Vallecito Campground

San Juan National Forest

Vallecito Campground is a very popular site and one of the largest within the San Juan National Forest. It sits on Vallecito Creek, adjacent to the Weminuche Wilderness. Visitors enjoy the area for its trail and fishing opportunities, which are part of a very scenic, natural setting.

The campground offers 80 single-family sites, a few of which have electric hookups. Sites are equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.

Day-use picnic sites are located along the creek at the campground entrance and are available for a fee.

Need to Know

• This is bear country; please practice safe food storage techniques
• For general information about the San Juan National Forest, please call (970) 884-2512. Campsite availability is not available at this phone number
• Click here for more information on the San Juan National Forest
• Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Natural Features

Vallecito, which is Spanish for "little valley," sits at an elevation of 8,000 feet, high in the beautiful San Juan Mountains. A forest of ponderosa pine, aspen and gambel oak trees covers the campground. Most sites are large and fairly level.

Nearby Attractions

Vallecito Lake is located four miles from the campground and offers boating, water skiing, fishing and hiking opportunities, as well as beautiful scenery.

Recreation

Vallecito Creek offers fishing for rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout. Anglers must use artificial flies and lures due to the creek's location within the wilderness area.

The Vallecito Creek Trail begins at the campground entrance. This popular trail is open to hiking and horseback riding only and is a main access point to the Weminuche Wilderness.

Parking is available at the trailhead. Hitching racks and a horse staging area with a loading ramp for livestock is on-site, but no overnight horse camping is allowed.

Contact Information

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SAN JUAN NF CO

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From the western side of the reservoir, on County Road 501, pass through the community of Vallecito. Turn north on County Road 500 and drive about 3 miles to the campground.

Available Campsites

• Site 016, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 011, Loop LOOP C, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 004, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 002, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 014, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 019, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 001, Loop LOOP C, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 012, Loop LOOP C, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 010, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 012, Loop LOOP D, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 028, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Electric
• Site 003, Loop LOOP D, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 013, Loop LOOP D, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 015, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 017, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 022, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 005, Loop LOOP D, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 007, Loop LOOP D, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 029, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Electric
• Site 011, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 010, Loop LOOP C, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 020, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 012, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 030, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Electric
• Site 001, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 027, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Electric
• Site 009, Loop LOOP C, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 013, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 006, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 005, Loop LOOP C, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 009, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 021, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 003, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 014, Loop LOOP C, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 031, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 023, Loop LOOP B, Type Standard Nonelectric

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