The best private sites RV campgrounds near Bayfield, Colorado

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.

100% (115)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. 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!

2. Tranquility @ The Farm

98%

(256)

31mi from Bayfield · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Hesperus, CO

Dear Valued Guests, I hope this message finds you well. As we reflect on the past winter, we’ve observed that our area received minimal precipitation. While the lower elevations received almost no moisture, the higher elevations are at only 53% of the 20-year average snowpack. Given these conditions, I have made the difficult decision not to host campers this year due to the heightened fire risk. Your safety is my utmost priority, and I would never want to put any of my guests in harm's way. Please stay tuned for updates. If we receive significant rainfall this spring, I may reconsider hosting this year. Otherwise, I look forward to welcoming you in 2026. Wishing you all happy and safe camping adventures! Warm regards, Erin P.S. We can't wait to welcome you back for an even better experience in the future! Learn more about this land: 600 Acre working farm, with two miles of the La Plata River running through it and spectacular views of the La Plata Mountains and Sleeping Ute Mountain. You will find a wide variety of vegetation and wildlife (Southwest Sage, Cactus, Ponderosa, Pinion, and Pine trees, Mule Deer, Turkey, Fox, Rabbits, Bald Eagles, and Red Tail Hawks to name a few) . Guests are encouraged to explore this beautiful piece of the southwest. The Farm is located just 12 miles from La Plata Canyon, 15 miles from Durango, 15 miles from Lake Nighthorse, and 35 miles from Mesa Verde National Park. There is one large campground that can hold up to 5 RV's and 1 secluded tent small camper site to choose from. Guest are welcome to purchase vegetables and fresh farm eggs.

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.

100% (115)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. 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!

2. Tranquility @ The Farm

98%

(256)

31mi from Bayfield · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Hesperus, CO

Dear Valued Guests, I hope this message finds you well. As we reflect on the past winter, we’ve observed that our area received minimal precipitation. While the lower elevations received almost no moisture, the higher elevations are at only 53% of the 20-year average snowpack. Given these conditions, I have made the difficult decision not to host campers this year due to the heightened fire risk. Your safety is my utmost priority, and I would never want to put any of my guests in harm's way. Please stay tuned for updates. If we receive significant rainfall this spring, I may reconsider hosting this year. Otherwise, I look forward to welcoming you in 2026. Wishing you all happy and safe camping adventures! Warm regards, Erin P.S. We can't wait to welcome you back for an even better experience in the future! Learn more about this land: 600 Acre working farm, with two miles of the La Plata River running through it and spectacular views of the La Plata Mountains and Sleeping Ute Mountain. You will find a wide variety of vegetation and wildlife (Southwest Sage, Cactus, Ponderosa, Pinion, and Pine trees, Mule Deer, Turkey, Fox, Rabbits, Bald Eagles, and Red Tail Hawks to name a few) . Guests are encouraged to explore this beautiful piece of the southwest. The Farm is located just 12 miles from La Plata Canyon, 15 miles from Durango, 15 miles from Lake Nighthorse, and 35 miles from Mesa Verde National Park. There is one large campground that can hold up to 5 RV's and 1 secluded tent small camper site to choose from. Guest are welcome to purchase vegetables and fresh farm eggs.

Stories from the community

I

Ian

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Nakation Getaway

We loved our stay at Nakation in our RV. Perfect secluded camp site in the gnarly scrub at the back of the property to enjoy some back to nature risqué quiet time 😜 …

D

Dale

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Nakation Getaway

Sarah was very helpful. The property is very nice, I had the place to myself. Very much enjoyed it.

S

Shannon

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Nakation Getaway

We loved camping on De De's land. It was very relaxing, quiet, and private. She was a great host with many amenities. We will definitely camp there again.

Mark

August 2025

Tent

4 nights at Nakation Getaway

This place is truely unique. Very nice (easy) hiking trails and very quiet and secluded. Can’t wait for the next trip.

Mark

August 2025

20 ft campervan

4 nights at Nakation Getaway

This place is perfect . Thankyou De De. This place is small enough for privacy between campers. The wet area is nice (pool, hot tub and solar showers). Overall, a great place to relax. I’ll definitely be back

M

Matt

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Nakation Getaway

I had a very relaxing experience at DeDe’s campground. My tent site was clean with a nice even surface to set up. They have laid down artificial grass which was great for keeping dirt and such outside of the tent. The pool area was really nice. Spent a couple hours of pleasant conversation with DeDe and Kevin chilling next to the pool. Highly recommend this campground and would definitely stay there again.

P

Personal: Rob

July 2025

30 ft campervan

1 night at Nakation Getaway

What a great setup! Lots of privacy and great amenities (Pool, hot tub, BBQ, etc) We had such a great time and made friends with another couple during our stay! Fully recommend!

P

Personal: Rob

July 2025

30 ft Class C

1 night at Nakation Getaway

We had a FAB time here! The amenities are great (Pool, hot-tub, outdoor shower, outdoor cooking). And we met a great couple while during our atay

L

Lorie

July 2025

25 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Nakation Getaway

My friends and I had a wonderful time camping at De De's land. The views were great and the location was perfect. We had more than we could visit in a weekend and hope to go back. De De was a wonderful host and we had a great time in the pool.

Nathan

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Nakation Getaway

This is a must stop place if passing anywhere near Farmington NM or Durango CO. The owners are very attentive and were doing upkeep on the property every day that I was there. Everything is well taken care of and clean. The BLM land that the property backs up to gives you even more room to roam which is a bonus if you like to explore.

c

curly

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Nakation Getaway

We had an amazing time. Dede is excelent person together up you site is needed.all together it was a great time.

Scott

May 2025

15 ft campervan

2 nights at Nakation Getaway

Spent two nights here in mid April, camper van. Awesome venue - very private, very peaceful. Excellent cell coverage (I'm Spectrum). Loved the clothing optional freedom, this place is made for it

B

Bob

March 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Nakation Getaway

Great spot, lovely area. DeDe is great, very welcoming, non-judgmental and does an incredible job of hosting and upkeep on her land. Will definitely be back!

J

Joel

November 2024

Tent

Weekend Trip to Tranquility @ The Farm

Absolutely beautiful property with perfect accommodations for a tent. There was a fire pit and firewood, and a spot to park our hatchback, so no 4x4 was needed. 100% recommend to anyone in the area or anyone trying to be near Durango or Mesa Verde National Park.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best private sites RV 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.