Best Campgrounds near Durango, CO
The San Juan Mountains surrounding Durango, Colorado feature diverse camping options ranging from developed sites to remote backcountry areas. Junction Creek Campground, located just minutes from downtown, serves as a popular Forest Service facility with tent and RV sites available from May through September. Dispersed camping opportunities exist on BLM land near Bayfield, approximately 14 miles east of Durango, where campers find established fire rings but minimal facilities. Private RV parks like Alpen Rose, United Campground, and Oasis RV Resort provide full hookups, showers, and amenities for travelers seeking more comfortable accommodations, with most operating seasonally from April through October.
Most campgrounds in the Durango area operate seasonally due to mountain weather patterns, with the primary camping season running May through September. As one camper noted, "Beautiful forest campground just outside of Durango with dispersed sites, lots of space, tables, fire pits, and pit toilets." Elevation varies significantly, from approximately 6,500 feet in town to over 10,000 feet in the surrounding mountains, affecting temperatures and camping conditions. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, though some BLM sites near highways maintain connectivity. "We stayed in a camper van at one of the first spots and had 5G internet with AT&T," reported one visitor to the Bayfield dispersed area. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, and afternoon thunderstorms frequently occur in July and August.
The historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad passes through some campgrounds, adding a unique element to the camping experience. "The Durango & Silverton train passes through the camp, it's so fun," mentioned one visitor to United Campground. Proximity to outdoor recreation is a consistent highlight in camper reviews, with many sites offering access to fishing streams, hiking trails, and mountain biking routes. The Colorado Trail passes near Junction Creek Campground, providing direct access to this long-distance hiking route. Wildlife sightings are common, with campers reporting encounters with deer, elk, and various bird species. For those seeking water recreation, several campgrounds near Vallecito Reservoir, about 30 minutes from Durango, offer lake access for swimming, fishing, and paddling.
