San Juan National Forest is home to Miller Creek, a drive-in campground situated along a lake near Durango, Colorado, where sites come with fire rings, shade trees, and direct access to the water. The campground runs from May through September under US Forest Service management, with drinking water and clean toilets on-site, though no showers are available. No pets are permitted, so plan accordingly before arrival.
The layout here divides into two distinct sections. Half the sites are more enclosed and set apart from traffic; the other half sit adjacent to a shared gravel parking lot near the boat ramp, which can get dusty and congested on busy weekends. That proximity to the ramp is also an asset: campers can launch kayaks and stand-up paddleboards directly from their sites when water levels cooperate. Hammock camping works well here, as trees provide consistent shade throughout the day.
A camp host is typically present and described by multiple visitors as helpful and welcoming. The campground tends to stay quiet, though daytime activity around the boat ramp picks up on weekends. Meagen W. notes there's "excellent hiking close by," which rounds out the options for those not focused on paddling. Nearby, Transfer Park Campground and San Juan National Forest Florida Campground give campers additional footholds in the area. Miller Creek is free to use on day visits, with overnight rates ranging up to $30. Campers who want water access without driving far from the forest will find this one worth the trip.
Description
Overview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to__first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival__as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Facilities
Miller Creek Campground is located where Miller Creek flows into__Lemon Reservior. It has__12 campsites with a choice of sun or shade and easy access to the water; 5 of the sites share a large parking area. __RVs can be leveled without much difficulty. The campground__has a concrete boat ramp at its north end. A shady roadside picnic area has 4 tables available for day use.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Starting July 30th, 2026, fire restrictions are changing for the San Juan National Forest. Zone I Fire Restrictions drop from Stage II to Stage I. Zone II Fire Restrictions drop from Stage II to no restrictions. For maps and additional details, please visit the San Juan National Forest's webpage.Under Stage I Fire Restrictions in Zone I, the following are prohibited:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in: a. A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas); b. A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or c. A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.
- Using an explosive.
- Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle, building, or a developed recreation site.
- Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator.
- Starting July 1, 2026 at 12:01am, Stage II Fire Prohibitions are in effect throughout the entire San Juan National Forest. The following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands of the San Juan National Forest:
- Building,maintaining,attending,orusingafire,campfire,charcoalbarbecue,orgrill,except ifusingadevicesolelyfueledbyliquidorgasthatcanbeturnedonandoffinanareabarren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device.
- Smoking,exceptinanenclosedvehicleorbuilding.
- Weldingoroperatinganacetyleneorothertorchwithopenflame.
- Usinganexplosive. See forest order below for more detail. Alert Start Date: July 1, 2026 Alert End Date: December 31, 2026 Rec Sites Affected: Columbine Ranger DistrictPagosa Ranger DistrictDolores Ranger District Order Number: 02-13-00-26-10
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMiller Creek is located in Colorado near Purgatory
Public CampgroundCoordinates
37.4046 N
107.6612 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 1 hr 17 min from Farmington, NM
- 3 hrs 38 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 3 hrs 42 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs 43 min from Grand Junction, CO
