Cathedral Campground

Star4.81
39 reviews
Embargo Creek Rd, Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado

Quick Facts

9,400 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Divide Ranger District site

Official Website
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Cathedral Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight use fee is $10 per single site per night. Day use for picnicking also costs $10. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive...
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Standard Site Fee$10.00
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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Provider
719-657-3321
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What Campers Say

4.81

Top-Rated

Based on 39 reviews

34 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacypeacefulclean

"User reviews generally describe Cathedral Campground as serene, clean, and well-shaded, with a variety of wildlife observed. Highlights include its proximity to Embargo Creek and the tranquility of the area."

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Campground Map

Embargo Creek Rd, Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado

Cathedral Campground

Embargo Creek Rd, Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado

Driving directionsFrom Del Norte, Colorado: Travel 8.75 miles west on U.S. Highway 160 to Embargo Creek Rd. and County Rd. 18 signs. Turn right onto Rd. 18 and go 1.4 miles to a 'T' intersection (County Rd. 15). Turn right onto Rd. 15 and go 0.3 miles to another 'T' intersection (County Rd. 65). Turn left onto Rd. 65 and go 3.2 miles to 'Y' intersection (Forest Rd. 640/650). Bear left onto Rd. 640 (dirt, single lane with no turnouts) 7.6 miles to campground sign. Right at sign into campground. From South Fork, CO, take US 160 east 5.3 miles to Embargo Creek Rd. and County Rd. 18 signs. Turn left onto Rd. 18 and follow directions above.
The road includes dirt stretches and single lanes without turnouts, which may be challenging for larger vehicles or inexperienced drivers. Not accessible during heavy snow conditions or seasonal spring road closures.
Nearby places
Del Norte (approximately 12 miles, 20 minutes), South Fork (approximately 5 miles, 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Rainbow Grocery at the intersection of US Route 160 and State Route 149 in South Fork, CO offers RV waste stations and other supplies. For groceries and fuel, South Fork is the nearest location.

Best Time to Camp at Cathedral Campground

Experience the full spectrum of mountain seasons at Cathedral Campground, open year-round for those seeking adventure in any weather. From crisp, snow-dusted mornings in winter to cool, wildflower-filled summer days, the mountain climate offers refreshing escape from lower elevations. While spring snowmelt and winter storms may occasionally challenge access, patient travelers are rewarded with uncrowded sites and pristine landscapes that change dramatically with each passing season.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers peak hiking and fishing activity; campground busier but fully functional.

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

Shimmering aspen groves imply excellent fall color; scenic beauty reviews support this.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring wildflowers and transitioning weather; access can be limited by snow/road closures until ~May 15.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round but may be inaccessible due to snow; quieter but limited services and access.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round but may be inaccessible due to snow levels or spring road closures. Seasonal comments indicate accessibility from May 15 through November 15.
  • Current Alerts: Potential snow levels or spring road closures may affect accessibility.

About Cathedral Campground

Discover the serenity of Cathedral Campground, where 22 thoughtfully designed sites await your arrival on a first-come, first-served basis. Since its 2010 remodel, this mountain retreat has welcomed adventurers to its mix of 17 cozy dead-end spurs and 5 convenient pull-through sites, each stretching 35 to 45 feet to accommodate various camping setups. Whether you choose a site beside the sweeping meadow or tucked within the whispering Aspen and Blue Spruce forest, you'll understand why visitors often say 'the tranquil beauty of the place lifted spirits.' This is more than just a campground—it's a sanctuary where nature's cathedral doors are always open.
Cathedral Campground primarily caters to tent campers, although it accommodates RVs as well. It is composed of 22 sites, all first-come, first-served. The campground does not support glamping or provide cabins.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
After 2:00 PM
Check-out
Before 11:00 AM
Stay Limit
14-day camping limit

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Cathedral Campground provides a variety of outdoor activities tailored for nature enthusiasts. Fishing is abundant in Embargo Creek, and hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking opportunities are available on nearby trails. Winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing can also be enjoyed during the snowy season.
HikingSeveral trails are accessible from the campground, including Cathedral Creek Trail #794 (3.5 miles), Embargo Trail #792, and Fremont's Camp Trail #885. Trails are open to foot traffic, horseback riders, and mountain bikes. Motorcycles are allowed on Cathedral and Embargo Trails, but ATVs are prohibited.
FishingFishing is available in Embargo Creek, which is noted for stocked rainbow trout. A Colorado state fishing license is required.
BikingMountain biking is permitted on trails such as Cathedral Creek Trail #794 and Embargo Trail #792.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as birds, rabbits, and elk (as evidenced by tracks) are occasionally observed by campers. One user noted spotting bighorn sheep within their campsite.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsCampers can visit the nearby site of John Charles Fremont's winter camp, a historical site tied to his 1848 Rocky Mountains expedition.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity reported. 'Remain Bear Aware' and store food properly.
Active AlertsPotential snow levels or spring road closures may affect accessibility.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Cathedral Campground

Reviews

4.8
39 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Cathedral Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally describe Cathedral Campground as serene, clean, and well-shaded, with a variety of wildlife observed. Highlights include its proximity to Embargo Creek and the tranquility of the area.
Review Summaries
Based on 39 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, beautiful views, privacy in certain loops, peaceful atmosphere, access to fishing and hiking trails, wildlife sightings.
Based on 39 reviews

Common Concerns

The single-lane dirt road leading to the campground can be rough, particularly for sedans. Limited facilities with no potable water, trash service, or cell reception.
Based on 39 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water as there is no potable supply. The left-hand loop offers more open sites near a meadow, while the right-hand loop provides better privacy. Ideal for those seeking solitude...
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Based on 39 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Accessibility can be limited during winter due to snow, but the campground is more likely to be quieter and less crowded. Summer sees higher activity levels, including fishing and hiking.
Based on 39 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This place was awesome. I was all alone! Each camping lot had an area to park, set up a tent, a fire pit, and there was even pre-cut wood to use." - Lucius Verde.
Based on 39 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Several sites are located near a babbling creek, offering soothing water sounds at night, as noted by multiple reviewers.
Based on 39 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility experiences.
Based on 39 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be leashed (maximum length six feet). User reviews did not provide further details on pet experiences.
Based on 39 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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