Bayfield camping offers visitors access to the San Juan Mountains with elevations between 6,900-7,500 feet, creating moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak season. The region receives approximately 18 inches of annual rainfall, mostly during afternoon thunderstorms in July and August. Most campgrounds within 30 miles of Bayfield operate seasonally from May through October due to winter snowfall.
What to do
Kayaking on Vallecito Reservoir: Launch from Pine Point Campground where the water is calm and clear. "The lake was great for kayaking and we saw a lot of people fishing. Great hiking trail that follows along a stream," reports one visitor at Haviland Lake Campground.
Historic train viewing: Watch the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad from your campsite. "The greatest thing about this campground though is that the Durango steam train goes right through the campground. To see the historic train right from your camper or tent window is pretty great," notes a camper at United Campground of Durango.
Mountain biking access: Explore trails directly from Lower Hermosa Campground. "It's also a great spot to set up base and go straight to the trails for hiking and dirt biking. Great hammock trees and you get the feel of being out in the middle of the nowhere while actually being pretty close to town if needed," explains one reviewer.
What campers like
Private sites with shade: Campers appreciate the natural spacing at many locations. "This is a very simple campground but just what we wanted. Pack in pack out, clean and well maintained sites, the only sound birdsong," states a visitor at Lower Hermosa Campground.
Access to town shuttles: Convenient transportation options exist for visitors without vehicles. "Not only does the train bisect the RV and Tent camping areas so you can watch it go by, but the city free trolley stop is right at the entrance and will take you to within a block and a half of the station downtown," reports a camper at United Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathroom facilities are consistently mentioned. "The bathrooms are currently open and super clean! It's also a great spot to set up base and go straight to the trails for hiking and dirt biking," notes a Lower Hermosa visitor.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly by location. "Cell service for the entire area is non-existent from the bottom of the dam all the way to the subdivision of Forest Lakes," explains a reviewer at Vallecito Resort, though many campgrounds maintain WiFi near office areas.
Weather patterns: Prepare for sudden afternoon storms, especially in summer. "The afternoon clouds rolled in like clockwork to provide a few showers and cool things down," notes a camper at Pine Point Campground.
Reservation timing: Popular sites book quickly during peak season. "We try to stay in site 18 as much as possible but you really have to make your reservations early. This is a very popular campground," advises a Pine Point visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer pools for cooling off. "The campground is a little ways outside of historic Durango and less than an hour from Mesa Verde. The tent site I stayed in was near the showers/bathroom and laundry and in the middle of the ground but didn't feel like I was lacking privacy," mentions a visitor at Durango North-Riverside KOA.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with organized activities. "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," reports a camper at Durango RV Resort.
Family site spacing: Some areas offer better privacy than others. "Very nice campground with a creek running through it. Bonus if you can get the creek side so you hear it all night. Well kept grounds. Very quiet and shady," mentions a visitor at HTR Durango Campground.
Tips from RVers
Utilities and hookup quality: Test electrical connections before setting up. "Thank God we had the surge protector and that I tested the outlet before plugging into the RV. The monitor indicated reverse polarity so we ended up having to move to another site. Always check your hookups before settling in," advises an RVer who stayed at HTR Durango.
Glamping close to Bayfield, Colorado: Several options for luxury tent camping exist within 20 minutes of town. "RV sites, some tent sites and cabins. Cabins have a single and a bunk, power, porch light, picnic tables and firepit. Office has firewood. Bathrooms are stall, showers are stall/curtained," notes a visitor describing glamping accommodations at Durango North-Riverside KOA.
Site selection for views: Premium sites offer better scenery but book quickly. "I recommend trying for sites 39-43 which have an incredible lake view," suggests a camper at Haviland Lake Campground.
