Graham Creek Campground
4.6283 reviewsSAN JUAN NF
Graham Creek Campground
$32.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$32.00
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
Peak season rate for standard nonelectric sites is $32.00 per night. Displayed rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Perched high above the shimmering waters of Vallecito Lake, Graham Creek Campground beckons adventurers to experience the raw beauty of southwestern Colorado's San Juan National Forest. This mountain retreat seamlessly blends breathtaking scenery with endless recreational opportunities, from casting a line into pristine waters to exploring rugged hiking trails that wind through ancient forests. Whether you're seeking solitude among the pines or launching your boat for a day on the lake, Graham Creek serves as your gateway to authentic Colorado wilderness adventure.
Graham Creek Campground accommodates tent and RV camping, with certain sites offering lake views and varying sizes. "Some campsites to accommodate trailers and some for tents," notes Amanda G.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Graham Creek unfold with warm sunshine and comfortable mountain air, though the afternoon skies can transform dramatically when thunderstorms roll through the peaks. These spectacular mountain storms arrive with little warning, turning blue skies to dramatic gray as rain cascades down in torrents. Seasoned campers know to pack rain gear and secure their sites, as one visitor memorably noted after getting caught in a downpour: 'Make sure you have a rain cover—it was pouring cats and dogs.' The quickly passing storms often leave behind crystal-clear evenings perfect for stargazing.
ElevationAt 7,900 feet above sea level, Graham Creek Campground offers that perfect sweet spot of Colorado mountain camping—high enough to escape the summer heat of the valleys below, yet still accessible and comfortable for most visitors. This elevation brings crisp morning air, brilliant starry nights, and that distinctive mountain atmosphere where the sun feels closer and the air tastes cleaner.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground's hillside sites nestle among scattered ponderosa pines and native willow thickets, creating natural privacy screens between camping spots while still allowing glimpses of the spectacular surroundings. Just 100 yards from the high-water line of Vallecito Lake, campers enjoy easy access to the water while camping on solid, elevated ground. The real showstopper lies to the northwest, where the jagged peaks of the San Juan Mountains pierce the sky, their snow-capped summits glowing pink at sunrise and casting long shadows across the landscape at day's end. This harmonious blend of forest, water, and mountain creates an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty.
Geological RegionGraham Creek sits within the majestic San Juan National Forest in southwestern Colorado, a region where ancient volcanic forces sculpted some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in North America. The mighty San Juan Mountains dominate the northwestern horizon, their craggy peaks telling a story written in stone over millions of years. This corner of Colorado represents the convergence of desert and alpine ecosystems, where the high country meets the sky and every vista reminds visitors why the San Juans are considered the crown jewel of the Colorado Rockies.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are accessible, but uneven terrain in certain sites may pose challenges for mobility-impaired individuals.
Sites SizeMixed sizes, with some large and spacious sites like #23, as noted by Coach Lamb: "#23 is a spacious lot with lots of privacy."
Sites PrivacyMostly private, separated by thick understory and willows. User reviews highlight privacy: "Lots of space between sites" (Penny B).
Total Campsites233246 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites #4 and #10 recommended for privacy and views. Avoid steep and uneven sites like #16 and #23 during rain.
Best CampsitesSite #4 for privacy, Site #23 for proximity to restrooms and water, Site #10 for views and pull-through access.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights within rolling 30 days.
Groups
Group camping availability is not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground offers hillside sites, some closer to the lake. Willow thickets separate camping areas from lakeshore.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 9 to September 20 during the reservable season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov and its mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability also exists. Scan and Pay feature is available for some campsites.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations up to 2 days before incur a $10.00 fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Graham Creek Campground offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating. Wildlife viewing and scenic trails further enhance the experience. "Water activities and fishing were perfect," notes Wendy D.
Hiking
Multiple trails are accessible from Graham Creek Campground. The North Canyon Trail and East Creek Trail offer diverse hiking experiences across aspen and ponderosa pine forests. "Hiked the North Canyon Trail, very pretty at the top," writes William V.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Vallecito Lake, with anglers targeting species like German brown trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and northern pike. "Didn't have much luck fishing but will try again when we have more time," says Jolene B.Swimming
Swimming is possible but reviews note rocky conditions and shallow depths near the shore. "The lake is about waist deep for the first 30’ & very rocky," writes Amy Graham.Boating
Boating, water skiing, and canoeing are popular at Vallecito Lake. Rentals are available around the lake, enhancing accessibility.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include deer and osprey chicks, noted by guests like Gary C: "Deer at site. Really enjoyed seeing the osprey chicks."Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly detailed.Water Sports
Kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing are popular water sports at Vallecito Lake, offering scenic and recreational enjoyment.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in provided rings. Fire bans occur frequently during certain periods.
- Quiet hours are generally observed, but enforcement varies. "Some campers abuse the quiet time hours."
Hazards
General hazardsNarrow roads, steep terrain, and free-range cows. "Critters will take unattended food."
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 33%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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 in Bayfield, which has a grocery store, restaurants, laundromat, and other essentials.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 9, 2025 - September 20, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Proximity to water features100 yards from Vallecito Lake's high-water line. Several short trails lead to the lakeshore.
Common complaintsVault toilets smell bad during gusts of wind. Many sites are unlevel and challenging for RVs. "Vault toilets were not ventilated properly, and anytime a gust of wind swept through the campsite area smelled like vault toilets."
HostHosts Paul and Louise are often praised for their friendliness and attentiveness. "Paul and Louise have been the camp hosts for us for 8 years now. They are accommodating and truly a treasure."
Campground Map
SAN JUAN NF
Driving directionsFrom Bayfield, travel 14 miles north on County Road 501. Turn right on County Road 501A at the fire station; travel over the dam and continue just over 3 miles to the campground.
Entrance and exit roads are steep and narrow, with challenging turns. "The road coming in is not very wide, and you will be on your brakes the whole way." (Review by Amy Graham).Nearby places
Bayfield: 14 miles, approximately 30-minute drive.
Nearby supplies
Bayfield offers groceries, restaurants, fuel, camping supplies, and a laundromat. It is a 30-minute drive away.
Camper Reviews
4.6
83 reviews
Graham Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the beauty and cleanliness of Graham Creek Campground. Positive themes include the friendly hosts, clean facilities, and privacy between campsites. Complaints center around uneven terrain, vault toilet odor, and certain sites being inaccessible for RVs.
Review Summaries
Based on 83 reviews
What Campers Love
Common highlights from user reviews include friendly hosts Paul and Louise, clean facilities, and scenic views of Vallecito Lake. Quotes include: "Absolutely beautiful campground" (Karen E), and...
Based on 83 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints focus on uneven terrain, odor from vault toilets, and issues with quiet hours. "Vault toilets were not ventilated properly," writes Kristin K, while Alboa Dawson notes, "Some campers abuse...
Based on 83 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend watching site-specific YouTube videos for better planning and bringing leveling equipment for RVs. "Videos of the campground are on YouTube so do your research," advises Coach Lamb.
Based on 83 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months are favored for recreation, reflected in reviews praising water activities, hikes, and wildlife viewing. Complaints increase during wet weather due to muddy conditions and poor drainage...
Based on 83 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Hosts are friendly and maintain the camp well" (Faith J); "Bathrooms were super clean" (Penny B); "Vault toilets smelled fowl" (Russell D); "Some campers abuse the 'quiet time' hours" (Alboa Dawson).
Based on 83 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews praise sites #4, #5, #20, and #23 for privacy and proximity to amenities. Examples include Coach Lamb: "#4 is a spacious lot with lots of privacy," and GL NCO: "We loved our...
Based on 83 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Vault toilet accessibility is noted, but uneven terrain at certain sites may limit ease of use for mobility-impaired visitors.
Based on 83 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, and the area offers ample room for them to roam. "We always have the dogs with us and they like to cool off in the lake," writes Marjorie D.
Based on 83 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025