About East Fork Campground (San Juan NF - CO)
Overview East Fork Campground is located 11 miles northeast of Pagosa Springs, just off U.S. Highway 160, along the East Fork Road. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing, hiking and scenic opportunities.Recreation The East Fork offers plenty of fishing opportunities upstream from the campground. Trailheads for the Coal Creek Trail and the Quartz Ridge Trail are at Sand Creek, 2-5 miles beyond the campground. Facilities The campground offers several single-family sites, many with views of the river below. There are a few level pull-through parking spaces for RVs. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided.Natural Features The campground sits on a ridge overlooking the East Fork of the San Juan River. Some sites have views of the river, but it's a long way down the hill. Short, but steep trails lead down the hill, to the riverbanks. A forest of ponderosa pine and gambel oak trees shades the campground. At 7,700 feet, temperatures can be a bit warmer than at surrounding campgrounds. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420. Nearby Attractions Silver Falls is located a few miles up East Fork Road past the campground. A short trail leads to the base of the falls. Mountain bikers often ride to Silver Falls. Beyond its junction with Forest Road 684, the East Fork Road is negotiable only by 4WD. Off-road vehicle enthusiasts enjoy the upper section to Elwood Pass. Treasure Falls, located just off Highway 160 about five miles from the campground, is an impressive 100' waterfall with a short hike.Charges & Cancellations Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not
How to Get There
From downtown Pagosa Springs, travel 11 miles east on Highway 160 to the junction with East Fork Road (Forest Road 667). Turn right and continue less than a mile to the campground on the right.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 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 East Fork Campground (San Juan NF - CO)
Heading to East Fork Campground (San Juan NF - 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 East Fork Campground (San Juan NF - CO)?
No central reservation system listed for East Fork Campground (San Juan NF - CO). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233269) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to East Fork Campground (San Juan NF - CO)?
From downtown Pagosa Springs, travel 11 miles east on Highway 160 to the junction with East Fork Road (Forest Road 667). Turn right and continue less than a mile to the campground on the right.
How do I contact East Fork Campground (San Juan NF - CO)?
You can reach the park at phone: 970-264-5255 or email: rlynd@goexplorus.com.
References & Official Resources
