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- North Fork Campground










North Fork Campground Introduce
North Fork Campground is located near Salida, CO 81201, and can be contacted at (719) 539-3591 or +1 719-539-3591. Situated within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category, it offers a remote camping experience with notable natural attractions.
The environment surrounding North Fork Campground is highly praised for its beauty. Visitors can expect "amazing" views of the Continental Divide and access to North Fork Reservoir. The fishing is described as "phenomenal," making it a significant draw for anglers. While the campground itself is considered "ok" with a pit toilet and "nothing special" (rated 3.5 stars by one reviewer), the overall natural setting is a major highlight (rated 5 stars for the lake and view).
Access to North Fork Campground is a significant feature to consider. The 6.6-mile road from Angel of Shavano Campground to North Fork Reservoir is described as "atrocious" and took one visitor over two hours to navigate in a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The road is characterized by "basketball and five-gallon bucket size rocks" and steep check-dams. While high-clearance vehicles may manage the terrain with relative ease, it is strongly advised against attempting the drive in a vehicle that cannot handle such conditions. The limited number of campsites (4-5 mentioned) may also be fully reserved, although one reviewer noted that reserved spots were unoccupied.
A crucial service-related detail is the payment procedure. Visitors intending to camp at North Fork Reservoir must pay at Angel of Shavano Campground before making the drive, as there is no payment collection at North Fork Reservoir itself, and there are reportedly no signs indicating this until arrival. This lack of clear signage is noted as a drawback.
Other features mentioned by reviewers include the availability of "plenty of dispersed camp sites nearby" for those unable to secure a spot at the main campground. There is also mention of "hidden" waterfalls in the area, which could benefit from better marking, and interest in learning more about mines near Billings Lake.
Currently, no specific promotional information is available for North Fork Campground. Local users with high-clearance vehicles who are seeking excellent fishing opportunities and stunning views in a remote setting should consider North Fork Campground. However, they must be prepared for a challenging drive and ensure payment is made at Angel of Shavano Campground beforehand. Exploring nearby dispersed camping options may also be necessary due to the limited number of official sites.
Details
Activities
- Hiking
Amenities
- Picnic tables
- Public restroom
- Running water
- Tent sites
Children
- Good for kids
- Kid-friendly hikes
Parking
- On-site parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Location
Customer Reviews
The trek to get there is well worth the experience when you make it up there! The fishing is phenomenal. Only 4-5 spots available they said they were reserved but nobody showed up. That was disappointing. Luckily there are plenty of dispersed camp sites near by. The “hidden” waterfalls could be marked better and I would like to k ow more about the mines near Billings Lake.
6/3/23 We made it up to North Fork Reservoir. The lake and the view of the Continental Divide is AMAZING – 5 STARS The campground is ok, pit toilet, nothing special, 3.5 stars. No large campers because the road from Angel of Shavano Campground to North Fork Reservoir is ATROCIOUS. We meticulously made the 6.6 mile in 2+ hours in a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. YES, I seen other high-clearance vehicles drive over the basketball and five-gallon bucket size rocks with ease…but keep in mind, there are about 6 miles of rocks and steep check-dams. If you have a vehicle that can take the terrain, it’s worth it. If not, do NOT chance it. OH YES, make sure you pay at Angel of Shavano Campground to go to North Fork Res. They do not take money at North Fork Res….there are no signs to tell you this until you get to the lake. Not cool!
Rented 3 4 seaters from Salida Epic Side by Side. Had a blast! What a awesome trip. Pictures don't do it justice. I have friends from back East already planning their suprise trip for the kids. Everyone loves the pictures and video.
High clearance vehicle a must. 20-30 mins of rock road travel. Campground just below timberline. Fantastic dispersed sites along the way
Our experience was 5 stars. However looking at other campsites it would've been 3 at best with how uneven the ground was. The picnic tables seemed to be in the most level spots, recommend moving those to let tents be there and move picnic tables to the slightly uneven spots. Campground hosts were top notch, bathrooms were some of the cleanest we've ever seen at a campground! Definitely would stay again!
Beautiful spot, good fly fishing. Fairly rough road leading up to the campground. Campground has been closed recently due to risky trees in the area - recommend calling the Salida ranger station to determine if it's open before you go.
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