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.
$32 - $98 / night
"I stayed at Haviland Lake near Durango, Colorado for three days, but could have stayed for a week or more!"
"The area was so peaceful and the Lake Loop trail was the perfect thing to wipe out our dogs for the day."
$32 - $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!"
"We decided to drive further up the mountain, gaining some elevation but it was much more secluded."
"Driving up the road there are spaces on either side of the road. When I came I saw at least 30 people and I didn't go too far. There was still plenty of places though."
"Lovely walking paths and trails right in the campground. The river was delightful for the kids to play in and to listen to through the night. So close to so many beautiful places to play all around."
"T4 is tucked away perfectly in the trees, on the bank of the Dolores river. ATT has good reception for calling, but it is Edge service. It will not work for internet."
"Dispersed camping, no amenities, but beautiful location. Little streams running nearby, wildlife viewing, the drive up the slope is beautiful as well"
"The real entrance is through Purgatory Resort. I somehow made it over the mountain in my 98 Econoline w/ RWD. I wouldn't recommend it. The spots were nice, the creek was nice and cool."
$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."
"A beautiful location with river front sites, a pool, amazing pizza, ice cream, clean facilities, and kind staff. Wonderful stay, no complaints! My dogs enjoyed it too!"
"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."
$65 - $1 / night
"Pond, 2 Acre dog park- beautiful sites and quick drive to town or off-road. We stayed here twice because a bad experience in Silverton"
"Enjoyed bathrooms, showers and dog park (2 acres). Camp hosts were especially friendly and helpful. Spent time at Durango Hot Springs too! Make sure you go!"
$30 - $60 / night
"Large grassy area in the center for kids to play, pavilion with live music plus group fire pits to sit around in the large swing seating. Two small dog parks with seating and shade."
"Lots of grassy areas for kids and dogs. Lots of trees and peacefulness. Full electric water and waste hookups. Free Laundry, Shower rooms and bathrooms in the center of the park."
$45 - $70 / night
"No dog park but enough area to do their business. Tight spaces. We're 43 feet fifth wheel. Barely enough room to park truck in the site. We would stay again."
"Its really close to the Durango old Town area (like 10 min drive or less) and about 45 minutes to mesa verde."
ScoutVallecito Resort, situated near Durango, Colorado, caters to both full-time RV enthusiasts and vacationers seeking a mountain retreat. Nestled in the San Juan National Forest, it provides a serene natural setting with comprehensive amenities. Upon arrival, guests can enjoy spacious sites, immerse themselves in the forest ambiance, and plan their outdoor activities.
https://iqtestonline.io/
TravelerQuiet site 12000 feet or so in the San Juan national forest. Stayed for 2 nights without a reservation seems to be a first come first serve style campground
GuideI attempted to camp in San Juan National Forest but had trouble finding a spot with clearance for Starlink. Ended up coming here as a backup.
Owners are super friendly and happy to provide information about the area.
There's probably about a dozen sites & they're huge and very level. There's a couple covered pavilions with picnic tables which separate the sites, other than that it's mostly just a massive gravel lot. Everything is new and well maintained. Great views of Mesa Verde.
Overall, this is just a great no-frills FHU park for an awesome price. Nothing you don't need, everything you do. Definitely will be back next time I'm in the area!
Forgot to take pictures, my bad.
ScoutMancos State Park has no-wake boating and is well-known for fishing, especially rainbow trout, a few brownies and yellow perch. There are 33 campsites on two sides of the lake, plus two all-season yurts. During the winter, it is a great place to use as a base for cross country skiing.
It is near the La Plata range to the east, and Mesa Verde National Park to the southwest. Durango is about 45 minutes to the east, and the City of Cortez about 25 minutes to the west. Telluride ski resort is about a two-hour drive. Both Cortez and Durango are full-service cities, with multiple supermarkets, other chains, etc. The town of Mancos, about a 12-minute drive from the park, has a full-service sit-down restaurant/bakery, a natural foods store, other restaurants, a community grocery store, shops, modern library and other amenities.
The park adjoins the San Juan National Forest, including multiple hiking trails, the Chicken Creek cross country ski area, the Sawtooth and Millwood trails, and other trails. The nearby forest (about a mile up the road) has dispersed camping as well as organized campgrounds accessible by a paved road.
There also is a dude ranch next to the park, and the approximate 1-mile trail around the park takes hikers over some beautiful scenery. There are no corrals, but horses are allowed on specific trails.
None of the campsites currently have water or electric hookups, but potable water is available at several connections on the east (main) side of the park. While there is no public WiFi, cell signals are strong.
GuideOur family vacation destination- would provide 6 stars if a could. Main features- pool, great family play areas, huge lots and shaded lots- not really a bad spot. Pond, 2 Acre dog park- beautiful sites and quick drive to town or off-road. We stayed here twice because a bad experience in Silverton
RangerThis campsite is great if you want to do Telluride on a budget - it's free. It's right next to the town and is used a lot for Telluride's summer festivals. Its more than a campground it is also where a lot of town events are held and also has sports venues. There's also grills, bathrooms, picnic tables, a dog park, and a pond. Unless you're at a festival, the campground isn't where you will want to spend your time though. The campground is very close to Bridal Veil Falls, a huge free fall waterfall. You can drive or hike up to it, and climb around on the rocks and get blasted by cold water from the falls. It's huge. There's also a bunch of awesome hikes around Telluride - the San Juans are my favorite part of Colorado.
GuideLoved loved loved our stay here! Tucked away from the highway and far enough from any big city, you want nature and stars at night? This is the place! We backed up to a huge green field. The gentleman that helped us back our 42 foot rig into our site gave PERFECT directions, telling my husband which was to turn our wheel which make this a first try back in. The owner was the kindest man we enjoyed getting to know. No dog park, but a large open field we're allowed to utilize, letting the pups off leash. They LOVED it! Mesa Verde NP with the cliff dwellings are a short drive away, perfect day trip. We should have stayed here a whole week!
ScoutIncredibly friendly staff, great store with camping necessities and fun swag. Dog park was large enough with a shaded tree and benches. Pickle ball, movie night, pool, playground ect included. Almost every space was filled but it was quiet because the activities are spread nicely away from where we were. Pull through sites with enough room. Good price for the location.
LegendThe Cortex/Mesa Verde KOA in Cortez, Colorado, was the best campground we stayed at (out of 10) on our #9parks12days road trip in June 2016. Not only was the site itself updated, it was the FIRST KOA we stayed at that had usable Wi-Fi - as in video streaming capabilities! When traveling with kids, this is such a HUGE amenity.
This campground has an updated playground, heated (seasonal) swimming pool, a 1-mile walking trail, dog park, and even tepees in addition to cabins for overnight camping. Not to mention, the campground is located a mere 15 minutes from the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park. Other highlights: newer laundry facilities, of which we made use, and awesome mountain and mesa views right from your site.
Don't expect a ton of privacy - sites are very close together. The family next to ours had an outdoor living room set up that pretty much took the entire space between our RVs. However, the grounds were well-kept, and there was plenty of space to remove yourself from other people throughout the facility.
Explore the beauty of San Juan National Forest while enjoying the company of your furry friends at various pet-friendly campgrounds. These spots offer a perfect blend of nature and amenities for both you and your pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near San Juan National Forest is Haviland Lake Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 20 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 173 dog-friendly camping locations near San Juan National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
