West Fork Campground

Star4.65
196 reviews
West Fork Rd (FS Road 648), San Juan NF, CO, USA
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Peak season: May 16 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

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 Fork Campground
$32.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season (May 16 - September 27 in 2025 and similar dates in 2026) rates are $32/night. This does not include taxes, reservation service fees, or...
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Standard Site Fee$32.00
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

4.65

Top-Rated

Based on 196 reviews

64 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsspaciousfriendly

"West Fork Campground has a strong positive reputation among visitors, with an average sentiment rating of 4.51. Campers frequently highlight the cleanliness of facilities, helpful camp hosts, and the peaceful, scenic setting."

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Campground Map

West Fork Rd (FS Road 648), San Juan NF, CO, USA

West Fork Campground

West Fork Rd (FS Road 648), San Juan NF, CO, USA

Driving directionsFrom Pagosa Springs, Colo., travel east on U.S. Highway 160 for about 13 miles, then turn northwest on Forest Road 684 and continue more than a mile to the campground entrance on the West Fork Road.
The road from Highway 160 is described by multiple user reviews as poorly maintained, with significant potholes. "It has to be the worse dirt road I've ever driven on."
Nearby places
Pagosa Springs: 13 miles (~15-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Pagosa Springs (~13 miles away) has groceries, camping supplies, and fuel options.

Best Time to Camp at West Fork Campground

Summer transforms West Fork into a high-altitude haven where warm days reaching 90°F give way to refreshingly cool evenings that dip to around 50°F—perfect for campfire conversations and restful sleep. While summer rains remain gentle and infrequent, they occasionally awaken the local mosquito population, so pack accordingly. Winter paints a different picture entirely, with crisp days hovering around 47°F and nights plunging to a frosty 23°F, creating a wonderland for those who embrace the cold season's stark beauty.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Summer is peak season; reviewers praise warm days, cool nights, clean facilities and serenity.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Sept 27; scenic mountain/fall conditions likely favorable though fewer explicit reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Reservations not available before May 16; spring season not supported.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed for reservations outside May 16–Sep 27; not positioned as winter facility.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 - September 27.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Peak season: May 16 to September 27. Closed for reservations outside these dates.

About West Fork Campground

Tucked away in the heart of the San Juan National Forest, West Fork Campground offers an authentic wilderness retreat where the gentle murmur of the West Fork San Juan River provides nature's soundtrack. This intimate campground invites you to unwind at thoughtfully spaced single-family sites, each equipped with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. Modern vault toilets and fresh potable water ensure comfort without compromising the natural experience. Those seeking respite from the digital world will find solace here, where towering pines whisper ancient stories and hiking trails beckon adventurers to explore the surrounding wilderness.
West Fork Campground offers a mix of tent camping, RV sites, and primitive camping. Group camping sites and luxury glamping accommodations are not available.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Visitors may stay up to 14 consecutive nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

West Fork Campground provides excellent opportunities for hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and relaxing in a quiet, scenic environment. The nearby trailheads, such as the West Fork Trail leading to the Weminuche Wilderness, and attractions like Treasure Falls, enhance recreational options. While fishing requires skill and patience due to heavily fished streams, the Rainbow Trail and other paths are highly recommended for hiking.
HikingThe West Fork Trail, also known as the Rainbow Trail, begins a mile from the campground and leads into the Weminuche Wilderness. The initial portion crosses private property, requiring campers to stay on the marked trail. Other nearby trails include Windy Pass and Treasure Mountain Trails.
FishingFishing is available at the West Fork and nearby Wolf Creek. However, streams are heavily fished, so successful fishing requires skill and patience. Seasonal conditions and water levels may also affect fishing outcomes.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a popular activity, with deer frequently visiting campsites and the surrounding forest providing opportunities to observe local fauna.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPoorly maintained access road described as having severe potholes. Wildlife such as deer may enter campsites.

Weather at West Fork Campground

Reviews

4.7
196 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
West Fork Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
West Fork Campground has a strong positive reputation among visitors, with an average sentiment rating of 4.51. Campers frequently highlight the cleanliness of facilities, helpful camp hosts, and the peaceful, scenic setting.
Review Summaries
Based on 196 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean restrooms, spacious private sites, friendly hosts, and the tranquil environment. Access to nearby trails and proximity to Pagosa Springs are additional benefits.
Based on 196 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the poorly maintained access road, occasional overbearing behavior from camp hosts, and a lack of dumpsters during peak times. Some users also pointed out the absence of...
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Based on 196 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from reviewers include bringing mosquito repellent, traveling slowly on the dirt access road, and visiting nearby attractions like Treasure Falls and Pagosa Springs. Site-specific suggestions...
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Based on 196 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest summer is the most popular season, with visitors appreciating cooler nighttime temperatures, clean facilities, and serene surroundings. However, occasional mosquito activity is noted...
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Based on 196 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms were impeccably clean!' - Sarah D. 2. 'The campground host was wonderful. She was very knowledgeable and helpful!' - Craig S. 3. 'Cleanest bathrooms ever. Host, Laura, is the nicest,...
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Based on 196 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight Site 16 for its proximity to the river and Site 8 for its quiet streamside location. Reviews note spacious and private setups throughout the campground.
Based on 196 reviews

Accessibility Features

No detailed accessibility reviews are provided, though pull-through sites and quiet settings are highlighted by some users.
Based on 196 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and reviews do not indicate significant issues with pet policies. Campers have not specifically commented on pet-related amenities.
Based on 196 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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