Ute Campground (Co)
4.4447 reviews17351 W HWY 160
Ute Campground (Co)
$22.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $22 per night for standard electric or non-electric sites to $100 per night for group sites. Additional reservation service fees may apply ($3 in-person, $8 online, $9 via contact center).
About this campground
Nestled in the shadow of the iconic Chimney Rock National Monument, Ute Campground beckons adventurers seeking a peaceful retreat in Colorado's high country. This thoughtfully designed primitive campground combines the best of both worlds—easy highway accessibility and a tranquil forest setting where towering pines create a natural canopy overhead. Each spacious site comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables, fire rings, and grills, inviting campers to settle in for memorable evenings under the stars while the ancient rock spires stand sentinel across the way.
Ute Campground caters to various camping styles, including tent and RV camping. It features 21 improved primitive sites and a group area that can accommodate up to 32 people. "Sites are large and have picnic tables and fire pits," wrote one user.
Historical SignificanceThis sacred landscape tells a story thousands of years in the making. The campground takes its name from the Southern Ute Nation, whose ancestral presence still resonates throughout these hills. Just across the way, Chimney Rock National Monument preserves the remarkable archaeological legacy of the Ancestral Puebloans, offering campers a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of ancient civilizations. Here, every sunrise connects modern visitors to centuries of human history etched into the very stones of the monument.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the gift of crystal-clear Colorado skies and pleasantly moderate temperatures, making it the perfect time to explore the surrounding wilderness. Rain showers are refreshingly brief during peak season, allowing for uninterrupted outdoor adventures. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, though campers should come prepared for freezing temperatures and potential snow accumulation that adds a magical touch to the forest setting.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery, campers will find themselves immersed in Colorado's characteristic high-country environment, where the air carries the crisp freshness of mountain landscapes.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground unfolds across rolling hills dressed in a tapestry of Ponderosa Pines, their vanilla-scented bark a sensory delight on warm afternoons. Gamble Oak clusters create intimate groves, while Rocky Mountain Juniper and aromatic Fragrant Sumac add texture to the understory. Hidden meadows emerge like secret gardens, offering prime wildlife viewing opportunities where deer might graze at dawn and birds fill the air with mountain melodies. For the adventurous, off-trail hiking reveals breathtaking vistas of Chimney Rock's twin spires, while even a simple drive along nearby roads frames these ancient pinnacles against endless Colorado skies.
Geological RegionPerched at the base of the commanding Haystack Mountain, the campground occupies a remarkable geological transition zone where ancient forces sculpted today's dramatic landscape. The terrain rolls and dips through a diverse ecosystem where stately Ponderosa Pines dominate the canopy, interspersed with hardy Gamble Oak groves. Rocky Mountain Juniper dots the hillsides alongside fragrant stands of sumac, while open meadows create natural clearings that invite exploration. This rich tapestry of vegetation tells the story of a landscape perfectly adapted to its mountainous home.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere are no handicap-accessible sites available at Ute Campground.
Sites SizeSites are spacious and able to accommodate extended cab pickup trucks up to approximately 20 feet. Some sites can host RVs up to 40 feet, though larger rigs may face challenges due to uneven terrain.
Sites PrivacySites are spread out and provide privacy. "Nicely laid out campground with plenty of privacy between spaces," one reviewer noted.
Total Campsites21 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites higher up the hill for better cell service and views. Lower-numbered sites near the highway may experience road noise.
Best CampsitesCampsite 12 offers proximity to Chimney Rock views. Campsite 13 is noted for privacy and space. Campsite 21 is described as excellent in terms of shade and location.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
- 28 days at first-come, first-served sites
- 12 days maximum for reservation sites.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Standard sites allow up to two vehicles per site
- group sites can accommodate up to 32 people.
Groups
The group site can host up to 32 people and includes a picnic area and two fire rings.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are spaciously placed with natural areas adjacent to each site. All parking spurs are gravel and can accommodate vehicles up to 20 feet in length.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for reservations from May 2nd to September 27th; first-come, first-served between June 21st and June 25th. Closed outside peak season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov (online, app, or contact center).
Walk-in AvailabilityApproximately 8 first-come, first-served sites are available during peak season, with low fill patterns during weekdays.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations up to 2 days before reservation 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 rate.
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
Activities you can enjoy
Ute Campground is a hub for outdoor recreation. It serves as the only access point to Forest Service land on Haystack Mountain and offers hiking trails with views of Chimney Rock National Monument. Wildlife viewing is also popular in the meadows surrounding the mountain. Nearby attractions such as Chimney Rock National Monument and Devil Mountain Trail Systems provide additional opportunities for hiking, ATV riding, mountain biking, motorcycle trails, stream fishing, and horseback riding. "Beautiful campsite with beautiful area. Great views of Chimney Rock if you hike up the hill," one reviewer praised.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include off-trail routes with views of Chimney Rock National Monument. "Sunset and sunrise views of Chimney Rock can be seen from off-trail hiking and roads within the park closed to vehicles," according to one review.Fishing
Fishing is available along the Piedra River with permits required, as well as fee-based fishing at Lake Capote on Southern Ute tribal land.Biking
Nearby trail systems such as Turkey Springs and Devil Mountain offer mountain biking opportunities.Wildlife viewing
Meadows on Haystack Mountain offer opportunities for viewing wildlife. "The meadows on the mountain offer wildlife viewing opportunities," noted one user.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are highlighted in the source materials.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings only.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife hazards include rattlesnakes and garter snakes. Visitors should exercise caution with uneven terrain and avoid water hazards during rainy conditions.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 12.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Pagosa Springs is the nearest town with emergency services, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 2nd to September 27th
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available at the campground. Recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNo water features are located directly within the campground.
Common complaintsSome reviews note uneven parking spurs, limited facilities (no hookups, no showers), and sulfur-tasting water.
HostHosts have been consistently praised as friendly, knowledgeable, and hardworking, with specific mentions of Tony, Daniel, Rick, and Mike.
Campground Map
17351 W HWY 160
Driving directionsTravel west on U.S. Hwy 160 for 18.0 miles from Pagosa Springs, CO, and the campground is located on the north side of the highway.
The campground is directly accessible from Highway 160, offering easy access on and off the highway. No seasonal closures are indicated, and the road is paved.Nearby places
Pagosa Springs (15 miles, ~20 minutes), Bayfield (25 miles, ~30 minutes), Arboles (18 miles, ~25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Pagosa Springs (~20 minutes away) offers grocery stores, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials. Bayfield (~30 minutes away) also provides access to similar amenities.
Camper Reviews
4.4
47 reviews
Ute Campground (Co) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight Ute Campground as peaceful, clean, and well-maintained, with spacious sites and friendly camp hosts. Several users commend the proximity to Chimney Rock National Monument and the quiet, natural surroundings. "Very nice, basic campground," wrote one reviewer.
Review Summaries
Based on 47 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects frequently mentioned include clean vault toilets, spacious and private campsites, good shade from large trees, and helpful camp hosts. "Campground was clean and quiet with beautiful...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common concerns include uneven terrain for RV parking, limited facilities like no electricity or showers, and occasional road noise in lower-numbered sites. "The sites are somewhat uneven and would...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips include bringing leveling equipment for RVs, exploring off-trail hiking for views of Chimney Rock, and purchasing firewood from the camp host. "Be sure to check out Chimney Rock National...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews mention that the campground is less crowded during Labor Day weekend and mid-week stays. "Labor Day weekend and it was practically empty," one user noted.
Based on 47 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Clean pit toilets, big sites, good location, beautiful woods." "Beautiful campsite with beautiful area." "Nicely laid out campground with plenty of privacy between spaces." "Campground was clean and...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site reviews include comments such as "Site 13, shaded and spacious" and "Site 21, close to Chimney Rock and well-maintained."
Based on 47 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility-related reviews consistently note that there are no handicap-accessible sites available.
Based on 47 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at Ute Campground, with leashing required. "Pets are allowed at all sites, leashes are required," stated the authoritative description.
Based on 47 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025