National Forest, sharing land with and named for the Southern Ute Nation. The campground features 26 individual sites on a gentle, south-facing slope with one group campsite, all set among ponderosa pines, Gambel oak, Rocky Mountain juniper, and fragrant sumac. While the pines provide shade, the area can get very warm in summer due to its southern exposure. The campground serves as the only Forest Service access point to Haystack Mountain and offers spectacular views of Chimney Rock National Monument's distinctive pinnacles. Located just across US Highway 160 from the monument, it's an ideal base for exploring the area's archaeological sites and guided tours offered by the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association. Recreation opportunities abound in the surrounding area. The campground is centrally positioned between the Turkey Springs Trail System and the Devil Mountain, Mule Mountain, and Horse Mountain trail systems, which feature trails for ATV, motorcycle, mountain bike, hiking, and horseback riding. Anglers can access stream fishing on the Piedra River, and fee permits allow fishing on Southern Ute Reservation waters at Lake Capote and the Piedra River. A natural hot spring is also accessible along the Piedra River.
Directions
From Pagosa Springs, travel west on US Highway 160 for approximately 17 miles. Turn right (north) into the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $22 - $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| SM.FS.PagosaRD@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (970) 264-2268 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Ute Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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