Mountainous camping near South Fork

Hidden gem in the mountains of southern Colorado is a year-round basecamp for adventures.

89% (595 reviews)
89% (595 reviews)

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Under $50

12 top mountainous campgrounds near South Fork

100%
(54)

Chinook Cabins & RV Park

29 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · South Fork, CO
Our RV Park in South Fork CO has space for 18 R.V.’s. Each site has full hookups with the majority being 50amp service and are oversized so that they can handle any big rig! There is a shower house and laundry facility available for our guests (seasonal). There is more than ample parking and each site is easy to access. Our sites are back off the highway for a more relaxing atmosphere and the view is amazing. We have a community fire pit of which we can roast hot dogs, marshmallows for s’mores and tell all the stories you would like. “What goes on at the Fire Pit stays at the Fire Pit.” Come and join us! We have a lot of fun! South Fork Colorado has all the family fun and challenging terrain you could ever look for. 1000’s of miles of trails to hike and bike. Snowmobile/ATV/UTV and Motorcycle riding multi-use Rio Grande National Forest Service trails and roads. We welcome you with plenty of parking area on site for your trailers to park. The Rio Grande River offers world class fly fishing. There are plenty of lakes and creeks to enjoy also. Wolf Creek Ski Area is just up the road from South Fork, Colorado for all your winter fun downhill skiing and snowboarding. Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing are fun low cost family activities with plenty of terrain to enjoy. Great Sand Dunes National Park is open all year long and is a day trip from South Fork. Enjoy the Sand Dunes National Park, learn how they were formed, hike a dune and try sand boarding. Zapata Falls is a short hike near the Sand Dunes. South Fork Colorado has several other waterfalls nearby to visit, Treasure Falls and South & North Clear Creek falls. You will want to come back year after year to explore all we have to offer.
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$46
 / night
Booked 2 times

Spruce Lodge at Sawmill Meadow

8 sites · RVs2 acres · South Fork, CO
Spruce Lodge located in South Fork..."Basecamp for Adventure" HISTORIC SPRUCE LODGE A rich history that goes back to the 1920's and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Spruce Lodge, originally built in 1927 in South Fork, CO, is located near the Rio Grande River at the foot of the San Juan Mountains and provides an environment of warm hospitality in a relaxed atmosphere. Historically accommodating workers for the Sawmill in the 1920's, The Spruce Lodge was purchased in May of 2022 with a primary purpose of housing adults who are participating in a Gap Year program designed to mentor new adults and serve the South Fork community. The property continues to operate as a hotel and has undergone extensive updates to all of the rooms. We have 8, 30 amp RV spots available to rent from April to October. Our small RV lot allows for a less crowded RV experience with all the same, beautiful views and access to all the area has to offer. And we have the most affordable rates in South Fork! Most of our RV guests end up extending their stay to take advantage of all the outdoor activities South Fork and the San Luis Valley have to offer. If you have stayed here before, you will notice some of the changes. And if this is your first time, welcome to South Fork. We hope you enjoy southern Colorado! The South Fork area has PLENTY TO DO AND SEE •ATV TRAILS Come and enjoy over 500 miles of ATV and Jeep Trails while staying with us. If you are looking for one of the most picturesque areas of Colorado, look no further. •RIVER RAFTING Enjoy whitewater rafting for those both looking for a casual float or an adventure. Enjoy a relaxing ride or even the rapids. •SKIING & SNOWBOARDING Known for "the most snow in Colorado," come and enjoy skiing or boarding at Wolf Creek - while staying in the closest town with accommodations to the slopes. •HIKING SCENIC TRAILS There are miles and miles of trails that offer fun and adventure for the whole family. Enjoy the heart of Colorado by hiking many of your soon-to-be favorite scenic trails. •WORLD CLASS FISHING Gold Medal waters on the river and an abundance of creeks, lakes, and reservoirs provide year-round opportunities for the avid fisherman! •NATIONAL PARKS Enjoy National parks near The Spruce Lodge such as the Great Sand Dunes and Mesa Verde. You wont regret the drive when you see these unique attractions.
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$35
 / night
Booked 4 times

Bethany G.’s Land

6 sites · Lodging, RVs31 acres · South Fork, CO
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$30
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96%
(114)

Wilderness Bud and Breakfast

5 sites · Tents12 acres · Pagosa Springs, CO
Located on a historic ranch in the spectacular Blanco Basin valley, nestled up against the Continental Divide and South San Juan Wilderness Area. This B&B offers a campground with tent sites along the pristine headwaters of the Rio Blanco. A group fire pit, community kitchen and food prep area, composting toilet facility and on-demand gas heated shower facilities. Feel free to explore the river and surrounding San Juan National Forest, with plenty of hiking trails to accommodate all fitness levels. A 420 Happy Hour is available for all campers age 21 and up, and breakfast is served for all!!!
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$46.20
 / night
87%
(34)

Echo Canyon Reservoir Camping

3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · CO
Beautiful forest with 5 acres of land to camp, the area is mostly flat with a secluded feel, great views available with a very short 5 minute hike. There is a reservoir that is a nice hike down and a river that is on the other side that can be walked to, but its steep and a good half mile away! This river leads to a hot springs resort that is pretty awesome but is a whole separate company. We're excited to host you! Pagosa Springs downtown and hot springs are about a 10-15 minute drive from the site. This is not a commercial property. This is an RV dry camping site so please remain self-contained and pack out whatever you pack in! No open campfires, gas stoves and enclosed fires are allowed when no fire ban.
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$40
 / night
98%
(63)

Paradise Awaits - Creek Side Camp

18 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Creede, CO
Learn more about this land:At the head waters of the Rio Grande River, Mineral County is 96% National Forest with 4.5M acres of National Forest lands surrounding us.  You can see the largest wilderness area in the United States from your camp site, at 9,000 ft. we are an out door enthusiasts playground. Wolf Creek ski area 'The Most Snow In Colorado'. Creede Repertory Theater rivals Off Broadway. We offer cabins, RV sites and Campsites at Broken Arrow Ranch. We also offer vacation homes through Broken Arrow Ranch and Land Co. Please call our office or visit our website. brokenarrowcreede.com. RV Sites are NOT booked through hipcamp, they run $45 nightly and can only be reserved through the broken arrow website. We are 32728 hwy 149 Creede. 11 miles towards Lake City on hwy 149. Pull all the through the Cabins and either turn left up the little hill camping anywhere, but keep the fire pit open for everyone. Or drive through the green gate past cabin #7 and camp on the creek. Bathhouse is in the middle of the cabins. (No Bathhouse or water after September 15th.) Fire pit and picnic table is on the hill.  You can have dogs off leash anywhere away from the cabins and RV sites, just be careful as we have horses, we don't want the pup's getting kicked.  Let me know if you need anything.NO BATHHOUSE BETWEEN SEPT 15-JUNE 1 PRICE $30BATHHOUSE AVAILABLE JUNE 1 - SEPTEMBER 14 Price $35Dale, Anne, and Susan.
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$30
 / night
Booked 1 time

Rose Property

2 sites · Lodging40 acres · South Fork, CO
Open space for hiking or walking. Lots of wild life, star gazing and relaxation ! Enjoy the fresh air ! Close to South Fork Colorado and the Rio Grande river……………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..,,,,………………………………………………………………..,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
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$95
 / night
100%
(1)

The Mountain Goddess Property

1 site · RV2 acres · Pagosa Springs, CO
A beautifully tucked away 2 acre property in the town Pagosa Springs. It's a heavily wooded property with lot of indigenous plants. There are mountain views, short hiking and mountain bike trails from the property, and it's a 1 mile walk to the hot springs and main Street Pagosa Springs. It's close to town, but you would never know it. You can take a short drive to many beautiful natural attractions such as Treasure Falls, the Ice caves, Four Mile Falls and much more.
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$55
 / night
96%
(25)

Creede Mountain Huts

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · City Of Creede, CO
Creede Mountain Huts is a rare U.S. Forest Service cooperative. The Hut is isolated. Located In the high country surrounded by Rio Grande national forest and Winminuche Wilderness.
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$110
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100%
(13)

AIYM Camp Riverfront Duplex Cabin!

32 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents185 acres · Capulin, CO
The AIYM Camp serves as a wonderful base camp and Christian Retreat for families wanting to recreate in the Rio Grande National Forest. Cabin rentals, RV Hookups with electric (50 amp) and water, Boondocking Campsites and Tent Campsites. You are invited to stay on 185 acres surrounded by beautiful mountains in the Rio Grande National Forest. Escape the crowds and relax in the quiet mountains. Easy Alamosa River access. Close to outdoor adventures; fishing, hiking, biking, atv trail access. Come enjoy a secluded and unforgettable mountain experience! The camp is in a wilderness setting with electricity supplied by a diesel generator that operates from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. No cell service in the canyon but the camp does have a regular phone for special usage and satellite Wi-Fi for $5. The most unique quality is the beauty and cleanliness of the forest. The quiet peaceful atmosphere of the canyon is hard to believe. This is the perfect place for families to unplug, get outside but still have some of the comforts we all enjoy!
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$40
 / night
100%
(1)

Zepel mountain ranch

2 sites · Tents41 acres · Center, CO
Zepel mountain is an ancient untouched in the lagarita mountains. Frozen in time millions of years ago a volcano spewed aggetts and garnets and other minerals on this land There are two fault lines that meet on the top. The ute Indians lived here at one time There are a few ghosts towns to explore and tens of thousands of acres of unspoiled wilderness. The crystal hill mine is close by alsoLearn more about this land:Breath taking views mountains mountains and more mountains high desert property is close to the crystal hill mine sand dunes national part Crestone, CO!
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$25
 / night
100%
(17)

New Sky Ranch : Eco-building + Art

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Saguache, CO
New Sky’s bones are those of an old settler’s homestead in the San Luis Valley that dates back to the early 1900’s. Nestled up against the Rio Grande National Forest, it is a high mountain desert oasis that holds the original dance hall of the county and a whole lot of history. New Sky Ranch is a wild, wild place. We are not only off grid, but also nestled in a large natural caldera (meaning a volcano that has collapsed on itself) and are right next to national forest. This means that we can experience all 4 seasons in a single day - having extreme winds and rain in one moment, and clear summer skies the next! We invite you to not only be prepared for this, but to lean into the experience as this unique high alpine environment can be one of the most inspiring and epic places on earth. We are currently fixing up what is already on the property for an eco-experiential retreat as well as a space for like minded artists to take refuge and create magic on the land. We currently have our workshop and studio space up and running as well as the first of several livable structures completed - an 100 year old rehabbed miners cabin using Hempcrete and other natural materials, complete with a communal outdoor kitchen. We also have begun hosting our first artist/maker residents who are using the shop space and land to bring their own creations to life. Over time, we have dreams of permaculture farming, eco building workshops, community collaboration, and the ability to host gatherings – however, we are committed to taking it all one step at a time and allowing only what is meant to be to unfold. For now it is simply our home, a maker space for art and experimental eco building, a gathering spot for friends and a quiet Hipcamp spot.
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$39
 / night

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Mountainous camping near South Fork guide

Overview

Set at the confluence of the South Fork River and the Rio Grande River, the town of South Fork is a popular destination for fishing and outdoor adventures. Surrounded by millions of acres of national forest and wilderness, there’s plenty to do on land as well, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, golfing, and wildlife spotting in the Rio Grande and San Juan national forests. Winter activities are also abundant, and include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling, while nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area draws visitors with the “most snow in Colorado.” An abundance of campgrounds in the region make it easy to stay a while.

Where to go

San Luis Valley

South Fork is located at the western end of the San Luis Valley, an expansive high desert valley home to towns such as Del Norte, Alamosa, San Luis, and Mineral Hot Springs. Drive along scenic byways, go wildlife spotting in designated wildernesses, climb rugged mountain peaks, chase waterfalls, soak in the hot springs, or explore the massive sand dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park. Plenty of options let campers stay overnight, including developed campgrounds on public land, dispersed camping in the backcountry and wilderness areas, cabins, and private RV parks and glamping sites.

West

Head along the scenic Silver Thread Byway to the historic towns of Creede and Lake City. Nearly Rio Grande National Forest offers 1.8 million acres of diverse terrain, spanning woodlands, high desert, towering mountains, river canyons, geologic wonders, and more than 30 campgrounds, cabins, and dispersed camping options. Further west, San Juan National Forest offers another 1.8 million acres of forest for camping and recreation. Head southwest to the towns of Pagosa Springs, Bayfield, and Durango for culture, hot springs, and adventures. For water activities, head to Navajo State Park, just north of the New Mexico border.

North

Head north to Poncha Springs for hot springs and history or get artsy at neighboring Salida. The Sawatch Range and the San Isabel National Forest are home to Colorado’s largest concentration of 14ers, so peak baggers can take their pick or try the state’s highest peak. Explore ghost towns or fish and raft the Arkansas River. The area is home to plenty of forested, riverside, lakeside, and backcountry campgrounds. To the west, Gunnison National Forest offers more than 30 developed campgrounds, with tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. 

When to go

Summers are popular times for camping and outdoor recreation near South Fork. June to October tends to be peak fishing season, though ice fishing is also popular in the winter. Leaf peeping and hunting are popular in the fall. The area also offers a wide range of winter activities, including skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

Know before you go

  • South Fork sits above 8,000 feet. Some recreation areas and campsites are at even higher elevations. Be aware of potential altitude issues.
  • Campsites in national forests are often first-come first-serve, while campsites in Colorado state parks require advanced reservations.
  • Permits are required to cut firewood in certain national forests.
  • Be bear aware, especially when camping. Store food and other attractants in a bear proof container, away from your tent.
  • Fishing licenses are required in Colorado for anyone over age 16. There are bait and other requirements for fishing in some waters near South Fork.

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