Vallecito Campground
Closed — Closed for the winter season. The campground typically operates with full services from late spring through late September, then offers limited services through mid-November before closing for winter.
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
Vallecito Campground sits at 8,000 feet elevation in the San Juan Mountains, surrounded by ponderosa pine, aspen, and gambel oak. As one of the largest and most popular campgrounds in the San Juan National Forest, it offers 80 sites divided into four loops, with most sites being large and fairly level. Creek-side sites fill quickly during peak season. The campground provides 33 reservable sites including 3 with electricity, plus 47 first-come, first-served sites. The Vallecito Creek Trail begins at the campground entrance and provides a major access point into the Weminuche Wilderness for hiking and horseback riding. The trailhead features parking, hitching racks, and a loading ramp for livestock, though overnight horse camping is not permitted. Vallecito Creek flows through the campground, offering fishing opportunities for rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. Due to the wilderness designation, anglers must use artificial flies and lures only. Seven fee-based picnic sites are available along the creek for day use. Vallecito Lake, located four miles away, provides additional recreation including boating, water skiing, and fishing.
Directions
From Durango, travel 17 miles on Florida Road (County Road 240). Turn left onto County Road 501 for approximately 9.5 miles through the community of Vallecito. Turn left onto County Road 500 and drive approximately 3 miles to the campground entrance.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 | No |
| Price | $40 - $45 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 50ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| mandy@rockymountainrec.com | |
| Phone | +1 (661) 702-1420 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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