Cayton Campground

Star4.45
210 reviews
San Juan NF, Rico, CO, USA

Quick Facts

9,400 ft

Price

$30 - $41/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Cayton Campground
$30.00 - $41.00 / night
Campsite Fees
During peak season (May 16 - September 27), standard electric campsites cost $41 per night, while standard nonelectric sites are priced at $30 per...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$41.00
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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Provider
(661) 702-1420mandy@rockymountainrec.com
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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 210 reviews

52 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerycleanspaciouslocation

Some mention

noise

"Cayton Campground is highly rated for its scenic location, clean facilities, and helpful hosts. Visitors appreciate the proximity to the Dolores River and nearby trails. Some users noted issues with the campground host's behavior and occasional maintenance lapses, such as locked dump stations or empty trash receptacles."

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Campground Map

San Juan NF, Rico, CO, USA

Cayton Campground

San Juan NF, Rico, CO, USA

Driving directionsFrom Rico, travel northeast on Colorado Highway 145 for 6 miles. Turn right (east) on Forest Road 578 (Barlow Creek Road). The campground entrance is a half-mile further.
The campground is located along the San Juan Skyway (Colorado Highway 145), which is a paved and well-maintained road. The access road (Forest Road 578) is described as in good condition, but users should exercise caution when traveling with trailers as it includes a narrow bridge. Seasonal closures can occur during winter months.
Nearby places
Rico (6 miles, 10 minutes), Telluride (30 miles, 30 minutes), Mountain Village (approximately 28 miles, 28 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies are available in Rico, CO (6 miles away). Larger supply options exist in Telluride, about 30 miles away. Fuel stations are available in both cities.

Best Time to Camp at Cayton Campground

The mountain climate at Cayton creates a refreshing escape from summer heat, with daytime temperatures hovering around a perfect 70°F while nights dip into the crisp 30s and 40s—ideal for cozy campfire conversations and sound sleep. Afternoon thunderstorms often roll through during summer months, painting dramatic skies and bringing the sweet scent of rain-washed pine. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-blanketed wonderland, though freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall typically close the campground during these months.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Open May 16–Sep 27; popular summer activities (fishing, hiking) and pleasant daytime temps around 70°F.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 16% in CO

Aspen groves 'burst into gold' each autumn making fall foliage a highlight.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens mid‑May; late‑spring conditions can be variable with high‑elevation temps and unfolding wildflowers.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside the May–Sep operating window.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 - September 27 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for reservations May 16 - September 27 each year. First-come, first-served availability operates June 21 - June 25 annually.
  • Current Alerts: Some reviews report closures without notice. Travelers should confirm operational status before arrival.

About Cayton Campground

Perched at a breathtaking 9,400 feet in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Cayton Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic alpine experience. This pristine mountain retreat features 27 thoughtfully spaced campsites nestled along the banks of the melodious Dolores River, with 18 sites offering convenient electric hookups for modern comfort in the wilderness. Each site comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings under star-studded skies, while vault toilets and fresh drinking water ensure a comfortable stay in this high-country paradise.
Cayton Campground accommodates tent camping, RVs, and group camping. It features 27 single-family campsites, including options with and without electric hookups.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Cayton Campground offers diverse recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and biking. The Dolores River is a highlight for fishing enthusiasts, with rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout commonly found. Nearby trails provide excellent hiking opportunities, with the Colorado Trail and Lizard Head Pass offering scenic views of 14,000-foot peaks. The area is also suitable for biking, particularly along Bolam Pass.
HikingThe campground is close to several well-known trails, including the Colorado Trail, Lizard Head Trail, and the Bear Creek Trail, which lead to alpine basins and 14,000-foot peaks.
FishingThe Dolores River is a popular fishing spot, with high chances of catching rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. It can become crowded on summer weekends.
BikingBiking is a popular activity in the area, with Bolam Pass and Dunton Meadows providing scenic routes.
Wildlife viewingThe area allows opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly in the alpine country accessible from nearby trails.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRisks include encounters with wildlife such as bears, mosquitoes during summer, and high-altitude sickness.
Active AlertsSome reviews report closures without notice. Travelers should confirm operational status before arrival.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Cayton Campground

Reviews

4.5
210 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Cayton Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Cayton Campground is highly rated for its scenic location, clean facilities, and helpful hosts. Visitors appreciate the proximity to the Dolores River and nearby trails. Some users noted issues with the campground host's behavior and occasional maintenance lapses, such as locked dump stations or empty trash receptacles.
Review Summaries
Based on 210 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is praised for its clean vault toilets, spacious sites, and serene environment. Many users highlight the location along the Dolores River and the beautiful surrounding scenery. The...
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Based on 210 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include occasional unavailability of the dump station, difficulties reaching the host, and road noise from nearby Highway 145. Some users had issues with the host's demeanor, describing...
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Based on 210 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend booking sites along the river for a more scenic experience. They also advise arriving early during the busy summer season and bringing extra supplies due to the remote location. A...
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Based on 210 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are the most popular, with visitors enjoying fishing, hiking, and the cool mountain temperatures. However, the campground can become crowded and dusty during dry conditions.
Based on 210 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Even the pit toilets have zero smell and are perfectly maintained!' 2. 'The hosts were super nice! No Verizon cell signal, but that was actually a plus!' 3. 'Beautiful site! Hosts were a great...
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Based on 210 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 11 is highly praised for its proximity to the river, offering a peaceful ambiance. Site 13 is recommended for its river access and privacy. Loop A offers electric hookups and is closer to the...
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Based on 210 reviews

Accessibility Features

Sites 5, 6, 10, and 25 meet established accessibility standards. Several users noted that the hosts were helpful in accommodating special needs.
Based on 210 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground, and users generally had positive experiences bringing their pets. However, specific pet-related amenities or restrictions were not discussed in detail.
Based on 210 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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