How much does camping cost at Transfer Campground?

Camping fees at Transfer Campground range from $24-$75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Transfer Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Transfer Campground 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 Transfer Campground before I book?

Yes! Transfer Campground has 6 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 Transfer Campground?

Transfer Campground is open May 08 to September 26. 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 Transfer Campground?

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

How many campsites does Transfer Campground have?

Transfer Campground has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Transfer Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Transfer Campground?

Transfer Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Transfer Campground?

Popular activities at Transfer Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Transfer Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Transfer Campground?

Fire policies at Transfer Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.16

81 reviews

San Juan National Forest, Mancos, CO 81328, USA

Top 22% in COFall

Featured in:Boating Camping Colorado

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,500 ft

Price

$24 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

The extended summer ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on San Juan National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,500 ft

Price

$24 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

The extended summer ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on San Juan National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Transfer Campground

$24.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC: $24.00; GROUP STANDARD AREA NONELECTRIC: $75.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction...

Group Site Fee$75.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-882-7296rlynd@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

San Juan National Forest, Mancos, CO 81328, USA

Transfer Campground

San Juan National Forest, Mancos, CO 81328, USA

Nearby places

Mancos: 11 miles (~15 minutes driving time)

Durango: 30 miles (~40 minutes driving time)

Cortez: 25 miles (~30 minutes driving time)

Weather at Transfer Campground

Current alerts(5)

Although livestock is not allowed in the main campground, there are campsites for stock users OUTSIDE the main campground ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE of Forest Rd. 561, with H01, H02, H03 & H04 sites adjacent to a corral.
Click here for more information on the San Juan National Forest
First come first serve sites available
PLEASE NOTE that the Horse Sites are located before reaching the campground on the opposite side of the road off FSR 561. The Horse Sites are in a separate area.

Best Time to Camp at Transfer Campground

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the showstopping reason to visit — the quaking aspens turn brilliant gold against dark evergreens and crisp, clear mountain air makes hiking and photography exceptional. Expect daytime highs in the 45–65°F range in September with frosty nights often dropping into the 20s–30s°F; wildlife activity (including elk rutting behavior) peaks and trails are pleasantly cool. Because Transfer closes on September 27, aim for early-to-mid September to catch peak color while the campground is (m Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in CO

Fall is standout: aspens turn brilliant gold and elk activity peaks in September.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 26. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The extended summer season will continue starting 9/28 through 10/19/2025, FCFS only campsites. No Water will be available during this time. Please plan accordingly. Restrooms will still be available. No trash service. "Pack It in - Pack It Out". Group campsite is not open during this time.

About Transfer Campground

Transfer Campground sits in the San Juan National Forest near Mancos, Colorado, at high elevation where quaking aspens blaze gold each fall. Operated by the San Juan National Forest, this small campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers come for hiking access and the quiet alpine setting, with camp hosts maintaining clean facilities and a peaceful atmosphere.

Transfer Campground accommodates various types of campers with 12 family sites and one group site. Nearby equestrian sites cater to horse users.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the showstopping reason to visit — the quaking aspens turn brilliant gold against dark evergreens and crisp, clear mountain air makes hiking and photography exceptional. Expect daytime highs in the 45–65°F range in September with frosty nights often dropping into the 20s–30s°F; wildlife activity (including elk rutting behavior) peaks and trails are pleasantly cool. Because Transfer closes on September 27, aim for early-to-mid September to catch peak color while the campground is (m Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryAt 8,500 feet, the campground sits in groves of aspens whose white bark contrasts with dark evergreens. The San Juan National Forest formed from millions of years of volcanic activity and glacial carving. Dramatic Colorado peaks frame the landscape. Fall transforms the aspens into brilliant gold. The terrain shows the region's ancient upheavals and steady erosion. Horse corrals sit adjacent to the campground, adding occasional whinnies to the mountain quiet.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not feature additional lodging like cabins or hotels.

Programs & ActivitiesVisitors can explore nearby Mancos to learn about Ancestral Puebloans who lived in the area between AD 1 to 1300.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 nights per stay.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group sites accommodate larger groups, family sites allow up to 8 people.

Groups

The reservable group site includes five double picnic tables, a serving table, cooking grills, and a vault toilet. The site accommodates larger groups.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or its app.

AccessibilityBarrier-free camping is available in the family sites.

Site SizeThe parking spaces are described as small but able to accommodate some RVs, suggesting standard-sized campsites.

PrivacyUser reviews often mention quiet and private camping spots, with trees providing natural seclusion. One user noted, 'Hidden gem, quiet, private RV sites.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and quiet, choose campsites away from the group site. Campsites near the edges provide better views of the surrounding forest.

Best CampsitesSites 001 and 007 earn high marks in reviews for their peaceful settings and proximity to trails.

Need help booking Transfer Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Transfer Campground offers a range of amenities, including vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, and cooking grills. Fresh potable water is available on-site. There is no Wi-Fi service mentioned, but users have reported some cell phone coverage in the area. Horse corrals are situated adjacent to the campground on Forest Road 561. The group camping site includes additional features like double picnic tables and a serving table.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground uses vault toilets.

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.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingNo organized trash or recycling facilities exist; campers are responsible for packing out their own waste.

Cell CoverageWhile no official information exists, user reviews indicate intermittent cell phone coverage in the region.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.2

81 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 81 reviews.

Site 001Loved
Site 001 in the Transfer Loop is regularly praised for its cleanliness and accessibility.
Site H03Loved
Site H03 in the Equestrian Loop is noted for its great access to trailheads.

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....

Based on 81 reviews