North Fork Campground

3.96

29 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

11,000 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

11,000 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

North Fork Campground

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees for reserving campsites vary by method: $8 if online or via the app, $9 through the contact center, and $3 if made in-person at applicable...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.96

Mixed Reviews

Based on 29 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sceneryquiet

"Overall, North Fork Campground is praised for its stunning natural beauty, high-altitude setting, and excellent fishing opportunities. However, the challenging road conditions and limited facilities are common concerns among visitors."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

North Fork Campground

38.6116, -106.3192

Driving directionsFrom Salida, CO, travel west for 5 miles to Poncha Springs, CO then continue west on Highway 50 for 6 miles to County Road 240. Turn right on CR 240 and stay on this road for 3 miles to the Angel of Shavano campground. From the campground the road continues west for 6 miles to the North Fork reservoir and campground.

The road to the campground is described as 'very rough and not recommended for vehicles towing trailers.' High clearance vehicles are a requirement for reaching this campground. Multiple user reviews confirm the rocky and narrow terrain, with one stating, 'We meticulously made the 6.6 mile in 2+ hours in a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport.' Another reviewer recommended avoiding the road if you lack high clearance or a 4WD vehicle.

Nearby places

Salida (approx. 11 miles and 20–30 minutes driving time depending on road conditions), Poncha Springs (approx. 5 miles).

Nearby supplies

One review emphasizes the importance of bringing plenty of supplies due to the remote location and lack of trash service. Supplies are likely best obtained in Salida or Poncha Springs before traveling to the campground.

Best Time to Camp at North Fork Campground

At this extreme elevation, Mother Nature writes her own rules. Even during summer months, temperatures can plummet unexpectedly, creating crisp mountain mornings that take your breath away. One delighted angler discovered this firsthand, reporting: 'Was very cold. Caught 4 trout in 10 minutes' – proof that the chilly conditions create perfect fishing opportunities. Snow can dust the landscape well into summer and return early in fall, while afternoon thunderstorms often roll across the peaks. The ever-changing mountain weather adds drama to every visit, making proper cold-weather gear essential year-round.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Most popular in summer; fishing and scenery are highlights then.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Accessible but increasingly cold; shoulder-season conditions variable at 11,000 ft.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.0 / 5

Snowmelt and variable weather likely limit spring use; access may be rough.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Extreme elevation likely brings heavy snow and limited access; campground favors summer use.

Planning Tips

Current Alerts: 'Campground has been closed recently due to risky trees in the area – recommend calling the Salida ranger station to determine if it's open before you go.'

About North Fork Campground

Perched at a breathtaking 11,000 feet, North Fork Campground stands as the crown jewel of high-altitude camping in the Salida Ranger District. This remote wilderness escape hugs the pristine north shore of North Fork Reservoir, where adventure truly begins where the pavement ends. The journey here demands a high-clearance vehicle to navigate the rugged mountain roads, but as seasoned visitors will tell you, 'The trek to get there is well worth the experience.' This primitive campground offers a genuine backcountry experience with no trash services, inviting only those seeking authentic mountain solitude.

North Fork Campground is a primitive camping site catering to tent campers and small groups. Its remote location and rugged terrain make it suitable for more adventurous campers.

Historical SignificanceThe surrounding landscape whispers tales of Colorado's mining heritage, with abandoned mines dotting the nearby mountainsides. Adventurous souls have discovered hidden waterfalls tucked away near Billings Lake, remnants of a time when prospectors scoured these peaks for fortune. These secret spots and historical artifacts transform a simple camping trip into a treasure hunt through Colorado's storied past.

Weather and SeasonsAt this extreme elevation, Mother Nature writes her own rules. Even during summer months, temperatures can plummet unexpectedly, creating crisp mountain mornings that take your breath away. One delighted angler discovered this firsthand, reporting: 'Was very cold. Caught 4 trout in 10 minutes' – proof that the chilly conditions create perfect fishing opportunities. Snow can dust the landscape well into summer and return early in fall, while afternoon thunderstorms often roll across the peaks. The ever-changing mountain weather adds drama to every visit, making proper cold-weather gear essential year-round.

ElevationAt 11,000 feet above sea level, North Fork Campground claims the title of highest elevation campground in the entire Salida Ranger District. This lofty perch places visitors just a stone's throw from the timberline, where hardy pines give way to alpine tundra. The thin air at this altitude offers crystal-clear stargazing and panoramic views, though it may leave lowlanders catching their breath. Snow patches often linger in shaded areas throughout summer, creating a landscape where winter never fully releases its grip.

Natural Features and SceneryWake to what visitors describe as 'beautiful scenery and a beautiful morning' reflected in the mirror-like surface of North Fork Reservoir. The crystalline waters teem with eager trout, while the surrounding peaks create a natural amphitheater of granite and sky. One awestruck camper captured it perfectly: 'The lake and the view of the Continental Divide are AMAZING.' From your campsite, watch alpenglow paint the Continental Divide in shades of rose and gold, while wildflowers carpet the meadows in summer's brief but brilliant display.

Geological RegionNorth Fork Campground occupies a spectacular setting within the Salida Ranger District's rugged mountain terrain. Nestled on the north shore of North Fork Reservoir at 11,000 feet, the campground sits in a glacially carved valley just below timberline. This dramatic landscape showcases the raw power of geological forces – from ancient granite peaks to moraines left by retreating glaciers. The surrounding mountains form part of the Continental Divide's eastern slopes, where tectonic upheaval and erosion have sculpted one of Colorado's most stunning high-altitude playgrounds.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground is primitive with limited sites and dispersed camping options nearby. One review describes it as 'just below timberline.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable for this campground.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites operate on a walk-up basis since reservations are not accepted.

Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be made for this campground. General cancellation policies for reservable facilities include a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fees for late cancellations, among other conditions.

AccessibilityDue to the rough and rocky road leading to the campground, accessibility is limited. High-clearance vehicles are a must, and the road may not be suitable for vehicles towing trailers.

Site SizeThere are only 4-5 campsites available, making the campground limited in size but potentially offering a quiet experience.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are unclear, but user reviews suggest dispersed sites along the road leading to the campground, which may offer more seclusion.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites with proximity to the reservoir for fishing. Avoid unimproved spots along the road unless fully equipped for primitive camping.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

North Fork Campground provides various outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The nearby reservoir and creek offer opportunities for fishing, while the surrounding terrain is suitable for exploration.

FishingFishing is a prominent activity at the campground, with opportunities to catch rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. A user noted, 'Caught 4 trout in 10 mins,' while another shared, 'The fishing is phenomenal.'

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include the rough and rocky road leading to the site, cold temperatures, and risk from dead trees, as noted in one review: 'Recently a bunch of the trees at the campground were cut down; seemed like many of them had died.'

Active Alerts'Campground has been closed recently due to risky trees in the area – recommend calling the Salida ranger station to determine if it's open before you go.'

Fire PolicyFire policies were not mentioned.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are likely in Salida, approximately 11 miles away, which may include a hospital and police station. Specific emergency service locations were not provided.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash service is available at the campground. Visitors are required to pack out all their trash.

Water FeaturesLocated on the north shore of North Fork Reservoir. Additional nearby lakes and creeks offer fishing opportunities for rainbow and cutthroat trout.

Camp HostNo campground host or management details are provided.

Weather at North Fork Campground

Reviews

4.0

29 reviews

Mixed Reviews

North Fork Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, North Fork Campground is praised for its stunning natural beauty, high-altitude setting, and excellent fishing opportunities. However, the challenging road conditions and limited facilities are common concerns among visitors.

Review Summaries

Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the beautiful scenery, fishing opportunities, and the remote, quiet environment. One user described the view of the Continental Divide as 'AMAZING,' while another referred to the...

Based on 29 reviews

Common Concerns

The rough, rocky road leading to the campground is a recurring issue, with one user stating, 'The road from Angel of Shavano Campground to North Fork Reservoir is ATROCIOUS.' Other concerns include...

Based on 29 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a high-clearance vehicle to navigate the rough road. Pack all necessary supplies, including trash bags, as there are no services on-site. Check with the Salida Ranger Station about current...

Based on 29 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground appears to be most popular in summer, but visitors should be prepared for cold weather even during warmer months. Fishing and scenery are highlights during this time.

Based on 29 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The trek to get there is well worth the experience.' - Nicole Donatto. 2. 'Caught 4 trout in 10 mins. Beautiful scenery and beautiful morning.' - Sue. 3. 'The road may test the limits of...

Based on 29 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There are only 4-5 campsites available, and reviews suggest they may not always be occupied even when reserved. The dispersed sites along the main road offer additional camping opportunities.

Based on 29 reviews