San Juan National Forest is home to Miller Creek, a drive-in campground situated along a lake near Durango, Colorado, where sites come with fire rings, shade trees, and direct access to the water. The campground runs from May through September under US Forest Service management, with drinking water and clean toilets on-site, though no showers are available. No pets are permitted, so plan accordingly before arrival.
The layout here divides into two distinct sections. Half the sites are more enclosed and set apart from traffic; the other half sit adjacent to a shared gravel parking lot near the boat ramp, which can get dusty and congested on busy weekends. That proximity to the ramp is also an asset: campers can launch kayaks and stand-up paddleboards directly from their sites when water levels cooperate. Hammock camping works well here, as trees provide consistent shade throughout the day.
A camp host is typically present and described by multiple visitors as helpful and welcoming. The campground tends to stay quiet, though daytime activity around the boat ramp picks up on weekends. Meagen W. notes there's "excellent hiking close by," which rounds out the options for those not focused on paddling. Nearby, Transfer Park Campground and San Juan National Forest Florida Campground give campers additional footholds in the area. Miller Creek is free to use on day visits, with overnight rates ranging up to $30. Campers who want water access without driving far from the forest will find this one worth the trip.
Description
Overview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to__first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival__as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Facilities
Miller Creek Campground is located where Miller Creek flows into__Lemon Reservior. It has__12 campsites with a choice of sun or shade and easy access to the water; 5 of the sites share a large parking area. __RVs can be leveled without much difficulty. The campground__has a concrete boat ramp at its north end. A shady roadside picnic area has 4 tables available for day use.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
- Starting July 1, 2026 at 12:01am, Stage II Fire Prohibitions are in effect throughout the entire San Juan National Forest. The following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands of the San Juan National Forest:
- Building,maintaining,attending,orusingafire,campfire,charcoalbarbecue,orgrill,except ifusingadevicesolelyfueledbyliquidorgasthatcanbeturnedonandoffinanareabarren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device.
- Smoking,exceptinanenclosedvehicleorbuilding.
- Weldingoroperatinganacetyleneorothertorchwithopenflame.
- Usinganexplosive. See forest order below for more detail. Alert Start Date: July 1, 2026 Alert End Date: December 31, 2026 Rec Sites Affected: Columbine Ranger DistrictPagosa Ranger DistrictDolores Ranger District Order Number: 02-13-00-26-10
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMiller Creek is located in Colorado near Purgatory
Coordinates
37.4046 N
107.6612 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 1 hr 17 min from Farmington, NM
- 3 hrs 38 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 3 hrs 42 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs 43 min from Grand Junction, CO










