Map showing campground location near Silverton, Colorado

Lost Trail

Within Rio Grande National Forest, Lost Trail provides access to the headwaters of the Rio Grande through seven drive-in and walk-in sites. This US Forest Service campground sits at the end of a long dirt road, with Finger Mesa forming the backdrop. The challenging road access keeps visitor numbers low, creating an environment where campers can collect abundant downed wood and enjoy proximity to the river.

Most sites require parking and walking to the fire pit and table areas, though a few back-in spots accommodate RVs up to 16 feet. No pull-through sites exist. The campground features wooden picnic tables, separate men's and women's vault toilets, and a water pump that operates seasonally. "Level tent sites, water pump on site but nothing available in October," notes CC C.. No dumpsters or bear boxes are provided.

Site #6 offers the most open space with expansive views across the area. Cell service is unavailable. The location provides direct river access and serves as a staging area for 4WD routes toward the Silverton area, though stream crossings may be impassable during early summer. A 50-inch trail leads from the campground to the historic Carson townsite. Additional dispersed camping options exist above the campground and along the access road near Road Canyon Reservoir.

This campground works well for campers comfortable with primitive conditions who prioritize river access and solitude over modern conveniences.

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Location

Public Campground

Lost Trail is located in Colorado

Coordinates

37.76800049 N
107.34900082 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

4 hrs 9 min from Grand Junction, CO
5 hrs 4 min from Pueblo, CO
5 hrs 26 min from Colorado Springs, CO
6 hrs 18 min from Farmington, NM

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5 Stars

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1 Star

4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the scenic location at Rio Grande headwaters with level sites and clean facilities. The remote setting offers great views but limited amenities and seasonal water access.

Harrison G.

Traveler

Reviewed Mar. 15, 2026

Site 3 is the best

I have been coming here since I was 6. The guys of our family always came here to camp for a week in the summers and the experiences and memories will last a lifetime. The road to the campground is a challenging one, but the drive is worth it.

Site3

Month of VisitJune

Larry G.

Scout

Reviewed Mar. 14, 2024

Great Dispersed camping

When I signed up for this app I had hoped to find a lot of dispersed camping opportunities, but when I looked at the areas of Colorado I had found in the past most of them did not appeared on the map. I did camp in this campground though but there are a lot of dispersed camping areas just above this campground if you get here and it is full. There are also several spots along the road leading up to the reservoir, down near Road Canyon reservoir. This area is very picturesque and if you like 4 wheeling this road leads over to the Silverton area but it is strictly 4 wheel drive only (best on a 4 wheeler or side by side). Streams may be not be passable during early summer months. There is also a great 50" trail near the campground that leads up to the old Carson townsite. If you have a 50" machine you need make this trip.

CC C.

Legend

Reviewed Oct. 26, 2021

Lovely site near the Rio Grande

Most sites are Park and walk into fire pit and table area. A few scattered back-in sites. No pull through. Nice wooden picnic tables, men and women’s bathrooms. Level tent sites, water pump on site but nothing available in October. No cell service. Loads of down wood for collection. Close to river access

Month of VisitOctober

(9) View All

Dan P.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 22, 2017

Best free camping in CO

With only 7 sites and being at the end of a long dirt road this is campground is definitely off the beaten path. Finger Mesa is your backdrop as you sleep next to the headwaters of the Rio Grande. Site #6 is the best spot, wide open with great views. Vault toilets are fairly clean, no dumpsters or bear boxes.

SiteSite 6

Month of VisitSeptember

(4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lost Trail Campground located in Colorado?

Lost Trail Campground is located in a remote area of Colorado, situated at the end of a long dirt road. The campground sits near the headwaters of the Rio Grande with Finger Mesa serving as a scenic backdrop. This off-the-beaten-path location offers peaceful surroundings away from crowded areas. The campground's secluded setting makes it perfect for those seeking a quiet mountain camping experience in Colorado's beautiful backcountry.

What hiking trails are accessible from Lost Trail Campground?

While specific trail names aren't documented, Lost Trail Campground offers excellent hiking opportunities in the surrounding area. The campground's location near the headwaters of the Rio Grande provides access to riverside trails. The area around the campground features dispersed camping zones just above the main campground that likely have connecting paths. For the most current trail information, check with the local ranger district or the campground host upon arrival.

What amenities are available at Lost Trail Campground?

Lost Trail Campground offers basic amenities including vault toilets that are relatively clean, wooden picnic tables at each site, and designated fire pits. There's a water pump on site, though it may not be operational during certain seasons like October. The campground does not have dumpsters, so pack-out policies likely apply. With only 7 sites available, the campground provides a more intimate camping experience. There's plenty of downed wood available for collection for campfires. No cell service is available at this remote location.

Do I need reservations for Lost Trail Campground?

Lost Trail Campground likely operates on a first-come, first-served basis, as it's a small, remote campground with only 7 sites. Given its secluded location at the end of a long dirt road, competition for sites may be less intense than at more accessible campgrounds. However, site #6 is noted as the best spot with great views, so arriving early is recommended if you want to secure a preferred site, especially during peak seasons. Contact the managing agency for the most current reservation policies.

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