Pine River
04 reviewsPine River
$0.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $0.00 to $18.00 depending on season dates. Additional fees such as service fees may apply as outlined by Recreation.gov policies.
Standard Site Fee$18.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$18.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
ProviderN/AN/A
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of San Juan National Forest, Pine River Campground offers a true escape for those seeking solitude and simplicity. This intimate, six-site gem remains one of the forest's best-kept secrets, where tent campers can claim their spot on a first-come, first-served basis. With fees ranging from free to $18 depending on the season, adventure doesn't have to break the bank. While you'll find vault toilets for convenience, the campground embraces a back-to-basics philosophy—pack in your water and pack out your trash. Modern touches meet wilderness tradition with the Recreation.gov mobile app's Scan and Pay feature, making fee payment a breeze even in this remote setting.
Pine River Campground is a primitive camping destination focused on tent campers. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis and offers no reservations outside the designated season.
Weather and SeasonsPine River transforms with the seasons, each offering its own distinct camping experience. Winter brings a hushed stillness to the forest, with crisp, dry air and occasional dustings of snow that rarely accumulate heavily. The truly magical camping windows arrive when gentle cloud cover mingles with calm winds, creating perfect conditions for campfire conversations and peaceful nights under canvas. Summer unveils endless blue skies and warm days ideal for exploration, though savvy campers know to pack layers for cool mountain evenings.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a world where towering pines whisper ancient stories and mountain peaks frame every vista. Pine River Campground serves as your gateway to pristine wilderness, where dense forests create a natural cathedral of green. Winding trails beckon from your tent flap, leading adventurers deeper into the San Juan's untamed beauty. Here, the morning mist clings to mountain slopes, wildlife tracks crisscross quiet paths, and the only sounds breaking the silence are birdsong and the gentle rustle of wind through evergreen boughs.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information is provided regarding accessibility features for disabled campers.
Sites SizeSites are described as being small and primarily for tent camping. RVs and pop-up trailers are not recommended due to limited parking and small site sizes.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited, as stated by users: "The camp sites are almost on top of one another, and not all spots will allow you to have your own parking spot along with."
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites 1 & 2 share parking and may be less private.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is up to 14 nights during a visit.
Groups
No specific group camping areas are described.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground consists of six sites located off the main road.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for reservations from May 23, 2025 to September 13, 2025. First-Come, First-Served starts June 20, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be managed through Recreation.gov mobile app, website, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable during the first-come, first-served season starting June 20, 2025.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations incur a fee equivalent to the first night's costs. Additional penalties may apply based on the facility's discretion.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Pine River Campground is a remote location offering opportunities for solitude and nature immersion. Activities like hiking and wildlife viewing are possible, but facilities for these activities are minimal. The area is best suited for self-sufficient campers who enjoy a lack of crowds.
Hiking
The campground provides access to hiking trails, but details about trail length and difficulty are not provided. A user review emphasizes the wilderness experience: "Most humans come out here to enjoy the wilderness and silence."Wildlife viewing
The area offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, although specific species or recommended viewing spots are not detailed.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities, such as skiing or snowshoeing, are mentioned for this campground.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned as available.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted but must adhere to local fire safety regulations.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include lack of water sources, trash disposal issues, and close proximity of campsites.
Weather forecast
41
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 68%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 10.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 to September 13, 2025.
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities at Pine River Campground. Campers are advised to pack out all waste, as emphasized by user reviews: "No place for recycle or trash available at this location."
Common complaintsUser reviews mention micro-trash, lack of amenities (water, recycling, trash disposal), and cramped campsites where parking may need to be shared.
Campground Map
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Pine River has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed, with some praising the solitude and natural beauty while others criticize the lack of amenities and site layout. The overall sentiment for campground-specific aspects is rated at 2.5/5, indicating room for improvement.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors appreciate the campground's remote location and opportunities for solitude. One reviewer stated, "I come here to enjoy the lack of people and glorious detachment from civilization."
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints focus on the absence of amenities, including no running water, no trash or recycling facilities, and limited cell service. Many users also mentioned the close proximity of campsites,...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend coming prepared with all necessary supplies, as there are no on-site resources. A user advised, "Be prepared if you come to camp."
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open only during the summer months, and vault toilets are available seasonally. No specific trends by season were noted in the reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "There are little to no amenities here, so be prepared if you come to camp." 2. "The camp sites are almost on top of one another." 3. "Worth the trip every time." 4. "No place for recycle or trash...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 1 and 2 share parking, and the layout makes parking challenging for other spots. "Sites 1&2 have to share parking," noted one reviewer.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features or experiences for disabled campers.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews mention policies or experiences specific to pets.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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