Vallecito Campground

Bayfield, CO

4.8(154 reviews)

Start of the 360 degree virtual tour of Vallecito Campground

About this campground

Vallecito Reservoir Campground and lake are a very popular fishing lake, with anglers casting for German brown trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon and northern pike. Boating, water skiing and canoeing are popular activities. A sheltered area for boats and an open play area are just south of the campground. A variety of hiking and horseback riding trails are found in the area. The North Canyon Trail climbs through ponderosa pine and aspen forests. A short side trail leads to a scenic overlook of the lake. East Creek Trail provides access to a lightly used, scenic drainage where fly-fisherman can be seen casting for brook trout.

The campground offers 80 single-family sites, a few of which have electric hookups. Sites are equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Day-use picnic sites are located along the creek at the campground entrance and are available for a fee.

Vallecito Creek offers fishing for rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout. Anglers must use artificial flies and lures due to the creek's location within the wilderness area. The Vallecito Creek Trail begins at the campground entrance. This popular trail is open to hiking and horseback riding only and is a main access point to the Weminuche Wilderness. Parking is available at the trailhead. Hitching racks and a horse staging area with a loading ramp for livestock is on-site, but no overnight horse camping is allowed.

What campers say

Vallecito Campground sits riverside among aspens with shady, well‑spaced sites and easy access to trails and river overlooks. Camp is consistently described as clean and well maintained; vault toilets and shared facilities are kept tidy, and hosts are regularly praised for being friendly and helpful. Cabins are available and comfortable. Practical tradeoffs: amenities are minimal (no showers), some sites are compact so very large RVs may struggle, and summer evenings can be busy. Nearby towns and trailheads (Durango and longer hikes) are within a one‑to‑two‑hour drive. Pets are accommodated and basic supplies like firewood are available locally.

Our summary of 154 traveler reviews.