Blanco River Group Campground
4.4212 reviewsForest Service Road 656, San Juan NF, CO, USA
Blanco River Group Campground
$140.00 - $140.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$140.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group campsite fee is $140 per night during peak season.
About this campground
Tucked away in the tranquil wilderness just 15 miles southeast of Pagosa Springs, Blanco River Group Campground offers an intimate escape where the gentle murmur of the river sets the rhythm for unforgettable gatherings. This hidden gem provides generous, shaded spaces perfect for family reunions and group adventures, where privacy meets the pristine beauty of Colorado's backcountry. Here, the outside world fades away, replaced by the simple pleasures of campfire stories and starlit nights along the banks of the Blanco River.
The campground comprises a single reservable group site that includes several individual campsites. It is suitable for both tent and RV camping.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this specific campground remains unwritten, the land whispers ancient stories through its towering pines and flowing waters, inviting modern adventurers to create their own legacy of memories.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Colorado's mountain climate at Blanco River, where each season paints the landscape in different hues. Winter brings crisp, clear skies and peaceful solitude, though temperatures demand warm layers and cozy sleeping bags. As spring melts into summer, the campground truly comes alive from May through September, when warm days are tempered by the cooling shade of towering trees and gentle river breezes create perfect conditions for outdoor living.
ElevationNestled in the heart of the San Juan National Forest, this riverside retreat offers the perfect balance of mountain atmosphere without extreme altitude challenges.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Blanco River serves as the campground's centerpiece, its crystal-clear waters winding through a lush tapestry of towering ponderosa pines and rustling cottonwoods. Emerald meadows stretch beyond the treeline, creating natural gathering spaces where wildflowers dance in summer breezes. The generous canopy overhead filters sunlight into dappled patterns, providing welcome shade during warm afternoons while framing glimpses of Colorado's endless blue skies.
Geological RegionEmbraced by the majestic San Juan National Forest, Blanco River Group Campground rests on gentle, level terrain carved by centuries of river flow. This riparian paradise showcases nature's perfect balance, where ancient ponderosa pines stand sentinel alongside graceful cottonwoods, their roots drinking from the life-giving river. The surrounding meadows tell the story of a landscape shaped by water and time, creating an accessible yet authentically wild camping experience.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly outlined in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe group site provides ample space, accommodating both large RVs and tents. User reviews highlight its suitability for large groups and spacious layout.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as private and secluded, with some reviewers emphasizing its quiet atmosphere. However, occasional public access to the river and visits by the camp host have been noted.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviewers suggest bringing your own water, volleyball net, horseshoes, and frisbee discs for onsite recreational activities.
Best CampsitesCampsite 001 within Loop A is highly recommended for its privacy and spaciousness.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 12:00 noon.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 noon.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Entire campground is reserved as one group site, accommodating multiple guests.
Groups
The group site includes several single campsites that must be reserved together. It is designed to accommodate large groups with sufficient parking spurs for RVs and ample tent space.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutDesigned as one group site composed of several single campsites. There are three picnic areas with large tables, vault toilets, and drinking water.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 2 to September 27 during peak season. Closed outside these dates.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot available; campground must be reserved as a group site only.
Cancellation PolicyGroup facility cancellations made less than 14 days before arrival incur a $10 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. No-shows are charged a $20 fee. Refund requests must be made within 7 calendar days after the end of the reservation.
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
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities include fishing in the Blanco River, hiking on nearby trails, camping, and recreational games such as volleyball, horseshoes, and frisbee golf within the site. Anglers target stocked trout in the lightly fished waters. User reviews praise the river's accessibility for wading and its scenic surroundings.
Hiking
Three nearby trails provide access to a roadless area east of the campground. Notable trails include the Navajo Peak Trail, V-Rock Trail, and Leche Creek Trail. These trails are accessible via Buckles Lake Road and Blanco Basin Road.Fishing
Fishing is described as 'good' along the Blanco River, with anglers casting for stocked trout. Some reviewers mentioned the river being close and enjoyable for children to wade in.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not detailed in the authoritative sources or user reviews.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are not mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Adherence to 'Don't Move Firewood' initiative to prevent tree-killing organisms.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsWarnings include the unpleasant taste of drinking water, which visitors are advised to supplement with their own supplies. Wildlife hazards are not explicitly stated.
Active alertsNull
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Slight rain
Precipitation: 2%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 49%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Very Light Rain - (2.00% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Slight 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
Pagosa Springs Fire Protection District (~15 miles away); medical facilities in Pagosa Springs also provide emergency healthcare.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 2, 2025 - September 27, 2025; June 5, 2026 - September 19, 2026.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresCampground is adjacent to Blanco River, offering fishing opportunities; however, river banks are overgrown, limiting accessibility.
Common complaintsComplaints about host interference, maintenance interruptions during stays, and locked gates during expected arrivals are noted in user reviews.
HostMixed reviews regarding host Bob's performance, ranging from helpfulness to complaints of over-involvement.
Campground Map
Forest Service Road 656, San Juan NF, CO, USA
Driving directionsFrom Pagosa Springs, Colorado, travel 13 miles south on Highway 84, then turn east on Forest Road 656 for approximately two miles.
The road leading to the Blanco River Group Campground is Forest Road 656, accessible from Highway 84. Reviews suggest difficulties for larger vehicles turning around on this road, which requires precise navigation. 'Do not use GPS as you will not end up in the right place' warns one user review, emphasizing reliance on the 'Blanco River Access Road' signs. Seasonal weather conditions may impact road usability.Nearby places
Pagosa Springs: ~15 miles (~20 minutes)
Chama, NM: distance unspecified.
Nearby supplies
Pagosa Springs (~15 miles away) offers access to groceries, fuel, and camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Blanco River Group Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, with an average sentiment score of 4.36 for general experiences and 4.5 specifically for camping. Visitors praise the privacy, spaciousness, and cleanliness of the site as well as the scenic river and activities like wading and fishing. Some complaints include the camp host being too intrusive, maintenance activities during stays, and unclear directions.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Common positive themes include spacious campsites, privacy, cleanliness, easy river access, and suitability for large groups. The quietness and beauty of the surroundings are frequently mentioned.
Based on 12 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include camp host intrusions, unclear directions to the site, maintenance activities during guest stays, and limited signage.
Based on 12 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own volleyball net, ball, horseshoes, and frisbee golf discs for recreational activities. Prepare for manual pumping of water and bring alternate drinking water if needed. Follow the...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months are favored for the warm environment and accessible activities, but some visitors noted the heat and public access to the river. Winter trends are not discussed.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Quotes
'There is a little river that the kids love to wade in. Luckily the river is very close to the campground.' - Naia Reeder; 'Our favorite campground so far. Lot of space, the river right next to it,...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 001 in Loop A received mixed reviews. Users praised its privacy and beauty but noted issues with the camp host and maintenance timing. It's described as spacious and quiet.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility for individuals with disabilities are available.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and user reviews describe positive experiences with bringing dogs to the site. However, one review mentioned the host complaining about pets near their site.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025