Navajo Dam sits at 6,000 feet elevation in San Juan County, New Mexico, where the San Juan River flows below the dam creating prime fishing conditions. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically ranging 70-90°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Campers often note the significant elevation changes in the region that create diverse microclimates between riverside and cliff-top accommodations.
What to do
Fishing access: 15-minute drive from most campsites to quality fishing spots below the dam. At Sims Mesa Campground, "Several sites available right on the lake, just steps away from the water. Bathrooms available. Water and trash available just a short walk," according to Charlene H.
Hiking trails: Multiple difficulty levels within 30 minutes of most campgrounds. A visitor at Lower Hermosa Campground shared, "It's right next to Hermosa Creek trail. Such a beautiful place. The bathrooms are clean, the camp host is an awesome guy."
Historical train viewing: Watch the historic Durango & Silverton train pass directly through some campgrounds. One reviewer at United Campground of Durango noted, "The greatest thing about this campground though is that the Durango steam train goes right through the campground. To see the historic train right from your camper or tent window is pretty great."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many glamping options in Navajo Dam offer more seclusion than standard campgrounds. At Target Tree Campground, "Beautiful well spaced sites with plenty of room to spread out. Sparkling clean bathrooms... Great camp host. Firewood and water. Lots of hiking nearby," according to Lauren.
Water features: Most campers mention proximity to water as a top attraction. A camper at HTR Durango Campground shared, "Very nice campground with a creek running through it. Bonus if you can get the creek side so you hear it all night. Well kept grounds. Very quiet and shady."
Clean facilities: Even primitive sites typically maintain clean restrooms. One visitor at Target Tree Campground mentioned, "Pit toilets were clean, potable water spigots everywhere, whole camp is clean and well kept by the camp host."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Water levels vary dramatically throughout the year. One reviewer described Sims Mesa: "I might like to visit Sims Mesa Marina at Navajo Lake again, if it ever fills again and perhaps in the spring or fall but NOT in summer. So many of our fine bodies of water boaters and anglers have come to rely on for recreation are in serious jeopardy due to a 10 year what is termed 'Exceptional' drought conditions."
Road conditions: Many access roads require careful driving. A visitor at Lower Hermosa Campground noted, "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."
Cell service variability: Coverage differs significantly between sites. According to a visitor at Lower Hermosa Campground, "The internet reception ranges from okay to excellent, depending on the site."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: During hot summer months, swimming pools offer relief. At Durango RV Resort, a reviewer mentioned, "The campground was relatively small so nothing was too far away. Laundry facilities were nice. Lots of showers that were private stalls. Lots of activities to do. The staff was very friendly and professional."
Tent site selection: Choose carefully if tent camping with kids. One camper at HTR Durango Campground warned, "The tent space #2 that we stayed in was barely a site. Carved out of the slope, the quite small site was not flat, limiting the way we could sleep. The ground was covered with coarse wood chips – hardly an ideal surface to place a tent on."
Activities beyond camping: Look for campgrounds with built-in entertainment options. A visitor at Durango RV Resort shared, "They have so much for you and especially your kids. They had an ice cream station, outdoor movie watching area, pool, playground and other things."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Verify your total length will fit before booking. At HTR Durango Campground, one RVer cautioned, "The spaces are short. If your RV/toad or travel trailer plus pickup is much over 48 feet, you'll be out in the road. They WILL put you in too small a space."
Hookup position: Check whether utilities are appropriately positioned. One RVer at HTR Durango shared, "Our spot was good, though hook ups were on the wrong side of our camper."
Electrical testing: Always verify power before connecting. At HTR Durango Campground, a reviewer advised, "Thank God we had the surge protector and that I tested the outlet before plugging into the RV. The monitor indicated reverse polarity so we ended up having to move to another site. Always check your hookups before settling in."
