Cimarrona Campground

Howdy, Colorado explorers! Are you looking for a camping experience that feels like stepping right into a classic Western film, complete with stunning vistas and the peaceful embrace of the mountains? Cimarrona Campground, nestled in the majestic San Juan National Forest near Pagosa Springs, offers just that. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's a breathtaking escape that promises tranquility, incredible scenery, and that quintessential Colorado outdoor adventure.

Cimarrona Campground is truly a hidden gem, celebrated by those who discover its charm. As one delighted visitor exclaimed, it’s an "Amazing campsite, stunning views, feels like you're on a TV or movie set from Gunsmoke or Little House On The Prarie, definitely worth the drive!" Imagine waking up to panoramic views of expansive meadows and the sparkling Williams Creek Reservoir, surrounded by towering ponderosa pines and aspens. It’s a place where the air is crisp, the silence is profound, and the beauty of the Colorado wilderness is on full display. With its commitment to cleanliness and a welcoming atmosphere, Cimarrona provides a superb base for unplugging and enjoying the best of the San Juan Mountains.

Cimarrona Campground is situated on Forest Rd 640, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, USA, deep within the San Juan National Forest. This location places it approximately 27-28 miles northwest of Pagosa Springs, a popular gateway town for outdoor recreation.

To reach Cimarrona from Pagosa Springs, you'll travel north on Piedra Road (Forest Road 361) for about 22 miles. Then, turn right onto Williams Creek Road (FR 640) and continue for approximately 4 miles to the campground entrance. The campground is located 2.3 miles north of Teal Campground on Forest Rd. 640, above Williams Creek Reservoir and near the end of the road.

While some parts of the access roads are gravel, they are generally considered manageable for a variety of vehicles, including larger RVs (up to 35 ft max RV length). The campground has "sunny and shady sites to choose from as well as a few sites that can handle large-sized RVs." Parking spurs are designed to accommodate vehicles with wheels, and there isn't overflow parking available, so ensure your equipment fits within your designated site. Its slightly more remote location "near the end of the road" means "not much road noise," contributing to the peaceful atmosphere.

• Potable water available on-site (seasonal availability, check conditions).
• Vault toilets for restroom facilities (2 available, seasonal availability).
• Trash pickup provided (seasonal availability).
• Picnic tables at each campsite.
• Fire grates/rings at each campsite (check current fire restrictions). Firewood may be purchased from the camp host.
• No electricity, dump station, or sewage hookups, providing a traditional camping experience.
• No reservations; all 21 sites are first-come, first-served. Campers are required to physically arrive to purchase and claim a site.
• Quiet hours typically observed from 10 PM - 6 AM. Generator use is limited to no more than one hour at a time.
• Dogs must be leashed and not left unattended.
• Campground host often on-site, praised for keeping facilities clean and being helpful.
• Open Season: May - November (limited services from end of September through October, with 1/2 price fees; no services between November and May).

• Stunning Scenic Views: Offers "amazing" and "fantastic" views of meadows, surrounding mountains, and the expansive Williams Creek Reservoir, living up to its "TV or movie set" reputation.
• Peaceful & Quiet Ambiance: Praised for its tranquility, making it an ideal retreat from noise and crowds. "Cimarrona is a really beautiful and quiet location."
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Reviewers consistently highlight the cleanliness, with hosts doing "a great job keeping everything clean and in order."
• Adjacent to Cimarrona Creek: Located next to Cimarrona Creek, providing soothing ambient sounds and short walks to fish.
• Proximity to Williams Creek Reservoir: Just a short walk or drive (about 1 mile) to the large reservoir, popular for motorized boating (wake-free), kayaking, and fishing for kokanee salmon and trout.
• Direct Trailhead Access: Adjacent to the Cimarrona Trailhead (behind site #18), which leads into the vast Weminuche Wilderness area and can connect to the Continental Divide Trail, offering extensive hiking and horseback riding opportunities.
• Mix of Sunny & Shady Sites: Offers a variety of site types, including open field sites suitable for larger rigs and more private, shaded sites in the woods for tents or smaller vehicles.
• First-Come, First-Served: While this requires careful planning, it also means opportunities for spontaneous trips to a popular area without needing advance reservations.

For inquiries regarding Cimarrona Campground and the San Juan National Forest, you can contact the Pagosa Ranger District:

Phone: (970) 247-4874 (This number is for the general Pagosa Ranger District, which oversees the campground.)

Mobile Phone: +1 970-247-4874 (Same as above)

Address: Forest Rd 640, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, USA (This is the physical location, not an office.)

For specific campground inquiries, it may be beneficial to contact the Pagosa Ranger District office directly: 180 Pagosa Street, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, Phone: (970) 264-2268. Always check the official San Juan National Forest website or Recreation.gov for the most up-to-date information on fees, opening/closing dates, and fire restrictions, as conditions can change.

For Colorado locals, Cimarrona Campground offers an exceptional and authentic mountain camping experience that truly embodies the spirit of our state’s incredible outdoors. While it requires a bit of a drive from Pagosa Springs, the journey leads to a destination that one reviewer perfectly captured as being "worth the drive," delivering on its promise of stunning views and a feeling of stepping back in time.

What makes Cimarrona particularly suitable for Coloradans is its blend of rustic charm with essential amenities, all within a spectacularly beautiful setting. The fact that it's "very beautiful" and offers "fantastic views" of Williams Creek Reservoir means that the visual payoff is immediate and constant. The diligent work of the "campground host," who keeps "everything clean and in order," ensures that while the setting is wild, the facilities are well-maintained, a balance appreciated by many local campers. The availability of potable water, vault toilets, and trash pickup (seasonally) makes it comfortable enough for extended stays without requiring full self-sufficiency.

The active opportunities for recreation are a huge draw. Being "adjacent to the Cimarrona Trailhead" provides direct access to the vast Weminuche Wilderness, appealing to local hikers, backpackers, and those seeking to explore Colorado's immense trail systems, including connections to the Continental Divide Trail. The proximity to Williams Creek Reservoir means fishing for kokanee salmon and trout, and enjoying wake-free motorized boating or kayaking, are readily available activities. These options cater directly to the active, outdoor-loving lifestyle many Coloradans embrace.

Furthermore, its first-come, first-served policy, while sometimes challenging, also provides flexibility for spontaneous trips, a common practice among locals who are quick to seize good weather windows. The serene atmosphere, removed from the noise of more developed areas, truly allows for peace and quiet, enabling genuine relaxation and connection with nature. Cimarrona Campground is a testament to the fact that some of Colorado's best experiences are found just a little off the beaten path, offering a magnificent and peaceful retreat that feels like a classic Western dream come true, right here in our own backyard.

Cimarrona Campground

Forest Rd 640, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, USA