Pine Point (Vallecito Reservoir, Co)
4.62110 reviewsFS Road 603, San Juan NF, CO, USA
Pine Point (Vallecito Reservoir, Co)
$31.00 - $39.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$31.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$39.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season rates for campsites range between $31 and $39 per night, depending on the site’s location and amenities. Rates do not include taxes or incremental charges.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Vallecito Reservoir in southwestern Colorado, Pine Point Campground offers an intimate escape into nature's embrace. This hidden gem combines the tranquility of a smaller campground with the endless recreation possibilities of one of Colorado's most beautiful mountain lakes. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling across glassy waters, or hiking through fragrant ponderosa forests, Pine Point delivers the authentic Colorado camping experience. Despite its modest size, the campground provides essential amenities including vault toilets and fresh drinking water, ensuring comfort without compromising the wilderness feel.
Pine Point Campground offers a mix of site types suitable for primitive, RV, and tent camping.
Weather and SeasonsSummer at Pine Point brings the perfect mountain climate that Colorado is famous for – sun-drenched days ideal for water activities followed by refreshingly cool evenings perfect for campfire gatherings. July emerges as the crown jewel of camping months, offering pristine weather conditions and endless blue skies. Early summer visitors in June should come prepared for nature's smaller residents – mosquitoes can be more active during this transitional period, though they're a small price to pay for the stunning wildflower displays and fewer crowds.
ElevationPerched at 7,900 feet above sea level, Pine Point Campground offers a natural air conditioning system that provides welcome relief from summer heat. This elevation creates an ideal microclimate where warm sunshine meets crisp mountain air, while treating campers to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The altitude ensures comfortable sleeping temperatures even during peak summer months, making those sleeping bags feel just right.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral above Pine Point, their vanilla-scented bark and whispering needles providing both shade and serenity. The campground's lakefront sites offer front-row seats to nature's daily theater – watch morning mist rise from Vallecito Reservoir while the majestic San Juan Mountains paint the horizon in shades of purple and gold. This remarkable setting combines the intimacy of a forest campground with the expansive beauty of Colorado's high country, where every sunrise brings a new masterpiece.
Geological RegionPine Point Campground sits within the spectacular San Juan National Forest in southwestern Colorado, a region where ancient geological forces have sculpted one of North America's most dramatic mountain landscapes. The campground's location along Vallecito Reservoir places visitors at the intersection of water and stone, where ponderosa pine forests carpet the lower elevations while the rugged peaks of the San Juan Mountains dominate the northwestern skyline. This unique positioning offers campers a diverse ecosystem to explore, from lakeside wetlands to alpine vistas, all within the protected embrace of our national forest system.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features mentioned in the source materials or user reviews.
Sites SizeSites vary in size; several reviews note spacious sites for RVs while others mention tighter spots. Site-specific descriptions like 'Space 18 is prime for lake access' and 'Spaces are VERY large and many have access to the lake' offer useful detail.
Sites PrivacySites are noted as well-spaced for privacy. Reviewers described them as 'fairly private' and 'not right next to your neighbor.'
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSome reviews recommend interior sites for shade but note sloped terrain. Lakefront sites are praised for easy water access and great views.
Best CampsitesSites 11, 13, 17, and 18 are highly rated for lakefront views and accessibility.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights stay limit per visit, with a total of 14 nights allowed within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limits per site are not defined in authoritative sources. User reviews imply family-friendly and spacious setups.
Groups
Group camping site details are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is arranged in loops with spacious sites. Lakefront sites are positioned closest to the reservoir, while interior sites offer more shade.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for reservations from May 09, 2025, to September 27, 2025. First-come, first-served dates include June 20 to June 24, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, including the app. Scan-and-pay is available for first-come, first-served sites.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability is generally noted. Some sites remain marked as FCFS even if online reservations show as unavailable, according to user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made up to 2 days before the reservation start date incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee. No-shows incur a $20 service fee and forfeit the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Pine Point Campground provides access to Vallecito Reservoir, popular for fishing, boating, and water sports. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails with scenic lake views and forested paths. Wildlife viewing opportunities are available but not extensively described.
Hiking
Hiking trails include the North Canyon Trail and East Creek Trail. The North Canyon Trail features climbs through ponderosa pine and aspen forests, with a side trail leading to a lake overlook. East Creek Trail accesses a scenic drainage area favored for fly fishing.Fishing
Fishing is a prominent activity at Vallecito Reservoir. Anglers target German brown trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and northern pike. Fly-fishing enthusiasts are noted on East Creek Trail.Swimming
Swimming is available in the reservoir, and users describe water access as excellent. Comments include, 'Swimming was warmer than expected,' and 'Great access to the water.'Boating
Boating activities include water skiing and canoeing. The campground is close to a sheltered area for boats.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are mentioned, but details on species commonly observed or recommended viewing areas are not provided.Winter Activities
No winter activities described.Water Sports
Water sports such as paddle boarding are mentioned in reviews but not elaborated upon in official descriptions.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are generally allowed unless restricted due to dry conditions. Fire rings are provided at each campsite.
- Quiet hours appear to be well respected, although some reviews noted noise issues during weekends.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include bear activity and uneven campsite terrain for campers or RVs. Mosquito swarms were noted during early June.
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
Bayfield offers the nearest emergency services, including a hospital and police station, located approximately 13 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 09, 2025 - September 27, 2025.
Trash and recyclingMixed reviews on trash management. While most reviewers found the campground clean, others mentioned overflowing dumpsters and unpleasant smells near certain sites (e.g., site 19).
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to Vallecito Reservoir, popular for fishing, boating, and paddleboarding.
Common complaintsComplaints include inconsistent online reservation availability, overflowing trash dumpsters, and noise issues during weekends. Lake water levels fluctuate significantly.
HostHosts are frequently described as friendly, helpful, and proactive in maintaining clean facilities. Hosts like Eric and Terry received individual praise.
Campground Map
FS Road 603, San Juan NF, CO, USA
Driving directionsFrom Bayfield, Colorado, turn north on County Road 501 for about 13 miles to the Vallecito area. Turn right on County Road 501A and travel almost 4 miles to the campground, which is located on the left side of the road.
Roads to the campground are paved until the last half mile, which is unpaved and rocky. Accessible year-round, although weather conditions such as snow might affect access during off-seasons.Nearby places
Bayfield: 13 miles (approximately 20 minutes)
Durango: 18 miles (approximately 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Bayfield, 13 miles away. There is also a general store near Vallecito Reservoir that offers meats and essential cooking supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.6
110 reviews
Pine Point (Vallecito Reservoir, Co) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Pine Point Campground is generally well-received, with users appreciating its cleanliness, beautiful setting, and helpful hosts. Complaints center around occasional issues such as overflowing trash, noisy generators, and the online reservation system.
Review Summaries
Based on 110 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviews emphasize clean facilities, great lake access, and attentive hosts. Comments like 'Cleanest and most picturesque campground by Vallecito' and 'Hosts were fantastic!' are representative.
Based on 110 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users noted overflowing dumpsters, unpleasant smells, and issues with the online reservation system (e.g., reserved sites appearing empty). Others mentioned noisy conditions due to generators.
Based on 110 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bug spray for summer visits due to mosquito-like insects. Early June offers lush vegetation and a full lake. Users recommend reserving lakefront sites for the best views and access.
Based on 110 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season for visiting Pine Point. Early summer is noted for abundant greenery and full lake levels, while mid-to-late summer sees higher visitor numbers and occasional noise...
Based on 110 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Cleanest and most picturesque campground by Vallecito." "Hosts were fantastic!" "Bathrooms were cleanest we’ve ever encountered." "Lakefront sites are always reserved though."
Based on 110 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Sites 13, 17, and 18 are highlighted for prime lake access. Site 19 received criticism for its proximity to an overflowing dumpster. Site 12 is unsuitable for RVs due to a steep incline and should be...
Based on 110 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews provided.
Based on 110 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Generally described as pet-friendly, with one reviewer noting hosts brought treats for their dog and another remarking, 'Kid and pet friendly, our boys had an amazing time here.'
Based on 110 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025