Hidden Valley Campground — Rio Grande National Forest
Hidden Valley Campground is a small, tucked-away developed site in the Rio Grande National Forest, positioned along a drainage corridor off CO-149 roughly between Lake City and Slumgullion Pass. Sites are shaded, spaced reasonably well, and equipped with fire rings and vault toilets. No piped drinking water — fill up before you leave Lake City. The elevation sits in the mid-9,000s, which means genuine cool nights and possible afternoon thunderstorms in July and August. Traffic is light compared to campgrounds closer to town. Good spot if you want to be camped and staged the night before hitting the high country early.
Access off CO-149 is paved to the turnoff with a short gravel spur. Suitable for any tow vehicle or overlanding rig. Operates on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the standard USFS summer season — late May to mid-October in a normal year. Verify current conditions with the Divide Ranger District in Lake City before committing to the drive in late shoulder season.
Low-traffic NF camp staged for Slumgullion Pass.
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Street address | 400 North Gunnison Avenue, Lake City, Colorado 81235 Get directions → |
| Elevation (ft) | 9200 ft |
| Nearest town | Lake City, CO |
| Miles from pavement | 0.5 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Gravel |
| Cell service | None |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $18.00 / night |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | June-October |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Fire ring, Picnic table, Shade, Toilets |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |