Lake Fork(Rio Grande Natl Fore

Star4.45
57 reviews
RIO GRANDE-SAN JUAN NF
Fishing

Quick Facts

9,500 ft

Price

$29/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Rio Grande National Forest 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
Lake Fork(Rio Grande Natl Fore
$29.00 - $29.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric campsites cost $29 per night during peak season. Additional charges apply: $2 for weekends and $2 for holidays.
Standard Site Fee$29.00
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
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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 57 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocationhikingfriendly

"Lake Fork Campground receives generally positive reviews, with an average sentiment of 4.38. Visitors praise the serene setting, proximity to the Conejos River, and the cleanliness of the facilities. However, there are criticisms regarding flies, noisy neighbors, and the long, rough road leading to the campground."

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Campground Map

RIO GRANDE-SAN JUAN NF

Lake Fork(Rio Grande Natl Fore

RIO GRANDE-SAN JUAN NF

Driving directionsFrom Antonito, travel west on Highway 17 approximately 24 miles to the junction of Highways 17 and 250. Turn on Highway 250 and travel 18 miles on a gravel road to Lake Fork Campground.
The campground is located 18 miles down a gravel road. "The last 18 miles are horrible. Washboarded completely which meant we could only go about 10 miles an hour or less for most of it." However, another user mentioned the road was "in fairly decent shape and they were grading it."
Nearby places
Antonito, CO - 40 miles
Nearby supplies
Platoro, CO, has a couple of good stores and cafes, and is closer than Antonito. Firewood is available for purchase on-site at the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Fork(Rio Grande Natl Fore

Experience the dramatic dance of mountain weather at Lake Fork, where elevation crafts its own climate story. Summer transforms this high-altitude haven into a cool refuge from valley heat, with daytime temperatures perfect for hiking and evenings that call for campfire gatherings and warm sleeping bags. While winter brings a crystalline wonderland of snow and frigid temperatures, the camping season truly shines from late spring through early fall. Pack layers and rain gear—afternoon thunderstorms can roll through with mountain drama, bringing both refreshing showers and the occasional uptick in insect activity.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Peak season (May 23–Aug 31); praised for cool high‑country summers and prime fishing; flies noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closed after Aug 31; fall season not available.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Open begins May 23; most of spring closed to camping.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter months.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 23, 2025, to August 31, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: None mentioned in authoritative sources.

About Lake Fork(Rio Grande Natl Fore

Escape to Lake Fork Campground, where the pristine wilderness of Rio Grande National Forest unfolds at 9,500 feet above sea level. This remote mountain sanctuary offers an authentic high-country camping experience, where crystal-clear river waters meet ancient forests and wildflower meadows. Visitors consistently praise the campground's immaculate maintenance and breathtaking natural beauty, though the occasional buzz of flies during wet periods and sounds of fellow adventurers remind you that you're sharing this slice of paradise with nature and neighbors alike.
Lake Fork Campground offers a mix of camping options suited for tents and RVs, with no electric hookups available. Campsites are primarily gravel and are described as both small and spacious, depending on location.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in details are not explicit in authoritative sources.
Check-out
Check-out details are not explicit in authoritative sources.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights, enforced strictly.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Lake Fork Campground provides a diverse range of activities that leverage its scenic and remote location. "The Conejos River is a Gold Medal River," making it a top attraction for anglers, with rainbow and brown trout being common catches. Hiking opportunities abound, with trails like the Lake Fork to Big Lake, Conejos Peak to Blue Lake, and Bear Lake Trail offering scenic views. The natural surroundings also make this area ideal for wildlife spotting, photography, and relaxation.
HikingHiking is a major activity at Lake Fork Campground, with access to trails such as Lake Fork to Big Lake and Conejos Peak to Blue Lake. User reviews highlight the Bear Lake hike as particularly recommended: "Hiked up to Bear Lake which I highly recommend. The view of the lake is just amazing."
FishingFishing is a highlight due to the Conejos River being a Gold Medal River. "Rainbow and brown trout are the most common species," and one reviewer shared: "I fly fished above and below the campground for a day and caught 27 trout (granted 25 were under 12”)."
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a significant draw at this campground. Visitors can expect to see black bears, deer, and marmots. "Wildflowers dot the region, creating colorful landscapes for photography enthusiasts."
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears are present in the area, requiring cautious food storage. Flies can be overwhelming during wet conditions.
Active AlertsNone mentioned in authoritative sources.

Weather at Lake Fork(Rio Grande Natl Fore

Reviews

4.5
57 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Lake Fork(Rio Grande Natl Fore is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Lake Fork Campground receives generally positive reviews, with an average sentiment of 4.38. Visitors praise the serene setting, proximity to the Conejos River, and the cleanliness of the facilities. However, there are criticisms regarding flies, noisy neighbors, and the long, rough road leading to the campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 57 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, scenic location by the Conejos River, opportunities for fishing and hiking, and friendly camp hosts.
Based on 57 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent issues with flies, noisy RV neighbors, lack of on-site camp hosts at times, and the challenging 18-mile gravel road to access the campground.
Based on 57 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring insect repellent and extra toilet paper. Arrive early to secure riverside sites, which are highly sought after. Be prepared for an 18-mile drive on a rough gravel road.
Based on 57 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with frequent praise for the area's beauty and fishing opportunities. However, fly infestations are noted as a consistent summer issue, especially after wet weather.
Based on 57 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful location, clean, pleasantly spaced out." "It’s my favorite place on earth." "The flies, though, were not. Clouds of them." "Reserve early if you want a site near the river." "Bathrooms...
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Based on 57 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites near the river are highly recommended and frequently reserved early. Site 4 was criticized for being soggy and uneven. The upper sites through number 4 are described as less desirable. Site 15...
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Based on 57 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features such as vault toilets are noted as clean and functional, but no detailed reviews about accessibility for individuals with disabilities are available.
Based on 57 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but one review advises: "If you bring an animal, keep it on a leash."
Based on 57 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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