Best Campgrounds near Navajo Dam, NM

Navajo Dam, New Mexico offers a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas across multiple recreation areas. Navajo Lake State Park features several campgrounds including Cottonwood, Pine, Juniper, and Sims Mesa, which provide options for tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and some boat-in access. Beyond the state park, visitors can find dispersed camping at Angel Peak NM Badlands about 30 miles from Navajo Dam, which provides free primitive camping with stunning views of the badlands landscape. Camping options range from developed sites with electric, water and sewer hookups to more remote locations without facilities.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with some campgrounds requiring travel on rough dirt or gravel roads. Cottonwood Campground, located along the San Juan River, is accessed via "approximately 2 miles of rough washboard gravel" according to one visitor. Water levels at Navajo Lake fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline camping and boat access. The region experiences hot summer temperatures, often reaching 90-100°F, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions. Cell service is limited or non-existent at many sites, particularly at Cottonwood Campground where "zero Verizon cell service" was reported. As one camper noted, "The campground has bathrooms facilities, but NO SHOWERS. The campground is accessed by a rough dirt road, which may present an issue for some people."

Many campers highlight the quality fishing opportunities as a primary draw to the area. The San Juan River below Navajo Dam is renowned for fly fishing, with Cottonwood Campground providing direct river access. One visitor described it as "a fly fishers paradise as you can wade right into the river, fish and then walk back to your campsite with your catch." Shaded sites are highly valued given the intense summer heat, with Cottonwood Campground offering large cottonwood trees for natural shade. Campgrounds directly on the lake, such as those at Sims Mesa, provide easy water access but have limited shade. Visitors seeking more solitude might prefer the less crowded Sims Mesa area, which one camper recommended: "If you don't have a boat or fancy water toys, Sims Mesa is where you should go. Much less crowded than the main marina."

Best Camping Sites Near Navajo Dam, New Mexico (123)

    1. Cottonwood Campground — Navajo Lake State Park

    8 Reviews
    Navajo Dam, NM
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 632-8645

    $30 - $90 / night

    "The campground is reached via 511 to 173 (top of the hill when you see The Sportsman Bar and Grill and a scenic drive)."

    "This is a campground that has access to the San Juan River below the Navajo Dam. There is direct access to bait Waters as the campground is on the river."

    2. Sims Mesa Campground — Navajo Lake State Park

    7 Reviews
    Navajo Dam, NM
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 632-8645

    $15 - $90 / night

    "Several sites available right on the lake, just steps away from the water. Bathrooms available. Water and trash available just a short walk."

    "Navajo Lake was a last minute reservation to escape the southern heat. SUCCESS, the sites had shelter, access to water and good Marina. Not many marked trails but you can still explore."

    3. Angel Peak Scenic View Campground

    24 Reviews
    Blanco, NM
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 599-8900

    "About New Mexico sunrises and sunsets, there are two shows daily, no reservations required!"

    "The entrance is very understated and underwhelming, you will pass a oil construction area as you enter the park. As you continue driving almost instantly notice the gorge."

    4. Pine Juniper Campground — Navajo Lake State Park

    4 Reviews
    Navajo Dam, NM
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 632-8645

    $15 - $90 / night

    "Many campsites with views of Navajo Lake. Pit toilets in Juniper, real toilets w showers in main Navajo campground. Food at Marina is good and affordable"

    "We had views of the lake, but not so close as to hear any of the boats. good tent sites and some shade from juniper trees."

    5. Pine Main Campground — Navajo Lake State Park

    4 Reviews
    Navajo Dam, NM
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 632-8645

    $15 - $90 / night

    "Navajo Lake State park is situated on a relatively big lake for New Mexico standards. The campsites are relatively small and close together."

    "Amazing views of the lake! There are two trails right next to this spot that lead down to the water.

    Bathrooms were very clean as well."

    6. Navajo Dam Glamping Retreat Wild-u-can

    3 Reviews
    Navajo Dam, NM
    8 miles
    +1 (505) 793-0094

    $100 / night

    "Navajo Dam has an awesome glamping setup on top of some cliffs overlooking the area.  Check them out and make sure to leave a review on the Dyrt!"

    7. Alien Run Trailhead Basecamp

    5 Reviews
    Aztec, NM
    12 miles

    "The road in was quite rough and washboarded, so I had to drive slowly at about 10 mph for a while. However, I took a different route on the way out, heading north, and found it much smoother."

    "Road was rutty but our 2wd van was fine, just drive slow."

    8. Moore's RV Park & Campground

    8 Reviews
    Bloomfield, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 632-8339

    $45 / night

    "There was no lawn, but, that's not to be expected in high desert New Mexico. But, a lot of the sites(ours included) had very nice shade trees. A lot rv parks in the southwest there is zero shade."

    "There were lots of families around. "

    9. Navajo Lake Relax Wild-u-can (group campsite)

    1 Review
    Navajo Dam, NM
    7 miles
    +1 (505) 793-0094

    $100 / night

    "Navajo Lake Group Camp offers the perfect setup for groups with 4 separate sites so each tent has their own space.  They provide the tents so don't worry about packing them! "

    10. Angel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Blanco, NM
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 564-7600

    "It is worth the 6 mile drive in. Look for the sign Angel peak scenic area. It is a gravel road."

    "There’s a handful of picnic tables but only one you can park right next to. They have shelters over each table if you’re a hammocker but given that it’s on the edge of a canyon it’s very windy."

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Recent Reviews near Navajo Dam, NM

534 Reviews of 123 Navajo Dam Campgrounds


  • Jim & Karen A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Mountain View Campground

    Sweeping views

    Quiet semi remote site with views of the San Juan Valley. Close to the quality fishing waters of the world famous San Juan river.

  • John H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Pine Point Campground

    Always a favorite of ours.

    The reservoir water level is down at least 25 feet since May. A little shocking at first but the campground is still beautiful and peaceful with the cleanest vault toilets I have ever seen.

  • Julie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Turkey Springs

    Quiet Spot Among the Trees

    Easy access to flat spots. Tall trees and very quiet. There was trash that we picked up. It looked like there were some long term campers. I would camp there again.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    San Juan McGee Park RV Camping

    Fair ground camping next to a river and pond

    Reasonable price for a stop over. Not many people here. I am camped between a pond and a river. Otherwise it is a gravel parking lot.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Target Tree Campground

    Target tree is an awesome campground at the southwestern edge of the rockies about 25 miles south of Durango

    Target Tree has awesome campsites. It sits between Mesa Verde and Durango and is a perfect launch for this area. All kinds of activities are nearby. Spectacular Colorado mountains and scenery. Silverton and the Million Dollar Highway are nearby if you dare. Fishing everywhere, hiking trails, wildlife, and cool weather.

    Durango has a lot of campgrounds nearby, but they aren't really RV oriented. Target Tree is an excellent RV campground with large sites and plenty of room. The camp host is great, friendly, and helpful.

  • Ginger B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    United Campground of Durango

    United Campground Durango, CO

    Clean, quiet, full hookups. nice facilities. Space for all sizes of RVs

  • Stefanie S.
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Alpen Rose RV Park

    Excellent Park

    As far as RV parks go, this park is well maintained and well managed! We stayed winter of 24/25 and will be back 25/26. The sites are super easy to navigate. This park has million dollar views of the Durango mountains and is just far enough out to get away but close enough for the convenience of "city living" the dog park is MASSIVE and the entire campground is meticulously maintained. CJ, Lindsay, and the staff are very friendly and helpful!

  • Stefanie S.
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Vallecito Resort

    Under New Management!

    I am actually a seasonal resident here, and this park and its seasonals have been through the ringer since new ownership acquired the property in 2021. It was severely mismanaged for YEARS. HOWEVER, last year (2024), new management took over, and the park is getting back on track! This is one of the most unique parks I have ever stayed at. It has a TON of activities and a strong community of seasonals and residents. The scenery is beautiful, and the weather sure beats the hell out of Texas summers. I did not give it 5 stars for a few reasons. 1, there is absolutely no cell service below the dam where the park is situated. Cell service for the entire area is non-existent from the bottom of the dam all the way to the subdivision of Forest Lakes. 2, WIFI is only available at the office and Pavillion area. There is plenty of seating around there, but it is something they are working on. This park has been neglected, so infrastructure and rebuilding community is top priority at the moment. 3, while this park is technically handicap accessible, I personally would disagree as it doesn't meet my standards for what I think that should mean. Other than those 3 things, the New General Managers have been GREAT! The seasonals and residents are happy and smiling again, and the community is back! We absolutely love it here, and to be very honest, the people make this park! We also have the cheapest and most competitive rates in the entire Pagosa, Bayfield, and Durango area for the scenery and placement. It makes for a great homebase if you are looking to head out on adventures!


Guide to Navajo Dam

Camping near Navajo Dam, New Mexico offers diverse terrain from wooded riverside spots to high-desert badlands at 6,000-7,000 feet elevation. Summer nights typically cool to the mid-50s despite daytime temperatures often exceeding 90°F. Seasonal fluctuations in water levels can change shoreline camping conditions, with spring runoff creating significant changes to accessible areas.

What to do

Fly fishing access points: Cottonwood Campground provides direct river entry for anglers seeking trout in the San Juan. "This is a campground that has access to the San Juan River below the Navajo Dam. There is direct access to bait Waters as the campground is on the river. The Quality Waters, which are catch and release and barbless fly fishing only, are a short drive away," notes reviewer Tammy J. at Cottonwood Campground.

Winter fishing and birding: During colder months, less crowded conditions make for excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "This campground is an excellent location for winter fishing and birding. The restrooms are clean and heated. The local 'camp robber' bird is a white breasted nuthatch, which is a first for me," reports David H. about Cottonwood Campground.

Hiking trails near the badlands: Angel Peak offers walkable trails with canyon overlooks. "There are walking trails along the campground and benches to sit and view the canyons," explains reviewer Lisa M. at Angel Peak NM Badlands. The network includes varying difficulty levels and interpretive signs about the unique geological formations.

What campers like

Shade from intense heat: Large cottonwoods provide crucial relief from summer sun. "This campground is right off the main road so there is some noise from traffic. The road is not heavily travelled though, especially at night. I was the only one at the campground, so I chose the rearmost site. This site is partially obscured from the roadway by vegetation and a small hill," describes Luke M. about Pine Juniper Campground.

Less crowded camping options: The Sims Mesa area offers a quieter experience away from the main marina. "If you don't have a boat or fancy water toys, Sims Mesa is where you should go. Much less crowded than the main marina. We camped at the Lakeshore Camping area. Several sites available right on the lake, just steps away from the water," shares Charlene H.

Lake access with views: Pine Main Campground offers both views and water proximity. "We stayed at the Pine Main campground for 3 nights and loved it! We stayed in site 34 in the C Loop. Amazing views of the lake! There are two trails right next to this spot that lead down to the water," reports Rocky P. about Pine Main Campground.

What you should know

Road conditions to campgrounds: Several access roads require careful driving. "The campground is reached via 511 to 173 (top of the hill when you see The Sportsman Bar and Grill and a scenic drive). Wind through the little town of Navajo Dam, cross the river and then you turn on Rd 4280, which is approximately 2 miles of rough washboard gravel," explains Susan L. about Cottonwood Campground.

Shower facilities limited: Most campgrounds have restrooms but lack shower amenities. "There are no showers but you can use the showers at navajo lake state park about a 20 minute drive. Make reservations to get a spot closer to river. Some sites have covered tables," reports George S.

Cell service varies by location: Coverage ranges from none to reliable connections depending on your campground. "I had zero Verizon cell service. Had to drive up to The Sportsman Bar and Grill in Navajo Dam to get a signal," notes Susan L., while at Angel Peak Scenic View, "Strong 5G TMobile cell signal" was reported by Texas Roving Ranger.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly swimming options: The swimming pool at Moore's RV Park offers relief from summer heat. "The pool was amazing and refreshing. The bathrooms had a code to get in and were clean. There were lots of families around," mentions Emily C. about Moore's RV Park.

Group camping accommodations: For larger family gatherings, specialized sites are available. "Navajo Lake Group Camp offers the perfect setup for groups with 4 separate sites so each tent has their own space. They provide the tents so don't worry about packing them!" explains Jake C. about Navajo Lake Relax Wild-u-can.

Protected picnic areas: Many sites feature covered tables to shield from sun and occasional rain. "The campsites are set along the canyon. They are level and some have covered picnic tables, fire rings and our spot was level," notes Lisa M. about Angel Peak NM Badlands.

Tips from RVers

Leveling requirements: Bring substantial leveling equipment for many sites. "Navajo Lake State park is situated on a relatively big lake for New Mexico standards. The campsites are relatively small and close together. Also bring plenty of leveling materials because several of the sites are uneven," advises James F. about Pine Main Campground.

Ground conditions awareness: Soft soil can cause problems for heavy rigs in certain areas. "The ground is rather soft in some places. I would not recommend this spot unless you are very confident negotiating tight spaces with your rig," warns Ray & Terri F. about dispersed camping near Alien Run Trailhead Basecamp.

Dump station availability: Plan accordingly for waste disposal. "They have water and electric at sites with a dump station," notes George S., which can help RVers manage longer stays without relocating for service needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Sims Mesa Campground on Navajo Lake?

Sims Mesa Campground offers basic amenities with a focus on water recreation access. The campground provides relatively easy access to the lake for recreational activities like kayaking and fishing. Standard facilities include designated campsites, basic restrooms, and picnic areas. The campground's location makes it a good base for water activities, though some sites may require a short walk to reach the shoreline. For those seeking more luxurious accommodations near Navajo Dam, Navajo Dam Glamping Retreat Wild-u-can offers a premium camping experience with spectacular views from its clifftop location overlooking the area.

Are there RV-friendly camping options near Navajo Dam, NM?

Yes, there are several RV-friendly options near Navajo Dam. Rosa Campground offers RV-accessible sites with some providing views of the lake. The campground features trees for privacy, and the angles of the sites are designed to maximize lake views. Many campers appreciate the proximity to attractions like the impressive Navajo Dam Spillway and excellent trout fishing opportunities. The recently remodeled marina adds convenience for boaters. For those seeking dispersed camping with an RV, Alien Run Trailhead Basecamp can accommodate RVs, though be prepared for rough, washboarded roads that require slow driving. Note that some campgrounds may have uneven sites, so bringing leveling materials is recommended.

Where are the best campgrounds at Navajo Lake State Park?

Navajo Lake State Park offers several excellent campgrounds with distinctive features. Pine Main Campground provides beautiful lake views from many sites, though they can be relatively close together and require leveling equipment as some sites are uneven. Lake access requires a short walk from most sites. Cottonwood Campground offers a different experience with direct access to the San Juan River below Navajo Dam, providing shade and convenient access to both bait waters and the Quality Waters (catch and release, barbless fly fishing only). The campground is reached via a scenic drive through the town of Navajo Dam, followed by about 2 miles of rough washboard gravel road.

What are the camping options at Navajo Lake in New Mexico versus Colorado?

Navajo Lake spans both New Mexico and Colorado, offering distinct camping experiences in each state. In New Mexico, campgrounds like Pine Juniper Campground provide boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access with reservable sites and toilet facilities. New Mexico sites typically offer drier, more arid surroundings with beautiful badlands scenery and excellent fishing access. On the Colorado side, The Last Resort RV Park & Campground represents the more developed options available. Colorado campsites generally feature more vegetation and different terrain. The lake itself is expansive, with campgrounds spread throughout both states, allowing campers to choose their preferred environment while enjoying the same large body of water with its excellent fishing, boating, and water recreation opportunities.