About Ute Campground (CO)
Overview Ute Campground is located on US Hwy 160 across from Chimney Rock National Monument, 15 miles west of Pagosa Springs, 25 miles east of Bayfield, and 18 miles north of Arbolles, just west of the intersection with Colorado 151. Visitors enjoy quick access to Chimney Rock National Monument entrance and a centralized location to USFS trail systems, lake, and stream fishing. Recreation Ute Campground is the only access to Forest Service land on Haystack Mountain. Hiking views of Chimney Rock National Monument. Facilities The campground is shaded with Ponderosa Pines and offers easy access to Highway 160. Sites are spaciously placed and all feature natural areas adjacent to the campsites. 21 sites offer improved primitive camping with picnic tables, fire rings, and some with additional grills. There is a Group Area with a maximum for 32 people featuring a group picnic area and 2 fire rings. There is one potable water station under pressure and two pairs of vault toilets. Maximum stay is 28 days at first come-first serve sites. 12 days maximum stay on reservation sites. Pets allowed, leashing required. No horses or pack animals allowed in the park. Natural Features Ute campground, named for and sharing land with the Southern Ute Nation is located along reservation borders situated at the base of Haystack Mountain facing Chimney Rock National Monument. The terrain is a hilly forest enviroment of Ponderosa pines, Gamble Oak, Rocky Mountain Juniper, Fragrant Sumac and meadows. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420. Nearby Attractions The entrance to Chimney Rock National Monument is only 4 miles away on Colorado 151. It is centrally located between Turkey Springs Trail System and the Devil Mountain - Mule Mountain - Horse Mountain Trail Systems, featuring trails specific to ATV, motorcycle, mountain bike, hiking, horseback riding, along with stream fishing and a natural hot spring on the Piedra River. The Southern Ute Reservation a
How to Get There
Directions from Pagosa Springs, CO: Travel west on U.S. Hwy 160 for 18.0 miles and campground is on north side of the highway.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
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Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Ute Campground (CO)
Heading to Ute Campground (CO)? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Ute Campground (CO)?
No central reservation system listed for Ute Campground (CO). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/235764) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Ute Campground (CO)?
Directions from Pagosa Springs, CO: Travel west on U.S. Hwy 160 for 18.0 miles and campground is on north side of the highway.
How do I contact Ute Campground (CO)?
You can reach the park at phone: 970-264-2268 USFS Pagosa Ranger District or email: rlynd@goexplorus.com.
References & Official Resources
