West Fork Campground
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Typically operates mid-May through September. Check Recreation.gov for specific opening dates in spring 2026.
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 Fork Campground is nestled in a secluded 10-acre area along the West Fork San Juan River in the San Juan National Forest, positioned between Wolf Creek Pass and Pagosa Springs. The campground features 28 campsites set among a forest of mixed conifers, offering a pleasant mix of sun and shade. While the river can be heard from camp, it remains largely hidden by the forest. Fifteen sites are reservable through Recreation.gov, while the remaining thirteen operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Most sites are suitable for large RVs up to 35 feet in length. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding wilderness and trails. The West Fork Trail, also known as the Rainbow Trail, begins approximately one mile beyond the campground and leads into the Weminuche Wilderness. Hikers should note that the first portion of the trail passes through private property, so staying on the trail and leaving gates as found is essential. Across Highway 160 from the West Fork Road turnoff, trailheads for Windy Pass and Treasure Mountain provide additional hiking and OHV opportunities. Treasure Falls, an impressive 100-foot waterfall located about three miles from the campground off Highway 160, offers a short hike to its base. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck in both Wolf Creek and the West Fork, though these are heavily fished streams that typically reward only skilled and patient anglers. The campground provides vault toilets, potable water, trash pickup, picnic tables, and fire grates at each site, creating a comfortable mountain camping experience in a relatively isolated setting.
Directions
From Pagosa Springs, travel east on U.S. Highway 160 for 13.5 miles, then turn northwest on Forest Road 648 and continue 1.5 miles to the campground entrance.
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 | $32 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 45ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| mandy@rockymountainrec.com | |
| Phone | +1 (970) 264-2268 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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