How much does camping cost at Cayton Campground?

Camping fees at Cayton Campground range from $30-$41/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cayton Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cayton Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cayton Campground before I book?

Yes! Cayton Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cayton Campground?

Cayton Campground is open May 16 - September 27 annually.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cayton Campground?

Cayton Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Cayton Campground have?

Cayton Campground has 27 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cayton Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cayton Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cayton Campground?

Cayton Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cayton Campground?

Popular activities at Cayton Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cayton Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cayton Campground?

Fire policies at Cayton Campground: Campfires permitted within designated fire rings. Firewood should be sourced locally to prevent pest spread.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.45

210 reviews

San Juan NF, Rico, CO, USA

Fishing

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

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Quick Facts

9,400 ft

Price

$30 - $41/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

9,400 ft

Price

$30 - $41/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Cayton Campground

$30.00 - $41.00 / night

Campsite Fees

During peak season (May 16 - September 27), standard electric campsites cost $41 per night, while standard nonelectric sites are priced at $30 per...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$41.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

(661) 702-1420mandy@rockymountainrec.com

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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 210 reviews

52 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerycleanspaciouslocation

Some mention

noise

"Cayton Campground is highly rated for its scenic location, clean facilities, and helpful hosts. Visitors appreciate the proximity to the Dolores River and nearby trails. Some users noted issues with the campground host's behavior and occasional maintenance lapses, such as locked dump stations or empty trash receptacles."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

San Juan NF, Rico, CO, USA

Cayton Campground

San Juan NF, Rico, CO, USA

Nearby places

Rico (6 miles, 10 minutes), Telluride (30 miles, 30 minutes), Mountain Village (approximately 28 miles, 28 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping supplies are available in Rico, CO (6 miles away). Larger supply options exist in Telluride, about 30 miles away. Fuel stations are available in both cities.

Driving directionsFrom Rico, travel northeast on Colorado Highway 145 for 6 miles. Turn right (east) on Forest Road 578 (Barlow Creek Road). The campground entrance is a half-mile further.

The campground is located along the San Juan Skyway (Colorado Highway 145), which is a paved and well-maintained road. The access road (Forest Road 578) is described as in good condition, but users should exercise caution when traveling with trailers as it includes a narrow bridge. Seasonal closures can occur during winter months.

Best Time to Camp at Cayton Campground

Summer is the most reliable window here. Daytime highs reach 65–75°F, nights drop into the 30s and 40s. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly. Trails, river fishing, and mountain biking hit their stride after snowmelt. Wildflowers peak mid-summer. The campground can get moderately busy during the reservation season, with a brief first-come window in late June. Snow and freezing temperatures close access in winter. Mosquitoes are common, especially near the river.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Aspen groves turn gold; fall color and cooler temps make it appealing though season shortens.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 16 - September 27 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations May 16 - September 27 each year. First-come, first-served availability operates June 21 - June 25 annually.
Current Alerts: Some reviews report closures without notice. Travelers should confirm operational status before arrival.

About Cayton Campground

Cayton Campground sits at 9,400 feet along the Dolores River in San Juan National Forest, six miles from Rico on the San Juan Skyway. The campground has 27 sites across two loops, with 18 electric hookups available. Fees run $30–$41 per night, and reservations cover most of the season (May 16–September 27). Cell service doesn't exist here. The nearest signal is back in Rico.

Cayton Campground accommodates tent camping, RVs, and group camping. It features 27 single-family campsites, including options with and without electric hookups.

Historical Significance

The Rico-Silverton Trail runs through the surrounding peaks, a remnant of the mining era when prospectors hauled silver and gold through these mountains. The area preserves traces of pack trains and settlements from Colorado's mining frontier, though the campground itself focuses more on recreation than historic structures.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the most reliable window here. Daytime highs reach 65–75°F, nights drop into the 30s and 40s. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly. Trails, river fishing, and mountain biking hit their stride after snowmelt. Wildflowers peak mid-summer. The campground can get moderately busy during the reservation season, with a brief first-come window in late June. Snow and freezing temperatures close access in winter. Mosquitoes are common, especially near the river.

ElevationLife at 9,400 feet offers a genuine high-altitude adventure where the air is crisp, the stars seem close enough to touch, and every breath reminds you that you're camping more than a mile and a half above sea level. Visitors should allow time to acclimate to the thinner air, staying hydrated and taking it easy on the first day. The reward for this adjustment is access to spectacular alpine terrain, cooler temperatures even in mid-summer, and the invigorating feeling of camping among the clouds.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a valley carved by the Dolores River, with fir and aspen groves rising toward jagged peaks that top 14,000 feet. The river runs through camp, audible from most sites. At this elevation, wildflower meadows open up between stands of conifers in summer. Aspen groves turn gold in fall. The terrain shows the geology of old volcanic activity and glacial carving. Views stretch toward multiple high summits, with Lizard Head and the approaches to Telluride visible from the area.

Geological RegionNestled within the vast San Juan National Forest, Cayton Campground occupies one of Colorado's most geologically dramatic landscapes. This rugged terrain showcases the raw power of ancient volcanic activity and glacial carving that sculpted the towering peaks and verdant valleys. The campground's position along the famous San Juan Skyway scenic byway offers front-row seats to some of North America's most spectacular mountain vistas, where jagged summits soar above 14,000 feet and pristine alpine meadows stretch between forests of fir and quaking aspen, all sustained by the life-giving waters of the Dolores River.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 11:00 AM.

Check-out

Check-out is required by 11:00 AM.

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Individual campsites typically accommodate parties of up to 8 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTwo loops split the campground. Loop A holds 20 sites, most with electric hookups. Loop B has 7 non-hookup sites. Spacing varies, but several sites offer decent separation. Highway noise reaches some sites. The dump station and vault toilets are clean, though occasional maintenance lapses happen.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via the app. Phone reservations available through the contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability for select sites from June 21 - June 25.

Cancellation PolicyIndividual reservations can be canceled up to 2 days before the start date for a $10 fee. Late cancellations incur an additional fee of the first night's use plus $10. No-shows are assessed $20 and forfeit the first night's rate.

AccessibilitySites 5, 6, 10, and 25 meet established accessibility standards.

Site SizeSites are generally spacious, with some being large enough to accommodate 35' motorhomes.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site, but several users noted good spacing between sites. Some sites are 30-50 feet apart, providing a sense of solitude.

Total Campsites27 campsites

Recommended SitesLoop A sites are preferred for proximity to the river and electrical hookups. Site 1 offers solitude, while sites 11, 13, and 20 provide water sounds and scenic views.

Need help booking Cayton Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Cayton Campground offers diverse recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and biking. The Dolores River is a highlight for fishing enthusiasts, with rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout commonly found. Nearby trails provide excellent hiking opportunities, with the Colorado Trail and Lizard Head Pass offering scenic views of 14,000-foot peaks. The area is also suitable for biking, particularly along Bolam Pass.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRisks include encounters with wildlife such as bears, mosquitoes during summer, and high-altitude sickness.

Active AlertsSome reviews report closures without notice. Travelers should confirm operational status before arrival.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted within designated fire rings. Firewood should be sourced locally to prevent pest spread.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are in Rico, CO, approximately 6 miles away, which includes police and basic medical facilities. For more extensive services, Telluride provides more comprehensive healthcare options.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground provides trash and recycling facilities, but one user mentioned that the garbage receptacle can be difficult to open, sometimes leading to trash being left on top.

Water FeaturesLocated directly next to the Dolores River, offering fishing for trout species. River sounds can be heard from adjacent campsites.

Camp HostCampground hosts are available and described as friendly, although some reviews mention inconsistent availability.

Weather at Cayton Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

210 reviews

Recommended

Cayton Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Cayton Campground is highly rated for its scenic location, clean facilities, and helpful hosts. Visitors appreciate the proximity to the Dolores River and nearby trails. Some users noted issues with the campground host's behavior and occasional maintenance lapses, such as locked dump stations or empty trash receptacles.

Review Summaries

Based on 210 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is praised for its clean vault toilets, spacious sites, and serene environment. Many users highlight the location along the Dolores River and the beautiful surrounding scenery. The...

Based on 210 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include occasional unavailability of the dump station, difficulties reaching the host, and road noise from nearby Highway 145. Some users had issues with the host's demeanor, describing...

Based on 210 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend booking sites along the river for a more scenic experience. They also advise arriving early during the busy summer season and bringing extra supplies due to the remote location. A...

Based on 210 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are the most popular, with visitors enjoying fishing, hiking, and the cool mountain temperatures. However, the campground can become crowded and dusty during dry conditions.

Based on 210 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Even the pit toilets have zero smell and are perfectly maintained!' 2. 'The hosts were super nice! No Verizon cell signal, but that was actually a plus!' 3. 'Beautiful site! Hosts were a great...

Based on 210 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 11 is highly praised for its proximity to the river, offering a peaceful ambiance. Site 13 is recommended for its river access and privacy. Loop A offers electric hookups and is closer to the...

Based on 210 reviews

Accessibility Features

Sites 5, 6, 10, and 25 meet established accessibility standards. Several users noted that the hosts were helpful in accommodating special needs.

Based on 210 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground, and users generally had positive experiences bringing their pets. However, specific pet-related amenities or restrictions were not discussed in detail.

Based on 210 reviews

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Last updated April 3, 2026

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