Tucker Ponds

Tucker Ponds is a pair of small, tranquil fishing ponds nestled in the Rio Grande National Forest at roughly 9,700 feet of elevation in Mineral County. If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path campground where kids can catch stocked trout and moose wander through the meadows at dawn, Tucker Ponds is one of the best-kept secrets in the South Fork area of southern Colorado.

Located along Pass Creek just off Highway 160 between South Fork and Wolf Creek Pass, Tucker Ponds consists of two ponds of approximately 10 acres each. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks both ponds with rainbow trout throughout the summer season, making this a productive and family-friendly fishing destination. The ponds are shallow enough for easy casting from shore, and two wheelchair-accessible floating fishing platforms on the first pond ensure anglers of all abilities can enjoy the water. Fly fishing is popular here, and visitors have also reported catching trout in Pass Creek, which runs west of the campground.

Tucker Ponds Campground is operated by the U.S. Forest Service and features 14 campsites arranged in a single loop. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. The campground operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Day-use fees are $12, single overnight sites are $26, and double sites run $52 per night. Facilities include vault toilets and trash collection, but there are no hookups, showers, or potable water on site.

The setting is classic high-country Colorado. Wildflowers carpet the meadows in July, and wild strawberries grow along the pond edges. Wildlife viewing is a major draw, with moose, elk, deer, and a variety of birds frequenting the area. Visitors report that patience and quiet mornings are often rewarded with moose sightings near the water.

Off-road trails in the surrounding national forest provide additional recreation for hikers and four-wheel-drive enthusiasts. The campground is also a convenient base for day trips to Wolf Creek Pass and the headwaters of the Rio Grande. Tucker Ponds is a place where the pace slows down, the fishing is reliable, and the mountain scenery speaks for itself.