Mogote
4.5188 reviewsConejos Peak Rd 15571 CR T-5, La Jara, CO, 81140, USA
Mogote
$29.00 - $160.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$29.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$160.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard single campsites cost $29 per night, with additional fees of $2 for weekends or holidays. Group sites range from $90 to $160 per night, also subject to $2 extra for weekends or holidays.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine Conejos River in the heart of Rio Grande National Forest, Mogote Campground offers a tale of two worlds. The lower loop invites you to fall asleep to the gentle murmur of the river, where towering ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral alongside cottonwoods, spruce, willows, and shimmering aspens. Venture to the upper loop and discover a completely different landscape—one where the forest opens up to reveal high desert vistas under an endless Colorado sky. This diverse terrain makes Mogote a perfect basecamp for those seeking both riverside serenity and expansive mountain views.
Mogote Campground supports a mix of camping styles, including standard, group, and tent camping, with an emphasis on natural settings and a lack of modern amenities like electric hookups.
Historical SignificanceYour adventure at Mogote places you at the crossroads of natural beauty and living history. Just a short drive away in the charming town of Antonito, the legendary Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad awaits—a magnificent journey through time aboard America's highest and longest coal-fired, steam-operated narrow-gauge railroad. Watch as vintage locomotives chug through mountain passes and across trestles, carrying the stories of Colorado's mining heritage into the modern day.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of Colorado's high-country climate with sun-drenched days that invite endless exploration, followed by refreshingly cool nights perfect for campfire stories and stargazing. While the riverside location creates an idyllic setting, be prepared for nature's full cast of characters—mosquitoes make their appearance during the warmer months, particularly around the marshy areas near sites 22 and 23. Pack your bug spray and embrace the authentic wilderness experience.
ElevationPerched at 8,400 feet above sea level, Mogote Campground delivers that coveted high-altitude experience Colorado is famous for. The elevation brings naturally air-conditioned days and nights that demand cozy sleeping bags, while the thin mountain air adds an extra sparkle to the stars overhead. Yes, the mosquitoes seem to thrive at this altitude during the warmer months, but the crisp mountain atmosphere and spectacular setting more than compensate for these temporary residents.
Natural Features and SceneryAt 8,400 feet, where the air is crisp and the views are endless, Mogote Campground showcases nature's artistry in two distinct acts. The lower loop presents an intimate forest theater where dense groves of ancient trees frame the sparkling Conejos River—each campsite offering front-row seats to this aquatic symphony. Climb to the upper loop and the curtain rises on a broader stage, where scattered trees allow panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, painting a picture of Colorado's diverse high-country ecosystems.
Geological RegionCarved into the spectacular Conejos River valley at 8,400 feet elevation, Mogote Campground occupies a geological sweet spot in south-central Colorado's Rio Grande National Forest. This remarkable landscape tells the story of millennia—where ancient volcanic activity, patient erosion, and the persistent flow of the Conejos River have sculpted a valley that perfectly balances rugged mountain grandeur with accessible riverside comfort. Here, the forces that shaped the Rocky Mountains continue their work, creating an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAn accessible vault toilet is available in the upper loop. No other specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeSites vary in size; some are described as large and accommodating, particularly for trailers, while others are tighter in the lower loop. "The camping spaces are large with easy pull-through access for most of them."
Sites PrivacyThe lower loop provides more privacy due to the abundance of trees, while the upper loop is open and less shaded, offering less seclusion. "The lower loop had more trees for privacy."
Total Campsites40 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose lower loop sites for privacy and river access. Avoid swampy areas near sites 22 and 23 during mosquito-heavy seasons.
Best CampsitesSite 026 is frequently praised for its proximity to the Conejos River.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in available until check-out time next day.
Check-out
Check-out time the day after scheduled arrival.
Stay Limit
Guests can stay up to 14 nights in any 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Standard sites allow up to 8 guests
- additional fees of $10 per person apply after 6.
Groups
Group sites come in two categories priced at $90 and $160 per night. Maximum capacity and vehicle allowances are unspecified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSplit into two loops: lower loop offers river access and privacy; upper loop is more open.
Open and Closed SeasonOpens May 23, 2025; closes August 31, 2025 for reservations.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov and phone.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-serve sites are available but not guaranteed. Reservation rules prioritize bookings.
Cancellation PolicyAdvance cancellations incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations for standard sites result in forfeiture of the first night’s fees.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
A wide variety of recreational activities are available at Mogote Campground, including fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring nearby attractions such as the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. The Conejos River offers anglers a chance to fish for rainbow and brown trout, while several trails like the Elk Creek Trail allow for immersive hiking experiences.
Hiking
Popular trails include the 15-mile Elk Creek Trail and the 10.9-mile South Fork Conejos Trail. These trails offer opportunities to explore the scenic surroundings.Fishing
The Conejos River is classified as a Gold Medal River, making it ideal for trophy trout fishing. Rainbow and brown trout are the most common catches. "Fishing was really slow and the overgrowth by the river was difficult to get through," one user noted.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include deer, chipmunks, and occasional bears near the river islands. "Occasionally we saw a deer on the other side of the river and a couple fisherman saw a bear come down to fish on one of the river islands."Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires permitted; fire bans apply during dry conditions.
- Quiet hours not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsHeavy mosquito presence noted; swampy areas near sites exacerbate the issue. Remote location lacks cell service, increasing risks during emergencies.
Active alertsNo current alerts.
Weather forecast
57
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Heavy rain
Precipitation: 14.2%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 6.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Very Light Rain - (14.20% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Heavy rain
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest hospital: null; Nearest police station: null; Nearest ranger station: null
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are provided on-site, but some reviewers complain of overflowing dumpsters and trash not being collected in a timely manner. "The dumpsters were overflowing with trash that clearly had not been collected in weeks."
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to the Conejos River, with lower loop sites providing the best proximity.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints about mosquitoes, swampy conditions, and overflowing trash bins during specific periods. Some vault toilets require maintenance.
HostHosts Sam and Jeff are praised for cleanliness, friendliness, and extensive local knowledge.
Campground Map
Conejos Peak Rd 15571 CR T-5, La Jara, CO, 81140, USA
Driving directionsFrom Antonito, Colorado, go west on Highway 17 about 15 miles to the campground access road. Turn right and travel 1/4 mile to the Upper Loop Road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads leading from Highway 17. User reviews mention potholes on the access road leading into the campground, which may require careful navigation.Nearby places
Antonito: 15 miles (approximately 15 minutes)
Alamosa: null
Taos (NM): null
Nearby supplies
A small mercantile 5 minutes from the campground supplies essentials such as fishing licenses (cash only).
Camper Reviews
4.5
88 reviews
Mogote is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Mogote Campground receives a generally positive reception, with an average rating of 4.4. Users praise the natural beauty, cleanliness, and friendly hosts. However, mosquitoes are frequently mentioned as a significant nuisance, especially in the lower loop.
Review Summaries
Based on 88 reviews
What Campers Love
"The lower loop has all the great trees, many sites have amazing river access," noted one user. Another camper shared, "The spacing of sites is very good, mostly quiet, some 'Jake Brake' noise from...
Based on 88 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include heavy mosquito infestations: "Mosquitoes are extremely heavy this time of year," and overflowing trash bins: "The dumpsters were overflowing with trash that clearly had not...
Based on 88 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring mosquito repellent, as mosquitoes are a recurring issue. Campers recommend the lower loop for better river access and privacy. "If you run out of supplies, there is a small and friendly...
Based on 88 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Mosquito activity peaks in summer, making it essential to bring repellents during this time. The campground is quieter in the off-season, and some facilities may be closed later in the season.
Based on 88 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Camp host, Sam, was great, very knowledgeable and friendly." "The bathrooms are very clean and well stocked." "Beautiful and private, but as soon as I stepped out of the car, I was swarmed by...
Based on 88 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Lower loop sites are preferred for their privacy and proximity to the river, while upper loop sites are described as open and less shaded.
Based on 88 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible vault toilets are available, but no additional accessibility features are cited.
Based on 88 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025