Camping near Durango

Hiking and mountain biking adventures abound in a top Colorado outdoor playground.

96% (1825 reviews)
96% (1825 reviews)

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12 top campgrounds near Durango

98%
(679)

Bright Star Campground

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Cortez, CO
We have COMPLIMENTARY Wifi, Drinking Water, Ice, Hot Showers, Bathrooms, Shade, and an equipped Camper's Kitchen for our guests to enjoy from April 15 - Oct 15! There are TIPIS, CAMPING CABINS, TENT and BOONDOCK SITES. WE ALSO HAVE A NAVAJO HOGAN (wood yurt) OPEN-YEAR ROUND. All of our sites are not listed here. We can also accommodate groups and small events but not public events. We have a private covered group site as well. Bright Star Campground: Once used as a church camp, it is now a Campground for all to enjoy! We are a perfectly located vacation campground on 40 acres with amenities and wide-open spaces. Amenities include hot showers, an equipped community kitchen, a pavilion with hammocks, tables, ping pong, etc. Enjoy complimentary coffee, eggs, filtered drinking water and more. Bright Star Campground is located in the Great Sage Plain in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park with panoramic mountain/mesa views of the Four Corners region, all only 5 miles southeast of Cortez. We are in an arid desert climate. Water is scarce, stored in cisterns for use in camp. Because of this we ask that you be conservative with water use in camp. We are a cannabis-friendly destination but ask that Cannabis use stay at your campsite, cabin or tipi. There are many things to do/see nearby: 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. There are museums and cultural centers in the area as well. Durango is 45 min, Telluride is 1.5 hrs away, and Moab is about 2.5 hours away-including Arches and Canyonlands National parks. The best/nearest airport is in Durango. Cortez has Denver Air (Key Lime Air) with connections to Denver and Phoenix. The nearest large international airport is in Salt Lake City or Albuquerque.
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$38
 / night
98%
(254)

Tranquility @ The Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents600 acres · Hesperus, CO
5th generation, 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. 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.
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from 
$27
 / night
97%
(19)

Camp Summit

1 site · RV75 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.
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from 
$45
 / night
94%
(8)

Sleeping Under the Mesa Verde

2 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Cortez, CO
We are conveniently located under the Mesa Verdes and next door to the world renowned Phills World Bike Trails. The Views include, Ute Mountain, Telluride, Lizard Head Pass and many more. You are 10 miles south of Boggy Draw Trail system and 10 miles from the Mesa Verde Park entrance. You can also just hang out and hike the 430 Acre property with pre-approved permission. It is an active ranch so there is usually always livestock roaming. Pets are acceptable, it's a ranch animal are always welcome. We have the one site now that is a leveled concrete pad with water and power. If you are visiting Cortez, CO and looking to camp or have an RV or camper in the back of the pick-up, we can find a place to let you enjoy the stay here. Directions. South on CR 27 off of HWY 160 till you get to CR H, Make a Left and its one mile on the right side of the Road.
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$30
 / night
100%
(31)

Lavender Farm Stay

3 sites · Lodging50 acres · Dolores, CO
Welcome to Mesa Verde Lavender! We are a working lavender farm with 1400+ lavender plants, a flower garden, vegetables, and a small orchard. Hike in the canyon that splits our property, roam with the birds in our pastures, pick some fruit if in-season, or sit and enjoy wildlife, sounds of the creek, and views of the La Plata Mountains, Sleeping Ute Mountain, and Mesa Verde. Our 50 acres is situated in Southwest Colorado between Cortez, Mancos, and Dolores. 5 minutes to Phil’s World for mountain biking, 1 hour to Durango, and 2 hours to Telluride. Pay for the experience - farm tour and all the fixings. The breakfast, stay and hospitality is included with the farm tour! Note: this is NOT a commercial campground; rather an agricultural business with a focus on all things lavender. Come adventure, smell the flowers (literally!), and enjoy feeling of these ancient healing lands!
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$75
 / night
95%
(126)

Animas River Valley red cliffs

1 site · RV, Tent4 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.  
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from 
$50
 / night

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Camping near Durango guide

Overview

Things to know about camping near Durango

Durango is a beautiful mountain town tucked into the southwestern part of Colorado near Mesa Verde National Park. It’s one of Colorado’s largest mountain towns and it has the perfect combination of natural attractions, historic sites, and lively, big city entertainment. Durango offers easy access to hiking and mountain biking trails, ski runs, and whitewater fun as well as a happening downtown with shops, unique restaurants, and a lively arts scene. Campers will find plenty of convenient options near town, including glamping spots right in town, and more secluded spots in the surrounding San Juan National Forest.    

Where to go

Durango

The town of Durango is a destination in itself. There are more trails running through Durango than any other city in Colorado and the Animas River flows right through town offering a range of water sports including a downtown whitewater park. Fishing is also great on several sections of the river including the seven mile stretch that flows right through town. The historic narrow-gauge railroad also runs daily from Durango to Silverton and offers stunning views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains. 

La Plata Canyon

Located just west of Durrango, the La Plata Canyon Recreational Area is a popular hiking destination. The La Plata’s are an exceptionally beautiful range of the San Juan Mountains and are known to put on quite the wildflower show in early summer. The area offers numerous trails for the serious hiker including trails to several peaks above 12,000 feet. Campers will find plenty of established campgrounds and dispersed areas in La Plata Canyon.  

Silverton

The old mining community of Silverton, Colorado is located about an hour north of Durango.  Along the way, you’ll pass by Purgatory Resort and several trailheads including the Molas Pass section of the Colorado Trail and the popular Engineer Mountain Trail. Near Silverton, you’ll find plenty of jeep roads and hiking trails leading into the high country and several National Forest campgrounds. 

Mesa Verde National Park

Located just 45 minutes west of Durango, Mesa Verde National Park preserved thousands of archeological sites including the famous multi-story dwellings built into the sides of cliffs. Visitors can tour the cliff dwellings on ranger-led tours and hike to rock art left behind by the Ancestral Puebloan people. Campers can almost always find a site at the Morefield Campground located inside the park.  

When to go

The best time to hike, mountain bike, and camp in the mountains around Durango is between May and early October. Late July and early August are especially nice when the high country is blanketed with Indian paintbrush and Colorado columbine. Fall colors are typically the best during the latter half of September. Ski season typically opens in early December and runs through early April, although backcountry skiers can often visit until June. 

Know before you go

  1. Durango is a very popular outdoor destination. Book campsites and activities, like train tickets, in advance. 
  2. Pack sunscreen and plenty of layers. The Durango area boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year and can get very chilly at night at the high elevations. 
  3. Durango is very dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome on most trails in and around Durango as well as many places around town. Dogs are not allowed on trails in Mesa Verde National Park
  4. Bears are a common sight around Durango. Don’t leave food unattended while camping, and hike in groups if you can. 

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