West Dolores Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from May through September, with reservations available through Recreation.gov.
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
West Dolores Campground is situated on the banks of the West Dolores River in San Juan National Forest, approximately 21 miles north of Dolores via Highway 145 and Forest Road 535. Set at 7,800 feet elevation, the campground is shaded by a mixed forest of spruce, ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. The West Dolores River originates in the nearby Lizard Head Wilderness and provides excellent fishing opportunities for brown, rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout. The campground offers 18 campsites on 10 acres, with 10 reservable sites and 8 first-come, first-served sites. Seven sites feature electrical hookups, and several sites can accommodate large RVs up to 35 feet. An ADA-accessible site near the restroom includes electricity. Most campsites are level and shady, with picnic tables and fire grates at each site. The facility includes composting toilets, potable water, trash pickup, and two picnic areas. Recreational opportunities abound in the area. Mountain biking is permitted on Forest Roads 532 and 535, with Forest Service Trail 624 beginning three miles south of the campground. The West Dolores Road follows the river nearly to its headwaters in the Lizard Head Wilderness, with side roads leading into the backcountry. Southwestern Colorado's Four Corners region offers cultural attractions including Mesa Verde National Park, the Anasazi Heritage Center, Canyon of the Ancients, and Hovenweep National Monument. Burro Bridge campground, located 19 miles north, provides horse camping and wilderness access.
Directions
From Dolores, head north on Highway 145 for approximately 13 miles. Turn left onto West Dolores Road (Forest Road 535) and continue for approximately 7.5 miles. The campground is on the right, one mile north of Mavreeso Campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $32 - $43 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 65ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 65ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 882-7296 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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