Vallecito Campground

Star4.72
434 reviews
SAN JUAN NF
Fishing

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$32 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

80 campsites

Season

May 09-Sep 28

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric
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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
Vallecito Campground
$32.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Prices range according to peak season and off-season availability.
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.72

Top-Rated

Based on 434 reviews

118 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanspacioushiking

Some mention

noise

"Vallecito Campground is highly regarded by users for its excellent maintenance, scenic beauty, and friendly campground hosts. Common highlights include clean facilities and proximity to hiking trails. Some negative experiences include noise issues and lack of host enforcement of quiet hours."

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Campground Map

SAN JUAN NF

Vallecito Campground

SAN JUAN NF

Driving directionsFrom the western side of the reservoir, on County Road 501, pass through the community of Vallecito. Turn north on County Road 500 and drive about 3 miles to the campground.
Located 3 miles north of County Road 500, accessible via paved roads. Seasonal access may be impacted by moisture or snow conditions.
Nearby places
Pagosa Springs (approx. 40 miles, ~1 hour drive) and Durango (approx. 30 miles, ~45-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Convenience stores located 10-15 mins away.

Best Time to Camp at Vallecito Campground

Experience the dramatic beauty of four distinct seasons in the high country. Summer brings warm days perfect for hiking and cool nights ideal for campfires, while autumn transforms the landscape into a golden tapestry of changing aspen leaves. Spring awakens the wilderness with wildflower blooms and rushing creeks, and winter blankets the area in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for those seeking solitude and seasonal adventure.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Warm days and accessible trails; high mosquitoes and crowding on summer weekends noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn aspens create strong fall appeal; reviewers cite pleasant early-fall conditions.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 16% in CO

Spring (opening period) described as pleasant and cooler; fewer crowds than summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside May 9–Sep 28.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 09, 2025,. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: May 09-Sep 28
  • Current Alerts: Bear country warnings active

About Vallecito Campground

Discover one of the region's premier large-scale campgrounds, offering exceptional accessibility and spacious sites that welcome everyone from solo adventurers to large family gatherings. This expansive outdoor haven provides the perfect basecamp for exploring the surrounding wilderness while enjoying modern conveniences and easy access throughout the grounds.
Vallecito Campground accommodates diverse camping interests, offering sites for tents, RVs, and group camping. Some sites also have electrical hookups.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
14 nights within 30 rolling

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities at Vallecito Campground are abundant and cater to a wide range of interests. Fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing are popular activities. The Vallecito Creek Trail serves as the main access point to the Weminuche Wilderness, providing scenic and challenging hiking routes.
HikingThe Vallecito Creek Trail begins at the campground entrance and offers hiking opportunities through diverse terrain, including mountain paths and creek crossings. The trail is described as moderately demanding, and some users mention stunning views and waterfalls along the route.
FishingVallecito Creek provides excellent fishing opportunities for rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. Artificial flies and lures are required due to the creek's wilderness designation.
BoatingBoating is available at Vallecito Lake, located nearby. This includes water skiing and fishing opportunities.
Wildlife viewingThe densely forested surroundings support various wildlife species, and campers have reported sightings of Stellar's Blue Jays, chipmunks, beavers, and even bears.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear country noted.
Active AlertsBear country warnings active

Weather at Vallecito Campground

Reviews

4.7
434 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Vallecito Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Vallecito Campground is highly regarded by users for its excellent maintenance, scenic beauty, and friendly campground hosts. Common highlights include clean facilities and proximity to hiking trails. Some negative experiences include noise issues and lack of host enforcement of quiet hours.
Review Summaries
Based on 434 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback emphasizes the cleanliness of vault toilets, spacious campsites, and the helpfulness of hosts. The proximity to hiking trails and Vallecito Creek is frequently praised. Several...
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Based on 434 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include noise from other campers, lack of enforcement of quiet hours, and occasional proximity of campsites to vault toilets resulting in unpleasant odors. The absence of showers and a...
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Based on 434 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing plenty of bug spray due to mosquitoes, especially in wet seasons. For showers, campers are advised to visit Blue Spruce RV Park. Early arrival is suggested for first-come,...
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Based on 434 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During summer months, the campground experiences high mosquito activity and crowded conditions, especially on weekends. Spring and early fall are described as more pleasant for camping, with cooler...
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Based on 434 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Camp hosts were great; helpful and considerate." - Wade S. "Lovely campground with an awesome trail accessed right from our site!" - Emily P. "We love our weekends at Vallecito! The camp hosts are...
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Based on 434 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight privacy and scenic views for sites near Vallecito Creek. However, some reviewers noted noise from nearby campers and proximity to vault toilets as drawbacks.
Based on 434 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not explicitly commented on by reviewers.
Based on 434 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is described as pet-friendly, with reviewers appreciating that leashes are optional on trails if pets are well-controlled.
Based on 434 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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