Established Camping
Target Tree Campground
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
ALERT: STAGE 2 FIRE BAN NOW IN EFFECT! Due to increased risk of wildfires, the San Juan National Forest fire managers have issued restrictions on campfires, smoking, and other activities within the forest. These restrictions begin August 8, 2025.This is from Order #02-13-00-25-13 and is in effect until December 31, 2025 or unless rescinded earlier.Restrictions include:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including a charcoal fire and pellet fire on all National Forest System lands. Portable cooking stoves, lanterns, and heating devices using liquefied or bottled fuel, such as propane, are allowed as they can be switched off instantly.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated campground, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
- Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device is prohibited year-round on national forest lands.
- Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order.
Target Tree Campground, near the San Juan National Forest in Colorado, is a solid choice for campers looking for a mix of convenience and natural beauty. With spacious sites that allow for some breathing room, it’s a great spot to kick back and enjoy the outdoors.
The campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-maintained restrooms and access to potable water. Campers have mentioned the friendly camp host and the availability of firewood, making it easy to gather around a fire after a day of exploring. As one visitor noted, “Beautiful well spaced sites with plenty of room to spread out.”
For those who love stargazing, the night sky here is a real treat. The campground is close enough to the highway that you might hear some road noise, but it’s not overwhelming, especially at night. Plus, there are plenty of hiking trails nearby, so you can easily spend your days adventuring in the stunning San Juan National Forest.
If you’re looking for a place that’s easy to access and offers a friendly atmosphere, Target Tree Campground is worth considering. Whether you’re in a tent, RV, or trying out glamping, you’ll find a welcoming spot to enjoy your time in nature.
Description
Overview
Target Tree Campground is located 7 miles east of Mancos on the north side of Highway 160 at an elevation of 7,643 feet. It is the ideal camping spot for day trips to Mancos, Durango and Mesa Verde National Park. The name, "Target Tree," refers to the Ute Indians' use of the area to harvest sap and bark from Ponderosa pines as food supplements. They also used the trees for target practice, leaving several scarred trees throughout the area.
Recreation
Visitors may enjoy taking a short, accessible interpretive trail to view a historic target tree. The campground is also known for its great birding opportunities, with a sign in the campground that lists species found in the area. The Narrow Gauge Trail begins within the campground and climbs 3.4 miles to an old railroad grade. The rails were placed just three feet apart to allow trains to navigate through the rugged mountains.
Facilities
The campground offers single-family sites, many of which meet accessibility standards and are equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. A group site can accommodate up to 50 people and 10 vehicles. It also offers two divided corrals for those camping with horses. The site contains two pull-through sites and four parallel sites for RVs. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided.
Natural Features
The campground sits on a south-facing hillside overlooking Thompson Park. A Ponderosa pine and Gambel oak forest provides shade in many sites. The area is hot during the summer, but cools off significantly at night.
Nearby Attractions
Southwestern Colorado, part of the Four Corners region, contains over 4,000 archaeological sites and over 600 cliff dwellings. Mesa Verde National Park is 1 hour and 45 minutes south, close enough for a day trip. Other sites within a few hour's drive include the Anasazi Heritage Center in Dolores, Canyon of the Ancients and Hovenweep National Monument.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Group Sites Group Facility (including Cabins and Lookouts): A visitor who cancels a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
Location
Target Tree Campground is located in Colorado
Directions
From Mancos, take U.S. Highway 160 east for 8.8 miles. Turn left at campground sign and follow the gravel road for 0.3 miles to the campground. From Durango, take U.S. Highway 160 west for 20 miles to the campground sign. Turn right and the follow gravel road for 3 miles to the campground.
Address
SAN JUAN NF
CO
Coordinates
37.34095 N
108.18798 W
Detours Nearby
Bay City Campground
20 min away
Snowslide Campground
23 min away
Drive Time
- 55 min from Farmington
- 3 hrs 35 min from Albuquerque
- 3 hrs 39 min from Grand Junction
- 3 hrs 53 min from Santa Fe
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
