How much does camping cost at Cayton Campground?

Camping fees at Cayton Campground range from $30-$41/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cayton Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cayton Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cayton Campground before I book?

Yes! Cayton Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cayton Campground?

Cayton Campground is open May 15 to September 26. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cayton Campground?

Cayton Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Cayton Campground have?

Cayton Campground has 27 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cayton Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cayton Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cayton Campground?

Cayton Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cayton Campground?

Popular activities at Cayton Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cayton Campground

4.42

210 reviews

San Juan NF, Rico, CO, USA

Fishing

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Electric

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Electric

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Cayton Campground

$30.00 - $41.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC: $41.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(661) 702-1420rlynd@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

San Juan NF, Rico, CO, USA

Cayton Campground

San Juan NF, Rico, CO, USA

Nearby places

Rico (6 miles, 10 minutes), Telluride (30 miles, 30 minutes), Mountain Village (approximately 28 miles, 28 minutes).

Weather at Cayton Campground

Best Time to Camp at Cayton Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best weather at 9,400 ft — expect daytime highs around 65–75°F and crisp nights dipping into the 30s–40s. Trails, river fishing, mountain biking, and backcountry approaches are all at their peak after snowmelt, while wildflowers and open meadows make for excellent hiking and photography. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and campsites can be moderately busy (reservations run May 16–Sept 27, with a brief first-come window in late June), so plan for Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Aspen groves turn gold; fall color and cooler temps make it appealing though season shortens.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 26. 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.

About Cayton Campground

Cayton Campground sits at 9,400 feet along the Dolores River in San Juan National Forest, a short drive from Rico and Telluride. Rocky Mountain Recreation operates this small alpine campground with electric hookups, a dump station, and vault toilets. Campers use it as a base for hiking, river fishing, and mountain biking through high-elevation meadows and backcountry trails.

Cayton Campground accommodates tent camping, RVs, and group camping. It features 27 single-family campsites, including options with and without electric hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best weather at 9,400 ft — expect daytime highs around 65–75°F and crisp nights dipping into the 30s–40s. Trails, river fishing, mountain biking, and backcountry approaches are all at their peak after snowmelt, while wildflowers and open meadows make for excellent hiking and photography. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and campsites can be moderately busy (reservations run May 16–Sept 27, with a brief first-come window in late June), so plan for Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a valley carved by the Dolores River, with fir and aspen groves rising toward jagged peaks that top 14,000 feet. The river runs through camp, audible from most sites. At this elevation, wildflower meadows open up between stands of conifers in summer. Aspen groves turn gold in fall. The terrain shows the geology of old volcanic activity and glacial carving. Views stretch toward multiple high summits, with Lizard Head and the approaches to Telluride visible from the area.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodging, but it provides spaces for tent and RV camping.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Individual campsites typically accommodate parties of up to 8 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via the app. Phone reservations available through the contact center.

AccessibilitySites 5, 6, 10, and 25 meet established accessibility standards.

Site SizeSites are generally spacious, with some being large enough to accommodate 35' motorhomes.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site, but several users noted good spacing between sites. Some sites are 30-50 feet apart, providing a sense of solitude.

Total Campsites27 campsites

Recommended SitesLoop A sites are preferred for proximity to the river and electrical hookups. Site 1 offers solitude, while sites 11, 13, and 20 provide water sounds and scenic views.

Best CampsitesSites 11, 13, and 20 get frequent mentions for river access, privacy, and views. Reviewers recommend booking river-side sites for the best experience. Some sites sit 30–50 feet apart, offering better solitude than others. A few can fit 35-foot motorhomes.

Need help booking Cayton Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Cayton Campground offers a wide range of amenities to meet campers’ needs. The campground is located along the Dolores River and features 27 single-family campsites, 18 of which have electric hookups. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a campfire ring. Additionally, the facilities include vault toilets, drinking water, and a dump station. The campground is situated at an elevation of 9,400 feet, surrounded by fir and aspen trees, providing a serene and cool environment. Other amenities include access to fire pits, grills, and tent pads. Vault toilets are particularly praised for their cleanliness and lack of odor, with one user stating, 'Even the pit toilets have zero smell and are perfectly maintained.'

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available, but the vault toilets are noted to be clean and well-maintained.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

210 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 210 reviews.

Site 11Loved
Site 11 is highly praised for its proximity to the river, offering a peaceful ambiance.
Site 13Loved
Site 13 is recommended for its river access and privacy.
Loop ALoved
Loop A offers electric hookups and is closer to the river, while Loop B is more secluded but does not have electric hookups.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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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