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.
"I will say that just because they only have 20 marked places I noticed if you have a tent on top of your vehicle it’s really okay to camp anywhere"
"This is a smaller site perfect for tents but it is set apart from some of the other dispersed camping sites I have found in this area in that"
"Awesome spot, TONS of places to pitch a tent or park a camper."
"Primitive camping right outside outside Ouray Colorado. Imogene pass trail ends at the campground entrance."
"Tent spots are available the entire way up. Water was only available at the lake in August so come prepared. "
GuideEasily one of my favorite sites I have stayed at in Colorado! It is an incredible set up for tent camping. The pads are well manicured with very fine rock and very level. The bathrooms and laundry facility are A+, they are located right next to the tent sites. You will be hard pressed to find a more peaceful campground, I can’t wait to be back!
ScoutWe did tent camping and 2 tents fit in our spot (an 8 person and a 4 person tent). The tent sites have a table with benches. no fires are allowed so bring a gas stove if you plan on cooking. Its really close to the Durango old Town area (like 10 min drive or less) and about 45 minutes to mesa verde. The camp sites are right next to the Aminas river but there's no access to it from the campground unfortunately.
GuideTent camped here at campsite 8 for five nights. Very nice tents sites but after traveling the country I felt it sucked because showers were $5 for a four minute shower and the toilets were basically glorified holes in the ground. Beautiful sights everywhere. Not far from Silverton and the OHV routes.
LegendThis is a large campground in the National Park boundaries. It has camper, RV and tent camp sites as well as 17 group sites. There is a small store and a shower. Each site has a picnic table. You can also get tickets to the Parks attractions, but do this as soon as you get there as reservations can be a day or two out.
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
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/
GuideWe originally had a tent site in Elk Ridge, but our friends with an RV couldn't get a site on that side of the park for the same dates. Rather than have the 8 kids between us so far apart, we decided to get a tent site in Pa-Co. We got #294, primarily because the tent sites are about 50 yards from the parking lot, and with 6 of us we haul a lot of stuff. 294 was one of the closest to the parking lot, with the downside it was also closest to the pit toilet. If it was just two people with a couple backpacks this is a great location as you don't have any car noise and you're not hauling much, but for us it was a pain.
It was a beautiful view of the river from the site. Sites are small and fairly close together but it was a quiet campground. The bathroom wasn't a problem except for a couple of hours when it seemed like someone left a door open and the wind was blowing our direction.
Our tent is massive, and too big for the 10x10 space for tents at the site so we had to do some moving around but made it work. I'd bring our smaller one next time. The tent campground is well maintained and quiet, and the weather is great in the summer as the river keeps it cool. The RV site our friend has didn't have a lot of trees and was close to the highway, so for just hanging out ours was preferable.
Unfortunately the showers at the shower house about 100 yards away were closed due to COVID, but the weather is cool and dry mostly so not a big deal. The shower house and laundry were very well kept, and the campground hosts were very friendly. Firewood was $5 and I believe ice was only $1.
The park overall was great. We drove to the other parts to rent paddleboards and had a great time - very reasonably priced. It worked well as a base for side trips, as Ouray and Ridgway were easy to get to, as was Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP.
ScoutWe stayed here 2 nights the summer of 2015. It's priced fair and we were able to find a camp spot with some good shade. We were camping in a tent se we didn't need hook-ups. I'm not sure what the hook-up situation is for campers. We were able to enjoy cool evening walks; where we would often spot deer. It was also fairly close to the amphitheater to hear the ranger talks. I would recommend going to the talks because they would talk about a lot of the history that you may miss out on. Also the showers were free; a little old school but got the job done.
ScoutI can't say enough good things about this place. The mayor of Stoner, Colorado, Scott is a great host and very generous. The place is very well maintained and clean and looked after. They have RV spots right on the river, Stoner Creek! My Jeep camper was quite happy over in the tent sites. With free shore power, even at the tent sites. Free barbecue with utensils and propane, fire pits with free wood! Yes, free wood! A different welcome gift each time but usually with a dozen farm Fresh eggs here from his chickens. Plus coffee, usually banana bread , tin foil even lighter fluid to light the free wood for your campfire! At 30 bucks a night for a tent site with shore power and all of that it just almost seems too cheap.
With lots of really gorgeous, mature Noble fur trees, this spot is not only gorgeous but really well located above Dolores but below Rico to access so much of the natural Colorado landscape. I love it here! Tell your friends!
Tent camping near San Juan National Forest in Colorado offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with a variety of scenic spots and outdoor activities to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near San Juan National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near San Juan National Forest is Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed) with a 4.4-star rating from 38 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near San Juan National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near San Juan National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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