Best Campgrounds near Purgatory, CO

Campgrounds around Purgatory, Colorado provide access to the scenic San Juan National Forest with multiple options for overnight stays. Established sites like Junction Creek Campground offer traditional camping experiences with amenities including picnic tables, toilets, and fire rings. The area supports diverse camping styles, from tent sites on lush grass at United Campground of Durango to full-hookup RV facilities at Alpen Rose RV Park. For those seeking more primitive experiences, Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping areas allow free camping on public lands with minimal facilities.

Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping availability in this mountain region. Most developed campgrounds like Haviland Lake and Lower Hermosa operate from May through September or October, closing during winter months due to snow and freezing conditions. Campground roads vary in quality, with some requiring higher clearance vehicles for access. Many campgrounds recommend advance reservations, especially during summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities reach capacity. Water restrictions may apply in certain seasons, particularly late fall through early spring. One camper noted, "We were notified before hand that we could not hook up to water due to freezing temperatures. It is November."

Campers consistently rate the region's natural beauty and proximity to outdoor recreation as major highlights. Several visitors mention the unique experience of watching the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad pass directly through United Campground of Durango. "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," one review shared. Proximity to Durango's amenities serves as another advantage, with most campgrounds positioned within a 5-15 minute drive of town. Sites with mature shade trees receive particular praise during summer months, while facilities with clean bathrooms and hot showers are frequently mentioned as valuable amenities. The area's camping options balance wilderness experiences with practical conveniences for various camping styles.

Best Camping Sites Near Purgatory, Colorado (266)

    1. Junction Creek Campground

    26 Reviews
    Purgatory, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 702-1420

    $30 - $150 / night

    "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!"

    "The double site allowed us to put our 24-foot trailer across both spots with our front door facing the back of the campsite with nothing but beautiful national forest behind us!"

    2. United Campground of Durango

    20 Reviews
    Durango, CO
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 247-3853

    $45 - $70 / night

    "Its really close to the Durango old Town area (like 10 min drive or less) and about 45 minutes to mesa verde."

    "We did 4 campgrounds during our trip in Colorado this summer."

    3. Durango RV Resort

    22 Reviews
    Durango, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 247-0783

    $47 - $197 / night

    "We had to overnight in Durango area for one night, on our way from Colorado to Arizona."

    "CUSTOMER SERVICE: Friendly staff; shuffled our stay around so we could extend and not relocate during the week.  WIFI/ CELL SERVICE: Camp wifi and speed seemed to work really well!"

    4. Alpen Rose RV Park

    17 Reviews
    Durango, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 247-5540

    $65 - $1 / night

    "Its a pretty expensive park...big rigs are regularly 79.00 and they did discount it 8.00 per night for off season, but all the big rig sites line up along the entrance/exit and people are arriving as late"

    "Easy to find off the Highway. Close but not too close to downtown Durango. We were immediately greeted by CJ. He was extremely nice and he guided us to our shady site by the cafe."

    5. HTR Durango Campground

    14 Reviews
    Durango, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 247-5406

    "Great spot away from the road. Steep hill into the campsite- but close to town if you have a toad/truck."

    "The creek was great, the pool was welcome relief for the kids and we enjoyed talking to fellow campers visiting from around the country and England!"

    6. Durango North-Riverside KOA

    15 Reviews
    Cascade, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 247-4499

    "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."

    "The river was right behind our site and there was a small amount of privacy. Pool was superb. My only complaints are that the bathhouse I went to (old one) was pretty rough."

    7. Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Bayfield, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 882-7296

    "A residential area with no access to BLM land. Instead, search for Durfield dispersed camping nearby and it will take you to the correct place."

    "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."

    8. Haviland Lake Campground

    22 Reviews
    Cascade, CO
    15 miles
    Website

    $30 - $98 / night

    "I stayed at Haviland Lake near Durango, Colorado for three days, but could have stayed for a week or more!"

    "There are hookups at this campground and it isn't too far away from stores.  Liked the place overall.  No rushing waters but Haviland Lake took the attention. "

    9. La Plata County Fairgrounds

    11 Reviews
    Durango, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 382-6468

    $28 / night

    "Not a spectacular view, but 6 large spots close to the free shuttle, bike path and rec center (totally worth the day pass) ."

    "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."

    10. Lower Hermosa Campground

    12 Reviews
    San Juan National Forest, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 247-4874

    $20 / night

    "Right next to Hermosa Creek trail. Such a beautiful place. The bathrooms are clean, the camp host is an awesome guy. Would definitely stay again."

    "Access to camp ground is on a rock dirt road that goes from single to double lane off and on. I drove a 21foot bus with a 16x7 tandem axle trailer."

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Recent Reviews near Purgatory, CO

1549 Reviews of 266 Purgatory Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Boggy Draw 1

    Boggy Draw area

    Lots of dispersed camping off of Boggy Draw road. We found one further off the road and close to where the Boggy Draw loop and Maverick loop intersect. Pretty level, has a fire ring, very quiet mid-October. Wouldn’t be good if muddy. Some sites need a vehicle with clearance. Lots of sites for tent camping. No view but surrounded by Ponderosa Pine, very pretty. We were able to get to our site in our Ekko.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Bay City Campground

    Great dispersed spot!

    This is our second time here. We were here in June and despite it being a small campground we’re able to secure two spots. We are back in October. The river is more shallow and the air more crisp, yet still gives the feel of such a natural feel and sound. Private, cozy, and secluded. Only 25 minutes from Durango. Hate to promote it because more people will seek it out.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Pagosa Riverside Campground

    Beautiful riverside campground

    We came near the end of the season so it was pretty empty. The sites are clean and there are many right next to the river. The campsite has bathrooms, showers, and laundry. The laundry is coin operated so make sure you come prepared. It's only a 5-minute drive from downtown Pagosa Springs, so nice and convenient!

  • kszakos The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Brown Springs Campground

    Wrong coordinates, deep sand

    When I copied the coordinates from this site to my map app, they let us to someplace about 10 miles away. We were way up on a dirt track and ended up having to turn around when it ended. I looked up the campground on Google and we follow those directions to the correct site, but then we got stuck in a wash where the sand was so deep our bumper got buried. Fortunately, an off-roader pulled us out. We never did make it to the campground, but stayed in a lower flat place.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

    Great campground in National Park that was open during government shutdown !

    Thanks to the non-government workers at MVNP some of the services were still available! Campground offers many different options for sites with flush toilets nearby most sites. Showers at central location. 24 hour laundry. 2 restaurant/gift shop locations. Of course the scenery is beautiful!

  • Hillary B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Matterhorn — Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre And Gunnison National Forest

    Quick comfortable stay

    We stayed here between Telluride Town Park and Ridgway State Park. Main attraction was the fact that it had full hookups so we could reset and dump our tanks. It turned out to be quiet and beautiful, even though the sites are quite close together.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    Beautiful spot, accessible by 2WD

    Beautiful campground, very quiet. Up a dirt road but passable with a 2WD (in Oct, no snow). The shorter route in is via the trout lake entrance- less time on dirt road. Toilet block was locked when we were there (but there’s a vault toilet up at Trout Lake).

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

    Amazing

    One of the best dispersed campsites. The road leading to the site could be rough for low clearance vehicles, but my Tacoma had no problems. The views from my site were amazing. I will definitely be returning.

  • Ricky R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Tico Time River Resort

    Quiet off season RV Park with full hookups

    Our site was full hook up 50 amp and pretty much level. The pad was rock and sand. Overall park occupancy was low due to off season. Good off season rate for 3 or more nights. Overall park was clean and quiet. Traffic noise from highway was fairly loud. Self check in during this time of year as office is rarely open. Best to make reservations online


Guide to Purgatory

Camping near Purgatory, Colorado, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a cozy tent site or a comfortable RV spot, there are options that cater to all kinds of campers.

What to do

  • Explore Mesa Verde National Park: Just a short drive from Purgatory, this park is famous for its ancient cliff dwellings. One camper noted, “Beautiful campsite, three mule deer strolled through, munching their dinner as we cooked ours” at Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park.
  • Fishing at Molas Lake: This lake is a great spot for fishing and enjoying the scenery. A visitor mentioned, “It was beautiful but SO buggy in June on the lake,” highlighting the natural beauty of Molas Lake Park & Campground.
  • Hiking in San Juan National Forest: There are numerous trails for all skill levels. One camper shared, “The Vallecito Trail is such a beautiful hike and was right next to our campsite” at Vallecito Campground.

What campers like

  • Wildlife sightings: Many campers enjoy the chance to see local wildlife. One reviewer at Junction Creek Campground said, “Saw deer around sunset and birds through the day.”
  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Stoner RV Resort noted, “The bathrooms were very clean and the lots were all in good spots.”
  • Scenic views: The breathtaking landscapes are a big draw. One camper at Mancos State Park Campground remarked, “The lake is pretty dried up but if you are just traveling thru and need a good spot for a night or two to rest this isn’t a bad location.”

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land), have no drinking water or toilets. A camper advised, “Get there early to help make sure you can find a spot.”
  • Bumpy roads: Accessing some campgrounds can be tricky. A visitor at Madden Peak Road - Dispersed mentioned, “The road is bumpy, but not horrible.”
  • Wildlife precautions: Bears are known to be in the area, so it’s important to store food properly. A camper at Vallecito Campground noted, “It sounds like there is a lot of bear activity so tent camping could be a concern.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for family comfort. A reviewer at Junction Creek Campground said, “The campsites are well spaced apart with a variety of sizes for just about anyone.”
  • Plan for activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. One family at Molas Lake Park & Campground enjoyed the lake but noted, “Probably better later in year” to avoid bugs.
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand makes for happy campers. A visitor at Oasis RV Resort and Cottages mentioned, “It has a pool, laundry, even a breakfast spot that is open on certain hours.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground. A reviewer at Stoner RV Resort said, “The park is clean and well maintained. Lots of grassy areas for kids and dogs.”
  • Be prepared for rough roads: Some campgrounds have gravel or dirt roads. A camper at Madden Peak Road - Dispersed warned, “The gravel road leading to the campground is VERY rough wash-board.”
  • Reserve in advance: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park suggested booking at least a month out.

Camping near Purgatory, Colorado, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need reservations for camping near Purgatory Resort?

Reservations are highly recommended for camping near Purgatory Resort, especially during peak seasons. Sig Creek Campground inside Purgatory fills quickly, with Tuesday mornings being the best time to secure a spot. Sites are spacious but popular. For dispersed options, Hermosa Park Road Dispersed doesn't require reservations but can get busy during weekends and summer months. Access is through Purgatory Resort (avoid road 58 north of Rico). First-come, first-served areas fill quickly during ski season and summer weekends.

Where is the nearest campground to Purgatory Resort in Colorado?

Kendall Camping Area is located just 30 minutes from Purgatory Ski Resort, making it one of the closest camping options. This area features a basic setup with one toilet (bring your own toilet paper) and beautiful creekside spots for those lucky enough to snag them. Another nearby option is Westerly RV Park, which offers a straightforward camping experience with the advantage of being a short drive to Purgatory and conveniently located across from a hot springs resort.

What camping options are available in the Purgatory area of Colorado?

The Purgatory area offers diverse camping experiences for all preferences. For scenic views, Little Molas Lake Campground sits along the Million Dollar Highway between Durango and Silverton with the Colorado Trail passing through it. Dispersed camping enthusiasts should check out Dispersed Campsites on 591 near 550 (Lime Creek Area), which provides quick access to Lime Creek fishing just off road 550. The region also features RV parks, forest service campgrounds, and dispersed camping options with varying levels of amenities and accessibility.