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San Juan/Cayton
Overview
Overview
The San Juan/Cayton RV Park, operated by the United States Forest Service, offers a quintessential mountain camping experience for those seeking peace in the San Juan National Forest. Situated in a rugged, high-altitude landscape, this campground serves as a simple, scenic retreat rather than a luxury resort. It is designed for travelers who prefer natural surroundings and quiet evenings over paved amenities and manicured landscapes. The park maintains a rustic charm that highlights the beauty of Colorado's alpine wilderness.
Location & Surroundings
Located near Rico, Colorado, this park sits along the Dolores River at an elevation of approximately 8,800 feet. The setting is deeply atmospheric, characterized by dense pine forests and jagged mountain peaks that dominate the horizon. Visitors will find themselves nestled in a tranquil valley that feels remote despite being accessible via the San Juan Skyway. The cool, crisp mountain air and the constant sound of rushing water define the daily experience for guests staying here.
Amenities & Park Features
As a national forest site, the park prioritizes wilderness access over modern comforts. The facilities are basic, providing primitive camping options that include gravel pads suitable for smaller RVs and tent campers. Guests can expect access to vault toilets and potable water, but there are no utility hookups available on-site. The layout of the sites is spacious, ensuring that visitors retain a sense of privacy while enjoying the unspoiled landscape that surrounds their campsite throughout the season.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The area surrounding Rico is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors often spend their days hiking the numerous trails that branch off into the Weminuche Wilderness or fishing for trout in the nearby Dolores River. The historic town of Rico offers a glimpse into the region's mining history, providing a quiet place to explore local architecture. For those seeking iconic views, the proximity to the San Juan Skyway provides endless opportunities for scenic drives and wildlife photography.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is best suited for self-contained RVers and tent campers who are looking for a true back-to-basics adventure. It is an ideal choice for outdoor lovers, hikers, and photographers who prefer solitude over social amenities. If you value quiet nights, dark star-filled skies, and immediate access to rugged mountain trails, this forest service location will meet your needs perfectly while providing an authentic and memorable high-country experience.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Allen (RV Traveler)
We're in the middle of a three week camping trip through Colorado. With only a couple of days left in the trip, this campground has been the highlight. Beautiful location convenient to Telluride. But the best thing was the Camp Hosts. Dale & Sharon were very nice and cared about the campground. It was immaculate. Dale was always out making sure the place was clean and presentable. Small American Flags were on each site post. Nice touch. Hats off to the Hosts for their dedication. Nice to see such caring folks still exist in this day and time.
Eric N PHX
Campground is Beautiful. The camp hosts take great pride in keeping everything clean and pristine. Will defiantly return in the future. We had site 1 and enjoyed it. Stayed Aug 2025
Jeff Ludy
This campground is so amazing. On the upper loop there is no electricity, but plenty of sun if you’ve got Solar. On the lower loop you got electricity and water and lots of shade. The most important thing is having a great campground host. I can assure you, Dale and Sharon are the very best I’ve ever seen!
Greg D. Lind
Nice CG but in a narrow canyon next to hwy #145 so some hwy noise. Two loops, loop A has 20 sites and is the electric water hookup loop for larger RVs and TTs. Loop B is has 7 sites with several FCFS and has no hookups. CG has vault toilets, dumpster, water spigots and an onsite CG host. Low price on loop B (non electric) would be $13 senior. Note that there is NO cell signal here at least for my TMobile phone. UPDATE 8-2025: fees increased to $30 for nonelectric and $41 for electric sites. Crazy high rates IMHO. Changed to three stars from 4 stars due to excessive fees.
Lisa Tsoupelis
Highly recommend this campground, located right on the river, just 20 minutes from Telluride. There are both electric and non-electric sites, as well as some pull-through sites available. Sharon and Dale, the camp hosts, are amazing. I can not thank them enough for being so helpful and friendly. They are the best camp hosts we have ever met. We hope to see you both next year.