Animas River Valley red cliffs

95%

115 reviews

· Durango, La Plata, Colorado · 4 acres

Hosted by Melinda M.

RV/tent site

· 4 guests max

Near Mesa Verde National Park

Within a 60-minute drive from the Mesa Verde.

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Melinda is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Pitch your tent or park in the upper pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the road from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille. Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road. Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production this year. No other view like it of the Mission Ridge red cliffs with the silhouettes and glow at sunset. At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent or park in the "sloped" pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the highway from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille. Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road. Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production. Mission Ridge red cliffs with the mysterious silhouettes and glow at sunset. At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Please provide what you will be driving and camping in, along with guesstimate of your arrival time for a quick booking response. Safe travels. Pitch your tent or park in the "sloped" pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the highway from Honeyville, James Ranch Grille, and across the river from fun at the Bar D Ranch. Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road. Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees are full. Mission Ridge red cliffs with the mysterious silhouettes and glow at sunset. At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! For a quick accept- Provide what you will be driving and what you will be camping in so i know you will fit through the gate. Also need estimated time of arrival. Arrive before dark- No lights in the field. Safe travels.

RV details

Caravans, Trailer tents, Campervans, and Cars allowed

Vehicles under 4 metres allowed

driving in the field is weather dependent. turn in radius could be prohibitive with long trailers (check with Host in advance).

Pull-in unit

driving in the field is weather dependent. turn in radius could be prohibitive with long trailers (check with Host in advance).

Surface type: Grass or field

parking in the field is weather dependent.

Surface levelness: Requires levelling

parking in the field is weather dependent.

No Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Motorhome, Campervan, and Class C (larger motorhome with overcab space)

Doesn't accommodate slideouts

driving in the field is weather dependent. turn in radius could be prohibitive with long trailers (check with Host in advance).

Generators allowed

No electrical hookup

outdoor extension cord can be provided for electric access by exception.

No water hookup

hose available by exception.

No sewage hookup

No TV hookup

What to expect

RV/tent site

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

4 guests max

Campfires allowed

Camping stove or grill ok if emergency water is stationed near fire.

Toilet available

Portable toilet

Pets allowed

On leash. a fenced in yard in close proximity to campsite if needed.

Drinking water available

Spigot, hose

Showers available

Cold water only. 5 gallon solar camp shower in tent. Warm water provided.

Cooking equipment present

Grill over firepit, bbq. other items may be provided upon request.

Picnic table present

chairs and tables upon request

Pack it out

No wifi

range will vary with campsite location

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Check out: Before 1:00 PM

On arrival: Meet with Host

Cancellation policy: Flexible

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 3 months out

Park at listing

No wheelchair access

Max 2 vehicles

2WD accessible

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

ExtrasAvailable at checkout

Firewood bundlegood

$5.00

Start your trip off right with a bundle of firewood waiting for you at your camp for your first campfire.

Reviews

95% Recommend127 ratings · 115 reviews

Melinda's property near Durango offers a beautiful and peaceful camping experience, with stunning mountain views and a sense of privacy. Many campers appreciated the range of amenities like the fire pit, solar shower, and toilet, which add to the convenience of the stay. Guests often highlighted the welcoming nature of the hosts, Melinda and Chris, who provided useful local tips and assistance. While some noted minor road noise due to the location, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive with campers eager to return.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

Tent

Communication and directions from the owner were great. The camping spot has a gorgeous view of the mountains and is far enough away from the host’s house for complete privacy. There was a fire pit available (with kindling & wood) , a tent enclosure for the toilet and solar shower, and a table with chairs. It’s very conveniently located just north of Durango. Highly recommend.

Leslie R.

4 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

Excellent location, amazing views!

4 m travel trailer

We stayed here 6 nights and Melinda’s place is truly something special! The location is absolutely perfect for exploring the million dollar hwy and through to Telluride back down to Durango. We brought our e-bikes and rode the long trail along the river in Durango and enjoyed some live music downtown. The happy hour at the Saloon/hotel on Main Street was a fantastic bargain. At the property we could have looked at the beautiful views for hours (and in fact, we did). It was so relaxing. We loved the pigs from James Ranch coming to visit every so often and the fact that at camp they provided everything needed including a shower and toilet. We didn’t need these amenities with our travel trailer but wonderful they were there if our tanks got full. Chris met us when we arrived and was so helpful and thoughtful. His suggestions were excellent and he even helped us find a dump station that will be helpful for many trips to come. On the last day Chris even trimmed up some branches so they wouldn’t scratch the camper when pulling out. You can’t have such a great location without a little traffic noise but it absolutely didn’t bother us one bit. We hit up the Cowboy gathering before checking out on our last day and stopped in to the American Legion for a beer with Melinda. It was absolutely one of the best trips we’ve had and I’m already to go back. Don’t hesitate to book this spot. We’ll see you next year.

Jill S.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

Tent

The site is a wide open grassy slope with wonderful views of the mountains. Great for kids and animals to run around. All what you need for comfort.

Vera M.

3 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

5 m car · With pets

Melinda was extremely helpful and the site is beautiful. A perfect little meadow near Durango.

Jason G.

5 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

Perfect for kids and dogs to run

Tent

Very large meadow with mountain view and all amenities. Helpful hosts.

Vera M.

3 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

One of the best

Tent

Melinda was an amazing host! Her friend Chris was there to greet me and he was an absolute sweetheart. He offered amazing suggestions and gave me a map of Durango. Malinda’s property has the best views!! It created such a peaceful environment. What a wonderful weekend.

Grace C.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Lovely and Peaceful Camp Spot

Tent

I loved my stay at Melinda's. She is a friendly and very accomodating host. The views were stunning and the spot felt very peaceful and private. I shared my camp spot with deer and birds, and neighboring pigs and cows. It felt nice to be near the animals. Also very near to Trimble Hot Springs and close enough to town to be convenient but far enough to feel like you are away from it all! Highly recommend, thanks Melinda and Chris.

Marlena R.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Tent

This place was so great to camp at! Everything we needed and more. Very picturesque! We would camp here again.

Emily M.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Tent

We loved the views at Melinda’s place. We camped back by the fence under a large tree to get some protection from the rain. You may get woken up by roosters around 7 AM, but we didn’t mind! Would definitely stay again :)

Kelsey N.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

3 m campervan

This was comfortable and had beautiful views! We loved the farm animals nearby too. Thank you!

Rebecca B.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Tent · Group trip

The views and hospitality were great! We loved every minute of our stay!

Jacquelyn B.

11 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Tent

Melinda’s campsite was the perfect location for spending 4th of July weekend. The property was well equipped and the views were great. Very close to Honeyville and the James Ranch Grill. We hope to stay there again in the future!

John F.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Beautiful place w/ great amenities

4 m pop-up camper

What a wonderful place to camp! The land is beautiful and peaceful, and the views of the red cliffs are gorgeous. We loved having pigs and cows as neighbors on either side. Melinda is so gracious and kind and gave excellent recommendations. And Chris provided a warm and informative orientation to the space, which offers great amenities, including potable water. An electric outlet, a solar shower, and a toilet. It is close enough to downtown Durango to enjoy the town, but it feels very much outside of the hustle and bustle. We can’t wait to return!

Laurel A.

2 reviews

Recommends

· July 2024

Great place!

5 m car

Beautiful view overlooking the Jameson Farms fields and the mountains. We camped among the apple trees. They had a fire pit and a latrine set up for us. The hosts were super friendly, and they went out of their way to meet us and show us around. It’s the perfect distance outside Durango.

Frampton S.

3 reviews

Recommends

· June 2024

4 m campervan · With pets

Great spot with a beautiful view and wonderful host. We would stay there again. Melinda is very gracious and helpful. Thank you much!

Brad S.

8 reviews

Not recommend

· June 2024

Convenient

Tent

The site was okay, the field was on a hill which is something that makes it difficult for me to sleep. Location was great being right on the way to San Juan Mountains. Host was also a little overbearing for my taste, requiring a message when 2 hours out and also messaging twice once we arrived and were asleep. She went so far as to send me a text hours after we had left because I hadn’t responded to her messages on Hipcamp. For the cost, I’m not sure if it was worth it for me!

Kenna P.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2024

Lovely landscape

3 m toy hauler

Great site because of the fantastic views! Portable toilet provided with a solar shower, and setting up camp wherever you desire. Rooster on the neighbor's property gives you the am wake up call. The sound of the Durango steam engine is nostalgic in the am and afternoon. Great privacy for your group.

Sharon M.

2 reviews

Recommends

· June 2024

Tent

It was so so beautiful! We saw several animals which was amazing and watching the sunset over the mountains was lovely. Overall, we loved spending 2 nights here!

Natalia E.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2024

Tent

This is the perfect place to camp!! Beautiful views, great location, would 100% stay here again.

Devon D.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2024

Would recommend

Tent · With pets

Super pretty area only 10 minutes from Durango. The host, Chris, was a really nice guy that made sure we had everything we needed. We ended up staying an extra night. Most of the land is sloped so if you are really wanting flat ground, be sure to get the spot all the way at the bottom near the fence. If you are a really light sleeper, you might want to bring ear plugs just in case as the road isn’t too far away; although I doubt the road noise would be an issue for most people. We would absolutely stay here again! Super peaceful area.

Jarred M.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2024

The best camping experience

Tent

Chris was so thorough and very communicative on helping us find the place, thankfully Google maps lead us right to the place. It’s stunning. We camped right under an apple tree with a small creek near by. They had firewood, outlets, fresh water and a self pump toilet! So close to town but nice and quiet private space. We highly recommend!

Lauren J.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2024

Tent · With pets

The directions to Melinda’s land were precise, the land had a variety of choices as to where we could set up our tent. The views were abundant and each day we saw a variety of bids it was easy to get into Durango or go further up into the nearby mountains and their trails.

Mark I.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2024

4 m campervan · With pets

Wonderful spot to tent camp or in my case out of a van! Could ask for a better spot in the Durango area.

Chase D.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2024

Awesome host and lovely place

Tent · Group trip

Melinda was a super host to deal with! We ended up having to cut our trip short so we did not get to stay at the site but Melinda was super helpful when we were planning the trip.

Randy M.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2023

Great experience!

6 m campervan · With pets

Wonderful! Great site! Easy check-in. Would definitely stay again!

Charlotte H.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2023

5 m car · With pets

We absolutely loved camping on Melinda’s ranch! She was so accommodating and had more on-site than we could possibly need! Our pup loved the fenced field, and the apple trees were a fun surprise. Stunning views, private site and the road noise was minimal - we’ll be back for sure!

Brittney A.

4 reviews

Recommends

· September 2023

7 m campervan · With kids

We loved our stay on Melinda's property. Beautiful view of the red cliffs, level spots to camp. Camp fire pit with wood, electric outlet, water, and latrine provided. Very private. Thank you!

Ryan L.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2023

Tent

Melinda was very friendly and did a thorough job making sure we were taken care of. She had everything we needed and more. This is a good spot if you need a quieter spot just outside of Durango to relax at the end of a long day of adventuring.

Mike F.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2023

Tent

Excellent host! Melinda was very accommodating going above and beyond. The views and campsite was amazing.

Daniel M.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2023

Tent

Lovely views at sunset and sunrise! Melinda was super helpful.