The best camping in San Juan National Forest, CO

Encompassing a 1.8-million-acre swathe of southwestern Colorado and home to four wilderness areas, San Juan National Forest offers ample opportunities to get out and play. Recreation options abound here, particularly in the summertime, when outdoor enthusiasts descend upon the area for climbing, fishing, hiking, water sports, and off-roading. The forest is also home to some pretty spectacular scenic drives, including the 232-mile San Juan Skyway. While the forest can be visited as a day trip from Durango, it’s worth spending the night at one of the developed campgrounds or primitive dispersed camping areas, most of which have vault toilets and fire rings.

• Best for camping with your boat: Miller Creek Campground offers direct access to the Lemon Reservoir and has its own concrete boat ramp.
• Best for wilderness hikers: Vallecito Campground is situated at the entrance to the Vallecito Trail, which leads out into the Weminuche Wilderness.
• Best for off-roaders: Williams Creek Campground offers easy access to a number of area all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails.

1. Many of the campsites in the San Juan National Forest can be reserved in advance. Individual sites are released at 8am Mountain Time, six months in advance, while group sites go live 12 months in advance. If you're trying to book a cabin or popular spot, be ready to book online right when it becomes available.
2. To get a first-come, first-served spot, choose a harder-to-reach campground to increase your chances, particularly on summer weekends.
3. If you have a flexible schedule, try to arrive mid-week when campgrounds are less crowded.

You are best off visiting the San Juan National Forest from late-spring or summer, when the weather is at its warmest and much of the area's winter snowpack has melted. Many people do come to the area for winter recreation, and while the forest offers some spectacular opportunities for sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling, conditions can be treacherous and may be difficult to navigate for all but the most experienced outdoors people.

• Cell service is not always reliable in the San Juan National Forest. Make sure to download offline maps or get paper maps before you set out.
• Dogs must remain leashed when in campgrounds and under voice command in backcountry areas. Never allow your pet to get near wildlife.
• Black bears live in the San Juan forest. For your protection and theirs, familiarize yourself with bear-safe protocols before heading out and make sure to store all food, cookware, and garbage in a hard-sided vehicle or in a bear-proof container.
• If you’re visiting in the winter, make sure to bring chains or snow tires.