How much does camping cost at Pine River?

Camping fees at Pine River range from $18/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Pine River first-come first-served or reservation?

Pine River 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 Pine River before I book?

Yes! Pine River 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 Pine River?

Pine River is open May 08 to September 12. 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 Pine River?

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

How many campsites does Pine River have?

Pine River has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Pine River?

Pets are not allowed at Pine River. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Pine River?

Pine River offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Pine River

3.32

12 reviews

Peace & Quiet

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,064 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,064 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Pine River

$18.00 - $18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $18.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Pine River

37.4469, -107.5059

Weather at Pine River

Best Time to Camp at Pine River

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest days for hiking and wildlife viewing — daytime highs at 8,000 ft typically range from the mid‑60s to upper‑70s°F with cool nights in the 30s–40s. Trails, wildflower displays, and insect activity are at their peak from late June through August, and the small six‑site campground remains quiet compared with larger nearby sites (though holiday weekends can fill quickly once reservations open). Expect afternoon monsoon thunderstorms in July–Aug — Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May–Sept; summer temps pleasant (mid-60s–70s) and it's the reliable season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 12. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from May 23, 2025 to September 13, 2025. First-Come, First-Served starts June 20, 2025.

About Pine River

Pine River is a six-site primitive campground in San Juan National Forest, operated by Recreation.gov and open seasonally during summer months. At high alpine elevation, it offers vault toilets and tent camping with no water, trash service, or hookups. Reviewers prize the remote setting and solitude, though sites are small and parking can be tight.

Pine River Campground is a primitive camping destination focused on tent campers. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis and offers no reservations outside the designated season.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest days for hiking and wildlife viewing — daytime highs at 8,000 ft typically range from the mid‑60s to upper‑70s°F with cool nights in the 30s–40s. Trails, wildflower displays, and insect activity are at their peak from late June through August, and the small six‑site campground remains quiet compared with larger nearby sites (though holiday weekends can fill quickly once reservations open). Expect afternoon monsoon thunderstorms in July–Aug — Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8064 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense pine forest surrounds the campground at elevation, with trails leaving directly from camp. The setting is quiet and heavily wooded. Wildlife tracks are common, and mornings bring mist clinging to the slopes. The forest here is thick enough that views are limited to what's between the trees. No sweeping vistas, just close-in mountain woodland.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is mentioned in the available data.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is up to 14 nights during a visit.

Groups

No specific group camping areas are described.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be managed through Recreation.gov mobile app, website, or contact center.

Site SizeSites are described as being small and primarily for tent camping. RVs and pop-up trailers are not recommended due to limited parking and small site sizes.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited, as stated by users: "The camp sites are almost on top of one another, and not all spots will allow you to have your own parking spot along with.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesSites 1 & 2 share parking and may be less private.

Need help booking Pine River?

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

Pine River Campground offers basic, first-come, first-served camping with minimal amenities. According to user reviews, there is no running water, and campers must be self-sufficient. "There are little to no amenities here," one user noted, adding that a vault toilet is available seasonally. Trash and recycling facilities are absent, as emphasized by reviews: "No place for recycle or trash available at this location." The sites cater primarily to tent campers as the parking and site layout are not suitable for RVs or trailers.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Pine River Campground is a remote location offering opportunities for solitude and nature immersion. Activities like hiking and wildlife viewing are possible, but facilities for these activities are minimal. The area is best suited for self-sufficient campers who enjoy a lack of crowds.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets available at this campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

From Booking Sources

3.3

12 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Pine River has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are mixed, with some praising the solitude and natural beauty while others criticize the lack of amenities and site layout. The overall sentiment for campground-specific aspects is rated at 2.5/5, indicating room for improvement.

Review Summaries

Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the campground's remote location and opportunities for solitude. One reviewer stated, "I come here to enjoy the lack of people and glorious detachment from civilization."

Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on the absence of amenities, including no running water, no trash or recycling facilities, and limited cell service. Many users also mentioned the close proximity of campsites,...

Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 1 and 2 share parking, and the layout makes parking challenging for other spots. "Sites 1&2 have to share parking," noted one reviewer.

Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend coming prepared with all necessary supplies, as there are no on-site resources. A user advised, "Be prepared if you come to camp."

Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open only during the summer months, and vault toilets are available seasonally. No specific trends by season were noted in the reviews.

Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "There are little to no amenities here, so be prepared if you come to camp." 2. "The camp sites are almost on top of one another." 3. "Worth the trip every time." 4. "No place for recycle or trash...

Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features or experiences for disabled campers.

Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews mention policies or experiences specific to pets.

Based on 12 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a quiet, off-grid experience in San Juan National Forest and can pack out all trash.

Skip if

You need water on-site, spacious RV parking, or any hookups beyond vault toilets.

Nearby Campgrounds

Vallecito Campground sits in San Juan National Forest at high elevation, operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company with tent and RV sites along Vallecito Creek. The large campground offers electric hookups, vault toilets, and potable water, with direct access to hiking trails and fishing. Fall brings golden aspen stands and elk viewing, though the peaceful setting can be disrupted by noise from neighboring campers.