San Juan National Forest

USDA Forest Service
San Juan National Forest
15 Burnett Court
Durango, CO 81301
970-247-4874

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
970-385-1257

Location

If you follow County Road 501 around the north end of Vallecito Reservoir, then south for about 3 miles, you’ll arrive at Middle Mountain Campground.

Facilities

There are 24 sites, with southern exposure and easy access to the water. Very open and sunny, with a grassy shoreline and afternoon breezes. Some shade is provided by ponderosa pines and small aspen. A few sites can accommodate large RVs.

Water, trash pickup, ample parking, tables, fireplaces (firewood available, you gather), and vault toilets. Operated by concessionaire, with hosts.

Attractions & Considerations

The campground is next to the mouth of the Pine River where it enters Vallecito Reservoir.

The Middle Mountain Road (Forest Rd. 724) leads to the upper Bear Creek drainages and Runlett Park, as well as the old mining town of Tuckerville. The Runlett Park and Cave Basin trails can be accessed in this area. The Cave Basin Trail accesses the Weminuche Wilderness (bicycles and motor vehicles are not allowed).

Four Forest Service campgrounds are nearby, south on Forest Road 603 and also on the east side of Vallecito Reservoir: Pine Point, North Canyon, Graham Creek, and Old Timers [see map below].

Map of Area