East Fork Campground

For Coloradans seeking an authentic mountain escape, East Fork Campground, nestled within the majestic San Juan National Forest near Pagosa Springs, offers a truly immersive and peaceful camping experience. This beloved spot is far more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s a gateway to the breathtaking beauty of the Southern San Juan Mountains. Here, the soothing sound of the East Fork of the San Juan River provides a constant, calming soundtrack, inviting you to unwind and reconnect with nature in a profound way. It’s the perfect setting for locals looking to trade cityscapes for towering pines, fresh mountain air, and the endless adventures that Colorado’s wilderness has to offer.

East Fork Campground is thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Many sites are strategically positioned to offer the gentle murmur of the river below, creating an amazingly peaceful atmosphere that campers consistently rave about. The campsites themselves are spacious and spread out, ensuring a sense of privacy amidst the Ponderosa pines and Gambel oaks. Whether you're planning a quiet fishing trip, an adventurous hiking excursion, or simply a tranquil weekend getaway, East Fork Campground provides a clean, well-maintained, and incredibly beautiful base from which to explore the vast San Juan National Forest. It truly embodies the spirit of Colorado's outdoor lifestyle.

East Fork Campground is conveniently located approximately 11 miles east of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, within the sprawling San Juan National Forest. Its address is FS ROAD 667 NF, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, USA. This placement makes it highly accessible for Coloradans traveling from various parts of the state while offering the profound sense of immersion in nature that defines a true mountain getaway.

To reach the campground from downtown Pagosa Springs, you’ll travel east on US Highway 160 for about 11 miles. You will then turn right onto East Fork Road (Forest Road 667). The campground entrance is less than a mile down this road on your right. While the road leading to the campground from US-160 has been described by some as being "mostly washboard" in sections, it is generally passable for various vehicle types, including RVs and trailers. The campground itself is situated on a ridge above the East Fork of the San Juan River, offering captivating views and the constant, calming sounds of the flowing water. The elevation of East Fork Campground is approximately 7,700 feet, providing a relatively comfortable climate, often warmer than some higher-elevation campgrounds in the area, yet still offering the crisp mountain air. This combination of straightforward highway access and its strategic location within a prime outdoor recreation area makes East Fork Campground a popular and reachable destination for your next Colorado adventure.

East Fork Campground, managed by the U.S. Forest Service (often with a concessionaire), offers a solid range of essential services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for its visitors.

• Campsites: The campground features approximately 26 individual campsites. These include both back-in and pull-beside sites, accommodating a variety of setups from tents to RVs (up to about 35-40 feet in length, though specific maximums should be verified for larger rigs). Sites are generally spacious and spread out, offering a good degree of privacy.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Every site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate, perfect for outdoor dining and enjoying a campfire (always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire).
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available throughout the campground, providing essential restroom facilities. Reviewers often praise their cleanliness, noting them to be "ridiculously clean pit toilets but so clean" and free of bugs.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is provided at the campground, with water faucets located conveniently throughout the loops, ensuring campers have access to fresh water.
• Trash Collection: Dumpsters are available for depositing trash, encouraging responsible waste management and helping to keep the campground clean.
• No Hookups: It's important for RVers to note that East Fork Campground does not offer electrical, water, or sewer hookups at the individual campsites. Campers should be prepared for a rustic, dry camping experience. The nearest full hookups would likely be found at private RV parks in Pagosa Springs.
• No Showers: While restrooms are provided, there are no showers directly within the campground. Some campers mention that hot showers may be available for a small fee at Cottonwood Cove, a short drive away.
• Reservations: Many of the sites (around 17) at East Fork Campground are reservable via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. The remaining sites are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season (generally May to September).
• Pets Allowed: Dogs are welcome at East Fork Campground but must be kept on a leash or otherwise physically restrained and should not be left unattended. Always practice responsible pet ownership.
• Fee: There is a nightly fee for camping, which is subject to change. Check Recreation.gov or the San Juan National Forest website for the most current rates.
• No Cell Service/Limited Wi-Fi: While generally peaceful, some areas in the canyon may have limited or no cell service. One review for a similar campground mentioned satellite Wi-Fi for a fee, but it's best to expect to be unplugged.

East Fork Campground boasts several unique features and highlights that make it a standout destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Colorado.

• Riverside Ambiance: A primary highlight is the campground's proximity to the East Fork of the San Juan River. Many sites offer constant, soothing sounds of the river flowing below, creating an incredibly peaceful and tranquil atmosphere that campers consistently praise. Short, steep trails lead directly down to the river banks, offering easy access for various activities.
• Immersive Forest Setting: Campers are completely immersed in the San Juan National Forest, surrounded by a beautiful canopy of Ponderosa pines and Gambel oaks. This dense tree cover provides ample shade, a refreshing escape from the sun, and a true sense of being in the heart of Colorado's wilderness.
• Spacious and Private Sites: Unlike some campgrounds where sites are packed closely together, East Fork's campsites are notably spacious and well-spread out. This thoughtful layout provides a good degree of privacy between sites, enhancing the quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
• Exceptional Fishing Opportunities: The East Fork of the San Juan River, accessible directly from the campground, is renowned for its fishing. Anglers can enjoy plenty of opportunities to cast a line for trout, both within and upstream from the campground.
• Access to Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails: The area is a hub for outdoor recreation. Trailheads for popular routes like the Coal Creek Trail and the Quartz Ridge Trail are located just a couple of miles past the campground on Forest Road 667, offering diverse hiking and mountain biking experiences for all skill levels.
• OHV and 4WD Access: The East Fork Road itself is popular for 4WD and ATV use, especially beyond the campground towards Elwood Pass and Silver Falls. This makes the campground an excellent base for off-roading adventures into the high country.
• Wildlife Viewing: The San Juan National Forest is home to abundant wildlife, including elk, deer, and various bird species. Campers have ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography in the area.
• Proximity to Scenic Attractions: Beyond the immediate campground, visitors are close to other natural wonders like Treasure Falls (about 6 miles away) and the stunning Silver Falls, located a few miles further up the East Fork Road.
• Friendly and Well-Maintained: Reviews often highlight the cleanliness of the facilities and the friendliness of camp hosts, contributing to a welcoming and well-cared-for environment.

For reservations and the most current information regarding East Fork Campground, it's best to utilize the national forest and state park systems.

Address: FS ROAD 667 NF, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, USA (This is the general location within the San Juan National Forest.)

Phone (for campground inquiries): (970) 247-4874 (This is the main phone number for the Pagosa Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest. They can provide detailed information about the campground, current conditions, and direct you to the proper reservation channels.)

Mobile Phone: +1 970-247-4874 (This is the same number, formatted for international dialing.)

For reservations, which are highly recommended due to the campground's popularity, use the official national reservation system:

• Recreation.gov: Visit Recreation.gov and search for "East Fork Campground (San Juan Nf - CO)". This website allows you to check availability, view site details, and make reservations online.
• Reservation Phone Number: (877) 444-6777 (This is the general reservation line for federal campgrounds via Recreation.gov).

Always check the San Juan National Forest's official website (fs.usda.gov/sanjuan) or Recreation.gov for the most up-to-date information on operating seasons (typically May to September), fees, fire restrictions, and any closures that might impact your visit.

For Coloradans, East Fork Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable and quintessential Rocky Mountain camping destination. Its appeal to local residents lies in its perfect balance of accessible wilderness, essential amenities, and a deeply immersive natural experience that embodies the spirit of Colorado's outdoor lifestyle.

Firstly, its location within the San Juan National Forest, just a short drive from Pagosa Springs, makes it easily reachable for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation without extensive travel. The ability to quickly escape into such a pristine environment is a huge advantage for those living in our beautiful state. The spacious, shaded sites, many with the soothing sounds of the San Juan River, provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation, a true respite from the daily grind.

Secondly, the array of recreational opportunities caters perfectly to the active Colorado lifestyle. Whether you're an avid angler drawn to the excellent fishing on the East Fork of the San Juan River, a hiker eager to explore the extensive trail networks, or an off-road enthusiast ready to tackle the nearby 4WD trails, East Fork Campground serves as an ideal base. The combination of well-maintained vault toilets and potable water, despite the lack of hookups, strikes a harmonious balance between rustic adventure and practical comfort. It offers enough amenities to make camping enjoyable, without detracting from the natural immersion that many Coloradoans seek.

East Fork Campground isn't just a place to sleep under the stars; it's an opportunity for Coloradans to reconnect with the landscapes that define their home. It's where memories are made around campfires, where the kids can explore freely, and where the majestic beauty of the San Juan Mountains provides a constant reminder of why we love living in this incredible state.

East Fork Campground

FS ROAD 667 NF, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, USA