Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort sits at approximately 7,000 feet elevation in the high-desert region of southwestern Colorado. The area experiences warm summer days with cooler evenings and occasional afternoon thunderstorms during July and August. Located about 8 miles from the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park, the surrounding landscape features ponderosa pines that provide natural shade for campers during peak summer months.
What to Do
Mountain biking on forest trails: Access numerous trails directly from Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort, where guests can ride directly to forest service land. "The forest is just a short side X side ride away with tons of trails and some of the best scenery in Colorado," notes Sarah L., a frequent visitor.
Pickleball games at camp: Echo Basin offers recreational facilities right on property, providing activities between trail excursions. "What keeps bringing us back are the friendly people, the large and absolutely beautiful sites and the long list of things to do. It is easy to sit back and relax or play a game of pickleball while the squirrels are running around," says Sarah L.
Swimming after trail rides: Cool off after a day outdoors at McPhee Recreation Complex, which offers lake access. One visitor mentioned, "Hiking, fishing, swimming nearby. Great base camp allows 30 day stay limit!"
What Campers Like
Peaceful tent spaces: Target Tree Campground provides spacious sites for tent campers seeking quieter surroundings. According to Lauren, "Beautiful well spaced sites with plenty of room to spread out. Sparkling clean bathrooms."
Dog-friendly facilities: Echo Basin offers exceptional accommodations for visitors with pets. "This place has everything: a massive field for dogs to play off-leash (they must be on in the park), a great restaurant, laundry, propane, a swimming pool," reports Soren B.
Secure solo camping options: Female travelers note the safety factor at certain campgrounds. Rebecca R. shared about Echo Basin, "As a solo older female car/tent camping this place is great. I've never felt safer sleeping in my tent."
What You Should Know
Tent pad considerations: Many campsites have specific surface materials that require preparation. At Target Tree Campground, one camper advises, "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."
Road noise factors: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds in the area. One visitor noted at Target Tree, "Road noise is not awesome. Try to get the sites furthest back."
Water access: Not all campgrounds provide potable water. At Lower Hermosa Campground, Martin W. reports, "Unfortunately, there is no water or trash station. However, you can refill portable water affordably at the Hydration Station in Durango or for free at the Durango Montessori School."
Tips for Camping with Families
Off-leash dog areas: Echo Basin provides dedicated spaces for pets to exercise. "We came on July 4th, and although many activities were going on, this place was quite like a mouse by Sunday. This place has everything: a massive field for dogs to play off-leash," reports Soren B.
Affordable alternatives: For budget-conscious families, Lower Hermosa Campground offers good value. "A very nice campground with first-come, first-served sites for $20 a night. The internet reception ranges from okay to excellent, depending on the site."
Family gathering spaces: Some campgrounds specifically accommodate larger family groups. "We have hosted numerous family get togethers here thru the years," shares Sarah L. about Echo Basin Ranch.
Tips from RVers
Big rig accessibility: Cherry Creek Gravel Lot provides free dispersed camping but has access limitations. "Getting up there was not possible in my Travato (in my opinion). I've got some Falken Wildpeaks so traction was not so much the issue as the uneven path up," warns Adam S.
Fairground alternative: La Plata County Fairgrounds offers basic RV hookups with central location advantages. "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."
Large site dimensions: Echo Basin accommodates oversized vehicles with ample space. "Great park for larger RV's we have a 40 ft toy hauler plus the added ramp patio plenty of room," shares Bill, noting the spacious sites that work well for equestrian trailers and larger camping setups.
