How much does camping cost at Ute Campground?

Camping fees at Ute Campground range from $22-$100/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Ute 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 Ute Campground before I book?

Yes! Ute Campground 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 Ute Campground?

Ute 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 Ute Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Ute Campground?

Fire policies at Ute Campground: All sites have drive up accessibility with no hike-in. All feature fire rings and allow camp fires.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Ute Campground have?

Ute Campground has 21 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Ute Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ute Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Ute Campground?

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

Ute Campground (Co)

4.20

106 reviews

17351 W HWY 160

Featured in:Hiking Camping Colorado

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,857 ft

Price

$22 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on USFS Pagosa Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,857 ft

Price

$22 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on USFS Pagosa Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Ute Campground (Co)

$22.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Standard Nonelectric: $100.00; Standard Electric: $22.00; Standard Nonelectric: $22.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

Group Site Fee$100.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-264-2268rlynd@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

17351 W HWY 160

Ute Campground (Co)

17351 W HWY 160

Nearby places

Pagosa Springs (15 miles, ~20 minutes), Bayfield (25 miles, ~30 minutes), Arboles (18 miles, ~25 minutes)

Weather at Ute Campground (Co)

Current alerts(8)

All parking spurs are gravel and are large enough to accommodate an extended cab pickup truck size (approximately 20 feet in length) and wide enough for dual rear wheels. All cargo/utility trailers must fit within the campsite parking area.
First Come First Served (FCFS) Campsites are also available at this campground
NO dump station.
NO sites have designated tent pads.

Best Time to Camp at Ute Campground (Co)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the clearest, warmest weather and full campground access—daytime highs typically range from the low 70s to mid-80s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s at 6,857 ft—making it ideal for long hikes, mountain biking, fishing, and evening stargazing beneath the Ponderosa canopy. Trails around Haystack Mountain and Chimney Rock National Monument are fully snow-free and at their most scenic, and the reservoir/streams support consistent fishing. Expect moderate to busy weekends (especially in Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best conditions: mild highs in 70s–80s, trails snow-free, campground open and well-reviewed in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 26. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from May 2nd to September 27th; first-come, first-served between June 21st and June 25th. Closed outside peak season.

About Ute Campground (Co)

Ute Campground sits in mid-elevation Ponderosa forest within San Juan National Forest, managed by the USFS Pagosa Ranger District near Bayfield. Spacious, shaded sites appeal to tent campers, RV travelers, and groups seeking a quiet base for hiking Haystack Mountain trails and exploring nearby Chimney Rock National Monument. Reviewers praise the privacy, helpful hosts, and clean vault toilets, though parking spurs can be uneven and the potable water has a sulfur taste.

Ute Campground caters to various camping styles, including tent and RV camping. It features 21 improved primitive sites and a group area that can accommodate up to 32 people. "Sites are large and have picnic tables and fire pits," wrote one user.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the clearest, warmest weather and full campground access—daytime highs typically range from the low 70s to mid-80s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s at 6,857 ft—making it ideal for long hikes, mountain biking, fishing, and evening stargazing beneath the Ponderosa canopy. Trails around Haystack Mountain and Chimney Rock National Monument are fully snow-free and at their most scenic, and the reservoir/streams support consistent fishing. Expect moderate to busy weekends (especially in Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6857 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a geological transition zone at the base of Haystack Mountain, where rolling terrain supports a mixed forest of Ponderosa Pine, Gamble Oak, Rocky Mountain Juniper, and sumac. Open meadows break the canopy, creating clearings popular for wildlife viewing. Off-trail hiking reveals views of Chimney Rock's twin spires. "Beautiful scenery," one reviewer noted, praising the large trees and natural shade. The landscape reflects a high-altitude ecosystem adapted to mountainous conditions, with rocky terrain and fragrant pine groves defining the setting.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations such as cabins or hotel-style options are provided at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

28 days at first-come, first-served sites
12 days maximum for reservation sites.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Standard sites allow up to two vehicles per site
group sites can accommodate up to 32 people.

Groups

The group site can host up to 32 people and includes a picnic area and two fire rings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov (online, app, or contact center).

AccessibilityThere are no handicap-accessible sites available at Ute Campground.

Site SizeSites are spacious and able to accommodate extended cab pickup trucks up to approximately 20 feet. Some sites can host RVs up to 40 feet, though larger rigs may face challenges due to uneven terrain.

PrivacySites are spread out and provide privacy. "Nicely laid out campground with plenty of privacy between spaces," one reviewer noted.

Total Campsites21 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites higher up the hill for better cell service and views. Lower-numbered sites near the highway may experience road noise.

Best CampsitesCampsite 12 offers proximity to Chimney Rock views. Campsite 13 is noted for privacy and space. Campsite 21 provides excellent shade and location. Sites are spread out with natural buffers. "Nicely laid out campground with plenty of privacy between spaces," one reviewer wrote.

Need help booking Ute Campground (Co)?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Ute Campground offers a variety of amenities to enhance the camping experience. It provides potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings at every campsite. Some sites also include additional grills, and there are two pairs of vault toilets available. The campground is shaded by Ponderosa Pines, with spacious and well-placed sites that maintain natural areas adjacent to each campsite. Pets are allowed with leashing required, though horses or pack animals are not permitted. While the campground offers firewood for purchase, there is no Wi-Fi, dump station, or cabin lodging available. "The campground was clean and quiet with beautiful scenery," wrote one visitor, while another described the toilets as "clean pit toilets, big sites, and beautiful woods."

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Ute Campground is a hub for outdoor recreation. It serves as the only access point to Forest Service land on Haystack Mountain and offers hiking trails with views of Chimney Rock National Monument. Wildlife viewing is also popular in the meadows surrounding the mountain. Nearby attractions such as Chimney Rock National Monument and Devil Mountain Trail Systems provide additional opportunities for hiking, ATV riding, mountain biking, motorcycle trails, stream fishing, and horseback riding. "Beautiful campsite with beautiful area. Great views of Chimney Rock if you hike up the hill," one reviewer praised.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyAll sites have drive up accessibility with no hike-in. All feature fire rings and allow camp fires.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available at the campground. Recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned.

Cell CoverageCell service is spotty according to some user reviews, with one reviewer noting, "Cell service is lacking but I found that if I hiked the small hill behind my spot I could make calls and sent texts through T Mobile."

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

106 reviews

Satisfactory

Ute Campground (Co) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight Ute Campground as peaceful, clean, and well-maintained, with spacious sites and friendly camp hosts. Several users commend the proximity to Chimney Rock National Monument and the quiet, natural surroundings. "Very nice, basic campground," wrote one reviewer.

Review Summaries

Based on 106 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include clean vault toilets, spacious and private campsites, good shade from large trees, and helpful camp hosts. "Campground was clean and quiet with beautiful...

Based on 106 reviews

Common Concerns

Common concerns include uneven terrain for RV parking, limited facilities like no electricity or showers, and occasional road noise in lower-numbered sites. "The sites are somewhat uneven and would...

Based on 106 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site reviews include comments such as "Site 13, shaded and spacious" and "Site 21, close to Chimney Rock and well-maintained."

Based on 106 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing leveling equipment for RVs, exploring off-trail hiking for views of Chimney Rock, and purchasing firewood from the camp host. "Be sure to check out Chimney Rock National...

Based on 106 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews mention that the campground is less crowded during Labor Day weekend and mid-week stays. "Labor Day weekend and it was practically empty," one user noted.

Based on 106 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Clean pit toilets, big sites, good location, beautiful woods." "Beautiful campsite with beautiful area." "Nicely laid out campground with plenty of privacy between spaces." "Campground was clean and...

Based on 106 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility-related reviews consistently note that there are no handicap-accessible sites available.

Based on 106 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at Ute Campground, with leashing required. "Pets are allowed at all sites, leashes are required," stated the authoritative description.

Based on 106 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want private, wooded sites near Chimney Rock and Haystack Mountain trails and don't need hookups.

Skip if

You require electric or water hookups, showers, or level parking spurs for large RVs.

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Campgrounds

San Juan National Forest

Ute Campground (Co)

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Ute Campground (Co) sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Ute Campground, just north of Hwy 160, has 26 campsites on a gentle, south-facing slope. Ponderosa pines give shade, but the area gets very warm in summer. There is one group campsite. The hillside above the campground offers excellent views of the pinnacles of Chimney Rock National Monument.</p><p>Services include potable water, trash pickup, vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire grates.</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 6,700 ft. The campground is directly off US Rt. 160 in a stand of mature Ponderosa pine. Very little understory gives nice open feel to campground. The campground is designed as a "V" with the right side for tent only. Nice day trips are to Chimney Rock and Pagosa Springs for the hot springs.

Seasons & access

Open week before Memorial Day through mid-November. No drinking water after September 15.

RV information

The parking aprons are dirt.

Directions

From Pagaosa Springs, CO, take US Rt. 160 west 12.6 miles to campground on right.

National Forest: Juan National Forest
Ranger District: Pagosa
Elevation: 6700
Rate: $20 per vehicle per day
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: May – September