Camping near Bayfield

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In the heart of the Pine River Valley between Durango and Pagosa Springs, Bayfield is set downstream from the secluded Lake Vallecito, a draw for anglers, boaters, and other water enthusiasts. The town is well placed for accessing the rugged Weminuche Wilderness and San Juan National Forest, where you’ll find a range of wildlife and camping options, from dispersed to developed. Ancient Puebloan archaeological sites are also nearby. The fun doesn't stop in winter, when ice fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing are popular.

98% (1.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

There are 3 Tipis in The Views area, this is the biggest, The Raven.

1. Bright Star Campground

98%
(779)
50mi from Bayfield · 33 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cortez, CO
We have complimentary WiFi, drinking water, ice, hot showers, bathrooms, communal kitchen, and a shaded pavilion with picnic tables, art nook, ping pong, and more. We are open from April - October. All of our sites and amenities can be booked for retreats or events. There are two large covered pavilions. We customize reservations for small and large groups or longer stays. There are furnished tipis, camping cabins, tent/RV/van sites, and a Navajo Hogan (wooden yurt). Bright Star Campground: Originally established in 2012 as a church camp, it is now a place to connect, create, and rejuvenate in this spectacular high desert landscape. Bright Star Campground is located in the Great Sage Plain in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park with panoramic views of the Four Corners region, and only 5 miles southeast of Cortez. We are a cannabis-friendly destination but ask that cannabis use stay at your campsite, cabin or tipi. There are many attractions nearby, such as Mesa Verde National Park, Canyons of the Ancients, Hovenweep National Monument and Phil's World Mountain Biking. Raft down the Dolores river, maybe rent a SUP or kayak and chill on a quiet reservoir. We are located 45 minutes from Durango, 1.5 hours from Telluride, and about 2 hours from Moab (Arches and Canyonlands National Parks). The nearest airport is in Durango. The nearest large international airports are in Salt Lake City or Albuquerque.
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$40
 / night
The Art Shack A Tiny Glamping Cabin

2. The Art Shack A Tiny Glamping Cabin

100%
(7)
29mi from Bayfield · 1 site · Lodging · Hesperus, CO
We are in the rural area between Hesperus, Durango, and Mancos - An easy drive to Durango and its thrift shops, restaurants, galleries, cafes, Animas River and River Trail, and hiking and biking trails. Mancos is filled with art galleries, a wonderful bakery and cafe, beauty, and endless trails. Also within driving distance are Phil's World, Cortez, Sand Canyon, the beautiful La Plata Canyon, Mesa Verde National Park, Lake NIghthorse, and more! There are endless hiking and biking trails within driving distance of the property. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing abound and alpine skiing at Purgatory Ski Resort are popular winter activities. The views of the La Platas and Sleeping Ute are ever changing, awe inspiring, and constant from the deck of The Art Shack. On the property are cats, two dogs, two equines (you will hear our burro braying). Our neighbors have yaks, cattle, goats, sheep, dogs, horses, poultry, and other farm animals. You will also see the wild critters that inhabit our corner of La Plata County. You are welcome to wander our property beyond the Big Stick Ditch but do not go into the pasture with our burro or enter any of the out buildings. Park within steps of the Art Shack, cross the foot bridge over the bubbling irrigation ditch, and you have arrived! Please remove your shoes before entering! There is electricity, a queen bed, rustic chairs inside, an outdoor table and chairs, a composting toilet, a coffee machine, and purified drinking water for your use. An electric heater is supplied during winter months. There is no air conditioning. We are available if needed (unless we are out of town adventuring) but will not expect to interact with you as you relax. No dogs are allowed - 2 people max - No smoking of lit substances inside The Art Shack. Please remove your shoes before entering The Art Shack!
Toilets
Wifi
Potable water
from 
$70
 / night
Nakation Getaway

3. Nakation Getaway

99%
(74)
37mi from Bayfield · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · La Plata, NM
Step out of your tent in the morning, and the sun kisses your cheeks... All of them. Private adult only (18+) Clothing Optional dry tent camping set on 20 rural acres. Book the entire campground for your Group Stay, for those who are looking for a private Getaway. Re-use, Re-purpose, Up-cycle... We are committed to making great treasures from one man's trash! Our sites have tables and chairs created from old tires. We are re-using old pallets to create tent platforms, benches and signs. Our little campground is primitive, but we are a work in progress, with amenities coming in the future. Property butts up against a large BLM area, with plenty of room to take a walk in the buff. We have an above ground pool if you would prefer to relax and skinny dip. Or if you're preferring to sight see, there are numerous places to go around our area. In New Mexico, in 45 minutes or less you can be at one of the following: Navajo Lake State Park, Aztec Ruins, Glade Run Recreational area, Jackson Lake Wildlife Refuge, Farmington Lake Recreational area. San Juan Quality Waters in the San Juan River offers world class fishing. The Animas River offers fun river floats. Chaco Canyon National Park is only 2 hours away. In Colorado, we are about an hour from these attractions: Mesa Verde National Park, McPhee Reservoir, Canyon of the Ancients, Lake Nighthorse Day Use Recreation area, Chimney Rock and Purgatory Ski Resort. La Plata Canyon has great mountain hiking and is only 30 minutes away. We look forward to assisting you in a memorable Getaway!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
Ribbit Retreat

7. Ribbit Retreat

86%
(7)
7.9mi from Bayfield · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Durango, CO
Scenic RV Parking & Outdoor Adventure in Southwest Colorado Welcome to our open-field RV site in beautiful Durango, Colorado! Located at Toad Road, our property offers a convenient and peaceful spot to park your rig while you explore the stunning landscapes of La Plata County and beyond. Amenities & Features: ✔️ Electrical hookups available ✔️ Spacious open field with easy access for cars of all sizes and RVs ✔️ 5+ acres, 2 new Eno hammocks! ✔️ Perfect for short stays while visiting Durango, Mesa Verde, San Juan National Forest, and more We welcome outdoor enthusiasts, but please be respectful of our neighbors and keep noise levels reasonable. No hunting allowed on site. Whether you're here for adventure, sightseeing, or a relaxing stop along your journey, this is a great place to set up for a few nights. Book your stay and enjoy all that Southwest Colorado has to offer!
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Campfires
from 
$27
 / night
HTR Durango

9. HTR Durango

98%
(27)
20mi from Bayfield · 73 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Durango, CO
CLOSED FOR WINTER NOV 1, 2025 - APRIL 30, 2026. ***Dry camping is May 1-14, 2026 & October 12-31. Only electric is available. Bathhouses and pool are closed. No cabin or tent campers. Only accepting reservations for self-contained RVs during dry camping season. The only water available is at the front of the park at the fill-up station. The RV sites do not have water or sewer, but they do have electricity. Our staff is available on-call.*** Nestled in a protected box canyon surrounded by high cliffs of Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine and just minutes to downtown Durango, HTR Durango, formerly Lightner Creek Campground, is located on a seasonal mountain stream, making it an ideal setting for nature lovers of all ages. The paved county road off HWY 160W to our campground is well maintained, making the 1.5-mile drive easily accessible, regardless of what you bring. Enjoy various recreational activities in the Durango area, including many hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing, river rafting, rock climbing, zip-lining, off-roading, horseback riding, shopping, dining, breweries, and much more. There is so much to see and do in the Four Corners Area! If you want a memorable vacation experience in Durango, look no further than HTR Durango. Please note wood burning fires are not allowed on property. Propane and charcoal fires are permitted. We require vaccination records upon arrival if you are bringing a dog. There is a $50 pet fee for cabin rentals.
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$35
 / night
Beautiful sunsets at Santa Rita Ranch!

18. Linda M.’s Santa Rita Ranch

99%
(129)
19mi from Bayfield · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Durango, CO
Santa Rita Ranch is located in a rural, agricultural valley south of Durango, Colorado. Originally a dairy and hay farm, the Mannix's raised all organic beef in the past. Currently it operates as a hay farm and Linda has three horses and three donkeys. Very quiet rural area with plenty of open space. Elevation 6,000 ft. Learn more about this land: The 40 acre Santa Rita Ranch has hayfields, irrigation and plenty of room to camp. Located 20 minutes south of Durango Colorado it is quiet and peaceful. Good internet access!  Porta potty available. Only 20 minutes to two wineries: Foxfire Farms in Ignacio, CO and Wines of the San Juans near Aztec, NM.  Paddleboarding and windsurfing on Lake Nighthorse. Lots of mountain bike trails near Durango and good road biking on our CR 213. Flying into Durango? We have a tent and camp chairs for you! Horses and donkeys available to pet.  Horse boarding available for those traveling with their equine friends.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$25
 / night

In the heart of the Pine River Valley between Durango and Pagosa Springs, Bayfield is set downstream from the secluded Lake Vallecito, a draw for anglers, boaters, and other water enthusiasts. The town is well placed for accessing the rugged Weminuche Wilderness and San Juan National Forest, where you’ll find a range of wildlife and camping options, from dispersed to developed. Ancient Puebloan archaeological sites are also nearby. The fun doesn't stop in winter, when ice fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing are popular.

98% (1.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

There are 3 Tipis in The Views area, this is the biggest, The Raven.

1. Bright Star Campground

98%
(779)
50mi from Bayfield · 33 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cortez, CO
We have complimentary WiFi, drinking water, ice, hot showers, bathrooms, communal kitchen, and a shaded pavilion with picnic tables, art nook, ping pong, and more. We are open from April - October. All of our sites and amenities can be booked for retreats or events. There are two large covered pavilions. We customize reservations for small and large groups or longer stays. There are furnished tipis, camping cabins, tent/RV/van sites, and a Navajo Hogan (wooden yurt). Bright Star Campground: Originally established in 2012 as a church camp, it is now a place to connect, create, and rejuvenate in this spectacular high desert landscape. Bright Star Campground is located in the Great Sage Plain in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park with panoramic views of the Four Corners region, and only 5 miles southeast of Cortez. We are a cannabis-friendly destination but ask that cannabis use stay at your campsite, cabin or tipi. There are many attractions nearby, such as Mesa Verde National Park, Canyons of the Ancients, Hovenweep National Monument and Phil's World Mountain Biking. Raft down the Dolores river, maybe rent a SUP or kayak and chill on a quiet reservoir. We are located 45 minutes from Durango, 1.5 hours from Telluride, and about 2 hours from Moab (Arches and Canyonlands National Parks). The nearest airport is in Durango. The nearest large international airports are in Salt Lake City or Albuquerque.
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$40
 / night
The Art Shack A Tiny Glamping Cabin

2. The Art Shack A Tiny Glamping Cabin

100%
(7)
29mi from Bayfield · 1 site · Lodging · Hesperus, CO
We are in the rural area between Hesperus, Durango, and Mancos - An easy drive to Durango and its thrift shops, restaurants, galleries, cafes, Animas River and River Trail, and hiking and biking trails. Mancos is filled with art galleries, a wonderful bakery and cafe, beauty, and endless trails. Also within driving distance are Phil's World, Cortez, Sand Canyon, the beautiful La Plata Canyon, Mesa Verde National Park, Lake NIghthorse, and more! There are endless hiking and biking trails within driving distance of the property. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing abound and alpine skiing at Purgatory Ski Resort are popular winter activities. The views of the La Platas and Sleeping Ute are ever changing, awe inspiring, and constant from the deck of The Art Shack. On the property are cats, two dogs, two equines (you will hear our burro braying). Our neighbors have yaks, cattle, goats, sheep, dogs, horses, poultry, and other farm animals. You will also see the wild critters that inhabit our corner of La Plata County. You are welcome to wander our property beyond the Big Stick Ditch but do not go into the pasture with our burro or enter any of the out buildings. Park within steps of the Art Shack, cross the foot bridge over the bubbling irrigation ditch, and you have arrived! Please remove your shoes before entering! There is electricity, a queen bed, rustic chairs inside, an outdoor table and chairs, a composting toilet, a coffee machine, and purified drinking water for your use. An electric heater is supplied during winter months. There is no air conditioning. We are available if needed (unless we are out of town adventuring) but will not expect to interact with you as you relax. No dogs are allowed - 2 people max - No smoking of lit substances inside The Art Shack. Please remove your shoes before entering The Art Shack!
Toilets
Wifi
Potable water
from 
$70
 / night
Nakation Getaway

3. Nakation Getaway

99%
(74)
37mi from Bayfield · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · La Plata, NM
Step out of your tent in the morning, and the sun kisses your cheeks... All of them. Private adult only (18+) Clothing Optional dry tent camping set on 20 rural acres. Book the entire campground for your Group Stay, for those who are looking for a private Getaway. Re-use, Re-purpose, Up-cycle... We are committed to making great treasures from one man's trash! Our sites have tables and chairs created from old tires. We are re-using old pallets to create tent platforms, benches and signs. Our little campground is primitive, but we are a work in progress, with amenities coming in the future. Property butts up against a large BLM area, with plenty of room to take a walk in the buff. We have an above ground pool if you would prefer to relax and skinny dip. Or if you're preferring to sight see, there are numerous places to go around our area. In New Mexico, in 45 minutes or less you can be at one of the following: Navajo Lake State Park, Aztec Ruins, Glade Run Recreational area, Jackson Lake Wildlife Refuge, Farmington Lake Recreational area. San Juan Quality Waters in the San Juan River offers world class fishing. The Animas River offers fun river floats. Chaco Canyon National Park is only 2 hours away. In Colorado, we are about an hour from these attractions: Mesa Verde National Park, McPhee Reservoir, Canyon of the Ancients, Lake Nighthorse Day Use Recreation area, Chimney Rock and Purgatory Ski Resort. La Plata Canyon has great mountain hiking and is only 30 minutes away. We look forward to assisting you in a memorable Getaway!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
Ribbit Retreat

7. Ribbit Retreat

86%
(7)
7.9mi from Bayfield · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Durango, CO
Scenic RV Parking & Outdoor Adventure in Southwest Colorado Welcome to our open-field RV site in beautiful Durango, Colorado! Located at Toad Road, our property offers a convenient and peaceful spot to park your rig while you explore the stunning landscapes of La Plata County and beyond. Amenities & Features: ✔️ Electrical hookups available ✔️ Spacious open field with easy access for cars of all sizes and RVs ✔️ 5+ acres, 2 new Eno hammocks! ✔️ Perfect for short stays while visiting Durango, Mesa Verde, San Juan National Forest, and more We welcome outdoor enthusiasts, but please be respectful of our neighbors and keep noise levels reasonable. No hunting allowed on site. Whether you're here for adventure, sightseeing, or a relaxing stop along your journey, this is a great place to set up for a few nights. Book your stay and enjoy all that Southwest Colorado has to offer!
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Campfires
from 
$27
 / night
HTR Durango

9. HTR Durango

98%
(27)
20mi from Bayfield · 73 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Durango, CO
CLOSED FOR WINTER NOV 1, 2025 - APRIL 30, 2026. ***Dry camping is May 1-14, 2026 & October 12-31. Only electric is available. Bathhouses and pool are closed. No cabin or tent campers. Only accepting reservations for self-contained RVs during dry camping season. The only water available is at the front of the park at the fill-up station. The RV sites do not have water or sewer, but they do have electricity. Our staff is available on-call.*** Nestled in a protected box canyon surrounded by high cliffs of Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine and just minutes to downtown Durango, HTR Durango, formerly Lightner Creek Campground, is located on a seasonal mountain stream, making it an ideal setting for nature lovers of all ages. The paved county road off HWY 160W to our campground is well maintained, making the 1.5-mile drive easily accessible, regardless of what you bring. Enjoy various recreational activities in the Durango area, including many hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing, river rafting, rock climbing, zip-lining, off-roading, horseback riding, shopping, dining, breweries, and much more. There is so much to see and do in the Four Corners Area! If you want a memorable vacation experience in Durango, look no further than HTR Durango. Please note wood burning fires are not allowed on property. Propane and charcoal fires are permitted. We require vaccination records upon arrival if you are bringing a dog. There is a $50 pet fee for cabin rentals.
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$35
 / night
Beautiful sunsets at Santa Rita Ranch!

18. Linda M.’s Santa Rita Ranch

99%
(129)
19mi from Bayfield · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Durango, CO
Santa Rita Ranch is located in a rural, agricultural valley south of Durango, Colorado. Originally a dairy and hay farm, the Mannix's raised all organic beef in the past. Currently it operates as a hay farm and Linda has three horses and three donkeys. Very quiet rural area with plenty of open space. Elevation 6,000 ft. Learn more about this land: The 40 acre Santa Rita Ranch has hayfields, irrigation and plenty of room to camp. Located 20 minutes south of Durango Colorado it is quiet and peaceful. Good internet access!  Porta potty available. Only 20 minutes to two wineries: Foxfire Farms in Ignacio, CO and Wines of the San Juans near Aztec, NM.  Paddleboarding and windsurfing on Lake Nighthorse. Lots of mountain bike trails near Durango and good road biking on our CR 213. Flying into Durango? We have a tent and camp chairs for you! Horses and donkeys available to pet.  Horse boarding available for those traveling with their equine friends.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$25
 / night

Camper favorites near Bayfield

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds near Bayfield

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Bayfield guide

Where to go

West 

Just west of Bayfield, Durango offers plenty of cultural and outdoor activities, plus camping options from RV parks to San Juan National Forest campgrounds. Discover the Ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park, and stay at the seasonal park campground. Nearby, Mancos State Park offers a lake and woods, along with forested and lakeside campgrounds and yurts. Private RV parks and forest service campgrounds can be found near Mancos, Cortez, Dolores, including within the McPhee Reservoir Recreation Area. Continue west through high desert on your way to Four Corners Monument, where Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah meet.

North

Head north to enjoy fishing and boating on Lake Vallecito, or take the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad from Durango to the historic mining town of Silverton. Colorado’s largest wilderness, Weminuche Wilderness, is located just north of Bayfield, and offers excellent backpacking and backcountry camping options, though the surrounding San Juan National Forest also offers developed campgrounds, in addition to 1.8 million acres of forest and wilderness, peaks, and canyons to explore. For even more forest, head east for the Rio Grande National Forest, with similar options for camping.

East

Head east to explore the ruins of ancient Puebloan dwellings in the Chimney Rock Archaeological Area. Further east, enjoy hot springs and the San Juan River at Pagosa Springs. Nearby Wolf Creek Resort is known for receiving the “most snow in Colorado.” Enjoy excellent fishing at South Fork and the Rio Grande River, or drive along the Silver Thread Byway to the historic towns of Creede and Lake City. Further south, enjoy all water activities at Navajo Lake, with Navajo State Park on the Colorado side, and Navajo Lake State Park on the New Mexico side, and several campgrounds on both sides.

When to go

Bayfield is at its busiest in the summer, when the weather is most pleasant for outdoor activities. Fishing can be enjoyed year-round, though the area is known for an ice fishing tournament in February and the salmon run in late fall. Many year-round public campgrounds offer limited or no services between September and May. Chimney Rock National Monument is open from May 15 to October 15.

Know before you go

  • Bayfield is situated at nearly 7,000 feet. Other recreation areas and campsites in the region are at even higher elevations. Be aware of potential altitude issues.
  • Campsites in national forests are often first-come first-serve, while campsites in Colorado state parks require advanced reservations.
  • Motorized and mechanized vehicles are prohibited in designated wilderness areas.
  • Be bear aware, especially when camping. Store food and other attractants in a bear proof container, away from your tent.
  • Fishing licenses are required in Colorado for anyone over age 16.