Target Tree Campground provides clean sites and accessible facilities 25 miles south of Durango, Colorado. Situated in the San Juan National Forest at the southwestern edge of the Rockies, this established campground serves as a convenient base for exploring attractions between Mesa Verde National Park and Durango. Highway noise is present during daytime hours but diminishes at night, with sites furthest from the road offering the quietest experience.
What to do
Hiking trails nearby: Target Tree Campground offers access to numerous hiking options. "There wasn't too much noise and the campsites are reasonably spaced. Potable water available. Composting toilet as well. Stars are fantastic at night," notes camper Hannah.
Mountain biking: McPhee Recreation Complex provides excellent mountain biking opportunities. "Mountain biking trails galore! Hiking, fishing, swimming nearby. Great base camp allows 30 day stay limit!" shares Nan P.
Wildlife viewing: Cherry Creek Gravel Lot offers opportunities to observe local wildlife. "Beautiful views, flora and fauna," writes Taren C., who adds, "There was one night an inconsiderate person parked his company truck and camper as close to me as was possible with wide open space all over and ran his generator. Luckily he was gone the next day."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of Target Tree. "Beautiful well kept campground. Nearby highway is a little noisy. Friendly campground host," writes David R. Another visitor notes, "Sparkling clean bathrooms. Road noise but it's not so bad at night. Great camp host."
Spacious sites: Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort receives praise for site dimensions. "Great park for larger RV's we have a 40 ft toy hauler plus the added ramp patio plenty of room. Park is very clean and quiet plus pet friendly. Lots of large Ponderosa pine for shade and scenery," explains Bill.
Water quality: Target Tree provides reliable water sources. "Good water hauled in from Durango and available at numerous spigots thruout camp," states ED K., who also mentions, "Host sells .75 sq ft of firewood for $7 / bundle or 3 for $20."
What you should know
Road conditions: Cherry Creek Gravel Lot requires careful navigation. "Getting up there was not possible in my Travato (in my opinion). I've got some Falken Wildpeaks so traction was not so much the issue as the uneven path up," advises Adam S. Another camper notes, "Tuff to get in, but made it. Big rocks. Steep."
Tent pad surfaces: Target Tree requires additional equipment for tent camping. "IF you are tent camping, the tent pads are chipped rock, not round gravel. Bring an extra tarp or two to protect your tent footprint," recommends J.B.
Seasonal availability: Cherry Creek serves as a winter option near Durango. "Only free place near Durango in the winter. We called and asked the BLM & Forest Service. Easy access, lots of space. Bumpy access road and highway noise," reports Nicole V.
Tips for camping with families
Activities for all ages: Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort offers family-friendly amenities. "This place is the best, we had a blast and there are plenty of things to do for adults and children," shares Ethan C.
Pet-friendly options: Echo Basin accommodates family pets. "Best Dog Friendly Place Around. We came on July 4th, and although many activities were going on, this place was quite like a mouse by Sunday. This place has everything: a massive field for dogs to play off-leash (they must be on in the park), a great restaurant, laundry, propane, a swimming pool, and a massive amount of outdoor activities," writes Soren B.
Site reservation strategy: Some campgrounds fill quickly, even late in the season. Target Tree operates on a first-come basis. "Really nice big camping spots, pit toilets not too far of a walk, firewood available from hosts, convenient location. First come first served (I think some people missed out even this late in the season)," advises Andrew H.
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: McPhee Recreation Complex provides electric service at select sites. "According to the campground host our site (16E) is one of the most desired sites. The site has 30 amp electric service. It is adjacent to flush toilets. A few steps from the back of the site is a nice view of the reservoir," explains Bill S., who also notes, "At one time a nice dump station was provided but has since been abandoned. We dumped at the Maverick's in Cortez."
Big rig accommodation: For those traveling with horses near Shiprock, New Mexico, Echo Basin offers ample space. "We have a 40 ft toy hauler plus the added ramp patio plenty of room. Park is very clean and quiet plus pet friendly. Lots of large Ponderosa pine for shade and scenery," states Bill.
Dump station alternatives: With limited sanitary dump options at horse campgrounds near Shiprock, New Mexico, RVers should plan accordingly. "The roads and pads could use some maintenance. At one time a nice dump station was provided but has since been abandoned. We dumped at the Maverick's in Cortez," advises one McPhee visitor.
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