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

Twenty-two miles north of Bayfield, along the western side of Vallecito Reservoir on County Rd. 501, you pass through the Vallecito Lake community and head east around the upper end of the reservoir. Turn north on County Rd. 500 and go about 3 miles.

Attractions & Considerations

The campground is large, very popular, and next to the Weminuche Wilderness. Its 80 campsites in four loops are shaded, and most sites are large and fairly level. Those near the creek fill up quickly.

Because of heavy use, fishing in Vallecito Creek within the Wilderness is restricted to artificial flies and lures.

The nearby Lake Eileen Trail leads into the Weminuche Wilderness. The trail passes through aspen forests to the small, shallow lake covered by water lilies in a small depression surrounded by aspen trees.

Facilities

Host on site.

Seven picnic sites are near the campground entrance, along the creek.

Parking for the Vallecito Creek Trail, a major access point for the Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado's largest (no mountain bikes or motorized vehicles allowed), is at the entrance to the campground. Hitching posts and an unloading dock are available for livestock at the trailhead, but overnight horse camping is not allowed.

Map of Area