Best Camping near San Juan National Forest

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, San Juan National Forest, CO has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near San Juan National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near San Juan National Forest, CO (252)

    Camper-submitted photo from Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

    1. Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

    89 Reviews
    306 Photos
    494 Saves
    Mancos, Colorado

    Morefield Campground is four miles from the park entrance. The 267 campsites are situated within a high-elevation, grassy canyon filled with Gambel oak, native flowers, deer, and wild turkeys. Each site has a picnic table, gravel tent pad, and fire pit/BBQ grill. A camp store offers registration, food, and camp supplies. Firewood, gasoline, showers, a coin-operated laundromat, and a kennel are located nearby. The campground is managed by park concessioner Aramark and is open between spring and fall.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Junction Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Junction Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Junction Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Junction Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Junction Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Junction Creek Campground

    2. Junction Creek Campground

    23 Reviews
    67 Photos
    290 Saves
    Purgatory, Colorado

    Overview

    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.

    Recreation

    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.

    Natural Features

    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.

    Nearby Attractions

    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.

    Charges & Cancellations

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $150 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

    3. Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

    38 Reviews
    147 Photos
    2005 Saves
    Ophir, Colorado

    Alta Lakes is a popular dispersed camping area that offers fishing and camping in a spectacular alpine setting. There are 20 designated campsites that are completely undeveloped. The access road to the area is narrow and rough, requiring a high clearance vehicle. Trailers and RV's are not reccomended.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Molas Lake Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Molas Lake Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Molas Lake Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Molas Lake Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Molas Lake Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Molas Lake Park & Campground

    4. Molas Lake Park & Campground

    32 Reviews
    112 Photos
    710 Saves
    Silverton, Colorado

    Molas Lake & Campground was granted to the Town of Silverton in 1925 from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The 137-acre campground sits along the Million Dollar Highway (US 550) in the central San Juan Mountains; the most spectacular peaks in the Colorado Rockies. The Campground is adjacent to the largest wilderness area in the state of Colorado, the Weminuche Wilderness.

    Molas Lake Campground provides visitors with unforgettable scenery, a stocked 25-acre lake, National Forest access via the Colorado Trail, and dark, starry skies free from light-pollution.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $25 - $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Haviland Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Haviland Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Haviland Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Haviland Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Haviland Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Haviland Lake Campground

    5. Haviland Lake Campground

    20 Reviews
    25 Photos
    363 Saves
    Cascade, Colorado

    Overview

    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.

    Recreation

    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.

    Natural Features

    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.

    Charges & Cancellations

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Madden Peak Road - Dispersed

    6. Madden Peak Road - Dispersed

    23 Reviews
    56 Photos
    616 Saves
    Mancos, Colorado

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Alpen Rose RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Alpen Rose RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Alpen Rose RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Alpen Rose RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Alpen Rose RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Alpen Rose RV Park

    7. Alpen Rose RV Park

    18 Reviews
    49 Photos
    85 Saves
    Durango, Colorado

    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!

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $65 - $1 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Stoner RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Stoner RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Stoner RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Stoner RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Stoner RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Stoner RV Resort

    8. Stoner RV Resort

    18 Reviews
    31 Photos
    53 Saves
    Dolores, Colorado

    Grand Opening June 2021. New owners, completely remodeled and modernized including hot showers, laundry and high speed wi-fi (6). Come, relax in this beautiful and green-friendly environment. We are surrounded by mountains and 100 foot conifers that provide a secluded setting, hidden from the highway. Six of our RV pads are shaded by pines and six decorated with sunny aspens. All 24 full hookups sites are back-in against the mountain or Stoner Creek. Additionally there are 6 no hookup RV pads and 6 tent sites. Whether you are an over-night camper or with us for an extended stay, our onsite amenities and friendly staff will make you feel at home.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $30 - $60 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Mancos State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mancos State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mancos State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mancos State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mancos State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mancos State Park Campground

    9. Mancos State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    38 Photos
    94 Saves
    Mancos, Colorado

    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!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort

    10. Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort

    17 Reviews
    21 Photos
    69 Saves
    Mancos, Colorado

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
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Showing results 1-10 of 252 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near San Juan National Forest

Recent Reviews in San Juan National Forest

1379 Reviews of 252 San Juan National Forest Campgrounds


  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed
    Dec. 15, 2024

    Blue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed

    Remote Wilderness

    Blue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed Camping, located near Mount Sneffels in Colorado, offers an incredibly remote and breathtaking camping experience. If you're looking to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in pristine wilderness, this spot is ideal. The campsites are dispersed along the trailhead, offering peace and solitude with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and alpine lakes.

    The beauty of this dispersed camping area is its complete immersion in nature. With no designated campsites or amenities, you get to choose your own perfect spot in the forest, whether it’s near the rushing creek or with views of the towering mountains. This is truly a wilderness experience, so you’ll need to be fully self-sufficient—bring your own water, food, and a solid plan for waste disposal.

    The Blue Lakes Trailhead offers some of Colorado’s most scenic hiking, including access to the famous Blue Lakes and a challenging ascent of Mount Sneffels. The hike itself rewards adventurers with awe-inspiring views of alpine lakes, wildflowers, and rugged mountain terrain. It’s perfect for those seeking an immersive backcountry experience.

    One downside of this dispersed camping is that the road leading to the trailhead is rough, so it’s best suited for high-clearance vehicles, and be prepared for the possibility of unpredictable weather, as storms can roll in quickly in the mountains.

    Overall, Blue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed Camping is an incredible option for experienced campers looking to enjoy the wild beauty of Colorado’s high country. It’s remote, peaceful, and surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in the state.

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park
    Dec. 15, 2024

    Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

    Mesa Verde’s Gateway

    Morefield Campground, located just inside Mesa Verde National Park, offers a convenient and scenic basecamp for exploring the park’s incredible ancient cliff dwellings and stunning landscapes. The campground is spacious and well-organized, with over 250 sites that accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers. The setting is peaceful, with sweeping views of mesas and easy access to trails like the Point Lookout Trail.

    Amenities are a highlight here, including flush toilets, showers, a well-stocked camp store, and even a fuel station. It’s an excellent choice for families or those who appreciate a few comforts while camping.

    However, campers should be prepared for sudden and severe weather. The high desert location can bring intense storms with strong winds. During our stay, our tent nearly flew away despite being staked down securely, so it’s worth bringing extra gear like sandbags or heavy-duty stakes to keep your setup anchored.

    Overall, Morefield Campground is an excellent choice for exploring Mesa Verde, combining convenient amenities with a beautiful natural setting. Just keep an eye on the weather and pack accordingly to ensure a comfortable stay.

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Matterhorn — Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre And Gunnison National Forest
    Dec. 15, 2024

    Matterhorn — Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre And Gunnison National Forest

    Comfort Meets Adventure

    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.

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Amphitheater Campground
    Dec. 15, 2024

    Amphitheater Campground

    A Scenic Mountain Escape

    Nestled just minutes above the charming mountain town of Ouray, Amphitheater Campground is a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Surrounded by the breathtaking San Juan Mountains, this campground offers stunning views, a peaceful atmosphere, and convenient access to hiking trails, hot springs, and the iconic Million Dollar Highway.

    The campsites are well-spaced, offering a mix of shade and sun. Many sites provide spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valley below. The facilities are basic but well-maintained, with clean vault toilets and potable water. While there are no hookups for RVs, the campground’s rustic vibe is perfect for tent camping or smaller camper setups.

    One of the highlights is its proximity to the Perimeter Trail, a scenic loop around Ouray, and other popular hikes like the Box Canyon Falls trail. You’re also a short drive from town, where you can enjoy the famous hot springs or grab a meal.

    A word of caution: the road to the campground is steep and narrow, so it may not be ideal for large RVs. Be sure to plan for cool nights, as temperatures drop significantly due to the elevation.

    Overall, Amphitheater Campground offers an unbeatable combination of solitude, accessibility, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re looking for a basecamp for outdoor adventures or simply a serene spot to relax, this campground delivers.

    Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
    Dec. 7, 2024

    Madden Peak Road - Dispersed

    Scenic and Secluded

    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​.

  • Shannon E W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chutes and Ladders Dipsersed
    Nov. 5, 2024

    Chutes and Ladders Dipsersed

    Pleasant stay

    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.

  • Kim S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

    Tons of sites

    While kind of on the pricier side for campgrounds I really enjoyed my 2 nights there in early Oct 24. Easy access to get on the road to the cliff dwellings early in the day, flush bathrooms, tons of sites, trails nearby, a little center with a store, cafe, gas, and most importantly showers. 

    They let you pick your site which is nice so I got a site with a flat spot for my rooftop tent, but some sites are definately more geared to tent camping, but there are tons of site options.

    Would stay again.

  • Kim S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Angel Creek Campground
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Angel Creek Campground

    Good campground with some bearboxes

    Stayed for 4 nights in early Oct 2024. Nice little campground with large bear boxes for food storage. I felt it's at a good location to venture off each day from.

    Not too many sites, had leveled tent areas, pit toilets, deer went through the campground adding to the nice views there and a river by it.

    The cons were there's no trash disposal there you need to go up the road to the other campground to get rid of it, cars were constantly going by looking for a campsite which was constant noise into the evening and they went really fast making the campground road not feel very safe to walk along, not the flattest of parking spots if using a rooftop tent or car camping without anything to level with

    Enjoyed the place.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BASECAMP 550
    Oct. 24, 2024

    BASECAMP 550

    Great Location and Atmosphere

    We had an amazing stay at Basecamp 550. The campground’s location is perfect, with easy access to Ouray, Montrose, Telluride, and other nearby areas. The amenities were excellent, including quarter-operated hot showers and laundry, restrooms, Wi-Fi, full hookups, and a clubhouse with coffee + tea, kitchen access, and a great workspace. Our site had a beautiful view and was right next to a ranch where cows would come right up to the fence. The communal fire pit was a nice touch, and the private, fenced-in setting made us feel safe and comfortable. They also offer glamping tents and casitas on the property. Highly recommend!

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Golden Horn Dispersed
    Oct. 24, 2024

    Golden Horn Dispersed

    Perfect for Solitude and Views

    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.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Westerly RV Park
    Oct. 24, 2024

    Westerly RV Park

    Great Value, Perfect Hot Springs Access

    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

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Silverton 20A - Dispersed
    Oct. 23, 2024

    Silverton 20A - Dispersed

    Secluded, quiet, great views

    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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from United Campground of Durango
    Oct. 13, 2024

    United Campground of Durango

    Good location, quite expensive

    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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)

    Beautiful spot to camp when visiting Mesa Verde

    17 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.

  • Erik F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from New Jack Road
    Oct. 11, 2024

    New Jack Road

    numerous campsites

    area is pretty rocky so i would be careful with a ground tent. We stayed in our van and it was great.

  • taren C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Creek Gravel Lot
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Cherry Creek Gravel Lot

    Beautiful views, flora and fauna

    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.

  • Erika R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Oct. 10, 2024

    Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

    LONG dirt road, but worth it

    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

  • J. F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Tico Time River Resort
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Tico Time River Resort

    Not worth all the hype

    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.

  • s
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverwood RV Resort
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Riverwood RV Resort

    Newer RV Park with a Great Location

    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.

  • Tamara T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area
    Oct. 6, 2024

    Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    For free and nice view

    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.


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Guide to San Juan National Forest

Camping near San Juan National Forest, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore Mesa Verde National Park: Just a short drive from Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park, this park is famous for its ancient cliff dwellings. One visitor noted, "Beautiful campsite, three mule deer strolled through, munching their dinner as we cooked ours."
  • Hike the Trails: The area is filled with trails for all skill levels. A camper at Junction Creek Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were very clean and the lots were all in good spots. Very close to part of the Colorado Trail!"
  • Enjoy Water Activities: Molas Lake Park & Campground is perfect for fishing and kayaking. One reviewer said, "It was beautiful but SO buggy in June on the lake. Probably better later in the year."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking landscapes. A visitor at The Views RV Park & Campground shared, "Every site is well thought out and has great hookups. Lots of shade. The sites along the south edge of the property have amazing views."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Many campers enjoy spotting local wildlife. At Morefield Campground, one camper noted, "Good showers, some of the camp sites have decent WiFi connection, fairly quiet, and wildlife (deer and prairie dogs) in camp side."
  • Clean Facilities: Cleanliness is a big plus for many. A camper at Cortez, Mesa Verde KOA mentioned, "The bathrooms are very clean and the showers are nice after a long day hiking."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed), lack basic amenities. A reviewer warned, "The road to get to the site is rough. You need 4x4 and high clearance vehicle and good tires."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect busy campgrounds in summer. A visitor at Telluride Town Park Campground said, "It was totally packed and seemed almost too crowded."
  • Weather Changes Quickly: Be prepared for sudden weather shifts. A camper at Molas Lake Park cautioned, "Last year, we had to leave a day early when cold rain made it tough to get comfy."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities like playgrounds. Cortez, Mesa Verde KOA has a children's playground and a three-acre dog park, making it a great spot for families.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Junction Creek Campground mentioned, "Quiet hours 10pm-6am. Generators allowed."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and games for cozy nights. A visitor at The Views RV Park said, "Attention to detail over the top; the owners obviously want to deliver an experience that is hard to beat."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A camper at Last Dollar Road advised, "Do not go if you have a 2WD or a low sitting vehicle."
  • Book Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A visitor at Junction Creek Campground recommended, "I would recommend booking at least a month out."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Many campgrounds don’t have cell service. A camper at Madden Peak Road - Dispersed noted, "The GPS coordinates lead you a couple miles down the road."

Camping near San Juan National Forest, Colorado, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Just remember to plan ahead and be ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way!

Frequently Asked Questions