Hiking and mountain biking trails leave directly from Lower Hermosa Campground, making it a practical base for getting into the San Juan National Forest without much driving. The Hermosa Creek Trail runs close by, and several routes accommodate both foot traffic and bikes. Equestrian facilities, including horse and cattle stalls, are also on-site for riders bringing stock.
The sites themselves are spacious, set among trees that provide solid shade and good hammock options. Reviewers consistently single out the pit toilets as a standout feature. As Martin W. puts it, "the pit toilets are impeccable." A resident camp host adds a personal element to the stay, frequently described as friendly and helpful. Some sites have hillside views; others are more enclosed by forest. Early May brings cooler nights at elevation, so extra layers are worth packing.
Lower Hermosa runs first-come, first-served at $20 per night. There is no water on-site and no trash station, so campers need to pack out their waste and arrive with enough water for their stay. Firewood is available in the area, and each site has a picnic table and fire pit with grill. Cell service is workable, with Verizon users reporting decent to good reception depending on the site. The access road is a mix of single and double lane dirt, and at least one reviewer has driven a 21-foot bus with a trailer through without issue.
Weekends draw more visitors. Leah W. notes, "weekends can get crowded," so midweek visits tend to offer more breathing room. The campground sits within places to camp around San Juan National Forest, and nearby climbing off Highway 550 gives campers an additional reason to linger. Campers who want hookups or water on-site might look at Durango North-Riverside KOA or Junction West Durango Riverside Resort as alternatives. For those bringing dogs, the forest also has pet-friendly sites around San Juan National Forest worth exploring. If this spot fits your style, an early-week arrival is the most reliable way to claim a site.
Description
This small campground has sites available for $15 a night on a first come first serve basis only. There is no water available at this campground. Tables and fire grates are at each site. A toilet is in the parking lot adjacent to the Hermosa Creek Trailhead. The parking lot is large enough for vehicles and horse trailers
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLower Hermosa Campground is located in Colorado near San Juan National Forest
Directions
The Lower Hermosa campground is located 14 miles northwest of Durango. Take Hwy. 550 north from Durango. Turn west at Hermosa and take Forest Rd. 576 to the campground.
Coordinates
37.45556383 N
107.85762718 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/22/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/17/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/22/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/17/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 25 min from Farmington, NM
- 3 hrs 22 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 3 hrs 49 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 4 hrs 5 min from Santa Fe, NM
