San Juan National Forest spans 1.8 million acres across southwestern Colorado at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 14,000 feet. The forest contains diverse ecosystems from desert scrublands to alpine tundra, with average summer temperatures between 70-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Camping options include established campgrounds with basic amenities and extensive dispersed camping areas with 14-day stay limits.
What to do
Trail riding from equestrian campsites: The Hermosa Creek Trail system offers multiple access points for horseback riding through varied terrain. At Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort, riders can explore nearby forest trails. One visitor notes, "The forest is just a short side X side ride away with tons of trails and some of the best scenery in Colorado."
Fishing in mountain streams: Nearby waterways provide excellent fishing opportunities within minutes of most campgrounds. At Anvil Dispersed Campground, you'll find sites "next to the creek" with "beautiful views." Many campers appreciate the peaceful streamside locations for easy fishing access.
Hiking accessible trails: Several campgrounds offer direct trail access for hikers of various experience levels. The Transfer Campground features "access point for good hikes. One harder hike down to the river and an easier wheelchair accessible hike to an overlook and a view of the peaks."
What campers like
Convenient horse facilities: For equestrians seeking accommodations, San Juan National Forest provides several horse-friendly camping options. Lower Hermosa Campground receives praise from visitors for its practical amenities: "Right next to Hermosa Creek trail. Such a beautiful place. The bathrooms are clean, the camp host is an awesome guy."
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacious layout at most forest campgrounds. At Target Tree Campground, visitors note the "beautiful well spaced sites with plenty of room to spread out" and mention that "all campsites are carefully raked and put in good shape - no ashes left in rings."
Cell service in remote areas: Surprisingly good connectivity exists at many San Juan Forest campgrounds. One reviewer at Little Molas Lake Campground reported, "There was 1-bar 5G Verizon, and 2-bars AT&T 4G that were both spotty; cloud cover between the lake and Silverton caused occational intermittent connectivity."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most high-elevation campgrounds close during winter months. Cherry Creek Gravel Lot remains accessible year-round, with one visitor noting it's the "Only free place near Durango in the winter. We called and asked the BLM & Forest Service."
Water availability varies: Many campgrounds lack reliable water sources. At Mountain Meadow Camp, water is provided, but elsewhere you may need to bring your own. One Target Tree visitor advised, "Good water hauled in from Durango and available at numerous spigots thruout camp."
Road conditions can be challenging: Access roads to some dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. A Cherry Creek Gravel Lot reviewer warned, "Getting up there was not possible in my Travato. I've got some Falken Wildpeaks so traction was not so much the issue as the uneven path up."
Tips for camping with families
Campground amenities for kids: Some sites offer more family-friendly features than others. A visitor at mcphee recreation complex observed, "Campsites big and roomy and full of views" with "tons of places to sit and be quiet," making it suitable for families needing space.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to spot local wildlife. One Little Molas Lake visitor shared, "The campgrounds and the lake are absolutely beautiful. We even saw a lynx on the bank one morning!"
Educational experiences: Several areas provide learning opportunities for children. At Transfer Campground, families can enjoy "one easier wheelchair accessible hike to an overlook and a view of the peaks," perfect for introducing younger campers to nature.
Tips from RVers
Big rig accessibility: Some forest campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles despite mountain terrain. Echo Basin receives positive reviews from RVers, with one noting it's "Great park for larger RV's we have a 40 ft toy hauler plus the added ramp patio plenty of room."
Utility considerations: Most forest campgrounds lack hookups, but some exceptions exist. La Plata County Fairgrounds provides "a small area at the fairgrounds that has space for 6 RVs. All of the sites are back in with 30 amp power and a shared water connection."
Generator restrictions: High elevation affects generator performance. A Little Molas Lake camper shared, "Elevation is about 10,300 and posed a problem for our generator that caused severe spark-plug fouling. But, re-jetting the carburetor from a #61 to #58 solved the problem."
