Rio Grande - Conejos

Located in South-central Colorado, the Rio Grande National Forest has a rich and interesting local history and culture. The area is home to ancient Native American ruins, remnants of the Spanish Conquistadors, and gold rush ghost towns. Ringed by the Sangre de Cristo (Christ's Blood) and San Juan Ranges, this cradle of the mountains is crossed by rapid rivers and dotted with beautiful lakes. Hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers will find numerous trails. Campers come from all over the country in appreciation of the rich natural beauty and intriguing history of this remote corner of our nation's forestlands.

American Land & Leisure runs eight different facilities in the Conejos Ranger District.

Aspen Glade Campground is located 16 miles west of Canon at an altitude of 8500 ft. The campground is situated in a spruce forest along the Conejos River. Campers come here to fish and enjoy the beautiful view of the Conejos Valley. Water and electric hookups are available. Hours are between 20 to 38 hours per week per couple. The campground is open from the end of May to the beginning of September.

Spectacle Lake Campground is located 30 miles from Canon at an altitude of 8700 feet. Set among blue spruce on the Conejos River, this campground has 24 single sites. Campers come here to fish for trout on the river or in nearby Spectacle Lake, or hike to nearby Clear Creek Falls. A hand pump is available for water, and electricity and telephone service are provided. Hours are 7 hours per week per couple during the regular season and 20 hours per week per couple during the peak season. This campground is open from the end of May to the beginning of September.

Conejos Campground is located 30 miles from Canon at an elevation of 8700 feet. Supplies are available 1 mile away at the Rocky Mountain Lodge. The campground is situated in a spruce and fir woods on the Conejos River with views of Conejos Canyon. Campers come here to fish for trout in the river, hike, and enjoy the diverse wildlife and riverside sites. The campground has 17 campsites. There is a hand pump for water and electricity is available. Caring for this campground takes approximately 14 to 30 hours per week per couple. The campground is open from the end of May to the beginning of September.

Elk Creek Campground is located 24 1/2 miles west of Canon at an elevation of 8500 feet. The campground is situated in a blue spruce forest on Elk Creek, near the Conejos River. Campers come here to fish, hunt, and enjoy the wildlife and the beautiful views of Conejos Canyon. The campground has 41 campsites. Water, phone service, and electricity are available. Hours are approximately 20 hours per week per couple in the regular season and 38 hours per week per couple during the peak season. The campground is open from late May to early September.

Lake Fork Campground is located 39 miles from Creede at an elevation of 9500 feet. Situated among spruce trees on the Conejos River, this campground has 19 single sites. Campers come here to fish, hike the trails to Lake Fork and Big Lake (one mile away), hunt, and enjoy the wildlife and spectacular mountain views. The host at this campground is paid extra to haul trash. Water is hauled to this campground by the area manager, as no hookups are available. Hours are 10 to 22 per week per couple. The campground is open from late May to early September.

Mogote Campground is located 15 miles west of Canon at an altitude of 8400 ft. Situated among pine and cottonwood trees on the Conejos River, this campground has 41 single sites and 2 group sites. Campers come here to fish, hike, and enjoy the scenic railroad and local wildlife. Water and electric hookups are available, and there is a phone on site. Hours are 20 to 35 hours per week per couple. The campground is open from late May to early September.

Mix Lake Campground is located 46 miles west of Canon at an elevation of 10,000 feet. Supplies are available 1 mile away in Platuro. Situated among spruce trees above the Conejos River near the Platuro Reservoir and Mix Lake, this campground has 21 sites. Campers come here to fish in the river, lake, and reservoir, and hike to Mix Lake. The hosts at Mix Lake also care for Stunner Campground, 3 Forks Trail, Alamosa Campground, and a picnic area. Pressurized spring water is available. Caring for these facilities takes between 10 to 20 hours a week. The campground is open from late May to early September.

Trujillo Meadows Campground is located 15 miles north of Chama, NM at an elevation of 10,000 feet. Set among conifers near the Trujillo Meadows Reservoir and a beautiful waterfall, this campground has 45 single sites. Campers come here to fish for stocked rainbow trout in the reservoir, swim, fish, boat, and hike on Los Pinos Trail. Water and sewer hookups are available to the hosts. Hours are 20 hours per week per couple during the regular season and 40 hours per week per couple during the peak season. This campground is open from the end of May to the beginning of September.