Blanco River Group Campground

Star4.44
32 reviews
Forest Service Road 656, San Juan NF, CO, USA

Quick Facts

7,290 ft

Price

$140/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 2 to S...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

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
Blanco River Group Campground
$140.00 - $140.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group campsite fee is $140 per night during peak season.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$140.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
970-264-2268mandy@rockymountainrec.com
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What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 32 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietcleanspacious

"User reviews are generally positive, with an average sentiment score of 4.36 for general experiences and 4.5 specifically for camping. Visitors praise the privacy, spaciousness, and cleanliness of the site as well as the scenic river and activities like wading and fishing. Some complaints include the camp host being too intrusive, maintenance activities during stays, and unclear directions."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Forest Service Road 656, San Juan NF, CO, USA

Blanco River Group Campground

Forest Service Road 656, San Juan NF, CO, USA

Driving directionsFrom Pagosa Springs, Colorado, travel 13 miles south on Highway 84, then turn east on Forest Road 656 for approximately two miles.
The road leading to the Blanco River Group Campground is Forest Road 656, accessible from Highway 84. Reviews suggest difficulties for larger vehicles turning around on this road, which requires precise navigation. 'Do not use GPS as you will not end up in the right place' warns one user review, emphasizing reliance on the 'Blanco River Access Road' signs. Seasonal weather conditions may impact road usability.
Nearby places
Pagosa Springs: ~15 miles (~20 minutes)
Chama, NM: distance unspecified.
Nearby supplies
Pagosa Springs (~15 miles away) offers access to groceries, fuel, and camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Blanco River Group Campground

Experience the full spectrum of Colorado's mountain climate at Blanco River, where each season paints the landscape in different hues. Winter brings crisp, clear skies and peaceful solitude, though temperatures demand warm layers and cozy sleeping bags. As spring melts into summer, the campground truly comes alive from May through September, when warm days are tempered by the cooling shade of towering trees and gentle river breezes create perfect conditions for outdoor living.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and favored in summer; warm weather and full access to activities then.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into late Sept; fall colors likely but season is relatively short here.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 2; late spring access but cooler temps and more limited seasonality early on.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside May 2–Sept 27; not available for winter visits.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 2, 2025 - September 27, 2025; June 5, 2026 - September 19, 2026.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 2 to September 27 during peak season. Closed outside these dates.
  • Current Alerts: Null

About Blanco River Group Campground

Tucked away in the tranquil wilderness just 15 miles southeast of Pagosa Springs, Blanco River Group Campground offers an intimate escape where the gentle murmur of the river sets the rhythm for unforgettable gatherings. This hidden gem provides generous, shaded spaces perfect for family reunions and group adventures, where privacy meets the pristine beauty of Colorado's backcountry. Here, the outside world fades away, replaced by the simple pleasures of campfire stories and starlit nights along the banks of the Blanco River.
The campground comprises a single reservable group site that includes several individual campsites. It is suitable for both tent and RV camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 12:00 noon.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 noon.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Activities include fishing in the Blanco River, hiking on nearby trails, camping, and recreational games such as volleyball, horseshoes, and frisbee golf within the site. Anglers target stocked trout in the lightly fished waters. User reviews praise the river's accessibility for wading and its scenic surroundings.
HikingThree nearby trails provide access to a roadless area east of the campground. Notable trails include the Navajo Peak Trail, V-Rock Trail, and Leche Creek Trail. These trails are accessible via Buckles Lake Road and Blanco Basin Road.
FishingFishing is described as 'good' along the Blanco River, with anglers casting for stocked trout. Some reviewers mentioned the river being close and enjoyable for children to wade in.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWarnings include the unpleasant taste of drinking water, which visitors are advised to supplement with their own supplies. Wildlife hazards are not explicitly stated.
Active AlertsNull

Weather at Blanco River Group Campground

Reviews

4.4
32 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Blanco River Group Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, with an average sentiment score of 4.36 for general experiences and 4.5 specifically for camping. Visitors praise the privacy, spaciousness, and cleanliness of the site as well as the scenic river and activities like wading and fishing. Some complaints include the camp host being too intrusive, maintenance activities during stays, and unclear directions.
Review Summaries
Based on 32 reviews

What Campers Love

Common positive themes include spacious campsites, privacy, cleanliness, easy river access, and suitability for large groups. The quietness and beauty of the surroundings are frequently mentioned.
Based on 32 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include camp host intrusions, unclear directions to the site, maintenance activities during guest stays, and limited signage.
Based on 32 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own volleyball net, ball, horseshoes, and frisbee golf discs for recreational activities. Prepare for manual pumping of water and bring alternate drinking water if needed. Follow the...
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Based on 32 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are favored for the warm environment and accessible activities, but some visitors noted the heat and public access to the river. Winter trends are not discussed.
Based on 32 reviews

Camper Quotes

'There is a little river that the kids love to wade in. Luckily the river is very close to the campground.' - Naia Reeder; 'Our favorite campground so far. Lot of space, the river right next to it,...
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Based on 32 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001 in Loop A received mixed reviews. Users praised its privacy and beauty but noted issues with the camp host and maintenance timing. It's described as spacious and quiet.
Based on 32 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility for individuals with disabilities are available.
Based on 32 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and user reviews describe positive experiences with bringing dogs to the site. However, one review mentioned the host complaining about pets near their site.
Based on 32 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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