Snowslide

Star4.59
12 reviews
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Snowslide
$0.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation use fees are the fees paid for camping, day-use activities, group facilities, tours, or permits. The nightly fee for standard sites is $22...
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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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$22.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
661-702-1420null

About this campground

Nestled deep within the San Juan National Forest, Snowslide Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. This rustic mountain retreat operates on a first-come, first-served basis, welcoming spontaneous adventurers and seasoned campers alike. While the campground embraces its remote character, modern convenience meets the backcountry through the Recreation.gov Scan and Pay app for easy payment processing. Pro tip: download the app before your journey begins, as cellular signals fade quickly among these towering peaks and dense forests.
Snowslide Campground caters to campers seeking a basic, first-come, first-served experience, emphasizing simplicity and a connection to nature without modern conveniences.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsMountain weather at Snowslide creates a dynamic camping experience that shifts from crystalline blue skies to gentle snowfall. With clear conditions dominating nearly two-thirds of the time, campers can expect spectacular stargazing and sun-drenched days. However, true to its name, Snowslide delivers authentic alpine conditions with temperatures that can plunge to a crisp 7°F on cold nights, while daytime highs hover around a refreshing 30°F. Light snow dustings occasionally blanket the campground with up to 3 inches of fresh powder, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland that delights photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and ScenerySnowslide Campground reveals itself as a hidden sanctuary tucked within a dramatic mountain canyon, where towering rock walls create an intimate amphitheater of natural splendor. Previous visitors consistently marvel at this undiscovered gem, praising its tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking surroundings. The campground's secluded location ensures a peaceful retreat where the only sounds are rustling aspen leaves and distant bird calls. Each campsite offers front-row seats to nature's grand performance, with panoramic views that shift from golden sunrise alpenglow to star-studded evening skies.
Geological Regionnull
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Campsite details

AccessibilityNo detailed information about ADA-compliant or accessibility-specific features is provided.
Sites SizeSite size varies; one review states "Campsite was very large and backed right up to the woods with some small trails."
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are mixed. Some sites are described as spacious and backed by woods, while others may be closer to the road, which some users found problematic due to fast-moving vehicles.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUsers recommend checking out campsite 11 for privacy and proximity to the woods.
Best CampsitesSite 11 was praised for its size and privacy, backing up to the woods with small trails.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
No specific information provided about group camping.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground layout includes individual sites, with some backing directly into wooded areas or near the canyon.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 9 to September 13, 2025. First-come, first-served season starts June 20.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the Scan and Pay feature using the Recreation.gov mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis requiring physical presence at the campground to claim and pay via Scan & Pay.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 fee applies for modifications and cancellations, with a portion of fees forfeited if canceled after the cut-off window. No refunds for Scan & Pay transactions.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Snowslide Campground is best suited for those seeking a quiet and nature-immersed experience, with fewer built-in recreational amenities like water bodies or hiking trails nearby. While the campsite itself provides limited recreational activities, some users highlight its serene natural beauty and proximity to an alpine lake as strong points.
Winter Activities
No details about winter activities like snowshoeing or skiing are provided.
Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are available due to the lack of water bodies.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Fire bans are in effect during high fire danger periods. Propane fire pits are allowed as alternatives.
  • Quiet hours are null

Hazards

General hazardsHazards include challenging road conditions leading to nearby alpine lakes, as reported in user reviews. Vehicles with good ground clearance and all-wheel drive are recommended.
Active alertsnull

Weather forecast

41
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 37%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 11.7 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

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Good to know

Peak season datesMay 9 to September 13, 2025.
Trash and recyclingNo specific details about trash or recycling amenities provided.
Proximity to water featuresSnowslide Campground is 'located across from La Plata Creek with a waterfall two miles away,' according to user reviews.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention safety concerns about fast-moving vehicles within the campground, limited nearby activities, and challenges with road access to alpine lake destinations.
Host'The camp host, Brent, was described as amazing and super helpful by multiple users. Restrooms are reportedly well-maintained.'

Campground Map

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Driving directionsnull
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Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews

4.6
12 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Snowslide is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is widely appreciated for its natural beauty, cleanliness, and friendly camp hosts. However, the lack of nearby recreational amenities and the fast-moving vehicles on the adjacent road were common concerns.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

"Beautiful place to camp and enjoy Nature." "Camp host, Brent, was amazing and super helpful." "Restrooms were clean, and the sites well maintained."
Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

"Vehicles traveling on the road between the sites were going too fast." "No creek, river, lake, or trails nearby." "Road up to the alpine lake is very rough and not suitable for all vehicles." "Lack...
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Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a vehicle with high ground clearance if planning to visit the nearby alpine lake. Consider bringing alternative fire options such as a propane fire pit due to frequent fire bans. Plan for...
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Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open seasonally from May to September. Reviews highlight that fire bans are common during the summer, limiting options for campfires and grilling.
Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Check out this gem. Beautiful and quiet." "Bathrooms were always clean and the camp host was very friendly and very courteous." "Suggest taking proper vehicles on the road to the alpine lake because...
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Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 11 was described positively: "Campsite was very large and backed right up to the woods with some small trails." Other reviews mention vehicles traveling too fast near certain roads, raising...
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Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features or experiences are provided.
Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the campground is described as "dog friendly."
Based on 12 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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