Overview

This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature.

If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

Facilities

The Lower Piedra Campground is just north of U.S. Highway 160 on the west side of the Piedra River, about 18 miles east of Bayfield and 25 miles west of Pagosa Springs. It is about a half mile up Forest Rd. 621 on the west side of the river (not to be confused with the First Fork Road [Forest Rd. 622] on the east side of the river). The campground offers 14 large, level sites with plenty of shade. Fishing opportunities are available.

Contact Info

Important Notices

• ALERT: Campground will be closed for the 2026 season due to flooding damage caused by the rainstorms in October 2025. The access road has been washed away. The campground will remain closed until repairs can be made.

Notifications and Alerts

• • Starting July 30th, 2026, fire restrictions are changing for the San Juan National Forest. Zone 1 Fire Restrictions drop from Stage II to Stage I. Zone II Fire Restrictions drop from Stage II to no restrictions. View attached maps for Zone I and II details.

    Under Stage I Fire Restrictions in Zone 1, the following are prohibited:

    • Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in: a.  A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas); b.  A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or c.  A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a ¼ inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device. 

    • Using an explosive. 

    • Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle, building, or a developed recreation site. 

    • Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator. 

  Alert Start Date: July 30, 2026

  Alert End Date: December 31, 2026

  Order Number: 02-13-00-26-1

• ALERT: Campground will be closed for the 2026 season due to flooding damage.

Contact Information

Phone: N/A

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip