Best Campgrounds near Arboles, CO

Arboles, Colorado provides a mix of developed campgrounds and dispersed camping areas centered around Navajo State Park and Navajo Lake. The region includes several established campgrounds with cabin options, including Rosa Campground, Tiffany Campground, and Carracas Campground within Navajo State Park, as well as Navajo Lake Resort RV Park and Campground. These mixed-use campgrounds accommodate tent camping, RV camping with hookups, and cabin rentals. For those seeking more primitive experiences, dispersed camping is available on nearby public lands, including Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping areas and Fossett Gulch Road.

Camping availability in the Arboles area follows seasonal patterns, with most developed campgrounds operating year-round at Navajo State Park, while some private campgrounds like Navajo Lake Resort operate from April through November. "The campgrounds are spread all throughout the lake which reaches from Northern New Mexico into Colorado," notes one camper familiar with the area. Road access to most developed sites is suitable for standard vehicles, though dispersed camping areas may require higher clearance. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, particularly at dispersed sites. Campers should be prepared for high desert conditions with hot summer days, cool nights, and limited shade at some lakeside camping areas.

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the Arboles area, with many campers highlighting the proximity to Navajo Lake as a key feature. The lake provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and water recreation, with the marina offering boat rentals and other services. A reviewer mentioned that "if you don't have a boat or fancy water toys, Sims Mesa is where you should go. Much less crowded than the main marina." Several campgrounds feature electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities, particularly at the established sites within Navajo State Park. Campers seeking more solitude often prefer the dispersed camping options, which offer free camping but lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. The area's location provides convenient access to both Colorado and New Mexico attractions.

Best Camping Sites Near Arboles, Colorado (179)

    1. Rosa Campground — Navajo State Park

    11 Reviews
    Arboles, CO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (970) 883-2208

    $20 - $41 / night

    "The campgrounds are spread all throughout the lake which reaches from Northern New Mexico into Colorado.

    The Marina is newly remodeled and expansive."

    "We prefer to disperse camp along the North Shore of the lake, basically directly North, across the lake from the marina, in the small coves that have 4×4 and dirt road access."

    2. Ute Campground

    10 Reviews
    Chimney Rock, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 264-2268

    $22 - $100 / night

    "Pulled in around 3:30pm and still 2 tent sites left. Table fire pit and BBQ stand. Lots of trees. Pit outhouse not too far and was clean and well stocked."

    "It was a great stop as the campground is only $20 and it is only about 25 mins from Pagosa Springs so you can easily drive into the town and soak in the springs and then spend a semiquiet night in the"

    3. Navajo Lake Resort RV Park and Campground

    1 Review
    Arboles, CO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (970) 883-3636

    $35 - $85 / night

    "Very convenient for trips to the lake. Easy to get in and out. Plenty of shade. Loved our stay!"

    4. Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Bayfield, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 882-7296

    "A residential area with no access to BLM land. Instead, search for Durfield dispersed camping nearby and it will take you to the correct place."

    "Located off Hwy 160, about 14 miles from Durango you will find BLM land. After crossing a cattle guard and a building you will then enter into BLM land and can camp wherever you need."

    5. Sims Mesa Campground — Navajo Lake State Park

    7 Reviews
    Navajo Dam, NM
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 632-8645

    $15 - $90 / night

    "Several sites available right on the lake, just steps away from the water. Bathrooms available. Water and trash available just a short walk."

    "Navajo Lake was a last minute reservation to escape the southern heat. SUCCESS, the sites had shelter, access to water and good Marina. Not many marked trails but you can still explore."

    6. Fossett Gulch Rd Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Chimney Rock, CO
    14 miles

    "The pull-off was flat and about 150ft from highway 160.  There was a gate near our spot that was closed, presumably for the winter.  Although we could hear road traffic it didn't keep us awake."

    7. Tiffany Campground — Navajo State Park

    1 Review
    Arboles, CO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (970) 883-2208

    $20 - $120 / night

    8. Oasis RV Resort and Cottages

    22 Reviews
    Durango, CO
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 247-0783

    $47 - $197 / night

    "We had to overnight in Durango area for one night, on our way from Colorado to Arizona."

    "CUSTOMER SERVICE: Friendly staff; shuffled our stay around so we could extend and not relocate during the week. 

    WIFI/ CELL SERVICE: Camp wifi and speed seemed to work really well!"

    9. Carracas Campground — Navajo State Park

    Be the first to review!
    Arboles, CO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (970) 883-2208

    $36 - $41 / night

    10. Navajo Dam Glamping Retreat Wild-u-can

    3 Reviews
    Navajo Dam, NM
    15 miles
    +1 (505) 793-0094

    $100 / night

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Recent Reviews near Arboles, CO

799 Reviews of 179 Arboles Campgrounds


  • Ken B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Missionary Ridge Road

    Missionary Ridge Road

    The road up is fine for 2wd but holy crap it’s twisty! I have a full size pu and you definitely wouldn’t want to take anything bigger. We grabbed the second site up so not sure what’s beyond. 1-3 bars for Verizon.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Oasis RV Resort and Cottages

    Clean and easy, Really Liked It

    We ended up in a huge site in the outside edge of campground so no one on either side. The Traffic noise is a little loud but the site size and views make up for it. The entire grounds feel spacious which is not true for a lot of parks. This park is designed for the customer, not the business. Has a really nice playground, putt putt and pickle ball courts. Laundry room was fine. A few machines out of order but it dies the job. It is really nice and I would stay again.

  • Jane M.
    Oct. 2, 2025

    The Last Resort RV Park & Campground

    Beautiful spot

    We are usually dispersed or National or state park campers We needed a spot on our way east and selected this RV park It was beautiful About 10 miles outside of PS We had a riverside site and could hear the stream it was quiet and in a lovely place I hiked the dirt road and it was like a trail

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Bay City Campground

    Perfect for what I needed

    The road starts our residential and then eventually becomes unpaved but quite nice. I’m in a Corolla and had no problems. I was surprised that I was able to roll up at dusk and get a spot no problem - there seem to have a handful of pullouts here (with fire rings!). Maybe because it was mid week after elk season closed. The creek adds lovely background noise. Service is good enough you can text your family you made it without issue, but photos will be slow to send (Verizon).

  • Chris S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Forest Road 37

    Quiet, easy access.

    Even coming in well after dark was smooth. Quiet, not another vehicle has been threw by 8am the next day.

  • Bruce L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Fossett Gulch Rd Dispersed

    My kind of disperse camping

    Camped in a pull over on the forest Road about a mile up from the suggested disperse camping spot. Loved it

  • Sean G.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Capote Campground

    CLEAN AND SERENE

    We found Capote on the fly, while leaving West Fork Campground.

    Turned out to be a beautiful site, spacious, needled sites, surrounded by lodge pole pines.

    There are many comfortable tents sites, and water and power hookups at several RV sites.

    There's also a shower house with a dump and fill station nearby for getting back on the road again!

  • Julie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Fawn Gulch Rd. Dispersed Camping

    Great Camping but pin is in the wrong spot

    Easy drive in camping in the trees. Some spots had good views. No water. Camping was at 371832.9N-1065637.9W


Guide to Arboles

Navajo State Park forms the centerpiece of camping near Arboles, Colorado, spanning elevations between 6,000-6,500 feet in Colorado's high desert terrain. The area experiences temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between daytime highs and nighttime lows, particularly in summer months. Campers should prepare for rocky terrain with limited natural shade at most sites around Navajo Lake.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Rosa Campground in Navajo State Park attracts anglers year-round. "The fishing at this lake and the San Juan river are world renowned. The river has a few guided tour companies, but Abe's is the best. They have a store, gas, restaurant, and hotel," notes Justin C.

Explore historic sites: Located directly across from Chimney Rock National Monument, Ute Campground provides convenient access to cultural attractions. "Chimney rock across just across the road," mentions Brooke C., who appreciated the campground's location between Bayfield and Pagosa Springs.

Water recreation: The lake offers multiple access points for boating and paddling. "There's a marina to rent boats. Bring kayaks, SUPs, and tubes to spend the day in the water - easily accessed from every camp sight I've been to there. Then the cliff diving!" says Elizabeth V. about Navajo State Park.

What campers like

Private lakeside spots: At Sims Mesa Campground, campers appreciate the quieter atmosphere. "Several sites available right on the lake, just steps away from the water. Bathrooms available. Water and trash available just a short walk," notes Charlene H., who recommends this area for those without boats.

Cooler seasons: Spring and fall camping receives higher ratings due to more comfortable temperatures. "We stayed in early April and there were only a few other campers," reports Jolene C. about Rosa Campground, noting the peaceful atmosphere and clean facilities during shoulder season.

Spacious sites: Many campgrounds feature well-designed layouts. "The sites were spread out enough for privacy. Bathrooms were clean. Wasn't crowded. Really a great place to camp," shares Jim about Ute Campground, highlighting the balance between accessibility and seclusion.

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly by location and carrier. "No cell service," notes Kate A. at Ute Campground, while campers at Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping report "5g internet with AT&T" at certain spots.

Water level fluctuations: Navajo Lake experiences significant changes throughout the year. "Dry camp with pit toilets at windsurf, but State Park headquarters with all amenities about 1 mile away. Usually pretty quite and secluded. On or near the lake depending on water level which can fluctuate greatly throughout the year," reports Dennis F.

Seasonal closures: Some dispersed camping areas close during winter months. "The gate was closed from Dec 1- April 30. Looked like it would have been a nice spot," reports Hannah P. about Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping.

Tips for camping with families

Safety considerations: Choose appropriate camping locations based on children's ages. "I wouldn't recommend staying by the water if you have kids, it's right by a cliff," warns Katie S. about certain waterfront sites at Navajo State Park.

Recreational equipment: Plan activities that suit the lake conditions. "If you don't have a boat or fancy water toys, Sims Mesa is where you should go. Much less crowded than the main marina," advises Charlene H.

Terrain awareness: Fossett Gulch Rd Dispersed offers free camping with varying terrain accessibility. "Dirt road is in very good shape. No cell signal. A couple quick pull off sites right inside the gate would be good for a quick sleep. The other sites are 10-15 minutes drive down the dirt road," explains Johny R., noting that "a car would be fine" on the main route.

Tips from RVers

Pull-through availability: Rosa Campground accommodates larger rigs with dedicated sites. "We had no problem pulling our 30' airstream into one of its many open pull through sites. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. Our spot #136 had 50amp hookup and water," shares Jolene C.

Alternative locations: Oasis RV Resort and Cottages near Durango offers well-designed sites with amenities. "Love the 'S' curved pull thru sites. We had an 'S' shaped site with nice privacy and ease of arriving and leaving because of design. The sites all seemed to be nicely spaced from one another and private even though you are nearby," explains Julia M.

Hookup reliability: Check utility connections upon arrival. At Rosa Campground, one camper noted that their "spot #136 had 50amp hookup and water, although the water leaked pretty badly." Despite this issue, they still rated the overall experience highly due to the "beautiful and quiet" setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations for Arboles Point Campground?

Reservations for Arboles Point Campground can be made through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife reservation system online or by phone. Similar to other campgrounds in the Navajo State Park area like Carracas Campground — Navajo State Park, reservations can be made up to six months in advance of your arrival date. During peak season (May through September), reservations are highly recommended as sites fill quickly. Some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis during off-peak seasons. The reservation fee is typically non-refundable, and you'll need to pay the camping fees separately upon arrival.

What facilities are available at Arboles Point Campground?

Arboles Point Campground, located near Navajo Lake, offers standard amenities for a comfortable camping experience. Based on similar campgrounds in the area like Cottonwood Campground — Navajo Lake State Park and Tiffany Campground — Navajo State Park, you can expect shaded sites, covered picnic tables, and a mix of asphalt and concrete pads. The campground provides clean restrooms with flush toilets and drinking water. Most sites accommodate both tents and RVs, though not all may have hookups. The nearby lake offers excellent fishing and water recreation opportunities.

What camping is available near Arboles, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Arboles, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 179 campgrounds and RV parks near Arboles, CO and 44 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Arboles, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Arboles, CO is Rosa Campground — Navajo State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Arboles, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 44 free dispersed camping spots near Arboles, CO.