Dispersed camping sites near Purgatory, Colorado offer significant cost savings with rustic conditions compared to more developed options. The area sits at elevations between 7,000-9,000 feet in the San Juan Mountains, creating distinct seasonal weather patterns. Winter camping often faces snow closures, while summer brings afternoon thunderstorms that typically clear by evening.
What to do
Fishing at trout ponds: Some campgrounds like Alpen Rose RV Park feature stocked fishing areas on-site. "There is a very nice dog run and exercise area. They also have a trout pond," notes Ronald in his review of the park.
Hiking from campsites: Access trails directly from certain camping areas without driving. At Lower Hermosa Campground, one camper shared, "From what we heard, weekends can get crowded... It was awesome though because several trails leave from the area, so you can go for nice evening hikes. These trails are also mountain bike friendly!"
Stargazing opportunities: Higher elevation camping sites away from town provide excellent night sky viewing. "Great views of stars as from this elevation," reports Cale D. about camping at Durango North-Riverside KOA. The minimal light pollution around Purgatory creates ideal conditions for constellation viewing.
What campers like
Historic train access: The United Campground of Durango offers a unique attraction with the Durango & Silverton train passing through. One camper noted, "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."
River proximity: Many campers appreciate sites adjacent to water. "The sites are huge. The views are spectacular. Electric at some sites, double sites available also," mentions Maureen A. about Junction Creek Campground. Riverside sites often cost more but provide natural white noise and cooling effects.
Free camping alternatives: Budget-conscious campers can find dispersed options just outside town. Madison G. reports, "Awesome campground that's free! It's only 10 mins from downtown Durango and is so beautiful and quiet. Great hiking trails around too."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate seasonally due to weather. "The gate was closed from Dec 1- April 30. Looked like it would have been a nice spot," reports a visitor to Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies widely across the region. A camper at Junction Creek shared, "Very limited/no cell service," while another at Alpen Rose RV Park noted good reception. Check ahead if connectivity matters for your trip.
Water availability: Carry sufficient water for dispersed sites. Martin W. observed, "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."
Road conditions: Access to some campsites requires navigating unpaved roads. One camper reported, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming pools: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities that children enjoy during summer months. "The swimming pool was welcome relief for the kids and we enjoyed talking to fellow campers visiting from around the country," noted one reviewer at HTR Durango Campground.
Play facilities: Some campgrounds feature recreational amenities. "They had an ice cream station, outdoor movie watching area, pool, playground and other things," reports one visitor about Durango RV Resort. These extras can make longer stays more enjoyable for children.
Tent pads: Family tent campers should seek sites with dedicated pads. "The tent space #2 that we stayed in was barely a site. Carved out of the slope, the quite small site was not flat, limiting the way we could sleep," warns Erika G. about certain tent sites.
Quiet hours: Family groups should note campground quiet times, typically 9-10 PM. "Campground goes dark by 9:00 PM. Very friendly folks our week," reports one camper at HTR Durango Campground.
Tips from RVers
Winter hookups: Cold weather campers should verify water availability. "We were notified before hand that we could not hook up to water due to freezing temperatures," notes one winter visitor, as water systems often shut down when temperatures drop below freezing.
Utility placement: Check hookup locations before backing in. Glenn F. shares this advice: "The only ding that I'd give this place is that there may be some power issues depending on the site. Thank God we had the surge protector and that I tested the outlet before plugging into the RV."
Site dimensions: Large rig drivers should confirm space dimensions. "The spaces are short. If your RV/toad or travel trailer plus pickup is much over 48 feet, you'll be out in the road," cautions Gary S. about certain campgrounds in the area.
