Best Campgrounds near Durango, CO

The campground hadn’t officially opened yet, all the facilities were closed.. First come first serve. Arrived on a Tuesday. Camp sites clean with bear boxes at almost all the sites. A group of Mule Deer hanging around

McPhee Campground sits high on a mesa, offering campers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and McPhee Reservoir, which lies 500 feet below. The reservoir itself is the largest in the San Juan National Forest and the second largest in Colorado, boasting 50 miles of shoreline surrounded by piñon, juniper, and sagebrush.

The campground has overflow parking areas if you bring a boat.

The campground was quiet and spotless when we camped there. 

For more details: https://youtu.be/a9_2npDOtPY

This is a gravel lot with full hookups. There are also bathrooms with private stalls for showers. It's convenient and fine if you need full hookups in the area.

More details and images: https://youtu.be/3Rt0Szc9uCw

A big Campground south of Durango and 15 miles outside of Farmington, NM. We’re here before the season starts but there’s a huge amount of Houseboats on the water at the marina so I’ll assume it’s very active in warmer summer weather. We’re in a 30’ Class C and we fit ok but our site and maybe others are just a bit too close to each other. There is a strong Verizon signal so we can receive internet that way and our Dish Satellite worked well also. There is no over the air tv signal. The little involvement with Park personnel was very nice. Marina in. bar and Restaurant were not open yet. Guessing May 1 for that? We would come back again.. between the lake, fishing, hiking nearby Indian ruins this is a sweet place to unwind and have fun

The Rosa campsite was easy to find down a paved road. 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, although the water leaked pretty badly. The scenery was beautiful and quiet and the bathrooms were clean with hot showers and coin operated laundry. We stayed in early April and there were only a few other campers.

Morefield Campground, located just inside Mesa Verde National Park, offers a convenient and scenic basecamp for exploring the park’s incredible ancient cliff dwellings and stunning landscapes. The campground is spacious and well-organized, with over 250 sites that accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers. The setting is peaceful, with sweeping views of mesas and easy access to trails like the Point Lookout Trail.

Amenities are a highlight here, including flush toilets, showers, a well-stocked camp store, and even a fuel station. It’s an excellent choice for families or those who appreciate a few comforts while camping.

However, campers should be prepared for sudden and severe weather. The high desert location can bring intense storms with strong winds. During our stay, our tent nearly flew away despite being staked down securely, so it’s worth bringing extra gear like sandbags or heavy-duty stakes to keep your setup anchored.

Overall, Morefield Campground is an excellent choice for exploring Mesa Verde, combining convenient amenities with a beautiful natural setting. Just keep an eye on the weather and pack accordingly to ensure a comfortable stay.

Matterhorn Campground, located near Telluride and nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, offers an excellent balance of comfort and outdoor adventure. This well-maintained campground is perfect for campers seeking easy access to Colorado’s stunning alpine scenery without sacrificing convenience.

The campsites are clean, spacious, and equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Some sites even offer electric hookups, making it a great option for RV travelers. The surrounding area is breathtaking, with panoramic views of rugged peaks, lush forests, and wildflower-filled meadows.

One of the campground’s standout features is its proximity to the Uncompahgre Wilderness and nearby trails, such as the iconic Ice Lake Basin or Blue Lakes hikes. It’s also just a short drive to Telluride, where you can enjoy its historic charm and famous gondola rides.

The elevation keeps the temperatures cool, even in summer, and the nights are peaceful—perfect for stargazing. The campground is accessible via a paved road, which is a bonus for those with larger vehicles.

Whether you’re here for hiking, fishing, or simply soaking up the mountain views, Matterhorn Campground provides a great basecamp for exploring Colorado’s high country. With its mix of amenities and natural beauty, it’s a solid choice for both novice and seasoned campers alike.