Chimney Rock, Colorado · Archuleta County · Campground
Overview Ute Campground is located on US Hwy 160 across from Chimney Rock National Monument, 15 miles west of Pagosa Springs, 25 miles east of Bayfield, and 18 miles north of Arbolles, just west of the intersection with Colorado 151. Visitors enjoy quick access to Chimney Rock National Monument entrance and a centraliz…
Overview Ute Campground is located on US Hwy 160 across from Chimney Rock National Monument, 15 miles west of Pagosa Springs, 25 miles east of Bayfield, and 18 miles north of Arbolles, just west of the intersection with Colorado 151. Visitors enjoy quick access to Chimney Rock National Monument entrance and a centralized location to USFS trail systems, lake, and stream fishing. Recreation Ute Campground is the only access to Forest Service land on Haystack Mountain. Hiking views of Chimney Rock National Monument. Facilities The campground is shaded with Ponderosa Pines and offers easy access to Highway 160. Sites are spaciously placed and all feature natural areas adjacent to the campsites. 21 sites offer improved primitive camping with picnic tables, fire rings, and some with additional grills. There is a Group Area with a maximum for 32 people featuring a group picnic area and 2 fire rings. There is one potable water station under pressure and two pairs of vault toilets. Maximum stay is 28 days at first come-first serve sites. 12 days maximum stay on reservation sites. Pets allowed, leashing required. No horses or pack animals allowed in the park. Natural Features Ute campground, named for and sharing land with the Southern Ute Nation is located along reservation borders situated at the base of Haystack Mountain facing Chimney Rock National Monument. The terrain is a hilly forest enviroment of Ponderosa pines, Gamble Oak, Rocky Mountain Juniper, Fragrant Sumac and meadows. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420. Nearby Attractions The entrance to Chimney Rock National Monument is only 4 miles away on Colorado 151. It is centrally located between Turkey Springs Trail System and the Devil Mountain - Mule Mountain - Horse Mountain Trail Systems, featuring trails specific to ATV, motorcycle, mountain bike, hiking, horseback riding, along with stream fishing and a natural hot spring on the Piedra River. The Southern Ute Reservation a
Photos
Sideways view of Campsite #14 — Mitchell SylvainA photo of facility Ute Campground (CO) with No Amenities Shown — Mitchell SylvainA photo of facility Ute Campground (CO)
New bathrooms at Ute
— Mitchell SylvainA photo of facility Ute Campground (CO)
Rest room — Mitchell SylvainA photo of facility Ute Campground (CO)
New bathrooms at Ute
— Mitchell SylvainMap of UTE Campground 2025 — mitchell sylvainUte Campground — Don HoldenA photo of facility Ute Campground (CO)
Rest room — Mitchell SylvainA photo of facility Ute Campground (CO)
Water hydrant — Mitchell SylvainUte Campground Campsite 20 — Mitchell SylvainUte Campground — Don HoldenUte Campground Site — Don Holden
How to Get There
Directions from Pagosa Springs, CO: Travel west on U.S. Hwy 160 for 18.0 miles and campground is on north side of the highway.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Ute Campground (CO)
Heading to Ute Campground (CO)? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Ute Campground (CO)?
No central reservation system listed for Ute Campground (CO). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/235764) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Ute Campground (CO)?
Directions from Pagosa Springs, CO: Travel west on U.S. Hwy 160 for 18.0 miles and campground is on north side of the highway.
How do I contact Ute Campground (CO)?
You can reach the park at phone: 970-264-2268 USFS Pagosa Ranger District or email: [email protected].
