Cabin camping near Durango, Colorado offers lodging options in the high-elevation mountains surrounding this southwest Colorado destination. Located at approximately 6,500 feet elevation, the Durango area experiences warm summer days with temperatures in the 80s and cool nights that often drop into the 40s, making cabins practical for comfort during overnight temperature fluctuations. Winter cabin stays require preparation for snow conditions from November through April, with cabins serving as base camps for access to nearly 2 million acres of San Juan National Forest.
What to do
Explore Dolores River fishing spots: Priest Gulch Campground provides cabin accommodations close to premium trout fishing. "A camper caught a 5 lb.cutthrout last week, brows,rainbows, fishing is good," shares David B., highlighting the natural resources available steps from cabin sites.
Access Mesa Verde National Park: Cabins at Morefield Campground provide convenient lodging just 4 miles inside the national park entrance. "Located 4 miles into the park. Ranger talks at the amphitheater," mentions Tori K., making this an efficient base for cliff dwelling tours without early morning drives.
Enjoy water activities at Vallecito Reservoir: Located 23 miles northeast of Durango, cabins near this large reservoir offer water recreation opportunities. "Nice campground right on the Animas River. Facilities are clean, huge laundry room, pool and a small restaurant on sight," reports Dave B. about riverside accommodations at Junction West Durango Riverside Resort.
What campers like
Quality fire rings and firewood access: Many cabins include outdoor fire features with firewood available for purchase. "We had a spot nestled in the trees which was nice," notes Glenn F. about their stay at HTR Durango Campground, where sites include fire rings for evening warmth.
Creek sounds for sleeping: Cabins situated near water features provide natural sound benefits. "Bonus if you can get the creek side so you hear it all night. Well kept grounds. Very quiet and shady," explains Stacy M. about the advantage of selecting waterside sites at HTR Durango Campground.
Complimentary amenities: Some cabin properties include extras beyond basic accommodations. "They offer free firewood, shower facilities, and laundry along with a camp store," Jeremy M. notes about Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park, which enhances the value proposition for cabin guests.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many cabin locations experience connectivity challenges. "There is absolutely no cell service below the dam where the park is situated. 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 Stefanie S. about Vallecito Resort.
Reservation timing considerations: Peak summer cabins require advance planning. "We couldn't pick our site, so we had to check in at the camp store at arrival. We got there around 4pm and check in took about 20 minutes- there were a few groups ahead in line," reports Hattie R. about arrival procedures at Morefield Campground.
Site quality variations: Not all cabin sites provide equal quality or space. "The tent space #2 that we stayed in was barely a site. Carved out of the slope, the quite small site was not flat, limiting the way we could sleep," warns Erika G., highlighting the importance of researching specific site details before booking.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access for children: Several cabin properties include swimming options during summer stays. "They had an ice cream station, outdoor movie watching area, pool, playground and other things," Andy O. shares about family amenities at Durango North-Riverside KOA.
Quiet time enforcement: Understand each property's noise policies when planning family stays. "The camp strictly enforced quiet hours. We found it to be extremely calm and relaxing with our spot right on the Animas River," Jeremy M. notes about noise management at Priest Gulch Campground.
Children's recreation options: Look for properties with additional activities. "A small pool, but it was clean and the kids had a great time," shares Ellen T. about the swimming facilities at Durango RV Resort, demonstrating how even modest amenities can provide significant entertainment value for families.
Tips from RVers
Space limitations for larger vehicles: Research site dimensions when bringing larger RVs. "The spaces are short. If your RV/toad or travel trailer plus pickup is much over 48 feet, you'll be out in the road," cautions Gary S. about space constraints at Priest Gulch Campground.
Power connectivity issues: Testing electrical connections upon arrival prevents complications. "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," advises Glenn F. about their stay at HTR Durango Campground.
Seasonal water challenges: Water systems may have quality variations. "It didn't help that the site's pump water was mostly dirt and plugged my filter," notes George L. about Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort, emphasizing the value of bringing water filtration equipment.
