The best waterfall campgrounds near Dolores, Colorado

Looking to camp near Dolores, Colorado and chase waterfalls? Look no further than St Dane's Cabins & Campground (82 reviews), Animas River Valley red cliffs (73 reviews), and Wilderness Bud and Breakfast (66 reviews). Average prices per night start at $47, with options as low as $24. Popular amenities include pets, trash, and toilets, while popular activities range from historic sites to fishing and biking. Start planning your waterfall adventure now!

96% (288)

Top-rated campgrounds near Dolores

Looking to camp near Dolores, Colorado and chase waterfalls? Look no further than St Dane's Cabins & Campground (82 reviews), Animas River Valley red cliffs (73 reviews), and Wilderness Bud and Breakfast (66 reviews). Average prices per night start at $47, with options as low as $24. Popular amenities include pets, trash, and toilets, while popular activities range from historic sites to fishing and biking. Start planning your waterfall adventure now!

96% (288)

Top-rated campgrounds near Dolores

1. Durango Placer

100%

(107)

24mi from Dolores · 1 site · Tent, RV

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. 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 . Fire wood is provided free, a full kitchen with camp stove, sink , utensils, cups, and plates available. Updated privy, and hot showers. 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 !

2. Twilight Falls

92%

(26)

41mi from Dolores · 7 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

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. Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

96%

(76)

18mi from Dolores · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

This magical place, surrounded by over 500,000 acres of protected land, is a 38 acre desert oasis near Mesa Verde, Sand Canyon and Hovenweep. Pitch your tent or park your small pop up or tiny rv (car and pull behind must be under 20 ft total) in a heritage orchard under and alongside magnificent red cliffs. We also have super clean bathroom with hot shower designated for campers. We have a fully equipped community kitchen for cooking, and a gas grill as well. We border Canyons of the Ancients immediately to the North, a 174,000 acre National Monument with the largest concentration of Ancestral Puebloan ("cliff-dweller") and archeological sites in the United States. A favorite public access point to The Canyons of the Ancients is the Sand Canyon trailhead, a five minute drive from the property up the main road. It is visited by hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders alike. We are a genuine "oasis" on exquisite high desert land with profound ancient puebloan sites within steps. Ideal home base for your Southwest adventure.

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

Transfer Campground

16mi from Dolores · 13 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

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

Joseph (Jody)

November 2025

16 ft campervan

1 night at Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

It doesn’t take long after pulling off onto the road that leads to Kelly Place to notice that you are now on sacred grounds. We only spent 2 nights there, but that was enough to get the understanding that this was a place of uniquenesses that held a certain amount of powers. I’m yet uncertain how long it might take to come to grips with it what’s held there, but I’m very grateful for the time allotted and will soon return for a deeper connection. If you have a spiritual side to yourself and this comes up on your radar, by all means necessary book it and thank not only me later, but more importantly those that have taken the oath to keep this spirit alive and well. 5,000 ⭐️’s is the rating if possible. And thank you to those behind the scenes that keep this location place alive and well!!!

M

Marquitta

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

An absolute dream! My only regret is that we couldn’t stay longer. Sunset on property was gorgeous! The trails around camp were super fun. Friendly staff. Our pour-over site was tucked away, beautiful, felt safe. Grounds were clean and stocked.

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.

Michelle

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Durango Placer

We had a great quick night at Joe’s place. There were so many amenities like a fully stocked camp kitchen, outhouse, shower set up, and plenty of chairs and tables. We didn’t have to unload much of our own stuff and could just use what was provided. We slept peacefully with the sound of the creek. We wish we could have stayed longer to explore more of the property and creek! Our dog was a bit anxious at first but Joe came by with a treat to say hello and she immediately was happy and relaxed. She loved playing in the creek.

S

September 2025

16 ft car

3 nights at Durango Placer

We loved the camp site its private and has all the things you need.

z

zoe

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

Our stay was wonderful. The directions easy to follow so we didn’t have to rely on gps. The camping site was sheltered which was a appreciated as it was a a windy night and we have a roof tent, we had our own bathroom which was very clean and hot shower. The jewel was the lodge which was open to us and we enjoyed the comfortable space to have tea and meet other guests. We walked the property in the morning after a homemade breakfast from our host ( worth it!) . We would love to come back.

M

Mary Lin

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Durango Placer

I love this site. 3 places to set up a tent and plenty of parking near the tent spaces for my RTT. Great set up for a peaceful getaway. You can get your steps in walking around 😁

S

Steve

August 2025

19 ft Class B

2 nights at Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

Absolutely beautiful and all the amenities you’d want. Celine is lovely and a great host. We’ll be back.

C

Chip

August 2025

16 ft pop-up camper

With pets

4 nights at Durango Placer

Joe is a great host that provides everything you need to camp. This is a great site for multiple tent campers with multiple level and groomed tent pads. Also suitable for small trailers or vans. Ample group parking. Lots of places to explore in La Plata Canyon. Great stop on our San Juan Adventure!

R

Rachael

August 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Durango Placer

I loved it so much at Joe’s land I wanted to stay much longer! The layout of the kitchen area, campsites, bathroom area, shower and creek made it feel like we had the whole forest to ourselves. It was quiet, peaceful and so so beautiful. The only thing I wasn’t expecting was it was a little walk from the car but nothing we couldn’t handle and still totally worth it. I came here for a retreat and that’s exactly what it was. I wouldn’t have left the site at all if I hadn’t needed more ice. I just loved it here so much! The kitchen has everything you need for very simple cooking but you still need to bring your own cooking utensils. I can’t wait to come back!

N

Nichole

August 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Durango Placer

This is our second trip to Joe’s place and we loved it just as much this time. He provides a magical place with plenty of room to enjoy and explore as a family. The perks include how he provides water and firewood, as well as a composting toilet and outdoor shower.

K

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Durango Placer

Very private and peaceful. Camp site it well equipped and clean.

J

Justine

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Durango Placer

Absolutely fantastic! Joe has thought of everything and is not only an excellent host, but also super kind! It was a very peaceful and easy stay!

The Pour Over - one of our campsites tucked into the cliff with a waterfall just beyond the picnic table when we get a good desert rain.

G

Gabriella

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

Ancient Echoes is a sacred and beautiful space. Where you may explore history and learn about a mission dedicated to the preservation of cultural diversity and agricultural heritage. I am so grateful to have began my first trip to Colorado here. I was able to de-stress after a long roadtrip by taking a hot shower and enjoying a hot cup of tea. To be followed by a sweet camp under a beautiful sky full of stars. It was great to be able to utilize the amenities. Although the unique location, proximity to national monuments and awesome trails all encouraged me to stay an extra night. We highly recommend taking all the time you can to truly enjoy Ancient Echoes at Kelly Place. A huge thank you to our wonderful hosts and new friends Celine and Allison. Your hospitality and communication along the way were truly outstanding. The work put into this sanctuary is incredible and inspiring!

Pam

July 2025

Tent

5 nights at Twilight Falls

We loved the meadow site. We had the place to ourselves and it was just beautiful. The host was very accommodating with our change in schedule.

Deana

July 2025

Tent

5 nights at Durango Placer

Joe's place is great! Quiet and private. We thoroughly enjoyed our peaceful 5 nights. You can't get better.

I

Inai

July 2025

14 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

Absolutely stunning and incredible place to visit and be inspired. It is so special and generous of the hosts to share this wonderful place in the world.

Emma

July 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Twilight Falls

Blake was an excellent and generous host! The campsite was beautiful and our group had a great time together in the meadow! It was so fun exploring the property. This campsite had awesome amenities nearby including a super clean bathroom and shower.