Within San Juan National Forest, Transfer Park Campground provides off-grid camping about 45 minutes from Durango. This US Forest Service facility sits in a heavily forested setting with two loops separated by a small meadow, where campers can access the nearby river through a short walk.
The campground's layout offers varied experiences depending on site selection. Sites on the outer portions of each loop sit closer to the river, though reaching the water requires scrambling down a small cliff. The inner sites provide easier access to the meadow path, which leads to ground-level river access within a few minutes' walk. Pamela S. notes that "campsites are very private," and the heavy forest canopy provides substantial shade during summer months.
Campers report clean facilities and a generally quiet atmosphere, with a camp host on-site. The area supports hiking and cycling activities, plus rope climbing opportunities on nearby cliffs. Cell phone service is not available, which some visitors appreciate as part of the off-grid experience. Access roads can be rough, so campers should prepare accordingly.
The campground operates with a no-pets policy and costs range from free to $22 per night. This location works well for visitors wanting forest camping with river access while maintaining reasonable proximity to places to camp around Cascade and Durango's amenities.
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
Transfer Park Campground was a historic tranfer station for ore and supplies between pack mules and wagons in the mining era. The campground is 1 mile past Florida Campground with 11 shaded acres above the Florida River. Two loops have 25 sites with shade and sun, and large, open play areas. The upper loop is mostly level, with several larger sites. The lower loop is near the river and has 2 larger sites, a few short pull-throughs, and several tent spots.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsTransfer Park Campground is located in Colorado near Cascade
Coordinates
37.4624 N
107.6809 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
Drive Time
- 1 hr 27 min from Farmington, NM
- 3 hrs 48 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 3 hrs 52 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs 52 min from Grand Junction, CO
