If you're searching for a place to camp with pets near Hesperus, look no further. Find the best information on pet-friendly campsites and dispersed camping near Hesperus, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each pet-friendly spot offers quick access to one or more of Hesperus's most popular destinations.
Junction Creek Campground is located close to Durango, Colo., near the beginning of the Colorado Trail. Visitors enjoy the area for its excellent hiking and biking opportunities in a scenic natural setting.
The Colorado Trail, also known as the Junction Creek Trail, begins nearby and stretches almost 500 miles to Denver as it rises through subalpine forests and alpine meadows above the timberline. Mountain biking is very popular on the Colorado Trail and the Logchute Trail System, which is nearby. Junction Creek offers fishing for rainbow and brook trout. Skilled anglers may have luck near the campground, but chances improve upstream.
The campground is situated on a south-facing hillside, a quarter-mile above Junction Creek. A forest of ponderosa pine and gambel oak covers the campground, which sits at an elevation of 7,300 feet.
Haviland Lake is a 35-minute drive from the campground. The 80-acre, no-wake lake offers boating, canoeing and fishing opportunities. Accessible fishing docks are located on the lakeshore. The small town of Durango is just minutes away, offering whitewater rafting, a river trail, shops and restaurants. It is also home to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Group Sites Group Facility (including Cabins and Lookouts): A visitor who cancels a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
$150 / night
Dispersed camping along Forest Service Road 316
San Juan National Forest encompasses about 1.8 million acres in the southwestern corner of Colorado. From high-desert mesas to alpine peaks, these federal lands are managed for multiple uses and visitors are asked to respect each other and the natural resources. The San Juan National Forest Headquarters is located in Durango, Colorado, with district offices in Bayfield, Dolores and Pagosa Springs.
Tent Sites: Tent sites have their own fire ring or grill. These sites can accommodate one small tent and one vehicle. Individual settings for your tent w/Picnic Table and Fire Ring. Basic RV Sites and Deluxe Patio Sites: Nestled in the pinon pines and junipers, with a propane fire pit. These sites have a hard surface patio with furniture. Nicely landscaped big Patio Sites with Furniture! Propane fire ring and Charcoal Grill. One camping unit and one vehicle per site. Treed sites, near the Cafe, where we serve up the best pancakes in the west. Basic and Deluxe Cottages: Deluxe Cabin lodges have a separate bedroom with a queen bed, a set of bunks and a futon. Full Bath, Kitchenette, TV, A/C & a nice deck to sit out on. There is a propane grill and fire pit available for your use. Perfect for glamping. Studio Cabin-Lodges sleep up to four people (queen bed in main room and set of bunks in separate room). Has a small fridge, microwave, a/c, heat, TV and a bathroom! , everything you need for glamping. Camping Cabins have 1 double bed and one set of bunks. A/C and heat control.
$47 - $197 / night
United Campground has been a family owned and operated park for over 40 years. Located on the banks of the Animas River, Trolley Line and on the north edge of city limits, just 4 miles from Downtown Durango. Our campground offers over 100 level RV sites with water, electric and sewer, many shade trees and over 90 grassy and shaded tent sites. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad runs right through the park. As your hosts, we want to help make your trip to Durango a memorable one.
We are a family friendly park so bring your kids, grandkids and furry kids- we can't wait to see you!
$45 - $70 / night
Mancos is a great place to camp. Set in a beautiful ponderosa forest, the upper loop of the main campground and both yurts remain open through the winter. The park is centrally located to a wide variety of local attractions.
The park has two campgrounds – Main and West – on two sides of the reservoir with a total of 32 campsites. Along the northwest side of the reservoir, the west campground has nine campsites (primarily for tent campers) with toilets but no drinking water nearby.
Mancos also offers yurts for a unique and cozy camping experience.
Yurt reservations are required year round.
Mancos State Park provides a great overnight stop or a beautiful location for an extended stay. Winter is a fun time to camp at Mancos State Park.
Come and enjoy a fun-filled, quiet and beautiful time at Mancos State Park!
Echo Basin Cabin And Rv Resort. Located in Mancos, Colorado. It is perfectly situated in the foothills of the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado. Specializing in Colorado destination weddings, reunions, and family vacations, Echo Basin Resort has had the honor of hosting numerous events each summer season for over two decades.
At Alpen Rose RV Park, you can enjoy the quiet of the Animas River Valley, along with fabulous mountain views, yet be close to Durango’s many attractions. Nestled beneath stunning, red rock cliffs, our full-service RV Park makes the perfect base camp for all of your Southwest Colorado adventures.
Pull into one of our large, grassy sites, set up your chairs, and watch the sun drift over the valley. Explore historic downtown Durango, ride the Durango & Silverton Train, or visit Mesa Verde National Park. Soak in hot springs, take a hike, walk your dog along a tumbling river or drive over a mountain pass. It’s all nearby!
$65 - $1 / night
Nestled in a protected box canyon surrounded by high cliffs of Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine and just minutes to downtown Durango, the 27-acre HTR Durango (formerly Lightner Creek Campground) is located on a seasonal mountain stream, making it an ideal setting for nature lovers of all ages.
Haviland Lake Campground is situated on its beautiful namesake within the San Juan National Forest, 18 miles north of Durango. Visitors enjoy the area for its canoeing, fishing and hiking opportunities in a scenic, natural setting. The popular campground is beautiful any time of the year.
Haviland Lake is an 80-acre, no-wake lake with excellent boating, canoeing and fishing opportunities. An accessible fishing dock is located on the lakeshore. Anglers cast for rainbow and brown trout. A Colorado Division of Wildlife fishing license is required to fish. Several trailheads are in the vicinity. The Forebay Lake Trail begins in the campground and leads to small Forebay Lake, just over a mile east of the campground. The historic Rico-to-Rockwood Wagon Road passes through Haviland and Chris Park. Built in the late 1800s, the road was used for six years until the railway opened.
The campground is situated on the shore of Haviland Lake, among shady, towering ponderosa pines, at an elevation of 8,705 feet. Many sites have lake views and easy shoreline access. Campers are awarded spectacular views of the Hermosa Cliffs across the lake.
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
$45 / night
Ranger
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.
Ranger
Madden Peak dispersed camping is a fantastic option for those seeking a peaceful and scenic camping experience near Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez, and Durango. This area is big rig accessible, with relatively flat camping spots, though the access roads can be bumpy at times . Campfires are allowed, making it a cozy spot for evenings under the stars.
The location offers stunning views of the La Plata Mountains and the surrounding wilderness, providing a serene backdrop for your stay. For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby hiking options include the Madden Peak Trail, which spans 4.5 miles and can be extended to summit Parrot Peak and Gibbs Peak. It's an ideal choice for campers who enjoy combining relaxation with outdoor adventure.
Scout
We stayed for 3 nights due to the convenience of Mesa Verde NP. The GPS coordinate on Google were spot on. The driveway was a little rough and can get very pitted with wet weather. We have a 38 foot 5th wheel that had plenty of clearance. We stayed in site 9. They do recommend 30ft and under but we got lucky there was an available site.
Traveler
Great campground just 10 minutes from Silverton. Several spots are right next to a small stream, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The vault toilet helped us conserve water, and we used the public shower/bathroom in Silverton, which was very convenient. It's also close to many hiking trails, making it a great base for outdoor activities.
Traveler
Great location, close to Durango and right across from the hot springs. Convenient gas station and grocery store less than 5 minutes away, but if you're buying a lot of groceries, I’d recommend going somewhere closer to Durango as the store across the highway is a bit pricey. Excellent access to streams for anglers
Traveler
Definitely need 4 wheel drive to get up to sites, had to build our own fire pit but that was ok! The views were phenomenal.
Scout
Camped at site #11. Beautiful sunset view. We drove a 4WD truck with truck bed camper with no problem. Never took it out of 2WD.
Traveler
Reasonable prices & open during the winter.
The lake is beautiful and a great trail network around the camp, good for trail running.
Traveler
Clean, hot showers and large laundry room.
One of the more beautiful RV sites, sitting along the silverton & Durango tourist train.
However given we don’t even plug in, $78 including tax is too expensive for us.
Traveler17 spots all pretty spaced out, filled up around 5pm on Sunday October 12 (but this could be due to the Indigenous Peoples day being tomorrow).
The surrounding landscape is beautiful.
We didn’t find the road too bad in our Ram Promaster, but we have a pretty high clearance.
Scout
area is pretty rocky so i would be careful with a ground tent. We stayed in our van and it was great.
Scout
Beautiful place! It's pretty easy to get into, there are more secluded places up the hill a ways but it gets kinda rough. You can hear the highway, but it's not much. Just ambient background noise. I got a spot with shade all day, so that was awesome. There was one night an inconsiderate person parked his company truck and camper as close to me as was possible with wide open space all over and ran his generator. Luckily he was gone the next day.
Scout
The off road trail it get to Alta lakes took us about 40-50 minutes in my boyfriends F-150. The views were amazing so neither of us really minded. We enjoyed our 1 night stay and did not struggle to find a spot
Scout
We thought it would be great to check out Tico Time last weekend, but our experience was disappointing. We had reservations for Friday and Saturday night, but when we arrived, there was no one to help us find our campsite. After driving around aimlessly, we finally found our spot.
However, the place gave off a rundown, homeless camp vibe with old camp trailers, a hippie bus, and even a car on blocks, and another trailer had two motorcycles in various stages of being dismantled.
The zip line was a letdown, and there wasn't much shade due to the lack of trees. We wished we could have gone to the river to cool off. After just one night, we decided to move on and found a better spot further up the road in the mountains north of Durango.
Guide
Newer RV park, so everything is in great shape, and the wifi is super fast, 76 mb download, and 65 upload. The only downside is that every site does not have a picnic table, but there are two gas grills at the office/club house for everyone's use. Extremely nice small town. We will definitely stay here if in the area.
Guide
We arrived at a Saturday around 3 pm and still had many opportunities to find a place. Lovley place to stay. As a toilet. I can recomment to stay there in fall.
Traveler
Very well maintained campground. Stayed in tent. Bathroom and shower new and very clean. Excellent views.
Legend
The site is literally right off of hwy 160. If your gps tries to send you through residential areas or on county roads don’t listen to it.
There are quite a few available spots and most are pretty big. Roads can be a bit rough the farther back you go but it’s got large easy to access spots close to the front. It’s pretty busy but still plenty of room for everyone to have their own space.
Phone and internet connection is excellent!
ScoutWe planned to use this location as central to Mesa Verde and Durango. However we lucked out in finding the perfect stop in Mancos. The park is very clean, well run and walkable to town. We had some truck issues and they were great in letting us stay a few extra hours while we changed out our batteries. PS loved Moondog and Fenceline for food in town.
GuideThe only reason I give this place a 3 is because of the close proximity to Mesa Verde NP. This stay is only for high clearance vehicles and small RV's. Deep drain ditches between service road and sites. All sites are extremely uneven. Also the road and sites have sharp crushed shale stone. I have a 35 foot 5th RV and was way too big for this place. But by the grace of God I managed to back into site 12. How the use planks to shore up the ditches so I could get in without bottoming out. I will not return.
Scout
Junction Creek campground is a lovely place to stay. The price is good, the hosts are just soo friendly and helpful. The site was even swept clean of pine needles as the toilets are very fresh.
The whole experience was very good with well spaced sites and flat ground all between the trees.
There is great walking and mountain biking right from camp too! Enjoy!
ScoutGoing east from Durango, you make a right turn on silver hills road. You will see the blm sign. Gravel road, fire pits. We stayed in a camper van at one of the first spots and had 5g internet with AT&T. Can hear highway noise
Ranger
Monday evening, third week of September site 25. Quiet. Well spaced sites. Sloped towards lake. At least this site and 26 would be difficult to find level spot for tent and requires lots of rocks or blocks to level rv. Note west side of lake campsites are 6 miles from US160. Deer came out around 6 pm. Bear area, none seen. Nice stopping place.
Scout
From the time we pulled into the campground, full of grass with huge trees, we felt at home. We had a warm greeting and received a welcome gift with yummy treats and fresh eggs. We were led to our spot that backed up to a creek. There was a fire pit, fire wood, bbq, table and chair swing at the camp spot. Also included are free laundry facilities, movies on a big screen (popcorn included) and we were lucky enough to have a band play one day and a solo guitarist another. Scott goes out of his way to make you comfortable. It was raining when we were watching the band play, he brought us an umbrella to use, very thoughtful. We would recommend this place to everyone, dog friendly, kid friendly, with a play area for both. There are nice tent camping spots as well.
Traveler
Got here on a Sunday night at 9pm and site 7 was open. Perfect spot if you're visiting Mesa Verde.
ScoutThis is a National Forests campground, and many of the sites have electricity, but nothing else. The sites are reasonably graded gravel sites. Some are pull-thru while others are back-in.
ScoutSite was very unlevel front to back. Had to put 6" under rear class A. Sewer connection to deep in concrete for connected to screw in.
Discover the joy of camping with your furry friends near Hesperus, Colorado, where several pet-friendly campgrounds offer a welcoming atmosphere for both you and your pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Hesperus, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Hesperus, CO is Junction Creek Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 23 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 161 dog-friendly camping locations near Hesperus, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
