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The best camping near San Juan National Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next San Juan adventure.

The best camping near San Juan National Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next San Juan adventure.

Camping near San Juan National Forest

97% (35 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next San Juan adventure.

Hike through the rugged wilderness or take a scenic drive in this expansive national forest.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near San Juan National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in San Juan National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near San Juan National Forest

90%
(20)

Almostaranch

3 sites ¡ RVs11 acres ¡ Durango, CO
The Almostaranch Family welcomes you to stay with us in the San Juan Mountains located in Durango, Colorado. Our property features spectacular views and endless activities for you and your family. We look forward to seeing you! Durango is the Capitol of mountain biking in the US. Horseback riding next door and snowmobile rentals close by. Kayaking very close & hiking trails everywhere. Silverton 35 miles. RV site includes horseshoe pits and tables.
from 
$85
 / night
100%
(11)

Bear springs

1 site ¡ RV35 acres ¡ Durango, CO
Beautiful mountain views, trails and only 10 minutes to downtown Durango! 35 acre gated community property with miles of private trails to explore. Friendly pets welcome. Complementary firewood fire restrictions permitting. Owners live on property and are available to help or answer questions. Great setup and location.
from 
$59
 / night
91%
(11)

Wildernest: Twilight Falls

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Silverton, CO
Wildernest: Twilight Falls is a 40 acres private paradise of natural forests, meadows, streams and waterfalls nestled within thousands of acres of San Juan National Forest. Come experience this amazing place. Words cannot describe it. This has been a family retreat for our family for decades, and we want to share it with you.
from 
$135
 / night
90%
(5)

Camp Summit

1 site ¡ RV95 acres ¡ Durango, CO
Immerse yourself in nature's embrace as you find nothing but forest, endless and serene. If you're fond of scenic vistas, this site awaits you at the edge of the tree line, offering an expansive view that stretches beyond. Venture along game trails or hiking paths that crisscross the property, and with a little exploration, discover a hidden meadow nestled within the woods. The location is also a prime spot for observing hawks gracefully ride the winds. Set on a wooded mountainside, the site gazes out over Durango valley, promising breathtaking views. Over 95 acres of undisturbed forest and game trails beckon you to explore. Begin your journey with an easy-to-moderate trailhead found at the base of the driveway. For those seeking water adventures, Lemon and Vallecito reservoirs are a mere 30 minutes away, while the heart of downtown Durango is a convenient 10-15 minute drive down the road.
from 
$45
 / night
95%
(101)

Animas River Valley red cliffs

1 site ¡ RV, Tent5 acres ¡ Durango, CO
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.  
from 
$50
 / night
98%
(31)

Pine Ridge Botanical Sanctuary

1 site ¡ Lodging2 acres ¡ Ridgway, CO
This handsome Earthwork's tipi is situated in a private location amidst a lovely Ponderosa pine grove on the West side of the Uncompaghre river valley. Abundant birds fill the forest with their song and the tipi deck is a great perch for watching them flit through the forest. The land is just 10 minutes from Ridgway or ten minutes to Ouray (by car). The tipi sits on an elevated deck to provide a flat, dry space and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. It is comfortably appointed with a memory foam pad atop a futon bed with clean sheets and cozy blankets. There's a propane cook stove, a picnic table, a few lounge chairs and fresh drinking water. Cheery solar-powered fairy lights make it easy to see inside at night and the shady hammock spot should not be missed for those seeking a blissful afternoon nap. Guests are most welcome to use the private, indoor, 3/4 bathroom in the apothecary shop at the main house on the property. A 2 minute walk along a nature trail from the tipi gets you there. Towels and toiletries are not provided. There are over 80 varieties of medicinal plants growing on the property. Some are in formal and informal gardens, others in the greenhouse and others grow wild in the forest. A comprehensive line of botanical products are created in the Apothecary on site. Tours are available by appointment. (970) 708-0236 Activities close by include: hiking trails within minutes of the land, rock climbing in Ridgway and Ouray, a via ferrata, the box canyon waterfall and hot springs are all just ten minutes away.
from 
$85
 / night
100%
(33)

Mountain Meadow

4 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs1 acres ¡ Bayfield, CO
Mountain Meadow is a beautiful, 1.2 acre, park-like piece of land with both forest and meadow! It regularly has a variety of wildlife passing through. Only 5 minutes to the San Juan National Forest by car ATV/OHV, snowmobile, or mountain bike, This is the ideal location for someone wanting to experience the best of what Southwest Colorado has to offer! Durango is located only 35 minutes away, with tons of visitor-friendly attractions!
from 
$65
 / night
99%
(57)

Durango Placer

1 site ¡ RV, Tent5 acres ¡ Hesperus, CO
Learn more about this land: The creek is just feet away from your tent site, with numerous waterfalls. Great hiking, or just taking in the scenery. So much to do in the immediate area: biking, hiking, fishing swimming, jeeping, exploring, rock hounding, birding, etc. Located 35 minutes from downtown Durango at 9300 feet. Visit the cool mountains and the cold creek. Canines love it ! You will have the place to yourself. One group only on this property at a time. There are 3 tent sites to choose from, and a RV site to park. Up to 6 guests in a group allowed (double occupancy/ charge). For each additional guest 30.00/ person up to 6 guests/ night. **One person, one night $40. Fire wood is provided free, a full kitchen with utencils, cups, and plates are available. Updated privy, and hot showers. Update 5/12/22.......The creek is running big, and the flowers are blooming. The Placer may not be for everyone. It is rugged beauty ( no kids ( 12 and younger) sorry). Here is a opportunity to enjoy peace and privacy, something that is becoming more rare, so I want this possible for hipcampers visiting the Placer. Four day maximum. Enjoy ! The road closes in the winter so hosting is restricted from May 15th thru October 15th There is no cell service. Wifi is available. Landline is available in emergency. Happy Camping !
from 
$40
 / night
100%
(22)

Juniper Moon Farm

1 site ¡ RV4 acres ¡ Durango, CO
We are a small start up homestead situated on 4 acres in Durango, Co. The drive to town is about 20 mins where you will find everything you need including tons of outdoor adventures (hiking, rafting, rock climbing, mountain bike trails!) There is a community pond and river within walking distance from our property. Currently we are offering 120v electric hookup and you can fill your fresh water tank. We do not have a sewer dump at this time. We are a busy family working to grow our homestead. Please reach with any questions and to book. ***We can only accept fully self-contained RVs with a bathroom inside***
from 
$40
 / night
95%
(122)

Grizzly Peak Ranch

1 site ¡ RV, Tent40 acres ¡ Hesperus, CO
Located in southwest colorado the Grizzly Peak Ranch is a beautiful 40 acre piece of land.  Home to a fun loving family, horses, and dogs!  We have seen Elk, Mule Deer, Black Bear, Coyotes, and even Mountain Lions on this property!  Close enough to town and it's conveniences- but far enough away you won't hear or see a soul.Learn more about this land:Located an easy 15 minutes from down town Durango this beautiful property offers guaranteed privacy and secluded camping- you will be the only campers on the sprawling 40 acre property, with convenient access to all that Durango has to offer, and just 10 minutes from Lake Nighthorse- great for fishing, paddle boarding, canoeing, etc. Come pitch your tent or park your camper in the pinon and juniper trees, with magnificent views of the la plata mountains.  Abundant wildlife, magnificent stars, quiet seclusion.
from 
$36
 / night
100%
(10)

The Sundance Ridge - Telluride

1 site ¡ RV, Tent40 acres ¡ Sawpit, CO
"The most incredible views in Colorado" Perched on the edge of a 2,000 ft canyon, surrounded by an aspen grove and jagged peaks, there is no equal. In the beautiful Aspen grove and next to the ridge with canyon and mountain views. This is probably one of the most beautiful camp sites in all of Colorado. Hike on the property, especially the Ridge Hike" that goes along the ridge, featuring rock outcroppings and jaw-dropping views. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kids camped out on the property before and after he robbed his first bank, which is still located in Telluride. This is where the name comes from. Please clean up after your pet and yourself. If there is dog or human waste of any kind of trash left behind, there will be a fee added to your reservation. Help keep the place pristine 😊
from 
$150
 / night
96%
(89)

Lazy Rooster Ranch

5 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents50 acres ¡ Rico, CO
The ranch was the site of a sawmill in the early 1900s when the old Rio Grande Southern and Galloping Goose Railroads ran through the property along the Dolores River. All that’s left now is a little shack in the middle of the meadow and some remnants of the railroad tracks in the river. 
from 
$75
 / night

The best camping near San Juan National Forest guide

Overview

About

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.

Notable campgrounds

  • 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.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  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.

When to go

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.

Know before you go

  • 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.

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