Durango sits at 6,512 feet elevation in the Animas River Valley, surrounded by the San Juan Mountains. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with most RV parks closing during winter months due to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. Many campgrounds near Durango offer views of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which runs adjacent to several camping areas.
What to do
River access for fishing: The Dolores River provides excellent trout fishing opportunities at Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park Cabins and Lodge, located between Cortez and Telluride. "A camper caught a 5 lb. cutthroat last week, browns, rainbows, fishing is good," notes one visitor. The campground features tent sites directly on the riverbank.
Mesa Verde exploration: For exploring ancient cliff dwellings, Mesa Verde RV Resort provides convenient access just half a mile from the national park entrance. "Located 1/2 mile east of the National Park entrance. Sites are roomy, property very clean and staff friendly," reports one camper. The resort serves as an excellent base camp for day trips into the park.
Hot springs soaking: After a day of hiking or biking, relax at Durango Hot Springs, located directly across from Westerly RV Park. "You're about 5 miles north of Durango right off hwy 550... Next time through here this will definitely be our first choice," notes one visitor. The recently remodeled hot springs provide a welcome respite for tired muscles.
What campers like
Large, private sites: Alpen Rose RV Park offers spacious premium sites with ample separation. "The pull-thru spots are so great and especially spacious for big rigs!" one reviewer mentions. Another adds, "We stayed winter of 24/25 and will be back 25/26. The sites are super easy to navigate. This park has million dollar views of the Durango mountains."
Dog-friendly amenities: Many RV parks near Durango accommodate pets with dedicated exercise areas. Alpen Rose RV Park features "a very nice dog run and exercise area," while one camper at Stoner RV Resort notes, "They have 2 little dog parks. A basketball court. Lots of toys for the kids and adults to play with."
Free extras: Some campgrounds offer unexpected complimentary amenities. "Free barbecue with utensils and propane, fire pits with free wood! Yes, free wood!" exclaims one camper about Stoner RV Resort. Another mentions receiving "a welcome gift with yummy treats and fresh eggs" and access to "free laundry facilities."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Internet connectivity varies significantly throughout the area. At Blue Spruce RV Park & Cabins, one reviewer reports, "We have Verizon and despite having no service on the drive to blue spruce, once we arrived the bars lit up!" Meanwhile, at Priest Gulch, "ATT has good reception for calling, but it is Edge service. It will not work for internet."
Reservation requirements: Due to limited availability, booking well in advance is essential, particularly for premium sites. "We called and there was one spot open," notes a November visitor to Blue Spruce RV Park & Cabins. Many campgrounds fill completely during peak summer months and fall color season.
Varying bathroom facilities: Amenities differ significantly between parks. While Blue Spruce offers "clean restrooms and laundry," not all parks provide these basics. One camper notes that Westerly RV Park has "no showers or bathrooms" and feels very urban with "campers stacked on top of each other."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated recreation areas for children. "There's a playground, pool and adults only spa," mentions a visitor to Mesa Verde RV Resort. The campground also features mini-golf, making it suitable for families with children of various ages.
Consider noise factors: Highway proximity can impact sleep quality. At Westerly RV Park, one camper noted, "The grounds sat very close to the highway and also the road behind up to the springs. There was frequent noise from annoying drivers." For lighter sleepers, request sites further from roadways.
Choose campgrounds with open play spaces: Some RV parks offer central recreation areas. "Large grassy area in the center for kids to play, pavilion with live music plus group fire pits to sit around in the large swing seating," mentions a camper at Stoner RV Resort, making it ideal for families who need space for children to run around.
Tips from RVers
Electrical considerations: Be aware of potential electrical issues at some campgrounds. One RVer at Westerly RV Park warns, "These people had pedestals with faulty wiring. Fried my $300 surge protector. Told me they couldn't move us to another site because they had several bad pedestals." Bringing a surge protector can help safeguard expensive RV systems.
Site selection strategy: For RV camping near Durango, Colorado, request specific site types based on your preferences. At Alpen Rose RV Park, one camper advises, "We would come back, but would take a back in next time so we aren't so close to the entrance. All are buddy sites, so you can face a friend, and all but ours (A-B) have a nice grass area."
Seasonal considerations: Most RV parks in the Durango area operate seasonally. "We placed a reservation online not knowing they weren't open yet due to a late snowfall," reports a visitor to Stoner RV Resort. Always confirm operating dates directly with the campground, as websites may not reflect weather-related closures.
