Camping & Backpacking
Camping and backpacking options are abundant in Pagosa Country, with over 3 million acres of surrounding national forest and wilderness areas. You'll find campgrounds and RV parks, a hut system and a variety of trails located throughout.
Backpacking in Pagosa's surrounding 3 million acres of national forest and wilderness areas provides nearly endless opportunities. Backpackers will discover immediate solitude, amazing scenery and endless trails - and with a Hut System in place, there's a variety of backcountry experiences to discover. Guided backpacking trips are also available.
For more information on camping and backpacking, contact the Pagosa Ranger District:
Pagosa Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest
180 Second Street
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Campgrounds
Lake Capote
The Lake Capote Recreation Area is open for fishing, boating, day-use, and overnight camping (tent sites and RV hookups). During the 24/7 schedule (early March – end of October) visitors are welcome at any time and the lake’s staff are typically on duty for check-in and bait shop sales between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Fishing is allowed from sunrise until sunset and a self check-in station is available for visitors arriving either before or after personnel hours. RVs and campers may also check-in and buy permits at the self-permitting station.
Pagosa Riverside Campground
This people friendly campground is located at 7200' elevation on the banks of the San Juan River with mountain views and 1200' of private access to excellent trout fishing. Quiet, convenient off-highway location with cool evenings. The private pond has campsites snuggling its bank and free fishing for kids of all ages. Be sure to try the paddle boats for a fun time on the pond.
FREE WI-FI THROUGHOUT THE PARK.
We are open from April 15th to November 15th (depending on Hunt dates) - Reservations start February 1 for each season. Holidays tend to fill fast so please call early to book your dates.
Bruce Spruce Ranch
Come and experience the majestic mountain views and charming, rustic log cabins. Come and fish our clean ponds chock full of trout. Ride horses, hike through the beautiful San Juan mountains, or just relax on a porch swing and soak in the breathtaking wonders around you.
Navajo Lake Resort RV Park
Navajo Lake Resort is the only full service RV park and campground with full hook-ups near the shores of Navajo Lake in Colorado.
The Last Resort RV & Campground
The Last Resort is a small and comfortable RV Park on the Blanco River off Highway 84 between Chama, New Mexico and Pagosa Springs, Colorado. We have 14 full hook-up sites with 110, 30 and 50 amp electric, water and sewer. Partial sites are available along the river with 110 electric and water only. Our Bathhouse has a full kitchen with stove, sink, and microwave; men's and women's separate shower/restroom; and coin operated washer and dryer. Enjoy horseshoes, volleyball, floating the river or just relax in a shaded hammock. Pets welcome, free wifi.
Located off Highway 84, a few miles outside of town.
Plumtaw - Piedra Loop - Williams Creek Reservoir
This route takes you past amazing vistas, Deb’s Historic Schoolhouse, and
multiple trailheads. From Hwy 160, turn north at Lewis street and take the
immediate left fork in the road. At about 1/4 mile take the right fork and follow
Fourmile road (CR 400 which becomes FS 645) about 8 miles. Take the left fork and follow Plumtaw Road (FS 634) about 20 miles. Where Plumtaw Road descends to the Piedra Road, you can continue your trip in two directions
Turn right to the Piedra River Trail and continue to Williams Creek Reservoir, a scenic high mountain reservoir with great fishing, hiking and camping. Turn left and you will continue back to Pagosa. The roads are suitable for all vehicles. (35-60 mi. round trip)
Navajo State Park
Navajo State Park is Colorado's Answer to Lake Powell. Navajo Reservoir Extends for 20 miles South into New Mexico.
Boaters and campers enjoy the park year-round. Sailors, house boaters and other power boaters cruise some of the 15,000 surface-acres of the giant reservoir. Daily and seasonal slip and mooring ball rentals, boat rentals and gasoline for boats are available at the park’s Two Rivers Marina.
Navajo features 138 campsites; most sites are open year-round. Fishing enthusiasts catch crappie, large-mouth and small-mouth bass, northern pike, trout, bluegill and catfish in the reservoir.
Backpacking
Guides
Ski and Bow Rack
Ski & Bow Rack is your source for top of the line ski merchandise, gear, and apparel in Southwest Colorado. Our family-friendly store has been serving southwest Colorado since 1985.
Our pro shop is second to none for equipment rentals and tuning, with qualified on-site ski technicians who specialize in getting you up on the mountain fast, so you can enjoy an exhilarating day on the slopes in comfort and style.
We offer the area's best guided fly-fishing trips, fishing gear, camping supplies, and archery equipment, as well as an indoor range. Come in and enjoy exceptional customer service, expert advice, and friendly, small-town hospitality.
Wilderness Journeys Pagosa
Wilderness Journeys Pagosa, Inc. specializes in giving you a taste of beautiful Southern Colorado and surrounding regions. Whether you enjoy history, water, fishing, or just plain being in the great outdoors, we have the adventure for you! Historic train tours, Native American site tours, Scenic history/wildlife tours, Rafting, Fishing and so much more. We have guides who care about our beautiful area and it shows! Family owned and operated.
Supplies
Footprints
Located in downtown Pagosa Springs, CO, Foot Prints is your #1 source for long-lasting, quality footwear from esteemed brands like Keen, Merrell, and Dansko.
Foot Prints opened in August 2015 and is located on the downtown strip of Pagosa Springs. Since then, Bruce and Karen have been serving the community of Pagosa Springs with top-notch customer service, working hard everyday to provide customers with the best products at the right prices. The couple cares about Pagosa, and looks forward to greeting you with a smile during your next visit.
Goodman's Department Store
Serving visitors and locals alike for 5 generations and more than 100 years!
Our historic department store is located at the corner of 4th and Main Street (also known as Pagosa Street) in the heart of downtown Pagosa Springs, Colorado. We were founded in 1899, and are still family-owned and operated five generations later!
We invite you to discover our Western hospitality and large selection of clothing, boots, accessories and home decor! Stop in and say hello!
Ski and Bow Rack
Ski & Bow Rack is your source for top of the line ski merchandise, gear, and apparel in Southwest Colorado. Our family-friendly store has been serving southwest Colorado since 1985.
Our pro shop is second to none for equipment rentals and tuning, with qualified on-site ski technicians who specialize in getting you up on the mountain fast, so you can enjoy an exhilarating day on the slopes in comfort and style.
We offer the area's best guided fly-fishing trips, fishing gear, camping supplies, and archery equipment, as well as an indoor range. Come in and enjoy exceptional customer service, expert advice, and friendly, small-town hospitality.
Summit Ski & Sports
We are a full service ski & snowboard rental shop. Our services include sport and demo rentals, snowshoes, cross country skis, hot waxing, tunes, and other repairs. Our customers can purchase clothing and accessories for protection from the elements or take home a souvenir Wolf Creek Colorado t-shirt or sweatshirt. In the summer we carry a variety of outdoor clothing and footwear including flip flops and river shoes. We are a disc golf info center providing discs for rent or purchase--stop by and pick up a map of the Reservoir Hill course. When the river is flowing around 400cfs we also rent river tubes to float down the San Juan River.
Terry's Colorado Home Supply - Ace Hardware
Terry’s Colorado Home Supply & Ace Hardware is a member of the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the industry. Ace Hardware Coop started as a small chain in 1924 and now has over 4,600 stores.
This Ace Hardware was opened in 2005. When Ace talks about the “Most Helpful Hardware” store, Terry’s is a shining example. We are committed to helping our customers fulfill their needs with us, or sending them in the right direction. Terry’s Colorado Home Supply is located on the west side of Pagosa Springs, CO, they call it uptown. We, however, serve the entire county and beyond with great service and delivery.
Rocky Mountain Knives
Top quality knives from top quality brands. Shop with us for a variety of knives. We carry an assortment from ornamental to basic work knives.
Pagosa Mountain Sports - Downtown
Pagosa Mountain Sports is a bike, SUP & outdoor store located in beautiful downtown Pagosa Springs, Colorado. We offer clothing, equipment, and services to support whatever your outdoor adventures may entail. Whether it’s biking, stand up paddling, cross country skiing or just playing in the outdoors that gets you excited, we have the gear, knowledge and experience to help you enjoy it to the fullest!
With National Forest, State Parks and Wilderness surrounding the town, miles and miles of trails and waterways are just waiting to be explored. Come by and we will point you to just the right place for some sweet wilderness relief!
Pagosa Camper Van Rental
The coolest way to camp, EVER. Great minivan chassis that you can park anywhere, great RV gas mileage, Sleeps 2 inside the van with roll down (surround) curtains & there is a motorized penthouse with exterior ladder that sleeps 2 more on a memory foam mattress. Just raise the tailgate and you have a great camp kitchen with sink, optional cooking supplies, refrigerator, butane stoves (2) included, fold out prep table. There are USB ports & LED lighting throughout both levels and the features are loaded.