Pine River

San Juan National Forest — riverside

Location: Bayfield, CO, CO

Price: From $18 per night

Rating: 4 out of 5 (0 reviews)

Season: May through October

This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature.

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.

Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Drinking Water

Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/pine-river to be notified when sites open up.

Pine River offers stunning scenery with well-maintained trails and a peaceful, low-traffic experience. Campers praise the gorgeous natural setting and appreciate the lack of crowds.

Wildlife alert: Mule Deer, Yellow-bellied Marmot, Steller's Jay, Western Tanager, and various snake species (Smooth Greensnake, Wandering Garter Snake, Greater Short-horned Lizard) present in the area.

Insider tips for Pine River: First-come, first-served only — arrive early to secure a site. Download Recreation.gov mobile app before arrival to use QR code Scan and Pay feature in this remote area with limited cell service. Only 1 tent site available — plan accordingly and arrive early. Pack all amenities you need — minimal facilities with vault toilets and no hookups.

Skip Pine River if: You need RV hookups or modern amenities. You cannot arrive early for first-come, first-served camping. You prefer developed campgrounds with extensive services. You visit outside the May-October season.

Best time to visit Pine River: May-October — Campground operates seasonally during this period only..

Nearby campgrounds: Vallecito Campground (Bayfield, CO), Middle Mountain (Bayfield, CO), Pine Point (Vallecito Reservoir, Co) (San Juan NF, CO), North Canyon Campground (San Juan NF, CO).