Best Campgrounds near Bayfield, CO

Dispersed camping areas and established campgrounds surround Bayfield, Colorado, providing options for tent, RV, and cabin camping throughout the San Juan National Forest and along Vallecito Reservoir. The Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping area offers free primitive sites on BLM land, while developed facilities like Pine Point Campground and Vallecito Campground provide more amenities within forested settings. Several private RV parks including Outdoorsy Bayfield and Alpen Rose RV Park accommodate larger vehicles with full hookup options. The region includes both lakeside sites and mountain forest camping areas within a short drive of town.

Road conditions and seasonal closures significantly impact camping access in the Bayfield area, particularly at higher elevations where snow may linger into late spring. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from May through September or October. A visitor commented, "The campground is almost entirely shaded by tall pines. There is a creek that trickles past some of the campsites which makes for a pleasant sound when lying in the tent at night." Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with better coverage near town and limited or no service in more remote camping areas. Water levels at Vallecito Reservoir fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline camping and boat launch accessibility. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, and campers should check current regulations before planning trips.

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the Bayfield area, particularly at Pine Point Campground on Vallecito Reservoir. Campers appreciate the spacious, shaded sites among ponderosa pines and the proximity to water recreation. According to one visitor, "It's right on the lake but tucked away in some towering ponderosas, with lots and lots of space between each site." Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, elk, and various bird species. The proximity to both wilderness areas and town amenities makes Bayfield camping appealing for extended stays. Temperatures remain moderate even in summer due to the elevation, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. Visitors frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere of forest campgrounds compared to the more developed RV parks closer to town.

Best Camping Sites Near Bayfield, Colorado (243)

    1. Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Bayfield, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 882-7296

    "there are spots up front i stayed at a spot on one of the road forks towards the end use these coordinates 36350–36498 US-160 Bayfield, CO United States"

    "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."

    2. Durango RV Resort

    22 Reviews
    Durango, CO
    11 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!"

    3. United Campground of Durango

    20 Reviews
    Durango, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 247-3853

    $45 - $70 / night

    "Its really close to the Durango old Town area (like 10 min drive or less) and about 45 minutes to mesa verde."

    "We did 4 campgrounds during our trip in Colorado this summer."

    4. Junction Creek Campground

    26 Reviews
    Purgatory, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 702-1420

    $30 - $150 / night

    "Very nice campground in a beautiful area near Durango. The bathrooms were very clean and the lots were all in good spots. Very close to part of the Colorado Trail!"

    "The double site allowed us to put our 24-foot trailer across both spots with our front door facing the back of the campsite with nothing but beautiful national forest behind us!"

    5. Vallecito Campground

    19 Reviews
    Cascade, CO
    17 miles
    Website

    $16 - $45 / night

    "One of the most beautiful in Colorado and that's saying a lot. Our site was big and it was right by Vallecito Creek. Big drought conditions going on this year so the reservoir was pretty low."

    "Stores are close to the camp area if you need supplies. The trailhead for the Vallecito river trail is right there. It’s a beautiful hike through the Weminuche Wilderness area."

    6. Alpen Rose RV Park

    17 Reviews
    Durango, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 247-5540

    $65 - $1 / night

    "Its a pretty expensive park...big rigs are regularly 79.00 and they did discount it 8.00 per night for off season, but all the big rig sites line up along the entrance/exit and people are arriving as late"

    "Easy to find off the Highway. Close but not too close to downtown Durango. We were immediately greeted by CJ. He was extremely nice and he guided us to our shady site by the cafe."

    7. Outdoorsy Bayfield

    6 Reviews
    Bayfield, CO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (970) 884-2475

    $41 - $999 / night

    "The lake view spots are amazing backed right up to their private lake. Plenty of walking trails and areas to run with the pups. This place is 20 from durango but bayfield has plenty to do in town."

    "There are an abundance of flowers, streams, fishing areas, and walking trails. Gravel sites are very level. All hookups are available at every site, including cable TV."

    8. Middle Mountain

    8 Reviews
    Bayfield, CO
    12 miles
    Website

    $32 / night

    "Our campsite was very close to the beach and the lake was ideal for paddleboardIng."

    "Walking distance to the lake for kayaking, paddleboarding, etc. The camp sites are mostly shady. There's no hookups but there's water stations and vault toilets. The camp host is wonderful as well!"

    9. Pine Point Campground

    7 Reviews
    Bayfield, CO
    12 miles
    Website

    $31 - $39 / night

    "It’s right on the lake but tucked away in some towering ponderosas, with lots and lots of space between each site."

    "This campground will always have a special place in my memories as my first camping trip in Colorado."

    10. Graham Creek Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bayfield, CO
    11 miles
    Website

    $32 / night

    "While a bit dusty, this campground is well maintained, nicely laid out, and has nice access to the lake."

    "There is good access to hiking and we rented kayaks at the local marina. Only wish we had more time here."

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Recent Reviews near Bayfield, CO

1419 Reviews of 243 Bayfield Campgrounds


  • Ricky R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Tico Time River Resort

    Quiet off season RV Park with full hookups

    Our site was full hook up 50 amp and pretty much level. The pad was rock and sand. Overall park occupancy was low due to off season. Good off season rate for 3 or more nights. Overall park was clean and quiet. Traffic noise from highway was fairly loud. Self check in during this time of year as office is rarely open. Best to make reservations online

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping

    Easy location

    We were able to find this spot easily off the road. Spots are very spread out and not a lot of them that we passed but there’s a couple literally on the road that we stayed at

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Red Mountain Creek

    Great spot

    We have a stock rav4. We were able to get to it easily. Gorgeous scenery. Very quiet. Loved the trees and the water running by.

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Haviland Lake Campground

    Quiet and private spots, some with lake view

    Right off the main road, lots of spots to choose from. Most were « first come first serve » for us. Bring cash to pay the fee. The winter rate (starting Oct) is $30. Spots are level and spacious and lots of trees to add privacy. Not too much to do but perfect for relaxing.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Junction Creek Campground

    Excellent Campground! 10/10

    One of the nicest BLM campgrounds I have stayed in. Spacious sites, super clean vault toilets, and even has electrical hookups, which is partially why I decided to stay here since I needed to top off my batteries. T electrical was shut off due to the government shut down, but was still the same price, so that sucks, but that’s not the fault of the host. Still an excellent campground.

  • 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

    Durango RV Resort

    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).


Guide to Bayfield

Camping near Bayfield, Colorado offers a mix of forest and lakeside experiences within the San Juan National Forest at elevations ranging from 7,000 to 8,500 feet. The camping season typically runs May through September, with some campgrounds closing earlier due to snowfall at higher elevations. Winter camping is limited to dispersed areas on BLM land where access roads remain open.

What to do

Fishing at Vallecito Reservoir: For quality trout and northern pike fishing, visit Pine Point Campground along the reservoir. "The water was calm and so clear. The afternoon clouds rolled in like clockwork to provide a few showers and cool things down," shares a camper who enjoyed paddleboarding on the lake.

Hiking the Colorado Trail: Access sections of this famous trail from Junction Creek Campground. A visitor notes, "Very close access to hiking on the Colorado Trail. You'll pass by one of the Trail entrances just before you enter the campground."

Train watching: Camp at United Campground of Durango to see the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. "The Durango steam train goes right through the campground. To see the historic train right from your camper or tent window is pretty great," reports one camper.

Wildlife viewing: At Graham Creek Campground, campers often spot deer at dusk. "Deer would cross our campsite every night at dusk," mentions a visitor who stayed at site 19.

What campers like

Private, spacious sites: Campers consistently praise the roomy sites at Vallecito Campground. "Our site was big and it was right by Vallecito Creek. The campground is about 1 or so away from the lake," reports a visitor who appreciated the space.

Clean facilities: At Middle Mountain campground, visitors note exceptional cleanliness. "The bathrooms were the cleanest I have seen at a campground!! If you love to SUP this is an amazing place to go to," shares an enthusiastic camper.

Accessible location: The Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping area provides free camping with good connectivity. "Going east from Durango, you make a right turn on silver hills road. You will see the blm sign. Gravel road, fire pits. We stayed in a camper van at one of the first spots and had 5g internet with AT&T," notes a recent visitor.

Weather patterns: The Vallecito area has predictable afternoon weather in summer. A camper observed, "The afternoon clouds rolled in like clockwork to provide a few showers and cool things down," making it perfect for morning activities.

What you should know

Road conditions: The access road to Junction Creek Campground requires careful driving. "It's a bit of a rough road getting up the mountain but it's worth it. Lots of washboarding on the road up but it's fine if you just coast over the bad areas and go slow," advises a camper.

Seasonal closures: Some BLM areas close during winter months. "The gate was closed from Dec 1- April 30. Looked like it would have been a nice spot," reports a visitor who tried to access Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping off-season.

Water levels: Vallecito Reservoir experiences significant water level fluctuations. A camper at Middle Mountain observed, "The reservoir water level is down at least 25 feet since May. A little shocking at first but the campground is still beautiful and peaceful."

Mosquitoes: Be prepared for insects at certain times. "The only thing that was no fun and could not be controlled was the mosquitoes. Holy cow, they were everywhere. Bring a lot of spray or bug zapper," warns a visitor to Vallecito Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Easy lake access: For families with water toys, choose carefully. "This campground is our #1 spot. Walking distance to the lake for kayaking, paddleboarding, etc. The camp sites are mostly shady," recommends a visitor to Middle Mountain campground.

Entertainment options: Oasis RV Resort and Cottages offers numerous amenities for children. "They had an ice cream station, outdoor movie watching area, pool, playground and other things. You can order breakfast and go to the trailer where it's cooked," shares a visitor with family.

Safe swimming areas: The water temperature at Vallecito Reservoir is chilly but refreshing. "It's super cold and great for cooling off in close to shore, but we really loved taking our paddle boards out," notes a Pine Point Campground visitor.

Proximity to town: When camping with kids, consider locations with quick access to supplies. A visitor to Junction Creek notes, "Only 5 miles out of town, so it's easy to grab the necessities you need from City Market or enjoy dinner out in historic downtown Durango."

Tips from RVers

Site selection for big rigs: At Alpen Rose RV Park, consider back-in sites for more privacy. "All are buddy sites, so you can face a friend, and all but ours (A-B) have a nice grass area...we would come back, but would take a back in next time so we arent so close to the entrance."

Leveling challenges: Graham Creek Campground accommodates RVs but requires preparation. "We happened to love our site! The reservation map on Recreation.gov was actually a pretty accurate representation of how each site was spaced from the other," shares a camper who found a well-leveled spot.

Hookup availability: Only specific loops at Junction Creek offer electricity. "Loop E is the only one with electric hookups. There are no water or sewer hookups here, which was perfect in my mind," notes an RVer who appreciated the more rustic setup.

Cell service information: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "We had 2 bars of Verizon so internet was decent," reports a visitor to Middle Mountain, while Junction Creek has "No cell service at all for AT&T users."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in Bayfield, CO?

The Bayfield area offers several excellent campgrounds, with Pine Point Campground being a standout choice. Located on Vallecito Reservoir, it features spacious sites nestled among towering ponderosa pines with ample shade and plenty of room between campsites—perfect for hammock camping. For RV travelers, Outdoorsy Bayfield provides well-maintained grounds with grassy sites, reliable WiFi throughout the park, and exceptionally clean facilities. The staff is known for being helpful and friendly, and the sites can accommodate larger rigs up to 38 feet. Both locations offer beautiful settings that showcase the natural beauty that makes the Bayfield area a popular camping destination.

What outdoor recreational activities can I enjoy while camping in Bayfield?

The Bayfield area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities centered around Vallecito Reservoir and the surrounding mountains. Water activities include fishing, boating, and swimming, though water levels can fluctuate seasonally. Hikers can enjoy numerous trails, with Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area providing access to rewarding hikes like San Bernardo Peak. For anglers, the Dispersed Campsites on 591 near 550 offer quick access to Lime Creek fishing. The region is also popular for wildlife viewing, photography, mountain biking, and off-roading adventures. During winter months, nearby areas provide opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, making Bayfield a year-round outdoor recreation destination.

What camping options are available near Bayfield, Colorado?

Bayfield offers diverse camping options to suit various preferences. For those seeking free camping, Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping provides accessible sites along US-160. Another dispersed option is Chutes and Ladders Dispersed, which features 15 designated sites with varying levels of highway noise. Those preferring established campgrounds can enjoy Vallecito Resort, a well-maintained RV park with friendly staff and seasonal residents. For campers willing to venture slightly farther, the Durango area offers additional options including established campgrounds with full amenities and more remote forest service sites, providing choices ranging from primitive experiences to full-service RV parks.