Campgrounds
View a map of the Forest with the location of each campground designated by a number.
The key to the maps has information in tabular format about each campground: location, elevation, number and kinds of sites, miles to services, etc.
Refer to our campgrounds-status list for information about whether they are open or closed, cost, and available services.
Campground Reservations
Two of our campgrounds have campsites reservable for families: McPhee and House Creek Campgrounds, both on the Dolores Ranger District.
Four campgrounds offer reservable group sites: the Florida Campground Group Area and Chris Park Group Campground (on the Columbine RD) and the McPhee Campground Group Area, and House Creek Campground Group Area, on the Dolores RD.
To reserve sites at these locations, call ReserveAmerica toll free at (877) 444-6777; TDD, (877) 833-6777; fax (518) 884-7424; or go to www.reserveamerica.com.
This popular area in the Weminuche Wilderness contains three "14'ers" but has restrictions on camping and campfires.
Seventeen miles west of Pagosa Springs, this ancient pueblo is open May 15—September 30, with four guided tours daily. Motor vehicle access with tours only.
For $3 for one year or $12 for five years, this card covers costs incurred by search-and-rescue teams helping those caught in emergency situations in the backcountry. It is available from us by mail order at (970) 247-4874 and from stores throughout Colorado.
A current Colorado hunting or fishing license, or boat, snowmobile, or ATV registration, covers the same costs.
The Recreation Facilities Analysis Proposed Plan of Work for the San Juan National Forest is now available.
The USDA Forest Service, San Juan National Forest in Colorado is pleased to announce the availability of a prospectus for a 5+5 year special use permit, for the operation and maintenance of Government-owned campgrounds and day use recreation sites located on the Dolores, Columbine and Pagosa Ranger Districts. Weed-Free Forage
[PDF 2 pages, 26 KB]
Useful information whether or not you visit this particular area.
[PDF, 2 pages, 96 KB]
The Piedra Area was designated by Congress as an area to be managed to maintain its presently-existing wilderness character and potential for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Use this guide to plan your trip.
[PDF, 2 pages, 50 KB]
The South San Juan Wilderness encompasses the eastern extent of the San Juan Mountain Range, including a segment of the Continental Divide. Originally designated as Wilderness by Congress in 1980, it is a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The information within this handout will assist you as you prepare for your trip.
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Don't Invite a Bear to Dinner: Bear Safety Regulations on the San Juan NF
[PDF file, 2 pages, 32 KB]
Fall Colors
The leaves are gone for 2008. Look here again fall 2009 for the local Fall Color Report.
Rocky Mountain Region Fall Color Report
Hunting
Three documents that hunters will find useful:
- General Hunting Information 2008[PDF, 10 pages, 286 KB]: location and dates staffed of local hunting-information booth, deer/elk season dates, game-processing businesses, hunter safety classes, horse use, weed-free-hay sources and new regulations, Leave No Trace tips, and more.
- Hunting Public Land 2008 [PDF, 2 pages, 186 KB]: camping, fires and wood, sanitation, outfitter-guides, Colorado Hiking Certificate, OHV use, firearms regulations, maps, important phone numbers, etc.
- The Ins and Outs of ATV Use on the San Juan Public Lands, or How to Read the San Juan National Forest Visitor Map. And how to operate your ATV legally.
Jersey Jim
Fire Lookout Tower Rental
The Jersey Jim Lookout Tower [PDF, 6 pages, 830 KB] can be rented for one- or two-night stays from late May to mid October, weather permitting. The current rental rate is $40 per night. Rental fees are used to maintain the facility. Additional contributions are welcomed. Reservations can be made by calling (970) 533-7060 between 1 – 5 p.m. Mountain Standard Time, starting the first business day of each March (callers are advised to be aggressive in their dialing - the entire season is often booked in a couple of days that week).
1938 Lookout cookbook [PDF, 49 pages, 84 KB]
We have several kinds of maps with information on attractions, facilities, services, trails, etc. Our brochures cover local recreation, wildlife, fire safety, and other information. Call (970) 247-4874 for details.
CDOW Habitat Stamp
The Colorado Division of Wildlife requires individuals to possess a habitat stamp to use Colorado State Wildlife Areas. Some of these areas share property boundaries with the San Juan National Forest. Areas affected are: Perins Peak, Williams Creek Reservoir, Joe Moore Reservoir, Haviland Lake, and Andrews Lake. For more information go to the CDOW website (You will be leaving the San Juan NF website.)
Cross Country Skiing
Chicken Creek Nordic Ski Area Web Site (You will be leaving the San Juan NF website.)
Chicken Creek grooming report (You will be leaving the San Juan NF website.)
Chicken Creek Map |