Camping sites near Hesperus, Colorado range from 6,500 to 8,000 feet in elevation, creating significant temperature drops after sunset even in summer months. The region sits at the western edge of the San Juan Mountains where forests transition to desert plateaus. Overnight temperatures can drop 30-40 degrees from daytime highs, requiring campers to pack layers even for July and August trips.
What to do
Explore ancient history at Mesa Verde National Park: Located just 25 minutes from Hesperus, the park offers ranger-led tours of cliff dwellings. "We stayed in Morefield Campground and it made for an easy morning before some ranger led tours. The park is big. If you have the option to stay here, stay here," notes Bianca C. from Morefield Campground.
Ride the Durango & Silverton train: The historic narrow gauge railway passes directly through some campgrounds. "The greatest thing about this campground 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," reports Nick S. from United Campground of Durango.
Fish at Mancos State Park: The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, and yellow perch. "Mancos State Park has no-wake boating and is well-known for fishing, especially rainbow trout, a few brownies and yellow perch," explains Robert G. who stayed at the park. The fishing season runs year-round with ice fishing available during winter months.
Hike the Hermosa Creek Trail: This trail offers a moderate 7-mile out-and-back option. "We stayed for 2 nights. Right next to Hermosa Creek trail. Such a beautiful place," shares Thanh H. from Lower Hermosa Campground. The trail features creek crossings and moderate elevation changes suitable for hikers of various abilities.
What campers like
Free hot showers at national park campground: An unusual amenity for federal sites. "Free and unlimited hot water. Just not enough hooks," writes Sar from Morefield Campground. Another camper, Tori K., reinforces this: "A national park campground with free showers!!! There's laundry and a store as well."
Private sites with creek sounds: Several campgrounds offer waterside camping. "Very nice campground with a creek running through it. Bonus if you can get the creek side so you hear it all night. Well kept grounds," notes Stacy M. about HTR Durango Campground.
Yurt camping near Hesperus, Colorado: For those seeking more comfort without bringing an RV, Mancos State Park offers all-season yurts. "There are 33 campsites on two sides of the lake, plus two all-season yurts. During the winter, it is a great place to use as a base for cross country skiing," explains a reviewer who appreciated the year-round options for alternative accommodation in the Hesperus area.
Space and privacy at tent sites: The region offers uncrowded camping experiences. "Very shady camp sites with plenty of room to spread out. Sparkling clean bathrooms. Road noise but it's not so bad at night," notes Lauren about Target Tree Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal closures affect availability: Most campgrounds operate from May through October. According to a review, "Target Tree has awesome campsites. It sits between Mesa Verde and Durango and is a perfect launch for this area." The campground typically closes during winter months.
Elevation means unpredictable weather: Prepare for sudden temperature changes and storms. A Morefield camper advises, "Campers should be prepared for sudden and severe weather. The high desert location can bring intense storms with strong winds." Pack extra stakes and rain gear even for summer visits.
Highway noise impacts some sites: Campgrounds near major roads experience traffic sounds. "Haviland Lake is about 20 minutes from the town of Durango, and is a beautiful little park. It is awesome in winter time (no camping allowed) for xc skiing and snow shoeing," notes one camper who enjoyed the location despite some weekend noise from visitors.
Reservation systems vary by campground: "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," explains Hattie R. from Mesa Verde RV Resort, highlighting the importance of understanding each location's check-in procedures.
Tips for camping with families
Affordable morning meals at park campgrounds: Morefield offers budget-friendly breakfast options. "The all you can eat pancakes for $10 is a pretty good steal," notes Bianca C. This provides a convenient start before exploring Mesa Verde National Park's extensive grounds.
Playgrounds and activities at commercial campgrounds: Some sites offer family-specific amenities. "They had an ice cream station, outdoor movie watching area, pool, playground and other things," mentions Andy O. about Durango RV Resort.
Look for junior ranger programs: Mesa Verde and nearby campgrounds offer educational opportunities for children. "Ranger talks at the amphitheater," notes Tori K. about programs available at Morefield Campground, providing structured learning activities for younger campers.
Pack extra layers for children: The temperature swing from day to night can be extreme. "We left a night early bc we're not prepared for below freezing," warns a Morefield camper, emphasizing the importance of proper clothing even during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Look for sites with electric hookups but forgo sewer: Many campers find this balance works well for shorter stays. "We stayed in a full hook up site. Some of the sites were a little tricky to get in for big campers. We were in site 171 and have a 33 ft 5th wheel," advises Sarah L. from Morefield Campground.
Test electrical connections before setup: "Always check your hookups before settling in. Otherwise, this is a great little spot for easy access to Durango," suggests Glenn F. who discovered electrical issues at HTR Durango Campground but was able to move to a working site.
Consider length limitations on mountain roads: "Durango has a lot of campgrounds nearby, but they aren't really RV oriented. Target Tree is an excellent RV campground with large sites and plenty of room," explains Dave about the practical considerations for larger vehicles in the area.
Look for S-shaped pull-through sites: These provide easier navigation. "Love the 'S' curved pull thru sites. We had an 'S' shaped site with nice privacy and ease of arriving and leaving because of design," shares Julia M., highlighting how site design can make a significant difference in setup experience.
