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.
$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."
$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"
"Relatively convenient for access to the town and activities in the area. The main road into the area is very easy navigable by any vehicle. Some of the side roads get significantly tougher."
"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."
$35 - $85 / night
"Very convenient for trips to the lake. Easy to get in and out. Plenty of shade. Loved our stay!"
$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."
"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."
$20 - $120 / night
$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!"
$36 - $41 / night
"No grass at the sites, but lots of grass all around. The laundry is located beside the pool - you can swim while waiting for our laundry."
LegendClose to the main highway. 1 bar Verizon signal. Full rv hook ups, pit toilets, and picnic tables. The drive in there is a large meadow that had several elk. A large logging operation is happening around the rv park, so it probably gets loud with machinery during the day. This is a seasonal rv park.
GuideEasy access off the highway nice large spot with some shade
LegendJust up the road you get 2 bars verizonnbut zero toward the top. The road is dirt but very very smooth a car will have no issues at all. The problem is there are no good spots. There is a little pond you could tent camping around but all the spots look like they got ruined recently by bulldozer doing log work. They arw all torn up and juat mud pits. If you go all the way to the top ita just a gravel circle trailhead with an okay slanted spot. Definitely not a destination, but if you are passing through just stay in one of the pull offs close to the highway' it doesnt get any better if you go up.
LegendHas good Verizon 5g. Right off the highway- easy access. This place is unique because it also has a hotel. So if your car camping this wouldn’t be a bad place to get a room and stretch out for a bit. The real advantage is that they have a lot of outdoor activities for older kids- volleyball court, tennis court. Lots of area to walk around. This place does not feel cramped. Overall this area has great views of the mountains.
LegendGood 5g cell Verizon. Directly off the highway- very easy access. Room for big rigs, full hook-ups. This place is set just off the highway and opens up to a big field, that sort of feels like a park. Lots of room. It is a rv park so your close to people but plenty of room to walk around and look the great view of the hills. Call ahead before coming- it didn’t look like the water was on, so maybe a seasonal place. Overall a nice place to stay.
GuideAbout 5 miles drive to town which is fine for us. We stayed in a shady spot near the back. Bathrooms are clean and decorated with a country/western vibe, and a 2 acre dog park !
TravelerNice enough if you’re passing through. Some spots with river views and access. It would be a good idea to make sure nothing is going on at the fairgrounds unless you like lots of company. Otherwise it’s pretty quiet and secure.
LegendDurango is known for historic trains and this RV park has a historic train that runs right through it.
Right on a river. Small family run campground. Good stopping point if exploring Durango.
TravelerIt’s about 2.5 miles off the road on a little washed out road but not bad. Showed up, no one here. Great spot not far from the road for overnighting. Bonus they have about 15 miles of mountain bike trails!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 181 campgrounds and RV parks near Arboles, CO and 45 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 45 free dispersed camping spots near Arboles, CO.
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