The best big rig friendly campgrounds near Durango, Colorado

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.

98% (575)

Top-rated campgrounds

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

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.

98% (575)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Bright Star Campground

98%

(779)

35mi from Durango · 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.

2. Ribbit Retreat

86%

(7)

7.7mi from Durango · 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!

3. HTR Durango

98%

(27)

5.1mi from Durango · 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.

4. Junction West Durango

95%

(33)

13mi from Durango · 97 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Durango, CO

History of JW Durango Riverside Resort It all started in 1965… When this campground hosted its first guests the goal back then was simply to offer folks from around the Four Corners a place to relax and lounge along the Animas River. Today, the property boasts 73 quality RV sites, 24 cabins and 6 tent sites. We also have a heated pool, playground, convenience store, retail shop, game room, café with a large deck for dining, laundry room, paved roadways, two bath houses, and an observation deck overlooking the Animas. The property sits just south of Bakers Bridge, a local landmark made famous as the set of the climactic finale in the movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” – where Paul Newman and Robert Redford sat along the rocky cliffs that line the river before they famously took the plunge. As the lifeblood of this community, the Animas River winds its way under that bridge and south toward historic downtown Durango. Everyone from whitewater enthusiasts and acclaimed fly fisherman to laidback locals in inner tubes enjoy the same flowing mountain waters miners have tapped for more than a century. Back in 1965, the population of Durango was just over 10,000 and La Plata County almost 20,000. Today, the city itself is home to 20,000 residents while the county is closing in on a staggering 58,000. As more and more people discover the beauty and majesty of the San Juan National Forest and surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks, the number of people flocking to the Four Corners region continues to grow. Whether hiking, biking, horseback riding, or four-wheeling this area has an endless number of adventures to uncover. Even if it takes a lifetime to explore some of the forgotten roads in this region, these outdoor experiences offer just a glimpse of what there is to do when you visit. People come from around the world to ride the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, listen to songs and stories from the Bar D Wranglers, hit the slopes at Purgatory Resort, or hug the guardrails along the legendary Million Dollar Highway. These are just a few of the reasons people continue to come back year after year, and generation after generation. Even here at Durango Riverside, we constantly listen to stories from guests who first came here as children and now return with their own. It really is easy to find places where you can experience some of the wonders this community has to offer. But, there’s only one place where you can relax and lounge along the Animas River with friends and family, making memories that will stick with you for generations – Durango Riverside.

5. Outdoorsy Bayfield

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(2)

15mi from Durango · 130 sites · RVs · Bayfield, CO

Welcome to Outdoorsy Bayfield, your riverside retreat in southwestern Colorado. Nestled between Durango and Pagosa Springs along the Pine River, our park offers camping and luxury tents that bring the comfort of a hotel room right into nature. Enjoy stylish accommodations with air conditioning, plush linens, and private patios perfect for morning coffee or evening wine. Outdoorsy Bayfield boasts a 36-acre park with plenty of open space for walking, fishing, or simply relaxing. Cast a line in our private waters or explore the nearby San Juan National Forest. Whether hiking, biking, or fishing, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy. Book your stay with us for a unique getaway. With full RV hookups and luxury tents, our park is the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Come experience the beauty of southwestern Colorado and make unforgettable memories at Outdoorsy Bayfield – the top RV park in Bayfield! Accommodation types - RV sites for all rig types (30/50 amp) - Glamping tents (Sleeps 2 & Sleeps 4) On Site Amenities - Catch & Release Fishing - Laundry facilities (pay per use) - Bath house with showers - Camp Store - Large fenced in dog park - we love dogs! - Basketball hoop - Horseshoe pits - Large open green spaces - Walking trails - Outdoors games for the summer camping season

6. Riverwood RV Resort

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(2)

23mi from Durango · 62 sites · RVs · Mancos, CO

Riverwood RV resort accommodations at affordable rates, located in Mancos, colorado. Our RV park is close to Cortez, Durango, and Mesa Verde national park in southwest colorado. Our family-friendly RV resort is the perfect place in Southwestern Colorado to get away, camp and explore the outdoors with loved ones with all the latest amenities. Mancos is a humble town with shops and local sites to enjoy. An RV Resort is pet-friendly has full-service amenities and will make you feel at home in Mancos, CO. Easy RV access and our complimentary concierge service will help you plan your next hiking, fishing, kayaking, or sightseeing adventure in Mancos Colorado, and other southwestern surrounding cities like Durango and Cortez. Plan your next adventure at our brand-new RV resort in Colorado that has all the amenities to make you feel at home. Reserve online now to book your visit or call our expert staff with any questions or special accommodations you may need. Mancos offers a variety of outdoor activities for people of all levels. Hiking trails and mountain biking trails are available, with expert staff available to assist with repairs and equipment sales. The location also offers opportunities for white water rafting, golfing, fly fishing, and off-roading with thousands of miles of 4x4 trails in the area.

7. Durango RV Resort

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5mi from Durango · 253 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Durango, CO

Nestled in the heart of southwest Colorado, Durango is the perfect basecamp for outdoor adventures, family vacations, and group getaways. With endless opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and sightseeing, Durango offers something for every traveler. Located just a short drive from the iconic Four Corners Monument, where New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado meet, it’s a hub for exploring the beauty of the Southwest. At Oasis Durango RV Resort, we offer year-round accommodations, including spacious RV sites, cozy deluxe cabins, and convenient tent sites. Whether you’re seeking a long-term stay or a weekend escape, our resort has everything you need for a memorable stay in Durango.

8. Junction West Vallecito

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(2)

17mi from Durango · 79 sites · RVs, Lodging · Bayfield, CO

Vallecito Resort & Campground in Southwest Colorado Vallecito Resort is a full service RV Park and campground with cabins. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains in southwest Colorado, Vallecito Resort offers temperate summers, outstanding beauty and a full range of leisure activities. Spend your days fishing in Vallecito Lake, horseback riding in the surrounding wilderness and exploring nearby Durango. Relax, sit back in your camp chair, breathe in our clean mountain air and enjoy the wild. We have accommodations to fit every lifestyle and budget: from modern cabins to full hookup RV sites beneath our majestic Ponderosa pines. We offer numerous amenities to make your stay comfortable, including free Wi-Fi and Cable TV. Our expansive facilities make Vallecito Resort a great destination for any type of reunion.

9. Cottonwoods

100%

(8)

39mi from Durango · 1 site · RV · Dolores, CO

Learn more about this land: High desert solitude - you got it - rented as the only spot available at Mesa Verde Hemp - a five acre working hemp farm. The farm is on Highway 145 so you will hear traffic during the day but very quiet at night. Fantastic stars at night. One dog is ok - before 10 am and after 6 your dog can run the whole farm - if he is friendly. I have a small dog that gets along fine with other dogs.

Camper favorites near Durango

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Junction West Durango

95%

(33)

13mi from Durango · 97 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Durango, CO

History of JW Durango Riverside Resort It all started in 1965… When this campground hosted its first guests the goal back then was simply to offer folks from around the Four Corners a place to relax and lounge along the Animas River. Today, the property boasts 73 quality RV sites, 24 cabins and 6 tent sites. We also have a heated pool, playground, convenience store, retail shop, game room, café with a large deck for dining, laundry room, paved roadways, two bath houses, and an observation deck overlooking the Animas. The property sits just south of Bakers Bridge, a local landmark made famous as the set of the climactic finale in the movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” – where Paul Newman and Robert Redford sat along the rocky cliffs that line the river before they famously took the plunge. As the lifeblood of this community, the Animas River winds its way under that bridge and south toward historic downtown Durango. Everyone from whitewater enthusiasts and acclaimed fly fisherman to laidback locals in inner tubes enjoy the same flowing mountain waters miners have tapped for more than a century. Back in 1965, the population of Durango was just over 10,000 and La Plata County almost 20,000. Today, the city itself is home to 20,000 residents while the county is closing in on a staggering 58,000. As more and more people discover the beauty and majesty of the San Juan National Forest and surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks, the number of people flocking to the Four Corners region continues to grow. Whether hiking, biking, horseback riding, or four-wheeling this area has an endless number of adventures to uncover. Even if it takes a lifetime to explore some of the forgotten roads in this region, these outdoor experiences offer just a glimpse of what there is to do when you visit. People come from around the world to ride the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, listen to songs and stories from the Bar D Wranglers, hit the slopes at Purgatory Resort, or hug the guardrails along the legendary Million Dollar Highway. These are just a few of the reasons people continue to come back year after year, and generation after generation. Even here at Durango Riverside, we constantly listen to stories from guests who first came here as children and now return with their own. It really is easy to find places where you can experience some of the wonders this community has to offer. But, there’s only one place where you can relax and lounge along the Animas River with friends and family, making memories that will stick with you for generations – Durango Riverside.

Outdoorsy Bayfield

100%

(2)

15mi from Durango · 130 sites · RVs · Bayfield, CO

Welcome to Outdoorsy Bayfield, your riverside retreat in southwestern Colorado. Nestled between Durango and Pagosa Springs along the Pine River, our park offers camping and luxury tents that bring the comfort of a hotel room right into nature. Enjoy stylish accommodations with air conditioning, plush linens, and private patios perfect for morning coffee or evening wine. Outdoorsy Bayfield boasts a 36-acre park with plenty of open space for walking, fishing, or simply relaxing. Cast a line in our private waters or explore the nearby San Juan National Forest. Whether hiking, biking, or fishing, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy. Book your stay with us for a unique getaway. With full RV hookups and luxury tents, our park is the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Come experience the beauty of southwestern Colorado and make unforgettable memories at Outdoorsy Bayfield – the top RV park in Bayfield! Accommodation types - RV sites for all rig types (30/50 amp) - Glamping tents (Sleeps 2 & Sleeps 4) On Site Amenities - Catch & Release Fishing - Laundry facilities (pay per use) - Bath house with showers - Camp Store - Large fenced in dog park - we love dogs! - Basketball hoop - Horseshoe pits - Large open green spaces - Walking trails - Outdoors games for the summer camping season

Riverwood RV Resort

100%

(2)

23mi from Durango · 62 sites · RVs · Mancos, CO

Riverwood RV resort accommodations at affordable rates, located in Mancos, colorado. Our RV park is close to Cortez, Durango, and Mesa Verde national park in southwest colorado. Our family-friendly RV resort is the perfect place in Southwestern Colorado to get away, camp and explore the outdoors with loved ones with all the latest amenities. Mancos is a humble town with shops and local sites to enjoy. An RV Resort is pet-friendly has full-service amenities and will make you feel at home in Mancos, CO. Easy RV access and our complimentary concierge service will help you plan your next hiking, fishing, kayaking, or sightseeing adventure in Mancos Colorado, and other southwestern surrounding cities like Durango and Cortez. Plan your next adventure at our brand-new RV resort in Colorado that has all the amenities to make you feel at home. Reserve online now to book your visit or call our expert staff with any questions or special accommodations you may need. Mancos offers a variety of outdoor activities for people of all levels. Hiking trails and mountain biking trails are available, with expert staff available to assist with repairs and equipment sales. The location also offers opportunities for white water rafting, golfing, fly fishing, and off-roading with thousands of miles of 4x4 trails in the area.

Durango RV Resort

100%

(2)

5mi from Durango · 253 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Durango, CO

Nestled in the heart of southwest Colorado, Durango is the perfect basecamp for outdoor adventures, family vacations, and group getaways. With endless opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and sightseeing, Durango offers something for every traveler. Located just a short drive from the iconic Four Corners Monument, where New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado meet, it’s a hub for exploring the beauty of the Southwest. At Oasis Durango RV Resort, we offer year-round accommodations, including spacious RV sites, cozy deluxe cabins, and convenient tent sites. Whether you’re seeking a long-term stay or a weekend escape, our resort has everything you need for a memorable stay in Durango.

Junction West Vallecito

100%

(2)

17mi from Durango · 79 sites · RVs, Lodging · Bayfield, CO

Vallecito Resort & Campground in Southwest Colorado Vallecito Resort is a full service RV Park and campground with cabins. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains in southwest Colorado, Vallecito Resort offers temperate summers, outstanding beauty and a full range of leisure activities. Spend your days fishing in Vallecito Lake, horseback riding in the surrounding wilderness and exploring nearby Durango. Relax, sit back in your camp chair, breathe in our clean mountain air and enjoy the wild. We have accommodations to fit every lifestyle and budget: from modern cabins to full hookup RV sites beneath our majestic Ponderosa pines. We offer numerous amenities to make your stay comfortable, including free Wi-Fi and Cable TV. Our expansive facilities make Vallecito Resort a great destination for any type of reunion.

Cottonwoods

100%

(8)

39mi from Durango · 1 site · RV · Dolores, CO

Learn more about this land: High desert solitude - you got it - rented as the only spot available at Mesa Verde Hemp - a five acre working hemp farm. The farm is on Highway 145 so you will hear traffic during the day but very quiet at night. Fantastic stars at night. One dog is ok - before 10 am and after 6 your dog can run the whole farm - if he is friendly. I have a small dog that gets along fine with other dogs.

Stories from the community

Diana

October 2025

1 night at Junction West Durango

Nice cabin by the river! The room was comfortable and we enjoyed hearing the sounds from the water.

A

Amy

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Junction West Durango

This was my favorite campground and campsite for my cross country trip. I would have stayed several days had my schedule permitted it. I was on site 109 and it was such a great spot for stargazing! Loved having the picnic table, fire ring, water and electrical hookup! Quiet and peaceful. Beautiful surroundings. Host was very well organized for my late arrival, and very helpful when I needed assistance. Love this place!

R

Ryan

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Junction West Durango

I had a great time with my son here for a few days. We used it as a home base and spent most of our time exploring the area. The front office was very accommodating which I thought was very nice. There is a little camp store and a game room there too! Showers and bathrooms were clean. The sky is amazing!

Deb

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bright Star Campground

Kids loved staying in the Tipi. It was a fun experience.

M

Mark

October 2025

38 ft fifth wheel

4 nights at Riverwood RV Resort

This was the cleanest best maintained park we have been in.

2022 Lunar eclipse starting over the Mesa. Taken from Bright Star Campground (with an iPhone)

M

Meg

October 2025

19 ft campervan

2 nights at Bright Star Campground

Loved it! A high open plain ringed with mountains: Mesa Verde and Ute close, Telluride, San Juans and Bears Ears on the horizon. Immaculately clean and generous kitchen and dining/hanging out areas. The tent/RV sites are very basic but the rest makes up. Great hosts, dark sky. Didn’t see inside the cabins but the hogan was lovely.

R

Rebecca

October 2025

1 night at Junction West Durango

Beautiful location with great views of the river right outside the cabin. Cabin itself was cozy and warm.

Rebecca

October 2025

32 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Junction West Durango

Great campground! Everything was clean, staff was friendly the views are amazing!!! I highly recommend the Durango Hot Springs and Spa down the street! We went for a two hour soak and it was absolutely spectacular!!! Close proximity to the Spa and downtown were convient and the peaceful less of the campground were the perfect combination! We enjoyed our stay and will be back!!

K

Kelly

October 2025

With kids

4 nights at Junction West Durango

Beautiful! Staff was very nice. We had a beautiful riverside cabin. The river was raging when we arrived due to days of downpours. I was concerned about potential flooding. While it was not near flood level, they kindly and quickly moved us to a cabin several hundred feet from the river bank.

N

Nicole

October 2025

25 ft campervan

2 nights at HTR Durango

Enjoyed our two night stay at HTR Durango. Beautiful surroundings with creek running through our site. Camp is well-maintained. Close proximity town.

Amanda

October 2025

1 night at Bright Star Campground

It is a remote space and you feel so small being surrounded by the mountains. Love this open, vast area that holds a space for people to be in nature safely. The kitchen is well stocked with goodies. Everything is a quick stroll away from the teepee. The bathroom has adorable art and quotes on the wall to brighten the space up. Our teepee was warm, spacious and cozy! It rained over night and listening to the rain hit the teepee was calming. Wish we were here for two nights, but we had a quick over night stay. Love this spot and would totally come back.

A

Abigail

October 2025

With kids

3 nights at Junction West Durango

Cozy cabin had everything we needed. Would definitely stay again. Right outside of Durango. Loved the closeness to the river. Peaceful few days.

P

Parker

October 2025

Tent

1 night at HTR Durango

We loved this camp site! Dogs had a blast in the dog park and the staff is super nice and welcoming we will definitely be back. Bathrooms were super clean and a hot shower was the best.

s

scott

October 2025

2 nights at Durango RV Resort

I stayed in the basic cabin (ie, the fancy shed). It was perfect, one queen bed, two twin bunks, ac, heat, ceiling fan and a light. The sites are a little close together but I was not spending the summer so not a big deal, I was there to sleep after spending the day at mesa verde. The grounds and restroom/shower was very neat and clean. I would definitely stay again. There is definitely road noise but as you can see from the posting, they are next to a major road. It was not a big deal in the cabin as I had windows closed as the temps were pretty cool.

T

September 2025

With pets

1 night at HTR Durango

The cabin accommodations were great. The great are nice. It was a bit further from town than I expected. There were a lot of rules that were not addressed in the original advertisement. There is a charge for pets that is not spelled out but they let it slide. I would recommend

K

Kelley

September 2025

With kids

1 night at Bright Star Campground

Absolutely loved this place. Gorgeous views - sunset and sunrise. Wonderful amenities. Friendly staff. Can’t wait to come back

I

Ian

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Bright Star Campground

Great location, suburb views, nicely spaced sites - it’s no wonder it’s so highly rated on Hipcamp …

B

Beth

September 2025

20 ft campervan

2 nights at HTR Durango

This was a great campground and what made it great was the fact that the sites were spaced nicely. Check-in was easy. People were friendly the restrooms and the showers were clean and maintained. Garbage area was tidy. The place was super quiet at night. Loved the ability to have hook ups, on site laundry (the laundry room was clean and well maintained). The pricing was reasonable for loads of laundry and drying. We had a 20 foot camper van, but there were some very big rigs in there that had no trouble getting around. It was a super short drive just west of Durango, which we really liked! We really enjoyed the stay here and will definitely be back again when we come back to Durango.

TRACY

September 2025

2 nights at Junction West Durango

Great place to stay! Peaceful and clean. The glamping cabin was awesome. Everything we needed. Bathroom facilities were very clean

R

Robert

September 2025

25 ft Class C

1 night at HTR Durango

We absolutely loved HTR location, setting & facilities... our favorite spot during our 2000 mile trip to date!!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best big rig friendly camping near Durango guide

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

Durango is a very popular outdoor destination. Book campsites and activities, like train tickets, in advance.
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.
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.
Bears are a common sight around Durango. Don’t leave food unattended while camping, and hike in groups if you can.