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FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

WEST DOLORES CAMPGROUND

Rico, Colorado · Dolores County · Campground

Overview West Dolores Campground is located on the West Dolores Road (Forest Road 535), which branches north from Colorado Highway 145 about 20 miles northeast of Dolores. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors by hiking, biking and fishing. Recreation The West Dolores River offers fishing for brown, rainb…

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About WEST DOLORES CAMPGROUND

Overview West Dolores Campground is located on the West Dolores Road (Forest Road 535), which branches north from Colorado Highway 145 about 20 miles northeast of Dolores. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors by hiking, biking and fishing. Recreation The West Dolores River offers fishing for brown, rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout. A day-use parking area is available on-site. Several parcels of private property are found along the river. Visitors are asked to stay on the trail and not trespass. Mountain biking is allowed on Forest Roads 532 and 535. Forest Service Trail 624 begins three miles south of the campground.Facilities West Dolores Campground, located approximately a mile north of Mavreeso Campground, has 18 campsites on 10 acres near the river. Most campsites are shady and level. There are 10 reservable campsites, 7 campsites with electrical hookups and several that are suitable for large RVs. A site near the restroom is designated for wheelchair access and has electricity. The campground also has 2 picnic areas. Natural Features The campground is situated on the banks of the West Dolores River, which has its headwaters in the nearby Lizard Head Wilderness. A shady forest of spruce, ponderosa pine and Douglas fir covers the campground. The campground is at an elevation of 7,800 feet. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420. Nearby Attractions Southwestern Colorado, part of the Four Corners region, contains more than 4,000 archaeological sites and 600 cliff dwellings. Mesa Verde National Park is an hour and a half south of the campground, close enough for a day trip. Other sites within the region include the Anasazi Heritage Center in Delores, Canyon of the Ancients and Hovenweep National Monument. Burro Bridge campground is loacated 19 miles north of the campground offering Horse camping and a trail from the campground into the Lizard Head Wilderness.Charges & Cancellations Cancellations Individual Campsit

How to Get There

From Dolores, travel 21 miles north on Highway 145 and Forest Road 535 to the campground entrance, 1 mile from Mavreeso Campground.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Moisture-wicking T-shirt
    Light color, breathable.
  • 🩳
    Lightweight shorts or pants
    Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
  • 🧢
    Brimmed sun hat
    Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners
    Breathable mesh uppers.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    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 WEST DOLORES CAMPGROUND

Heading to WEST DOLORES CAMPGROUND? 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 WEST DOLORES CAMPGROUND?

No central reservation system listed for WEST DOLORES CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233251) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to WEST DOLORES CAMPGROUND?

From Dolores, travel 21 miles north on Highway 145 and Forest Road 535 to the campground entrance, 1 mile from Mavreeso Campground.

How do I contact WEST DOLORES CAMPGROUND?

You can reach the park at email: rlynd@goexplorus.com.