There are 39 developed campgrounds on the San Juan National Forest. In general, the campground season begins as soon as sites are snow-free. Full operation begins around Memorial Day weekend and ends after Labor Day. The more popular campgrounds are near the larger lakes, major highways, and communities. A few may be full on summer weekends and holidays, but sites are usually available at most campgrounds.
Sites are sometimes closed to repair damage caused by heavy use.
Since 1989, the San Juan National Forest has been part of a nationwide reservation system allowing vacationers to reserve sites before they arrive at campgrounds. A private contractor takes reservations for more than 500 campgrounds across the nation. Group campsites and group picnic grounds must be reserved in advance. Most are reserved through the above 800 numbers, but a few are reserved through Forest Service Ranger District offices. You may make reservations up to 120 days in advance for individual sites and up to 360 days in advance for group sites.