Lake Camping Near Dolores, Colorado, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2026

Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking to camp near Dolores, Colorado and prefer a lake setting, we've got you covered. With over 280 options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your outdoor adventure. Check out top campsites like Bright Star Campground (211 reviews), St Dane's Cabins & Campground (82 reviews), and Camping in the Mesas (83 reviews) to see what other campers have loved. With popular amenities like toilets, trash disposal, and pet-friendly areas, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. And if you're looking for activities, you'll have plenty of options like hiking, exploring historic sites, and boating on the lake. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience near Dolores, Colorado!

98% (308)

Top-rated campgrounds near Dolores

Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking to camp near Dolores, Colorado and prefer a lake setting, we've got you covered. With over 280 options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your outdoor adventure. Check out top campsites like Bright Star Campground (211 reviews), St Dane's Cabins & Campground (82 reviews), and Camping in the Mesas (83 reviews) to see what other campers have loved. With popular amenities like toilets, trash disposal, and pet-friendly areas, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. And if you're looking for activities, you'll have plenty of options like hiking, exploring historic sites, and boating on the lake. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience near Dolores, Colorado!

98% (308)

Top-rated campgrounds near Dolores

1. Camping in the Mesas

94%

(234)

2.7mi from Dolores · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

This land was inhabited by the Ancient Anasazi and Pueblo people. The Anasazi Heritage Museum and archeological ruins are two miles away. There are ruins and sites on this land that have yet to be excavated. Many different ancient people came through this land, left and sites were inhabited by other people. One group of people would come and build upon the sites of another group, and taking part of their culture with them. 

2. Canyon Trails Ranch

100%

(104)

19mi from Dolores · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

The homestead was built in 1911 and was one of the original postal pickups in the area.  The ranch is located between Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and backs up to Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. Our family has lived in McElmo Canyon for over 40 years and the campground has hosted camping and outdoor educational groups since 1965. We are a family run ranch with an operating hay farm, horseback riding business, and carriage shop.

3. Animas River Valley red cliffs

95%

(129)

37mi from Dolores · 1 site · Tent, RV

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.  

4. San Juan National Forest

97%

(41)

696 sites · Rico, Colorado

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

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Uncompahgre National Forest

85%

(23)

228 sites · Ophir, Colorado

Head to wild western Colorado to truly get away from it all.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

6. Nikita Ranchita Sanctuary

100%

(4)

7.7mi from Dolores · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Eagles and Mustangs! At Nikita Ranchita Sanctuary, you can experience Healing with Horses through one on one sessions, and witness Eagles Nesting (in the spring) along with hundreds of other bird species year round. Come join us at the Ranch, for Dry Tent Glamping in the shade of the pinion forest, RV parking, or tent camping with views of Mesa Verde and Ute Mountain and the La Plata mountains. Shared chill zones may be available near the cottonwoods overlooking the lush wetlands where you can see deer grazing and hear coyotes at night. Epic fishing on and gorgeous sunsets 5 minutes walking distance to the lake. This budding ranch is off grid, with a historical corral and 3 horses. It's nestled between two state wildlife areas, Totten Lake and Simon Draw, perfect for birders, horse lovers, or those visiting dwellings in the 4 corners area. Centrally located 5 min from Cortez for supplies, 15 min from Dolores and Mancos for Brewpubs and coffee shops and 45 min from Durango. Mecca for 4 corners ancestral dwellings... 10 min to the entrance of Mesa Verde 15 min to Sand Canyon trailhead 30 min to Sand canyon Pueblo, 1 hr to Canyons of the Ancients NM, Hovenweep NM, Escalante Pueblo, and Sandstone canyon 1.5 to Ute Mtn Tribal park 2 hrs to Canyon De Chelly 2 hrs to Natural Bridges 3 hrs to Chaco Canyon, NP Mountain and Desert Recreation 5 min from Phil’s world mountain biking trail, 30 min to LaPlata canyon, for hiking and fishing 1 hr to Rico mountain town 1.5 hrs to Indian creek for epic crack climbing 2 hours to Ridgway or Telluride mountain towns 2 hrs to National parks the Needles (Canyon lands), and Natural bridges Cortez is known for its rich history and culture, and is considered the cultural center of Mesa Verde Country. It was laid out in 1886 on the site of a Navajo Indian seasonal camp called Tseyetoh. It's located near the Four Corners where Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico meet. *Note* We have no water or Electric! *Pit toilet is available across the street at the lake (5 min walk).

7. Ponderosa Palisades

100%

(5)

34mi from Dolores · 1 site · Lodging

Solar-powered, off-grid cabin boasting a rustic layout and lovely patio. 12 minutes from Downtown Durango, 5 minutes to Lake Nighthorse, 15 minutes to Hesperus Ski Mountain, 30 minutes to Durango Airport, 40 minutes to Purgatory Ski Resort and 50 minutes to Mesa Verde NP. Fantastic mountain biking, hiking, boating and camping within a thirty-mile radius. Durango Narrow Gauge Railway runs to Silverton—a beautiful mountain town—during spring, summer and fall.Learn more about this land:Awesome little cabin with solar power. No plumbing, sink or shower. Access to an outdoor composting toilet and a hose water tap. Sometimes access to a bathroom, kitchen and living area in the main house is available for an additional fee. Beautiful forested land with Ponderosa, Gamble Oak, and Aspen.

8. Echo Basin Resort

15mi from Dolores · 43 sites

Echo Basin Resort stands out as a year-round destination for RV enthusiasts and cabin renters, offering a unique blend of summer relaxation and winter adventure. Nestled conveniently between the historic town of Durango, the breathtaking Mesa Verde National Park, and the popular Purgatory Ski Area, our resort is surrounded by the stunning San Juan Mountains, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. Our resort features a variety of accommodations, including rustic A-frame studio cabins with lofts that comfortably sleep four guests. Each cabin is equipped with essential amenities such as linens, a toaster, microwave, coffee maker, and a small refrigerator. For larger groups, our deluxe two-story cabins can accommodate up to eight people and come with a full kitchen complete with utensils. In addition to our cozy cabins, we offer a 65-space full hookup RV park, ensuring that all guests have access to the comforts of home while enjoying the great outdoors. Our banquet facilities, complemented by a seasonal full bar and grill, make Echo Basin Resort the perfect venue for weddings, family reunions, or any special event. With our exceptional pricing and flexible options, every detail of your stay will be meticulously taken care of, allowing you to focus on creating unforgettable memories in this gorgeous and unique mountain retreat.

Public campgrounds near Dolores

McPhee Recreation Complex Campground

3.3mi from Dolores · 54 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

House Creek Campground

3.5mi from Dolores · 37 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Burro Bridge Campground

5.1mi from Dolores · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Ferris Canyon Campground

12mi from Dolores · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

100%

(1)

Transfer Group Campground

16mi from Dolores · 1 site · Tent, RV · in San Juan National Forest

Transfer Campground

16mi from Dolores · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

West Dolores River during high flow, spring run off / loop B end of the campground.

Mavreeso Campground

17mi from Dolores · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

100%

(1)

West Dolores Campground

18mi from Dolores · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

100%

(1)

Target Tree Campground

19mi from Dolores · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Bradfield Campground

22mi from Dolores · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Kroeger Campground

24mi from Dolores · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

100%

(4)

Snowslide Campground

24mi from Dolores · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in San Juan National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

Jack

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Nikita Ranchita Sanctuary

Incredible views and host! Highly recommend, offers a lot of versatility with the location.

C

Christine

October 2025

Tent

4 nights at Animas River Valley red cliffs

We loved staying on Melinda's land! It was pouring rain from a freak storm and she generously allowed us to use her mudroom and her addition downstairs. Genuinely, she saved our trip. She had great recommendations on things to do in the area and was available and communicative. I could not ask for a better host,

T

Tammy

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Animas River Valley red cliffs

We love camping at Melinda’s. Beautiful views, gracious host and close to hiking trails and Durango. This was our 2nd time there and we’ll be back our next time through Colorado.

A

Adison

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Camping in the Mesas

the directions to get to and into the cabin were clear, the room was clean and came well stocked with blankets, towels, and anything else you’d need. very nice place!

A

Ana

July 2025

With kids

4 nights at Canyon Trails Ranch

Amazing people and wonderful location. Absolutely stunning views and the chuck wagon kitchen was super fun. We had a medical emergency come up and made last minute changes, everyone was super nice and understanding about the situation.

C

Chad

June 2025

3 nights at Camping in the Mesas

Great place to stay for the weekend! Visited Mesa Verde and place was perfect.

Kristen

April 2025

37 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Canyon Trails Ranch

This is by far my favorite spot I’ve ever stayed at in my RV, not only is it absolutely beautiful but the hosts are so welcoming and friendly and on top of anything you may need. You can tell how much they love this land and truly how much they care about it. Would absolutely stay here again!

C

Cheryl

April 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

2 nights at Canyon Trails Ranch

It's almost like glamping in the wilderness canyon with ALL the electric and water, flush toilet, cooking area (except you have to cook your own meals). Rodney is a great and kind host- makes you feel more relaxed just talking with him! Beautiful views of Ute Mountain.

Delise

March 2025

24 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Canyon Trails Ranch

I loved camping here! We were the only ones there. It was quiet, and lovely. Rodney was very welcoming. The shower house was a hike, but cozy. The grounds were beautiful. I would certainly stay here again. There is no Wi-Fi, or cell phone service, and it was glorious to be off the grid!