State: Colorado
Open: Open from Jun 3 through Sep 15
Number of Sites: 22
Elevation: 9400
Free: No
About: Cathedral Campground is northwest of Del Norte and northeast of South Fork, on Embargo Creek. It was remodeled in 2010 and now has 22 sites. 17 are dead end spurs and 5 are pull throughs. Sites vary from 35 to 45 feet in length. This campground is located in a mature aspen and spruce grove with a beautiful view of Cathedral Rock to the north. Embargo Creek flows alongside the east side of the grounds. There is ample fishing in Embargo Creek and hiking/horseback riding/mountain biking on Cathedral Creek Trail #794, Embargo Trail # 792 and Fremont’s Camp Trail #885. Motorcycles may use both Cathedral and Embargo Trails. ATVs are not allowed on the trails.The campground is composed of two large loops along Cathedral Creek. The left hand loop features a large meadow and a few open sites. The right hand loop has a dense Aspen and spruce (including Blue) woods and a more rustic feel.
John Charles Fremont’s winter camp is nearby. He attempted an ill-fated expedition across the Rocky Mountains for a transcontinental railroad route in late 1848.
Fees: None (2011)
Usage: Light
Water: Potable Water
Restrooms: Vault Toilet
Closest Town: South Fork
Directions: From Del Norte, Colorado: Travel 8.75 miles west on U.S. Highway 160. Take Embargo Creek access road north and east for 5.0 miles to Forest Road # 650. Take FR # 650 north for 3.0 miles to FR #640. Follow # 640 west/northwest 7.0 miles to campground entrance.
From South Fork, CO, take US 160 east 5.3 miles to Embargo Creek Rd. and County Rd. 18 signs. Turn left onto Rd. 18 and go 1.4 miles to a “T” intersection (County Rd. 15). Turn right onto Rd. 15 and go 0.3 miles to another “T” intersection (County Rd. 65) Turn left onto Rd. 65 and go 3.2 miles to “Y” intersection (Forest Rd. 640/650). Bear left onto Rd. 640 (dirt, single lane with no turnouts) 7.6 miles to campground sign. Right at sign into campground.