Vallecito Campground

The Vallecito Campground is one of the most popular places to camp in the San Juan National Forest. There are 80 single-family campsites on four loops to choose from, and most of them are quite large and flat. The campground sits at more than 8,000 feet up in the San Juan Mountains -- the tall shade trees and the peaceful creek running nearby provide a serene ambiance for your stay. Bring your dog along for a fun getaway at Vallecito Campground, but just be sure to keep them leashed and always clean up after them.

Every campsite at Vallecito Campground has a picnic table, campfire ring, a grill, and a few of them have electric hookups for RVs. You can fill up your bottle and your doggo's bowl at one of the drinking water spigots situated throughout the campground. There are seven day-use picnic sites near the entrance to the campground, and campers can reserve these for a fee. If you happen to forget anything, a general store, as well as fuel and groceries, is located less than ten miles away.

Vallecito Creek makes for a prime fishing location for trout, and anglers are required to use artificial flies and lures to protect the local wildlife. A trail runs along the creek, and the trailhead is located at the entrance of the campground. The Vallecito Creek Trail spans nearly 12 miles, and dogs are permitted to join their owners on a leash on this moderately strenuous hike. For even more activities, campers can travel four miles to Vallecito Lake, where they can boat, waterski, fish, and hike.

From September to May, campers are still permitted to use Vallecito Campground, but no services are available, so visitors must pack it in, pack it out. If you require hookups for your RV, be sure to book your spot in advance to make sure you get one of three sites with electricity.