Purgatory campground
Purgatory
Reservations are accepted at Purgatory camping area, allowing campers to secure their spot in advance. This is particularly recommended during peak seasons when the campground tends to be busier. The best time to visit this camping area is during the summer months, from June to September, as the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities. Additionally, the surrounding landscapes boast vibrant colors and lush vegetation during this time.
It's important to be aware of potential wildlife encounters in the camping area and to exercise caution when hiking or exploring the nearby trails. Colorado is known for its diverse wildlife population, including bears and mountain lions, so it's crucial to store food properly and to follow all safety guidelines. Furthermore, visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions, as temperatures can drop significantly during the night, even in the summer months. Overall, Purgatory camping area offers a delightful camping experience for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility amidst Colorado's breathtaking landscapes.
What's on-site at Purgatory
Key facilities Snoflo tracks for this campground. Confirm with the operator before booking -- amenities can change seasonally.
Plan your trip down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max so trends jump out at a glance.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks. Hover any point for the full breakdown.
Other campgrounds in the area
Snoflo-tracked campsites within driving distance of Purgatory, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sig Creek Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Sig Creek | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Haviland Lake Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Haviland Lake | ✓ | ✓ | → |
| Chris Park Group Campground | ✓ | ✗ | → |
Nearby streamflow
USGS streamgauges within reach of Purgatory -- pulled live from the National Water Information System.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Animas River Above Tacoma | 1,290 cfs | → |
| Animas River Below Silverton | 646 cfs | → |
| Dolores River Below Rico | 332 cfs | → |
| Mineral Creek At Silverton | 225 cfs | → |
| Animas River At Silverton | 281 cfs | → |
| Cement Creek At Silverton | 59 cfs | → |
Nearby snow depths
NRCS SNOTEL stations within reach of Purgatory -- relevant when planning a shoulder-season or alpine trip.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | 24h Snowfall | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cascade | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Cascade #2 | 22.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Cascade #2 | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Spud Mountain | 1.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Spud Mountain | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Molas Lake | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, boat launches, and paddle runs so a camping night can grow into a full weekend.
Parks
- Uncompahgre National Forest
- Wilderness Hermosa Creek
- Wilderness Lizard Head
- Telluride Town Park
- Judy Long Memorial Park
- Gunnison National Forest
Fishing spots
- Haviland Lake
- Andrews Lake Swa
- Elbert Creek
- Lemon Reservoir
- Sheep Corrals Fishing Site
- Vallecito Reservoir
Camping essentials & Leave No Trace
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
- Know before you go
- Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
- Minimize campfire impact
- Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
- Leave what you find
- Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Purgatory as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, snowpack, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Purgatory
Can I make reservations at Purgatory?
This campground does not appear to accept reservations -- it's typically first-come, first-served. Arrive early on summer weekends.
How fresh is the weather data on this page?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from the NOAA / yr.no public feeds. Streamflow data is pulled live from USGS streamgauges and snowpack from the NRCS SNOTEL network.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation. For longer trips, the 5-day hourly meteogram shows snow + rain accumulation hour-by-hour.
How do I get to Purgatory?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the campground.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed through the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this campground, set a threshold (temperature, snowpack, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other campgrounds near here
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within driving distance of Purgatory.