West Dolores Campground

Star4.68
128 reviews
CO Hwy 145 (FS Road 535), Dolores, CO 81323, USA

Quick Facts

7,800 ft

Price

$32 - $43/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

233251 campsites

Season

Open season: May 02 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectric

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
West Dolores Campground
$32.00 - $43.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard electric campsites are priced at $43 per night, while standard nonelectric sites are $32 per night during peak season. Fees do not reflect...
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Standard Site Fee$32.00
Hookup Site Fee$43.00
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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Provider
(661) 702-1420
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What Campers Say

4.68

Top-Rated

Based on 128 reviews

28 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendly

"The campground receives high praise for its cleanliness, natural beauty, and friendly camp hosts. Many reviewers highlight its peaceful atmosphere and the proximity to the West Dolores River. However, some users have noted challenges with cell service and limited privacy between campsites."

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Campground Map

CO Hwy 145 (FS Road 535), Dolores, CO 81323, USA

West Dolores Campground

CO Hwy 145 (FS Road 535), Dolores, CO 81323, USA

Driving directionsFrom Dolores, travel 21 miles north on Highway 145 and Forest Road 535 to the campground entrance, 1 mile from Mavreeso Campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads along Highway 145 and Forest Road 535. Seasonal weather conditions may affect road accessibility.
Nearby places
Dolores (21 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Mesa Verde National Park (1.5 hours away), Durango, Ouray, Telluride (distances not explicitly stated but noted in user reviews).
Nearby supplies
Supplies, groceries, and fuel are likely available in Dolores, CO, approximately 21 miles away. User reviews mention taking a 30-minute drive to the nearest town.

Best Time to Camp at West Dolores Campground

Summer transforms this mountain refuge into a sun-drenched paradise, where clear blue skies stretch endlessly above and warm, dry days invite endless outdoor adventures. As autumn arrives, the forest erupts in golden splendor before winter's quiet embrace brings a blanket of pristine snow. While winter camping rewards the hardy with solitude and stark beauty, be prepared for freezing temperatures and snow-covered landscapes that transform the campground into a crystalline wonderland.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Reviews highlight summer as best time: pleasant weather, lush greenery, trails accessible.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn referenced as attractive with changing foliage and pleasant conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open beginning May 2; reviews note spring hikes and trail access but shorter season window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May–Sep; winter camping is uncommon here.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 02 to September 27 (reservable peak season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: May 02 - September 27 (reservable from June 25 onward). First-come, first-served availability: June 21 - June 25.

About West Dolores Campground

Nestled along the crystal-clear waters of the West Dolores River, this enchanting campground beckons adventurers to southwestern Colorado's San Juan National Forest. Here, the gentle murmur of flowing water mingles with the whisper of wind through towering pines, creating the perfect backdrop for your mountain escape. Whether you're casting a line into the river's cool depths, exploring winding forest trails on foot or bike, or simply savoring the tranquility of alpine mornings, West Dolores Campground offers an authentic Colorado wilderness experience far from the crowds.
The West Dolores Campground accommodates various camping styles, including sites for tents and RVs. A few sites offer electric hookups.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit: 14 consecutive nights during a visit. Additionally, visitors may stay up to 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The West Dolores Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Fishing in the West Dolores River is a highlight, with opportunities to catch brown, rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. Hiking and biking are also popular; visitors can access Forest Roads 532 and 535 for biking and Forest Service Trail 624, located three miles south, for hiking. Wildlife viewing is supported by the lush forest setting, which includes spruce, ponderosa pine, and Douglas fir trees.
HikingHiking opportunities include trails such as Forest Service Trail 624, located three miles south of the campground. Additionally, the broader region offers access to trails like the Lower Stoner Mesa Trail, noted by Michael S: "Good hiking nearby on Lower Stoner Mesa Trail for those who hike."
FishingThe West Dolores River offers fishing for brown, rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. However, Sharon B cautions, "It is advertised as a good place to fish, yet there is no bank available on which to stand! Definitely cannot fly fish."
BikingBiking is permitted on Forest Roads 532 and 535, providing scenic rides through the forested area.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a likely activity, considering the shaded forest setting with abundant flora and fauna. Lisa Korbel describes the campground as having "chipmunks run everywhere," adding to the natural appeal.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal hazards include fast-flowing river conditions during spring melt, as noted by user reviews, and potential wildlife encounters.

Weather at West Dolores Campground

Reviews

4.7
128 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
West Dolores Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives high praise for its cleanliness, natural beauty, and friendly camp hosts. Many reviewers highlight its peaceful atmosphere and the proximity to the West Dolores River. However, some users have noted challenges with cell service and limited privacy between campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 128 reviews

What Campers Love

Commonly praised aspects include the cleanliness of the facilities ("Cleanest, nicest campground I've ever seen," David L), the accommodating and friendly camp hosts ("Hosts were kind," Lisa Korbel),...
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Based on 128 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include limited privacy between campsites (Jeane Jeans: "You can usually see your neighbors next to you and also across from you") and lack of amenities like showers (Kristy Albert: "No...
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Based on 128 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers recommend bringing mosquito repellent and highlighting the importance of reserving campsites in advance to secure preferred spots. The area's proximity to hiking trails and fishing spots is...
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Based on 128 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is highlighted as the best time to visit due to the pleasant weather, lush greenery, and availability of hiking trails. Winter camping experiences are less common but noted to be enjoyable as...
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Based on 128 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful campground. Quiet & the cleanest pit toilets ever." - Lisa Korbel; "Hosts rake each site in between stays. You could eat off the ground!" - David L; "Very nice little campground. A bit out...
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Based on 128 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 03E: "Clean restrooms," Kris C; Campsite 12A: "Very quiet & peaceful," M R; Campsite 04E: "Nice quiet campsite not real close to others," Richard S.
Based on 128 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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