Located along the Animas River in southwestern Colorado at 6,512 feet elevation, Durango sits at the edge of the San Juan Mountains where alpine forests transition to desert plateaus. This area experiences mild summer temperatures averaging 82°F in July and winter lows around 10°F in January. Several campgrounds near Durango offer yurt accommodations with varying levels of amenities to withstand these seasonal temperature swings.
What to do
Fishing access at the lake: Haviland Lake Campground, about 20 minutes from Durango, provides excellent fishing opportunities. As one camper noted, "[The lake] was great for kayaking and we saw a lot of people fishing. Great hiking trail that follows along a stream. Camp hosts were great and the bathrooms were very clean!" (Haviland Lake Campground)
Ride the historic train: United Campground of Durango offers unique access to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. One reviewer highlighted this special experience: "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." The free trolley stop at the campground entrance also makes train access easy.
Winter activities: Mancos State Park, located 45 minutes from Durango, provides year-round camping including winter yurt options. "During the winter, it is a great place to use as a base for cross country skiing," writes one reviewer. "The park adjoins the San Juan National Forest, including multiple hiking trails, the Chicken Creek cross country ski area, the Sawtooth and Millwood trails, and other trails."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Lower Hermosa Campground, located just 10 minutes from downtown Durango, receives consistent praise for maintenance. One camper reported in 2024: "The pit toilets are impeccable – they really couldn't be cleaner." Another noted that "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."
Quiet riverside settings: Pine Point Campground at Vallecito Reservoir offers peaceful sites with ample space. A visitor explained: "It's right on the lake but tucked away in some towering ponderosas, with lots and lots of space between each site. It's quiet and beautiful, and most of the spots offer ample shade and lots of places to hang a hammock." This privacy makes it ideal for yurt camping near Durango.
Evening wildlife viewing: Target Tree Campground provides opportunities to observe wildlife. The campground offers "spectacular Colorado mountains and scenery" with one camper noting, "Deer came out around 6 pm. Bear area, none seen." Target Tree also received praise for its maintenance: "All campsites are carefully raked and put in good shape - no ashes left in rings."
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Vallecito Reservoir's water levels can change dramatically. In 2025, a camper 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." Another reviewer in 2021 noted the challenge: "While water was accessible it was a good hike with a 48lb kayak and most of it was very rocky. But the water was magnificent and well worth the hike."
Road noise considerations: When selecting a campground, consider proximity to highways. At Target Tree Campground, a reviewer advised: "Road noise is not awesome. Try to get the sites furthest back." Similarly, at Oasis RV Resort Durango (formerly KOA), a guest pointed out: "It is directly above the freeway and we needed earplugs for the traffic noise."
Tent pad surfaces: Pay attention to the ground surface when setting up tents. At Target Tree Campground, one camper warned: "IF you are tent camping, the tent pads are chipped rock, not round gravel. Bring an extra tarp or two to protect your tent footprint."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: HTR Durango Campground (formerly Lightner Creek) offers a swimming pool that's particularly appealing for children. A visitor shared: "We loved Lightner Creek. The creek was great, the pool was welcome relief for the kids and we enjoyed talking to fellow campers visiting from around the country and England!"
Historic train viewing: Children often enjoy watching the historic train at United Campground. A camper described the experience: "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."
Mesa Verde proximity: Morefield Campground in Mesa Verde National Park provides educational opportunities within a short drive. "Campgrounds are gorgeous. If you're in the lumi loop you're a walk to the camp store. Bathrooms are close by. The all you can eat pancakes for $10 is a pretty good steal. Staying here makes for an easy morning before some ranger led tours."
Tips for RVers
Electrical connections: At Durango North-Riverside KOA (now under new ownership), RV campers can secure premium river sites. One reviewer reported: "We payed for a premium sight that backs right up to the river. ABSOLUTELY beautiful." Another noted that "the sites are all large and the grounds are immaculate."
Site size considerations: Check campground site specifications before booking for larger RVs. At HTR Durango Campground, a camper cautioned: "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. They WILL put you in too small a space."
Full hookup availability: United Campground of Durango offers complete RV services. A camper stated: "Clean, quiet, full hookups. nice facilities. Space for all sizes of RVs. Quick bike ride to the river trail into town." The campground also provides a dump station for those staying in partial hookup sites.
