261 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
San Juan National Forest surrounds Durango on the north and west, putting a mix of dispersed and developed camping within 30 to 60 minutes of downtown. The city has private RV parks and full-service campgrounds, while forest roads above town get into high-elevation terrain with no-fee dispersed sites that The Dyrt campers flag as worth the drive. Durango is also the practical base for Mesa Verde, Silverton, and the Animas River corridor, which makes it one of the more versatile staging points in southwest Colorado.
Mesa Verde-area dispersed sites sit about 35 miles west and cover the no-reservation options closest to the park. Summer weekends fill developed campgrounds fast in the Durango corridor.
For a less-congested alternative farther east, what's available for camping near Pagosa Springs runs about 60 miles out and has national forest dispersed access with fewer competing campers during peak season. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a popular day activity that books separately from camping.
"Very nice campground in a beautiful area near Durango. The bathrooms were very clean and the lots were all in good spots. Very close to part of the Colorado Trail!"
"Beautiful forest campground just outside of Durango. Dispersed sites with lots of space. Tables, firepits, pit toilets. Friendly camp host. Firewood for sale. Quiet."
from $32 - $150 / night
Check Availability"We had to overnight in Durango area for one night, on our way from Colorado to Arizona."
"The KOA Holiday in Durango is great. I was there only a few days before closing for the season and it has snowed in much of the surrounding area so the campground wasn't too crowded."
from $47 - $197 / night
Check Availability"We did 4 campgrounds during our trip in Colorado this summer."
"Its really close to the Durango old Town area (like 10 min drive or less) and about 45 minutes to mesa verde."
from $45 - $70 / night
Check Availability"And only a mile from Durango hot springs and just down the road from the Colorado Honey Distillery."
"Access to the campground is right off 550. Driving through Durango was a pain because of some lane closures. The bathrooms and showers are very clean."
from $65 - $1 / night
Check Availability"We decided to do a quick overnight here so that we could spend a day in Durango. It’s a cute little campground and we had a spot nestled in the trees which was nice."
"Just a couple miles from downtown Durango, CO A wonderful spot. Great staff. Good wi-fi in an area with poor cell service. Creekside spots available if you reserve in advance (we didn’t)."
"Going east from Durango, you make a right turn on silver hills road. You will see the blm sign. Gravel road, fire pits."
"Located off Hwy 160, about 14 miles from Durango you will find BLM land. After crossing a cattle guard and a building you will then enter into BLM land and can camp wherever you need."
"If you’re looking for a great area to camp near Durango and Mesa Verde, this is one of the best. Great seclusion, location, and the sites and clean and level."
"Not far from Durango either so a good location for boondocking or a base camp for Mesa Verde. Pleasant tree cover with some peaks to look at."
"Outside of Durango, away from the road, all you hear is the river running by. The sites are all large and the grounds are immaculate. We stayed 5 nights and were very sad to leave."
"Very nice campground near the river. It's call durango riverside resort &rv park."
"Good showers, some of the camp sites have decent WiFi connection, fairly quiet, and wildlife (deer and prairie dogs) in camp side. Toilets not the best, lots of wasps"
"I'm not sure what the hook-up situation is for campers. We were able to enjoy cool evening walks; where we would often spot deer."
"What a find in the middle of Durango. Yes it is dusty and really there is nothing cute about it but you can’t beat the location. We had access to the trails by the river."
"Not a spectacular view, but 6 large spots close to the free shuttle, bike path and rec center (totally worth the day pass) ."
from $28 / night
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GuideGreat spot to stop on our way to Sand Dunes NP. Easy drive-in, with good dirt roads. The site I'm at is shaded, and there's a fire pit. There is plenty of room for my GSD to run around off leash, and far enough from other campers.
GuideDirections take you directly to the opening, but a few different roads I drive down before figuring out where the sites were. A little road noise in the morning, but peaceful and close to town.
GuideSauls Creek is located southeast of Bayfield, Colorado and approximately 25 miles east of Durango. Access is via LaPlata County Road 566partly gravel) off Highway 160. Big rigs traveling westbound should use the east end of 566 off of the Bayfield Parkway as the east end has a hairpin right turn which our 41’ 5th wheel would never have made without a lot of maneuvering and blocking traffic to accomplish it. From 566 take 557, also gravel, and enter the “park” on 558. 558 is FSR 755. Campsites are widely separated and vary in size from car/van camper to a couple which fit large rigs. Sites are back in, pull through or park and walk in. Terrain is hilly with pine forest or open meadow. We camped in the first large keyhole pull off on 755A, nestled in a pine grove on a hill overlooking meadows on two sides. Minimal traffic even on weekends - mostly equine, walkers and a few vehicles including dirt bikes and quads. The area is popular with hikers and cyclists as they have “off road” trails to themselves.
Our site was perfect for us and could have accommodated multiple RVs. No amenities. Pack in; pack out.
GuideI stayed here last year. Got my same site from a year ago. Price has gone up. It’s $40 a night $20 with a senior discount. Very dusty road coming in but worth it very quiet can hear the creek. We’ll always come back.
GuideOnly a few miles from Mesa Verde NP. Easy drive-in, very clean, and great views.
ScoutWe got here at 2 and there was a hand full of first come first serve. They have signs for bear activity everywhere.
TravelerWe arrived on a Sunday afternoon and had intended on going to Priest Lake Campground, but when we arrived we learned that no trailers were allowed. We checked out Sunshine and one other nearby campground that started with an M, but neither offered much privacy or shade. So we went back up and found an amazing dispersed spot near Lizard Head Pass, on the Galloping Goose Trail. The road in was bumpy but not too bad. The entry into the site we chose was somewhat treacherous (meaning we nearly pulled the rear bumper off our pop-up camper getting in and out of there). But it was totally worth it! I've included a pic of the spot where we camped and a pic I snapped from inside the camper when I woke up the first morning of our stay. Plenty of shade. You can hear road noise from Hwy 145 during the day, but it was very quiet at night. Lots of privacy. It is dispersed, so no amenities (toilet, fire ring, picnic table, etc). There was absolutely no Verizon service if that is important to you. We loved this spot and would return, even if it does mean we have to replace the trailer bumper.
GuideCame up on a Wednesday without a reservation and got a spot. Hosts greet you and are kind. 40$ for a full hookup plus hot showers included. Surrounded by trees it’s beautiful makes me feel like I’m in the show “Lost”
ScoutGorgeous little spot next to a river, and hardly anyone was there.
The only downside - the Porta potties are gag-tastic. I get it, they’re Porta Johns but geez Louise yuck. I think they skipped the servicing.
Dispersed camping near Durango, CO provides flexible options between 7,000-10,000 feet elevation throughout the San Juan National Forest. BLM lands near Bayfield offer established camping without facilities, while Forest Service Road 316 provides free camping with varying road conditions. Camping season typically runs May through October, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August and significant temperature drops at night even during summer months.
Hiking from camp: Junction Creek Campground connects directly to the Colorado Trail for both day hikes and backpacking. "Great spot right outside of Durango with a trail system accessible from camp. Water, pit toilets, and trash services," notes Kate A., highlighting the convenient trail access without needing to drive elsewhere.
Fishing spots: Lower Hermosa Campground sits adjacent to Hermosa Creek, providing easy fishing access. One visitor mentioned, "We stayed for 2 nights. Right next to Hermosa Creek trail. Such a beautiful place. The bathrooms are clean, the camp host is an awesome guy." The creek offers trout fishing opportunities within walking distance of campsites.
Train viewing: United Campground of Durango offers unique train-watching opportunities as the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad passes directly through the grounds. "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," explains Brian O., highlighting the transportation convenience.
River access: Oasis RV Resort and Cottages provides sites along the Animas River. "All you hear is the river running by. The sites are all large and the grounds are immaculate," reports Todd G., emphasizing the peaceful natural setting despite being near town.
Cell service in remote areas: Madden Peak Road dispersed camping offers connectivity despite the wilderness setting. Sara S. notes, "The spots are spacious and clean, and there is cell reception. There are plenty of spots along the first mile or two of the road, and even on weekends I would always find a spot." This makes it practical for those needing to stay connected while camping.
Pool facilities: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming pools to combat summer heat. At Lightner Creek Campground, one camper mentioned, "Nice, clean, non-heated pool was a plus. Friendly, helpful campsite hosts." Pools provide welcome relief especially during July and August when temperatures regularly exceed 85°F.
Seasonal closures: Many dispersed camping areas close completely during winter. A visitor to Madden Peak Road reported, "Closed from November to May 31st," confirming the standard closure period for many high-elevation sites in the area.
Weather variations: Temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night are common. Summer campers should prepare for both hot days and cold nights regardless of season.
Limited facilities: Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping offers established sites but minimal amenities. "This spot is a little tough to find but can be worth it if you need a good free camp for the night. Located off Hwy 160, about 14 miles from Durango you will find BLM land. After crossing a cattle guard and a building you will then enter into BLM land and can camp wherever you need," explains Anthony P., highlighting the self-sufficient nature of these sites.
Budget-friendly options: La Plata County Fairgrounds offers inexpensive camping with convenient town access. "What a find in the middle of Durango. Yes it is dusty and really there is nothing cute about it but you can't beat the location. We had access to the trails by the river. There are only 6 spots with water and 30 or 50 amp electric. It was $28 for a night," shares marine J.
Animal encounters: Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, elk, and domestic livestock. At Bayfield dispersed camping, Anthony P. notes, "We had many of them around us all night and we even heard a pack of coyotes in the distance," describing the cattle that often roam freely.
Spacious sites: Alpen Rose RV Park features extra room for families. "Our family vacation destination- would provide 6 stars if a could. Main features- pool, great family play areas, huge lots and shaded lots- not really a bad spot. Pond, 2 Acre dog park- beautiful sites and quick drive to town or off-road," reports Jared T., emphasizing amenities that enhance family comfort.
Alternative town access: Junction Creek Campground provides a quieter base camp than in-town options. "15 minute drive to town makes this a great home base to explore Durango and the Animas Valley," notes Kristin A., highlighting the accessibility despite being outside town limits.
Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds require careful navigation. For Junction Creek, Heather W. advises, "It's a bit of a rough road getting up the mountain but it's worth it. Lots of washboarding on the road up but it's fine if you just coast over the bad areas and go slow."
Hookup variations: Many campgrounds offer limited or partial hookups. At Lower Hermosa, a camper explained, "This is a pack in pack out camp ground with vault/pit toilet. No water or shower. Sites have picnic table and fire pit with grill." Understanding hookup limitations helps RVers prepare accordingly with full water tanks and empty waste tanks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tent camping available in the Durango area?
Tent camping is widely available throughout the Durango area. Chicago Basin offers excellent backcountry tent camping opportunities with established sites, ample shade, and plentiful water sources. It's accessible via the Durango train, making it perfect for hikers targeting the nearby 14ers. For car camping with tents, Target Tree Campground provides well-maintained sites with fire rings that are carefully cleaned between visitors. The campground features multiple water spigots throughout. Many dispersed camping areas around Durango also welcome tent campers, including sites along Lime Creek Area and Bayfield/Durango BLM lands. Most public campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping with designated tent pads at many locations.
What RV campgrounds are available in Durango, CO?
Alpen Rose RV Park offers excellent facilities including clean amenities, shade trees, a pickle ball court, and a large dog run area. It's conveniently located just a mile from Durango hot springs and near Colorado Honey Distillery. Oasis RV Resort and Cottages provides a clean, quiet environment with scenic views, despite being close to the highway. Amenities include a pool, laundry facilities, and a breakfast spot with limited hours. Other options include Red Mountain Motel & RV Park featuring the daily Durango train arrival and mountain views, and Outdoorsy Bayfield with well-maintained facilities, reliable WiFi throughout the park, and spacious sites that can accommodate large rigs up to 38 feet with slideouts.
What are the rates for campgrounds in Durango?
Campground rates in the Durango area vary by amenities and type. Public campgrounds like Lower Hermosa Campground charge around $18 per night for basic amenities. For free camping options, Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping on BLM land provides no-cost sites with fire pits and accessibility for various vehicles. Private RV parks typically charge higher rates reflecting their additional amenities. For example, Coyote Outfitters offers back-in, level RV sites at their small campground between Mancos and Hesperus. Many campgrounds require reservations during peak season (May-September), while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Rates may increase during special events or holidays, so calling ahead is recommended.
Where are the best camping spots near Durango, Colorado?
Durango offers excellent camping options for all preferences. Madden Peak Road - Dispersed provides secluded, clean, and level sites perfect for visiting Durango and Mesa Verde. Many campers stay here multiple nights while exploring the area. For those seeking established campgrounds, Lower Hermosa Campground offers a quieter experience with friendly hosts, accessible firewood, and is just 30 minutes from Durango at $18/night. Other notable options include Chicago Basin for backpackers accessing 14ers via the Durango train, and Target Tree Campground with well-maintained sites and water available. Dispersed camping is also available east of Durango on Silver Hills Road at BLM sites with 5G connectivity for remote workers.
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