Transfer Campground

Star4.26
81 reviews
San Juan National Forest, Mancos, CO 81328, USA
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

8,500 ft

Price

$24 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open May 9th to Sept...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens San Juan 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
Transfer Campground
$24.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $24/night for standard nonelectric and equestrian sites to $75/night for the group campsite. Additional fees may apply for day-use...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
970-882-7296
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What Campers Say

4.26

Satisfactory

Based on 81 reviews

36 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanhiking

Some mention

noise

"Overall, reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, scenic location, and helpful camp hosts."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

San Juan National Forest, Mancos, CO 81328, USA

Transfer Campground

San Juan National Forest, Mancos, CO 81328, USA

Driving directionsFrom Mancos, CO: travel 1/4 mile north on Hwy 184, turn right on West Mancos Road (Forest Road 561) and travel 10.5 miles to the campground. Most of the road is unpaved, but has a good gravel surface. PLEASE NOTE that the Horse Sites are located before reaching the campground on the opposite side of the road off FSR 561, a totally separate area.
The road is mostly unpaved but has a good gravel surface. However, user reviews noted rough sections with potholes and washboarding, which can require slow driving.
Nearby places
Mancos: 11 miles (~15 minutes driving time)
Durango: 30 miles (~40 minutes driving time)
Cortez: 25 miles (~30 minutes driving time)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Mancos (11 miles) and Cortez (25 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Transfer Campground

Summer days at Transfer Campground unfold under brilliant Colorado blue skies, with comfortable temperatures reaching the mid-70s°F before cooling to crisp 50°F evenings perfect for campfire stories. The dry mountain air keeps humidity at bay, though wise campers know to watch for dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the peaks. As autumn arrives, the aspens burst into golden flames, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland that may limit access but rewards the intrepid with stunning solitude.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer: warm days, crisp nights; summer reviews praise deer sightings and weather.

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

Quaking aspens imply excellent fall color; scenic views highlighted in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open starting May 9; some early-season kayaking/windsurfing noted but conditions variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside May 9–Sep 27 window.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 9th to September 27th.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 9th to September 27th, reservable June 25th to September 27th.

About Transfer Campground

Tucked away in the heart of the San Juan National Forest, Transfer Campground offers a tranquil escape just 11 miles north of Mancos, Colorado. This intimate, lesser-known gem welcomes adventurers with 12 first-come, first-serve family campsites nestled beneath a canopy of quaking aspens, plus one reservable group site perfect for larger gatherings. Whether you're drawn to explore the winding Aspen Loop Trail on foot, navigate the educational Big Al Interpretive Trail, or seek more adventurous pursuits on horseback, mountain bike, or ATV, Transfer serves as your gateway to endless outdoor experiences in this pristine corner of Colorado.
Transfer Campground accommodates various types of campers with 12 family sites and one group site. Nearby equestrian sites cater to horse users.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 nights per stay.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Transfer Campground offers recreational opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and ATV riding. Numerous trailheads are accessible nearby, including Big Al Interpretive Trail and Rim Trail. The campsite is also close to Jackson Gulch Reservoir, which supports fishing and boating activities.
HikingSeveral trails are accessible from the campground, such as Big Al Interpretive Trail, Rim Trail, and Box Canyon Trail. More trails, including Chicken Creek Trail, Morrison Trail, and Gold Run Trail, can be found in the surrounding area.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing is available at Jackson Gulch Reservoir, located six miles south of the campground.
BikingMountain biking trails are available, and the nearby Aspen Loop Trail is popular for motorbikes and ATVs.
BoatingBoating is accessible at Jackson Gulch Reservoir.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include mule deer grazing around campsites, as mentioned in user reviews.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential risks include rough dirt roads with potholes and washboarding; occasional wildlife including deer and cows breaching fences.

Weather at Transfer Campground

Reviews

4.3
81 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Transfer Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, scenic location, and helpful camp hosts.
Review Summaries
Based on 81 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, quiet atmosphere, proximity to hiking trails, and exceptional camp hosts are frequently mentioned.
Based on 81 reviews

Common Concerns

Road conditions are often described as rough, with potholes and washboarding. Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with ATV noise nearby.
Based on 81 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Take it slow on the dirt road leading to the campground. Bring all necessary supplies, as trash removal is not provided. Consider early June for kayaking and windsurfing at Jackson Gulch Reservoir.
Based on 81 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often highlight mule deer sightings and warm, dry weather. Early-season reviews mention kayaking and windsurfing opportunities.
Based on 81 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The toilets were cleaned EVERY day, to the point you couldn't tell they were pit toilets.' 2. 'Dan the camp host went above and beyond. Good facilities for our horses at the horse campground.' 3....
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Based on 81 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001 in the Transfer Loop is regularly praised for its cleanliness and accessibility. Site H03 in the Equestrian Loop is noted for its great access to trailheads.
Based on 81 reviews

Accessibility Features

Barrier-free camping is available at the family sites, and vault toilets provide accessible restroom options.
Based on 81 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 81 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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