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

North Canyon Campground. is on the east side of Vallecito Reservoir, 1/2 mile north of Graham Creek Campground.

Directions from Bayfield: travel 14 miles north on County Road 501. Take a right on Forest Road 603 for 4 miles to the campground entrance.

Facilities

Among the 21 sites are several suitable for larger RVs.

Attractions & Considerations

Open only during the peak midsummer season, the area is a bit more open than Graham Creek and has large ponderosa pines scattered throughout. Willows separate the ampground from Vallecito Reservoir, underbrush separates campsites for privacy, and paths lead to the water.

The North Canyon Trail takes off just across the road
from the campground. It travels uphill to offer scenic vistas of the reservoir. The East Creek Trail is reached by driving about 1/4 mile up Forest Rd. 852, just northeast of the campground entrance.

Both trails are popular with horseback riders. (Horses
are not allowed in the campground.)

The only commercial development on the east side of the reservoir is the resorts just north of Pine Point. They have most camper services, but gasoline is not available.

Related Activities

Graham Creek Campground: About 1/2 mile south of North Canyon Campground is Graham Creek Campground, with 25 sites and a rough, natural-surface boat ramp. The hillside sites are about 100 yards from the high-water line, and offer a choice of sun or shade.

Old Timers Campground: Old Timers Campground is also on the east shore of Vallecito Reservoir, 2 miles south of Graham Creek Campground. Eleven well-shaded sites provide a cool, intimate setting on a gentle hillside near the water, with an adjacent gravel boat ramp.

North Canyon Trail - The trail takes you through ponderosa pine and aspen forests. A scenic overlook of Vallecito Reservoir is available on a side trail along the way.

Vallecito Reservoir: The reservoir is a very popular fishing spot, with anglers going after German brown trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and northern pike.

Map of Area