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 9 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
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.
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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