The best desert camping near Pagosa Springs

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Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for all your camping needs! If you're looking for a desert camping experience near Pagosa Springs, Colorado, you're in luck. With over 1200 options specifically tailored to your preference for desert terrain, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. From the highly rated Star Dance High Desert Retreat (271 reviews) to the picturesque Rabbit Hole Ranch (259 reviews) and the serene Bright Star Campground (211 reviews), you'll have plenty of options to choose from. And with popular amenities like pets, showers, and toilets, along with activities like swimming, off-roading, and boating, your camping trip is guaranteed to be a memorable one. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable desert camping adventure!

97% (166) 54 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Pagosa Springs

The Cockhouse lodge.

1. The Cockhouse lodge.

100%
(1)
48mi from Pagosa Springs · 16 sites · Lodging
Learn more about this land: The Lodge was a historic Cockfighting arena in the 1970-90’s. Now it’s used as a blast & cast lodge. Surroundings are full of recreation options just 5 miles from Navajo Lake and San Juan River. Has a full kitchen two bathrooms and showers. Open arena with outdoor cooking options and fire pit. RV access for 5 spacious spots w Electrical. Dry camping or glamping areas are available on the 15 acres.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$50
 / night
Ribbit Retreat

2. Ribbit Retreat

88%
(8)
41mi from Pagosa Springs · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$27
 / night
Mudita Camel's Yurt

3. Mudita Camel's Yurt

100%
(202)
47mi from Pagosa Springs · 1 site · Lodging
Eons ago camels roamed through the San Luis Valley and today they roam once again.  Come and stay at our yurt enjoying views of the mountains and of the camels and donkeys roaming their home.   Take a farm tour and get the chance to pet the camels and maybe even sneak a camel kiss.  Enjoy a night stay at the yurt viewing the stars or enjoying a nice fire at the fire pit.   Come stay in our yurt and get the chance to meet our little herd of camels and wake up to the views of the gorgeous surroundings!  Travel down a few miles of dirt roads and you will find our little oasis of 35 acres.  The hard-sided yurt sits right next to the field where our camels and donkeys roam.  Set apart from the main house, sitting in Trujillo Canyon, and surrounded by BLM/National Forrest, its the perfect spot for recharging. Located off the beaten path so amazing for star gazing but also close enough to the Sand Dunes for day adventures.  Our property is off the grid and allows you to disconnect for a little while and there is a nice creek to go and sit by.  Each stay also includes a farm tour if you are interested.  The night skies have little light pollution and are perfect for star gazing.  We can't wait for you to come and stay with us!Don't take our word for it, guests love their stays with us! "We struck gold finding this magical place. The yurt was so cozy, comfy, and full of tons of extras that exceeded our expectations. We booked our little trip to visit the dunes, but this farm was by far the best part of our trip. We loved our walks to see all the animals. The camels and donkeys were so friendly!"
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$110
 / night
San Juan National Forest

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
Navajo State Park

5. Navajo State Park

117 sites · Arboles, Colorado
Campers can hike, fish, and enjoy water sports at Colorado’s largest lake.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Modern Nomad

6. Modern Nomad

46mi from Pagosa Springs · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to your peaceful, private RV getaway on County Road 250, one of Durango’s most scenic and iconic byways. This covered RV site sits beneath a spacious pole barn with protection from sun, snow, and weather—perfect for year-round stays. Located just 12 minutes from downtown Durango, 8 minutes from the hot springs, and 20 minutes from Purgatory Ski Resort, this spot gives you the best of mountain adventure with the quiet comfort of rural living. 🌄 Site Amenities ✔ Covered RV Parking (Pole Barn Shelter) – ideal for all seasons ✔ Electrical Hookup – 30/50 amp available (specify if you want) ✔ Water Access – fill your tank onsite (no direct sewer hookup) ✔ Solo Stove Smokeless Fire Pit – perfect for evenings under the stars ✔ Picnic Table + Outdoor Chairs – relax and enjoy the mountain views ✔ Porta Potty On-Site – clean, private, and maintained ✔ Gravel base – level parking, easy access ✔ Beautiful rural property – quiet, safe, and private ⸻ 🏔 Close to Everything You’re right in the heart of Durango’s outdoor playground: • 8 minutes → Durango Hot Springs • 12 minutes → Downtown Durango (restaurants, shops, Animas River) • 20 minutes → Purgatory Ski Resort • 2 minutes → Mountain biking + trail access • Nearby → Hiking, fishing, rafting, wildlife viewing • On County Road 250 → One of the most scenic roads in Southwest Colorado Whether you’re here to ski, soak, bike, hike, or just unwind, this spot puts you close to everything while giving you the peace of country living.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$170
 / night
A Colorado Trail Gem

7. A Colorado Trail Gem

49mi from Pagosa Springs · 1 site · RV
Just a place to park for the night. Gravel pad with plenty of room to turn around. Potable water available upon requests. A single electrical cord can be run to the site No electric hook up/no rv dump/no bathroom
Pets
from 
$40
 / night
Carson National Forest

8. Carson National Forest

91%
(40)
463 sites · La Madera, New Mexico
Come get lost in the wild, enchanted lands of New Mexico! One of five unearthly National Forests in this great state, Carson National Forest is open for business all year round, and never fails to bring the heat with magnificent mountain scenery and some seriously stunning natural features. If solitude is your muse than look no further! Cold mountain streams, ample trout fishing, and out of sight camping is sure to give you your fix. With over 1.5 million acres laden with high ridges, dense vegetation and some of the cleanest air you’re likely to find west of the Mississippi, Carson is simply the epitome of Southwestern frontier!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for all your camping needs! If you're looking for a desert camping experience near Pagosa Springs, Colorado, you're in luck. With over 1200 options specifically tailored to your preference for desert terrain, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. From the highly rated Star Dance High Desert Retreat (271 reviews) to the picturesque Rabbit Hole Ranch (259 reviews) and the serene Bright Star Campground (211 reviews), you'll have plenty of options to choose from. And with popular amenities like pets, showers, and toilets, along with activities like swimming, off-roading, and boating, your camping trip is guaranteed to be a memorable one. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable desert camping adventure!

97% (166) 54 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Pagosa Springs

The Cockhouse lodge.

1. The Cockhouse lodge.

100%
(1)
48mi from Pagosa Springs · 16 sites · Lodging
Learn more about this land: The Lodge was a historic Cockfighting arena in the 1970-90’s. Now it’s used as a blast & cast lodge. Surroundings are full of recreation options just 5 miles from Navajo Lake and San Juan River. Has a full kitchen two bathrooms and showers. Open arena with outdoor cooking options and fire pit. RV access for 5 spacious spots w Electrical. Dry camping or glamping areas are available on the 15 acres.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$50
 / night
Ribbit Retreat

2. Ribbit Retreat

88%
(8)
41mi from Pagosa Springs · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$27
 / night
Mudita Camel's Yurt

3. Mudita Camel's Yurt

100%
(202)
47mi from Pagosa Springs · 1 site · Lodging
Eons ago camels roamed through the San Luis Valley and today they roam once again.  Come and stay at our yurt enjoying views of the mountains and of the camels and donkeys roaming their home.   Take a farm tour and get the chance to pet the camels and maybe even sneak a camel kiss.  Enjoy a night stay at the yurt viewing the stars or enjoying a nice fire at the fire pit.   Come stay in our yurt and get the chance to meet our little herd of camels and wake up to the views of the gorgeous surroundings!  Travel down a few miles of dirt roads and you will find our little oasis of 35 acres.  The hard-sided yurt sits right next to the field where our camels and donkeys roam.  Set apart from the main house, sitting in Trujillo Canyon, and surrounded by BLM/National Forrest, its the perfect spot for recharging. Located off the beaten path so amazing for star gazing but also close enough to the Sand Dunes for day adventures.  Our property is off the grid and allows you to disconnect for a little while and there is a nice creek to go and sit by.  Each stay also includes a farm tour if you are interested.  The night skies have little light pollution and are perfect for star gazing.  We can't wait for you to come and stay with us!Don't take our word for it, guests love their stays with us! "We struck gold finding this magical place. The yurt was so cozy, comfy, and full of tons of extras that exceeded our expectations. We booked our little trip to visit the dunes, but this farm was by far the best part of our trip. We loved our walks to see all the animals. The camels and donkeys were so friendly!"
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$110
 / night
San Juan National Forest

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
Navajo State Park

5. Navajo State Park

117 sites · Arboles, Colorado
Campers can hike, fish, and enjoy water sports at Colorado’s largest lake.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Modern Nomad

6. Modern Nomad

46mi from Pagosa Springs · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to your peaceful, private RV getaway on County Road 250, one of Durango’s most scenic and iconic byways. This covered RV site sits beneath a spacious pole barn with protection from sun, snow, and weather—perfect for year-round stays. Located just 12 minutes from downtown Durango, 8 minutes from the hot springs, and 20 minutes from Purgatory Ski Resort, this spot gives you the best of mountain adventure with the quiet comfort of rural living. 🌄 Site Amenities ✔ Covered RV Parking (Pole Barn Shelter) – ideal for all seasons ✔ Electrical Hookup – 30/50 amp available (specify if you want) ✔ Water Access – fill your tank onsite (no direct sewer hookup) ✔ Solo Stove Smokeless Fire Pit – perfect for evenings under the stars ✔ Picnic Table + Outdoor Chairs – relax and enjoy the mountain views ✔ Porta Potty On-Site – clean, private, and maintained ✔ Gravel base – level parking, easy access ✔ Beautiful rural property – quiet, safe, and private ⸻ 🏔 Close to Everything You’re right in the heart of Durango’s outdoor playground: • 8 minutes → Durango Hot Springs • 12 minutes → Downtown Durango (restaurants, shops, Animas River) • 20 minutes → Purgatory Ski Resort • 2 minutes → Mountain biking + trail access • Nearby → Hiking, fishing, rafting, wildlife viewing • On County Road 250 → One of the most scenic roads in Southwest Colorado Whether you’re here to ski, soak, bike, hike, or just unwind, this spot puts you close to everything while giving you the peace of country living.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$170
 / night
A Colorado Trail Gem

7. A Colorado Trail Gem

49mi from Pagosa Springs · 1 site · RV
Just a place to park for the night. Gravel pad with plenty of room to turn around. Potable water available upon requests. A single electrical cord can be run to the site No electric hook up/no rv dump/no bathroom
Pets
from 
$40
 / night
Carson National Forest

8. Carson National Forest

91%
(40)
463 sites · La Madera, New Mexico
Come get lost in the wild, enchanted lands of New Mexico! One of five unearthly National Forests in this great state, Carson National Forest is open for business all year round, and never fails to bring the heat with magnificent mountain scenery and some seriously stunning natural features. If solitude is your muse than look no further! Cold mountain streams, ample trout fishing, and out of sight camping is sure to give you your fix. With over 1.5 million acres laden with high ridges, dense vegetation and some of the cleanest air you’re likely to find west of the Mississippi, Carson is simply the epitome of Southwestern frontier!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field