The best family-friendly glamping 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% (512) • 8 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Durango

1. Bright Star Campground

98%

(779)

35mi from Durango · 33 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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.

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% (512) • 8 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Durango

1. Bright Star Campground

98%

(779)

35mi from Durango · 33 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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

Deb

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bright Star Campground

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

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.

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

D

Destinie

September 2025

With pets

1 night at Bright Star Campground

This place is absolutely stunning! I have never seen so many stars before and the campsites are spaced out far enough it felt liek a private retreat. They have restrooms, showers, and a community kitchen with every cooking utensil you may need. The restrooms were so clean and the camp manager was so kind!

T

Thalia

September 2025

3 nights at Bright Star Campground

We enjoyed our stay. The Raven tipi was comfortable and spacious for three of us + gear. And to have the kitchen to use was fantastic! And the freezer & ice maker made our water situation for desert hiking so easy. Bathrooms were super clean. Shower building was good too. Rustic, and walled in, but open to the air. Chatting with folks from all parts of the US was a nice bonus too. And our second morning there, we were greeted by a raven perched on top of the tipi. Highly recommend. And if you walk the trails to the bathrooms at night using a headlamp, see if you can spot the sparkles on the ground.

S

Salena

September 2025

2 nights at Bright Star Campground

I loved camping on Kent’s land! Seeing the word and dedication that has been put into this property over the years by different owners. Kent does a great job of helping campers feel welcome. The pavilion and the kitchen are awesome!!! We loved meeting Kent’s puppy Rowdy!

J

Joshua

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bright Star Campground

Hospitality was top notch. If you’re not used to camping in a community space it can feel a bit different. Lots to do there, and Telluride is about an hour and a half away and so are the bridal veil falls. If you plan on going to Mesa Verde make sure to book your in advance because some of the areas are only accessible through tours.

Stephanie

August 2025

With kids

1 night at Bright Star Campground

Chill vibes, art, play, sunsets, epic experience and awesome hosts!

G

Gerald

August 2025

With pets

1 night at Bright Star Campground

Clean and inviting Stars at night and the sunset. Tremendous

D

Deena M.K.

August 2025

With kids

1 night at Bright Star Campground

We chose this site as a spot in between Great Sand Dunes and our next stop. It was a neat experience, pulling into the campsite with the sun setting -the sky was a vibrantly beautiful backdrop for the tipis. The tipi was spacious enough for our young family of 6, 2 adults in the bed, 2 bigger kids on the foldout futon and two littles on camping mats in the floor. Waking up to a sky lit up inside of a tipi was majestic! The camp kitchen, showers and bathrooms were useful. Kitchen was stocked for use, showers were creative and clean. Bathroom, while still a pit toilet, was painted and clean and well appointed. Put us very close to our next stop, Mesa Verde Natl park. Definitely bring your family here if you’re out this way, really memorable night for us, sleeping in a tipi!

D

Douglas

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Bright Star Campground

I really enjoyed the Tipi where I stayed. It provided a very unique experience and the bed was very comfortable and accommodated my car camping sleeping bag comfortably.

K

Kathleen

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bright Star Campground

My kids and I loved camping in the teepee. The showers and bathroom were well kept. This was such a peaceful spot.

S

Susan

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Bright Star Campground

We had an amazing stay at this campsite! My husband, our daughter, dog, and I stayed in a cozy teepee that made the experience extra special. The amenities were excellent, and having access to the kitchen made meals so easy. Our daughter absolutely loved the playground, and we all enjoyed the incredible views of the stars at night. The location is perfect—just a short drive to Mesa Verde. Highly recommend this spot for families and anyone looking for a unique and safe stay!

M

Mary

July 2025

Group trip

2 nights at Bright Star Campground

We loved our stay and would definitely stay in the Raven tipi again! The area was beautiful and so peaceful.

SKY Bunkhouse is 400 sf with six bunks. The Queen bed comes with a matress pad and clean fitted sheet. You can rent: Pillows, Comforter, Sheets & 2 Towels and Camper Sets for the bunks if needed. It has electricity & fans, no AC or Heat.

James

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Bright Star Campground

An absolutely beautiful place to stop and rest! I roadtrip for running races and have always made it a point to stop here dating back to 2020. A unique and comfortable experience; this camp offer scenic sunsets, stargazing, a community kitchen, showers, games, a charging station, hammock to read in, rocks to paint, and the most kind camp hosts. I will always stay here and I highly recommend it.

A

Amie

July 2025

With kids

1 night at Bright Star Campground

We stayed one night in Chasing Moon and the biggest issue was that we didn’t stay longer. We arrived late in the evening and our reserved bedding was not in the teepee. I called and it was delivered before we had the car unloaded. The shared kitchen space was a wonderful perk, the showers and toilet areas were clean and served us well, and the teepee itself was delightful.

Heather

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bright Star Campground

This is a great space for families and anyone who enjoys community! Our hosts are great communicators and flexible!

T

Teri

July 2025

1 night at Bright Star Campground

The tipi exceeded expectations! The bed was comfortable (with just our sleeping bags), the temperature inside was comfortable, the lighting was great! It came with chairs so we never had to take out our own, and the fire pit, with wood available on site, was a fantastic surprise. The property is clean and well kept - they have pit toilets so nice that you’ll look for a flusher! Seriously, I didn’t know a pit toilets could be impressive. They also have sinks and showers. The common area was great - they have everything you could need to cook in a full kitchen, plus a charging station, ping pong, corn hole, a telescope, couches, seating, filtered water and ice, and free coffee. It’s so dark that we could see the Milky Way in the night. We met the owners walking around and they are wonderful hosts. They allowed our two dogs, and we saw a few others out for walks. Our only regret was not being able to stay longer. But we’ll be back.

F

Flor

July 2025

With kids

1 night at Bright Star Campground

It was such a cute area to relax. Kitchen was fully stocked and had everything we needed to make our breakfast. The tape and marker that was provided to mark our items in the fridge was so thoughtful. And those who were taking care of the location were making sure everything was stocked and trash was taken out. I have never been to a better smelling restroom in a campground ever. It had so many entertainment options even for my kids, from rock painting, playing with the football and ping pong table. The place was awesome for the whole family! We will definitely return!

K

Katie

June 2025

1 night at Bright Star Campground

Me and my husband had a great time staying in the Tipi! It was a neat experience and great location, would definitely stay here again

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best family-friendly glamping 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.