Poso Campground
4.466 reviews46525 State Highway 114, Saguache, CO 81149
Poso Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Single campsites cost $10 per night. All sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, with no reservation options. The Carnero Guard Station cabin nearby is available for rental at $50 per night.
About this campground
Tucked away above the babbling waters of South Fork Creek, Poso Campground offers an authentic backcountry experience in the heart of Rio Grande National Forest. This intimate primitive campground features 8 thoughtfully spaced sites, each equipped with a sturdy picnic table and fire ring where stories are shared under starlit skies. While you won't find running water here, clean vault toilets provide necessary amenities for those seeking a genuine wilderness escape. Adventure beckons from every direction – whether you're grinding up mountain bike trails, casting a line into pristine waters, exploring rugged OHV routes, or simply cruising scenic forest roads that wind through this spectacular high-country landscape.
Poso Campground offers primitive camping facilities with limited amenities. It is a first-come, first-serve site that cannot be reserved in advance.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this specific site remains quietly tucked away in the forest's memory, the surrounding Rio Grande National Forest holds countless untold stories of early settlers, miners, and indigenous peoples who once traversed these mountain passes.
Weather and SeasonsThe mountain weather at Poso Campground tells a tale of dramatic seasonal transformation. Winter arrives with a vengeance, blanketing the landscape in deep snow and bringing bone-chilling temperatures that test even the hardiest souls. But as spring melts into summer, the campground awakens to warm, dry days filled with endless sunshine and cool, crisp nights perfect for campfire gatherings. These precious summer months offer long, golden evenings that seem to stretch forever, inviting you to squeeze every last moment from your mountain adventure.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 9,100 feet above sea level, Poso Campground sits in Colorado's thin-air territory where the sky feels closer and every breath reminds you of the altitude. This lofty elevation brings crisp, cool temperatures even on summer days and transforms simple hikes into heart-pumping adventures. The high altitude creates a unique environment where afternoon thunderstorms build dramatically and morning frost can kiss the ground even in July.
Natural Features and SceneryA living cathedral of towering spruce and shimmering aspen groves embraces Poso Campground, creating an ever-changing tapestry of color and light. In autumn, the aspens burst into flames of gold that dance in the mountain breeze, while the steadfast spruce stand sentinel year-round. Sweeping high meadows stretch beyond the treeline, painted with wildflowers in summer and offering glimpses of distant peaks. South Fork Creek whispers its ancient song nearby, while a network of trails beckons explorers to discover hidden corners of this Colorado wilderness paradise.
Geological RegionPoso Campground rests in the geological wonderland of the Rio Grande National Forest, where South Fork Creek has carved its path through millennia of mountain building. The landscape tells a story written in stone and stream – high-altitude terrain sculpted by ice ages, volcanic activity, and relentless erosion. Surrounded by a mixed forest of spruce and aspen that clings to steep mountainsides, the area showcases the raw beauty of Colorado's continental divide region. Mountain biking trails wind through this rugged topography, revealing the dynamic forces that continue to shape these ancient peaks.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for the campground. Vault toilets are not wheelchair-friendly.
Sites SizeSites are rocky, with parking aprons consisting of grass and gravel. Maximum trailer length is 25 feet.
Sites PrivacyReviews vary on privacy; one noted that sites 'are way too close together,' while others appreciated the quiet environment.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBack-in sites may provide more privacy compared to pull-through sites, as noted in user reviews.
Best CampsitesNo specific sites identified as best, but pull-through and back-in sites are available.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights permitted.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limitations not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampground is situated on a hillside above the creek. Sites are rocky and feature picnic tables and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from mid-May to mid-November. Services provided from May 20 through November 24.
Reservation PlatformsReservations for Carnero Guard Station cabin can be made via www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-serve. Users report arriving on Sundays and having the campground to themselves for extended periods.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellations as reservations are not possible.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Campers can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing in nearby streams, mountain biking on forest roads, and exploring Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) trails. While some reviews mention limited hiking opportunities, others highlight nearby trails and scenic spots.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are mentioned but appear to be limited directly from the campground. Nearby routes include Coolbroth Canyon, La Garita Trail, and Geronimo Creek Trail. Some users noted disappointment with the hiking access, while others enjoyed the trails.Fishing
Fishing is a favorite activity with opportunities to catch Brook and Cutthroat trout (catch-and-release). Area streams include Carnero Creek and South Fork Carnero Creek.Biking
The campground serves as a starting point for mountain biking on forest roads. One user mentioned biking to the top of a pass and back on a 'very good dirt road with hardly any vehicles.'Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned, though seasonal access may be restricted due to snow.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires permitted only in designated rings. Fires must be completely extinguished before departure.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity is a potential hazard; safe food storage techniques are advised. Sites are rocky, making tent setup challenging.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Moderate rain showers
Precipitation: 4.3%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 80%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Very Light Rain - (4.30% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Moderate rain showers
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
Closest emergency services are provided by the Saguache Ranger District, located at 46525 State Highway 114 Saguache, CO 81149. Additional medical or police assistance can be sought in nearby Saguache (~15 miles).
Good to know
Peak season datesTypically mid-May to mid-November.
Trash and recyclingPack-in and pack-out policy is enforced. There are no trash and recycling facilities on-site.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground lies near South Fork Creek, Carnero Creek, and Poso Creek.
Common complaints"Sites are wayyyyyy too close together" - Big 'TRUTH' Wes. "Minimal access to the water" and "sooo much traffic on a very small road."
HostNo campground host information provided.
Campground Map
46525 State Highway 114, Saguache, CO 81149
Driving directionsFrom Monte Vista, Colorado: From U.S. Highway 285, take the La Garita turnoff (County Road G) and follow the paved road 6.0 miles west where the road forks. Take the right fork, the gravel surface Carnero Creek Road (Forest Road 690/County Road 41G) 10.0 miles northwest to Forest Road 675. Take Road #675 west 1.5 miles to Poso Campground. NOTE: County Road 41G becomes dirt and narrows to single-lane with turnouts after entering the National Forest.
Travel may be restricted by snow and seasonal road closures from March 15th until May 15th. County Road 41G becomes dirt and narrows to single-lane with turnouts after entering the National Forest.Nearby places
Monte Vista (~16 miles), La Garita (~6 miles), Alamosa (~45 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries are available at the La Garita Trading Post (~6 miles away). No potable water is available at the campground, so it is recommended to purify water from nearby streams.
Camper Reviews
4.5
6 reviews
Poso Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Poso Campground vary, with some campers praising its quiet, scenic setting and access to outdoor activities, while others cite drawbacks such as site proximity and limited amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the 'clean bathrooms,' 'quiet' setting, and recreational opportunities such as biking and fishing. One reviewer described it as a 'little slice of heaven.'
Based on 6 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common issues include sites being 'way too close together,' limited hiking and water access, and the rocky terrain making tent pitching challenging.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water and plan for a pack-in, pack-out experience. Consider visiting in the off-season for more solitude.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Visitors during the summer months often report solitude and minimal traffic, while others have noted increased road activity and accessibility issues at other times.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Awesome campground. $5 buck and had clean bathrooms.' - Anthony H.
2. 'Access to ATV trails right from the campground to some amazing high meadows with aspens and views galore!' - Mayra...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews beyond general comments about site proximity and layout.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not specifically mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but dogs must be leashed. No additional feedback on pet experiences.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025