North Canyon Campground

Hello, fellow Colorado adventurers! When the breathtaking landscapes of our state call, and you're dreaming of crisp mountain air, stunning lake views, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere, North Canyon Campground on Vallecito Reservoir is a destination that consistently delivers. Tucked within the magnificent San Juan National Forest, this campground is a true favorite among locals, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenient amenities that make for an unforgettable outdoor experience right here in our backyard.

North Canyon Campground is a well-established and highly-regarded site, known for its picturesque setting directly next to the expansive Vallecito Reservoir. This particular campground features 21 single-family campsites nestled among large Ponderosa pines, with underbrush providing a nice sense of privacy between sites. The design allows for a slightly more open feel compared to some other forest campgrounds, yet still offers plenty of shade. The management, often lauded for their friendly and helpful camp hosts, ensures the campground remains tidy and well-maintained, creating a welcoming environment for all visitors. Whether you're planning a fishing trip, a family vacation filled with water activities, or simply a peaceful retreat into nature, North Canyon Campground provides an ideal base to explore the wonders of southwestern Colorado. Its reputation for "always a great time" and "beautiful views" is well-earned, making it a go-to spot for many Colorado families and outdoor enthusiasts.

North Canyon Campground is beautifully situated within the San Juan National Forest, with its address linked to Bayfield, CO 81122, USA. More specifically, it’s located on the eastern side of the popular Vallecito Reservoir in southwestern Colorado. For residents of Colorado, reaching this scenic campground is a relatively straightforward drive, making it an excellent choice for weekend getaways or longer vacations.

From Bayfield, Colorado, you'll take County Road 501 (at the Vallecito Lake sign on U.S. Highway 160) and travel north for about 13-14 miles to the community of Vallecito. From there, you'll turn right onto County Road 501A (also known as Forest Road 603) at the fire station and continue for approximately 2.5 to 4 miles to the campground entrance. While the final stretch involves a forest road, it is generally well-maintained and accessible for most vehicles, including RVs and trailers up to 45 feet, though some larger rigs may find the initial entrance slightly tighter. Its lakeside location on Vallecito Reservoir is a significant draw, providing immediate access to the water for various activities. The elevation of Vallecito is around 7,900 feet, which offers comfortable summer temperatures while still providing stunning mountain backdrops. This blend of accessibility and a prime natural setting makes North Canyon Campground a highly desirable destination for Coloradans looking to immerse themselves in the outdoor beauty of the San Juan Mountains.

• Campsites: 21 single-family campsites available. Many sites offer partial lake views.
• RV & Trailer Accommodation: Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 45 feet in length, with appropriate parking spurs.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a campfire ring with a grill grate.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is provided at the campground.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available for campers.
• Trash Collection: Trash collection services are provided via dumpsters, making waste disposal convenient.
• Camp Hosts: Friendly and helpful camp hosts are typically on-site, providing assistance and ensuring a pleasant stay.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase from the camp host.
• Cell Service: Fair cell service is often available in the area, allowing for some connectivity.
• Generator Use: Generators are permitted within specified hours (typically 6 AM to 10 PM), with limits on continuous use.
• Pet Friendly: Dogs are allowed, provided they are kept on a leash and not left unattended.
• Reservations: Campsites can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov, though some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Beautiful Lake Views: Many campsites offer picturesque views of Vallecito Reservoir, providing a serene and scenic backdrop.
• Direct Water Access: Paths and trails lead directly from the campground to the shores of Vallecito Reservoir, making it easy to access the water.
• Excellent Fishing: Vallecito Reservoir is a very popular fishing lake, teeming with German brown trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and northern pike.
• Variety of Water Sports: Ideal for boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. Boat rentals and fishing licenses are available at various locations around the lake.
• Privacy Between Sites: Underbrush and natural separation provide a good degree of privacy between individual campsites.
• Friendly Camp Hosts: Consistently praised in reviews for their helpfulness and role in maintaining a positive atmosphere.
• Proximity to Hiking Trails: The North Canyon Trail begins across the road from the campground, leading through ponderosa pine and aspen forests with a scenic lake overlook. The East Creek Trail is also nearby.
• Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to spot local wildlife within the forest and around the lake.
• Stargazing: Away from major city lights, the campground offers good opportunities for stargazing.
• Well-Maintained: Visitors frequently commend the cleanliness and tidiness of the campground and its facilities.
• Ideal for RVs and Tents: Accommodates both RVs (up to 45 feet) and tent campers, offering flexibility for different camping styles.
• Close to Vallecito Community: The nearby community of Vallecito offers some basic supplies and services, enhancing convenience.

Address: San Juan National Forest, Bayfield, CO 81122, USA (This is the general area for North Canyon Campground.)

For reservations, visit: Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.

For general information about the San Juan National Forest and its campgrounds, you can contact the Columbine Ranger District Office (which oversees the Vallecito area):

Phone: (970) 884-2512

San Juan National Forest Supervisor's Office: (970) 247-4874

For us Coloradans, North Canyon Campground at Vallecito Reservoir is truly a standout destination that perfectly embodies the spirit of outdoor adventure and relaxation in our beautiful state. What makes it so suitable for locals is its ideal blend of stunning natural scenery, convenient amenities, and a consistently welcoming environment. The campground’s location directly on the shores of Vallecito Reservoir means immediate access to some of Colorado's best fishing for a variety of trout and salmon, as well as endless opportunities for boating, paddleboarding, and swimming – activities we Coloradans cherish.

Beyond the water, the well-spaced campsites set amidst towering Ponderosa pines offer a genuine sense of privacy and peace, allowing for true rejuvenation away from the daily grind. The friendly and attentive camp hosts, consistently praised in reviews, contribute significantly to the positive atmosphere, making every stay feel like a visit to a trusted retreat. The availability of essentials like drinking water, clean vault toilets, and trash collection, along with the option for firewood purchases, ensures a comfortable experience even while immersed in nature.

Furthermore, North Canyon Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider San Juan National Forest, with direct access to hiking trails and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. The flexibility for both RVs and tent campers, coupled with its pet-friendly policy, means it caters to a diverse range of local outdoor enthusiasts. For a reliably great time, breathtaking views, and a chance to reconnect with both nature and loved ones in a truly Colorado setting, North Canyon Campground on Vallecito Reservoir is an undeniable local favorite and an absolute must-visit.

North Canyon Campground

San Juan National Forest, Bayfield, CO 81122, USA