Pine River

Star3.98
12 reviews

Quick Facts

8,064 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Recreation.gov 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
Pine River
$0.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $0.00 to $18.00 depending on season dates. Additional fees such as service fees may apply as outlined by Recreation.gov policies.
Standard Site Fee$18.00
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

3.98

Mixed Reviews

Based on 12 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

location

"Reviews are mixed, with some praising the solitude and natural beauty while others criticize the lack of amenities and site layout. The overall sentiment for campground-specific aspects is rated at 2.5/5, indicating room for improvement."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Pine River

37.4469, -107.5059


Best Time to Camp at Pine River

Pine River transforms with the seasons, each offering its own distinct camping experience. Winter brings a hushed stillness to the forest, with crisp, dry air and occasional dustings of snow that rarely accumulate heavily. The truly magical camping windows arrive when gentle cloud cover mingles with calm winds, creating perfect conditions for campfire conversations and peaceful nights under canvas. Summer unveils endless blue skies and warm days ideal for exploration, though savvy campers know to pack layers for cool mountain evenings.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open May 23–Sep 13; peak season for access, hiking and solitude.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Early fall overlaps with open season but campground closes mid-September; fall foliage benefit uncertain.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Late spring opens May 23; early spring conditions and access are limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonal and not open for winter use.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 to September 13, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for reservations from May 23, 2025 to September 13, 2025. First-Come, First-Served starts June 20, 2025.

About Pine River

Tucked away in the heart of San Juan National Forest, Pine River Campground offers a true escape for those seeking solitude and simplicity. This intimate, six-site gem remains one of the forest's best-kept secrets, where tent campers can claim their spot on a first-come, first-served basis. With fees ranging from free to $18 depending on the season, adventure doesn't have to break the bank. While you'll find vault toilets for convenience, the campground embraces a back-to-basics philosophy—pack in your water and pack out your trash. Modern touches meet wilderness tradition with the Recreation.gov mobile app's Scan and Pay feature, making fee payment a breeze even in this remote setting.
Pine River Campground is a primitive camping destination focused on tent campers. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis and offers no reservations outside the designated season.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay is up to 14 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Pine River Campground is a remote location offering opportunities for solitude and nature immersion. Activities like hiking and wildlife viewing are possible, but facilities for these activities are minimal. The area is best suited for self-sufficient campers who enjoy a lack of crowds.
HikingThe campground provides access to hiking trails, but details about trail length and difficulty are not provided. A user review emphasizes the wilderness experience: "Most humans come out here to enjoy the wilderness and silence."
Wildlife viewingThe area offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, although specific species or recommended viewing spots are not detailed.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include lack of water sources, trash disposal issues, and close proximity of campsites.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Pine River

Reviews

4.0
12 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Pine River has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed, with some praising the solitude and natural beauty while others criticize the lack of amenities and site layout. The overall sentiment for campground-specific aspects is rated at 2.5/5, indicating room for improvement.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the campground's remote location and opportunities for solitude. One reviewer stated, "I come here to enjoy the lack of people and glorious detachment from civilization."
Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on the absence of amenities, including no running water, no trash or recycling facilities, and limited cell service. Many users also mentioned the close proximity of campsites,...
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Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend coming prepared with all necessary supplies, as there are no on-site resources. A user advised, "Be prepared if you come to camp."
Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open only during the summer months, and vault toilets are available seasonally. No specific trends by season were noted in the reviews.
Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "There are little to no amenities here, so be prepared if you come to camp." 2. "The camp sites are almost on top of one another." 3. "Worth the trip every time." 4. "No place for recycle or trash...
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Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 1 and 2 share parking, and the layout makes parking challenging for other spots. "Sites 1&2 have to share parking," noted one reviewer.
Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features or experiences for disabled campers.
Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews mention policies or experiences specific to pets.
Based on 12 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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