Loading trail…
Colorado · Camping
Del Norte sits in the southern San Luis Valley at the edge of the Rio Grande National Forest, and the camping options around it lean toward the quieter, more deliberate end of the spectrum.
3 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapCamping · 3 spots
No additional spots match this filter.
Del Norte sits in the southern San Luis Valley at the edge of the Rio Grande National Forest, and the camping options around it lean toward the quieter, more deliberate end of the spectrum. The three spots in this area split into two distinct styles: drive-to reservoir camping at Big Meadows Reservoir Campground and two rentable guard station and cow camp cabins — Fitton Guard Station Cabin and Off Cow Camp Cabin — that put a roof over your head without pulling you out of the backcountry entirely. Big Meadows Reservoir draws campers who want water access and a more traditional campground setup, while the two cabins suit people who want solitude and a bit of historic character without pitching a tent in variable mountain weather. The San Luis Valley's high-desert elevation means cold nights even in July, and afternoon thunderstorms are routine from mid-summer through early fall. None of these three options are walk-up tent sites in a crowded loop, so if you're coming from outside the region, plan your booking and access route before you leave home.
For the cabins — Fitton Guard Station Cabin and Off Cow Camp Cabin — advance reservations are essentially required since there is only one unit at each location. Big Meadows Reservoir Campground has more flexibility, but it fills on summer weekends, especially in July and August. Book through Recreation.gov and don't count on availability within a week of your trip.
Late June through mid-September is the reliable window. Snow can linger into June at higher elevations, and access roads to the cabins may not be fully clear until early summer. By October, nighttime temperatures drop hard and some facilities close for the season, so confirm dates with the Rio Grande National Forest before planning a fall trip.
Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central CO)
~21 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Colorado.
LAKE FORK(RIO GRANDE NATL FORE
~26 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Colorado.
WEST FORK CAMPGROUND
~31 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Colorado.
Beaver Creek Site 2
~10 min drive
Creek-side Colorado campground ideal for hiking and fishing access.
Beaver Creek Site 1
~10 min drive
Creek-side Colorado campground ideal for fishing and backcountry exploration.
OFF COW CAMP CABIN
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Colorado.
FITTON GUARD STATION CABIN
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Colorado.
Cross Creek Campground
~11 min drive
Creek-side Colorado campground offering scenic sites and outdoor recreation access.
Cross Creek Campground
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Colorado.
Elwood Cabin
~13 min drive
Rustic cabin camping in Colorado's scenic backcountry.
Upper Beaver Creek Campground
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Colorado.
Stunner Campground
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Colorado.
Even in summer, overnight lows in this part of Colorado regularly dip into the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit, so a three-season sleeping bag rated to at least 20°F is a smart call. Afternoon thunderstorms are common from July through August — plan hikes and outdoor activities for mornings. The cabins offer shelter from weather, but you'll still want layers and rain gear for time spent outside.
The cabins at Fitton Guard Station and Off Cow Camp are a reasonable entry point for people who want the outdoor experience without full gear investment, since you're sleeping inside a structure rather than a tent. Big Meadows Reservoir Campground is a more traditional campground setting that works well for families. None of the three require technical skills or backcountry experience to access.
Big Meadows Reservoir is a fishable body of water and the campground's location makes it a natural base for anglers, though you should check current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations and licensing requirements before you go. The surrounding Rio Grande National Forest also offers hiking and wildlife watching. The cabin locations — Fitton and Off Cow Camp — are more remote and oriented toward people who want to use them as a base for exploring the surrounding national forest land.
