Vallecito Campground
Open for the 2026 season with both reservable and first-come-first-serve sites available. Operating May through September with limited services late September through October. Quiet hours 10 PM to 6 AM. Generator use limited to one hour at a time.
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 29 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
ESFGJT Low pressure begins to dig southward from the PACNW on Friday, tapping into a fetch of Pacific moisture that will evolve into an atmospheric river streaming into the Desert Southwest this weekend. Showers and thunderstorms develop on Friday and Saturday across the region. Lighter rainfall totals Friday and Saturday will reflect, initially lower, moisture. However, a few thunderstorms could produce impactful downpours on saturated soils left over from last weekend's historic rainfall. Deeper moisture develops Saturday night and early Sunday. This is expected to produce heavier and more widespread rainfall across southeast UT and southwest CO Sunday and Monday, mostly below 10000 feet. While rivers are forecast to remain below action stage, a growing concern lies in the potential for runoff around saturated hillsides in the region. This could produce rock, mud, and debris flows onto roadways, as well as flash flood prone burn scars, washes, slot canyons, and arroyos. Early estimates predict an area of 1 to 2 inches of new rainfall for portions of southeast UT and southwest CO. This is a preliminary forecast that hinges on slight shifts in a strong moisture plume impacting the region. It also attempts to capture the most statistically likely outcome, despite stronger and weaker outlier predictions. Outdoor enthusiasts, motorists, and residents of recent flood impacted areas are encouraged to remain abreast of the developing forecast in the coming days.
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.
About
Vallecito Campground occupies a forested setting at 8,000 feet in the San Juan Mountains, directly adjacent to the Weminuche Wilderness. The name means "little valley" in Spanish. Ponderosa pine, aspen, and gambel oak shade the 80 campsites spread across four loops, with most sites being large and fairly level. Creek-side sites are highly sought after. Vallecito Creek runs through the campground, offering catch-and-release fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout using artificial flies and lures only. The Vallecito Creek Trail departs from the campground entrance and serves as a major access point into the Weminuche Wilderness for hikers and equestrians. Hitching posts and a loading ramp are available at the trailhead, though overnight horse camping is not permitted. Vallecito Lake lies four miles south and provides boating, water skiing, and additional fishing opportunities. The campground operates with a mix of 33 reservable sites and 47 first-come-first-serve sites. Three sites have electric hookups.
Directions
From Durango, travel 17 miles on Florida Road (County Road 240). Turn left onto County Road 501 and continue approximately 9.5 miles through the community of Vallecito. Turn left onto County Road 500 and drive about 3 miles to the campground entrance. From Bayfield, take County Road 501 approximately 20 miles through Vallecito, then turn left onto County Road 500.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $32 - $45 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 50ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 884-2512 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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