First come, first served campites and reservable campsites.
About
Encompassing a 1.8-million-acre swathe of southwestern Colorado and home to four wilderness areas, San Juan National Forest offers ample opportunities to get out and play. Recreation options abound here, particularly in the summertime, when outdoor enthusiasts descend upon the area for climbing, fishing, hiking, water sports, and off-roading. The forest is also home to some pretty spectacular scenic drives, including the 232-mile San Juan Skyway. While the forest can be visited as a day trip from Durango, it’s worth spending the night at one of the developed campgrounds or primitive dispersed camping areas, most of which have vault toilets and fire rings.
Encompassing a 1.8-million-acre swathe of southwestern Colorado and home to four wilderness areas, San Juan National Forest offers ample opportunities to get out and play. Recreation options abound here, particularly in the summertime, when outdoor enthusiasts descend upon the area for climbing, fishing, hiking, water sports, and off-roading. The forest is also home to some pretty spectacular scenic drives, including the 232-mile San Juan Skyway. While the forest can be visited as a day trip from Durango, it’s worth spending the night at one of the developed campgrounds or primitive dispersed camping areas, most of which have vault toilets and fire rings.
Embrace the rugged outdoors here at Florida Campground. You’ll enjoy plenty of shade from the Colorado blue spruce, aspen, and fir that surround this spot and give it that forested splendor you can never get enough of. Set right along the Florida River, this can be anglers dream come true—but a lot of the river can run through private land, so dou Read more...
Saddle up! Your secret dream to be John Wayne can finally come true. At Haviland Lake Campground in the San Juan National Forest, trails to practice your riding skills are aplenty. And if the “iron horse” is more your style, fear not, there are trails for you too. With 43 campsites awaiting, Haviland Lake is the perfect place to base your wild wes Read more...
At Junction Creek Campground in the San Juan National Forest, fly-fishing is, well, fly! Venture upstream to try your hand at nabbing a prized bass or trout. But if you’re more of a townie, good news: the charming Victorian-era town of Durango is 5 miles away. Read more...
Vallecito Campground is a highly elevated string of both primitive and modern campsites that overlook comely the like-named creek. Here, you'll be able to hike the snaking, rocky terrain and angle from the banks of the creek's roaring white-waters; the stretch of water within the campground's vicinity is known to teem with rianbow trout. Read more...
Do you SUP? If so, spend all day on your paddleboard when you camp at Miller Creek Campground on Lemon Reservoir. If fishing is a must, hop on your boat to enjoy a day on the water. And if the sun proves too much for your freckling face, retire to your campsite under the shady trees. Miller Creek Campground is waiting to splash you with a wet 'n' Read more...
Snowslide campground is a playground of camping fun. There are shady sites along the La Plata River perfect for explorers and lots of space for your car or RV. Sites are semi-primitive (there are toilets), and it’s a quick trip to nearby campgrounds to snag water. Even during the summer, the temperature stays mild in this spot, so bring your sweat Read more...
Head 11 miles north of Mancos to Transfer Campground, offering first-come, first-served family sites and one reservable group site. At 8,500 feet above sea level, this aspen-studded campground affords access to a number of nearby trails. Rev up your ATV or motorbike on the Aspen Loop Trail, or lace up your hiking boots for a trip down the Big Al I Read more...
Start your engines, ladies and gentlemen, because Williams Creek Campground is the place to bring your motorized boat. Whether you pull up in an RV or that beat up Subaru, this area offers camping for all types. Enjoy the wake-free water on Williams Creek Reservoir and try your hand at some fishing in the late fall or spring. With high popularity Read more...
Tread carefully, because you will be walking on sacred ground at Target Tree Campground. This campsite is aptly named for its target practice usage by the Ute Indians so long ago. Bird watchers will enjoy the variety of species available in this area, and the hillside overlooks of Thompson Park make for a picturesque spot. If you're up for some hi Read more...
Situated on the west bank of the Piedra River, Lower Piedra Campground is just waiting for your fishing line to touch the water. Once you've caught some grub and rested in the shade, check out the Chimney Rock Archaeological Area nearby, where an interpretive trail to Ancestral Puebloan sites will make you feel like you've stepped into years gone Read more...
Well get along little doggy! Pack up your pony and use Pine River Campground as your jump off point for the Pine River trail; it’s totes horse friendly. Sites are as primitive as they get, but the Pine River Valley views will make you glad you chose to rough it. There’s horse hitches for your stallion, but no corral. The grounds are also suitable Read more...
Sig Creek Campground is not only in a super gorgeous spot, but its seclusion is unmatched. 6 miles up a gravel road (no worries, your sedan is cool to take up there) is a handful of primitive spots under giant pines. There’s space for your RV, but you might wanna sleep on top of it to catch the insane display of stars at night. Did we mention this Read more...
An 11-acre shady campground with less than 30 campsites? Yes please! Talk about bang for your buck, Transfer Park Campground will make you feel like king or queen of the forest. The Upper Loop offers mostly level, larger sites near sunny play areas while the Lower Loop offers spots for smaller RVs, two larger sites and some of the best tent sites Read more...
Hikers, we have found your haven; thank us when your calves feel like rubber bands! Transfer Campground is the gateway to eight trails all complete with stunning views and a variety of altitudes. Whether you're looking to hike it old-school, fish, motorbike, ATV, or mountain bike, you'll be sure to find one of the right spots for you. With a camps Read more...
Looking for wide open spaces and a tent spot to call your own? Graham Creek Campground has got you covered. With bountiful natural beauty around and convenient access to clutch activities, you can’t help but love it here. There is plenty of vegetation between campsites, so you can enjoy your forested haven in seclusion. Give yourself some down tim Read more...
Do yourself a solid and visit North Canyon Campground! You’ll be rewarded with lake and mountain views from your site and quick access to the North Canyon trail will take you to a sick lookout of the Vallecito Reservoir. Read more...
Now this is mountain living! Pine Point Campground has killer views of Vallecito Reservoir and quick access to hiking trails and fishing and boating on the water. If you wanna romp in the forest during the day and still be able to catch the sunset lakeside in your hammock, this is your spot. All those hotel folk have no idea what they're missing o Read more...
Get ready to brave some of the crowds if you're coming in summer, because Cayton Campground is a popular spot. With easy access from Highway 145 and an idyllic spot on the Dolores River, you'll have access to fishing and half a dozen trails within a 15-mile radius. Trek Lizard Head Trails around the basins of 14ers (a mountain that reaches over 14 Read more...
A wedding, a fiesta, or even a late-afternoon siesta! Enjoy all of these and more at Chris Park Group Campground in the San Juan National Forest! Reservable for very large groups, this spot is perfect to host your next get-together. Day activities include hiking and mountain biking trails along with horseshoe pits (gotta love campground activities Read more...
Activate 4WD for this one, folks! At Kroeger Campground in La Plata Canyon, the steep dropoffs will leave you breathless. Or actually, that might be the 9,000 foot elevation. . . Either way, you’re in for a killer view! Take in the beauty of the San Juan National forest as you hike portions of the Colorado Trail from Kroeger Campground. You don’t Read more...
Don’t hesitate to claim your stake at Lower Hermosa Campground before you tame the Hermosa Creek Trail via mountian bike. But don’t worry, this place isn’t just for the bikers. The trail is open to hikers, horseback riders, and even dirtbikes. At the Lower Hermosa Campground, you’ll find a sense of peace in the small, primitive environment. And a Read more...
Cool breeze, lakefront camping, no worries. At Middle Mountain Campground on Vallecito Lake, get your relaxation on full-force. Chill by the water, take out the SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard), or pal around the old mining town at the end of the road. Do it all or do nothing. But whatever you do-do it to the max. Read more...
South Mineral Campground is a one stop shop for your outdoor adventure! There’s a variety of sites from shady places for your tent to sunny, creekside spots for your RV and even ADA accessibility. Sites are first-come, first-served but if you don’t feel like fighting it out on a busy day, there are designated spots along the road for dispersed cam Read more...
You'll have it made in the shade at West Dolores Campground. These leafy areas sit along with west fork of the Dolores River and offer some pretty sweet-ass mountain biking trails if we may say so ourselves. Tents and RVs can both find a home here, though keep in mind that services are non-existent between the months of September and May. Read more...
Teal Campground is definitely the popular girl of the area, so prepare to arrive early. With views of beautiful peaks and an overlook of Williams Creek Reservoir, this is the ideal spot for that nature selfie. Grab a box of tackle and fish for some of the delicious stock of trout and kokanee salmon, or carry your lightweight boat to the shores of Read more...
Located close to the river with (mostly) level campsites, Mavreeso Campground is ideal for both tent campers and RV drivers alike. Sculpt those sexy calves of yours on one of the many trails near the campground, or hop on your trusty mountain bike and huff and puff your way up through the gorgeous scenery. Electricity hookups make this place just Read more...
Do you like water? Good. Cimaronna Campground is nestled between both a river and a reservoir, with scenic meadows in between. Whether you're interested in fishing for salmon Cimaronna Creek or hiking the adjacent Cimaronna Trailhead, you won't be short of activities in this picturesque spot. Rev up your motorized boat or paddle your canoe around Read more...
Farmer Jane and Farmer Joe, we would like to introduce you to your next honeymoon locale. Palisades Campgrounds caters specifically to campers with livestock, complete with stalls, feed mangers, and a hitching rack. A water tank for your livestock will keep it simple, too. Once the ol' stead is fed and watered, take her for a stroll around William Read more...
Sharpen ye old huntin' stick, Bridge Campground is the perfect spot to catch some game. Whether you're interested in goin' fishing or have bigger fish to fry, this flat and open is area is a good starter for wildlife spotting. If your party is geared up for a hike, be sure to check out the trails only a few miles away from the Piedra Area and Wemi Read more...
How often can you say you've trekked the Rainbow Trail? West Fork Campground offers some colorful pathways as well as fishing in both the West Fork and Wolf Creek. Although this scenic campground is lightly used, the streams are heavily fished and are frequented by only the most skilled of fishers looking for a prize catch. With a trail leading in Read more...
Gentle south-facing slopes and shady ponderosa pines make Ute Campground better than any relaxation tape you've tried to sleep to. Practice some walking mediation and hike around the sun-kissed grounds, then check out the Chimney Rock Archaeological Area, where you will encounter ancestral sites accessible via interpretive trails. All that's left Read more...
San Juan National Forest
Hike through the rugged wilderness or take a scenic drive in this expansive national forest.
Encompassing a 1.8-million-acre swathe of southwestern Colorado and home to four wilderness areas, San Juan National Forest offers ample opportunities to get out and play. Recreation options abound here, particularly in the summertime, when outdoor enthusiasts descend upon the area for climbing, fishing, hiking, water sports, and off-roading. The forest is also home to some pretty spectacular scenic drives, including the 232-mile San Juan Skyway. While the forest can be visited as a day trip from Durango, it’s worth spending the night at one of the developed campgrounds or primitive dispersed camping areas, most of which have vault toilets and fire rings.
Encompassing a 1.8-million-acre swathe of southwestern Colorado and home to four wilderness areas, San Juan National Forest offers ample opportunities to get out and play. Recreation options abound here, particularly in the summertime, when outdoor enthusiasts descend upon the area for climbing, fishing, hiking, water sports, and off-roading. The forest is also home to some pretty spectacular scenic drives, including the 232-mile San Juan Skyway. While the forest can be visited as a day trip from Durango, it’s worth spending the night at one of the developed campgrounds or primitive dispersed camping areas, most of which have vault toilets and fire rings.
Activities in the park
38 campgrounds in San Juan National Forest
Embrace the rugged outdoors here at Florida Campground. You’ll enjoy plenty of shade from the Colorado blue spruce, aspen, and fir that surround this spot and give it that forested splendor you can never get enough of. Set right along the Florida River, this can be anglers dream come true—but a lot of the river can run through private land, so dou Read more...
Saddle up! Your secret dream to be John Wayne can finally come true. At Haviland Lake Campground in the San Juan National Forest, trails to practice your riding skills are aplenty. And if the “iron horse” is more your style, fear not, there are trails for you too. With 43 campsites awaiting, Haviland Lake is the perfect place to base your wild wes Read more...
At Junction Creek Campground in the San Juan National Forest, fly-fishing is, well, fly! Venture upstream to try your hand at nabbing a prized bass or trout. But if you’re more of a townie, good news: the charming Victorian-era town of Durango is 5 miles away. Read more...
Vallecito Campground is a highly elevated string of both primitive and modern campsites that overlook comely the like-named creek. Here, you'll be able to hike the snaking, rocky terrain and angle from the banks of the creek's roaring white-waters; the stretch of water within the campground's vicinity is known to teem with rianbow trout. Read more...
Do you SUP? If so, spend all day on your paddleboard when you camp at Miller Creek Campground on Lemon Reservoir. If fishing is a must, hop on your boat to enjoy a day on the water. And if the sun proves too much for your freckling face, retire to your campsite under the shady trees. Miller Creek Campground is waiting to splash you with a wet 'n' Read more...
Snowslide campground is a playground of camping fun. There are shady sites along the La Plata River perfect for explorers and lots of space for your car or RV. Sites are semi-primitive (there are toilets), and it’s a quick trip to nearby campgrounds to snag water. Even during the summer, the temperature stays mild in this spot, so bring your sweat Read more...
Head 11 miles north of Mancos to Transfer Campground, offering first-come, first-served family sites and one reservable group site. At 8,500 feet above sea level, this aspen-studded campground affords access to a number of nearby trails. Rev up your ATV or motorbike on the Aspen Loop Trail, or lace up your hiking boots for a trip down the Big Al I Read more...
Start your engines, ladies and gentlemen, because Williams Creek Campground is the place to bring your motorized boat. Whether you pull up in an RV or that beat up Subaru, this area offers camping for all types. Enjoy the wake-free water on Williams Creek Reservoir and try your hand at some fishing in the late fall or spring. With high popularity Read more...
Tread carefully, because you will be walking on sacred ground at Target Tree Campground. This campsite is aptly named for its target practice usage by the Ute Indians so long ago. Bird watchers will enjoy the variety of species available in this area, and the hillside overlooks of Thompson Park make for a picturesque spot. If you're up for some hi Read more...
Situated on the west bank of the Piedra River, Lower Piedra Campground is just waiting for your fishing line to touch the water. Once you've caught some grub and rested in the shade, check out the Chimney Rock Archaeological Area nearby, where an interpretive trail to Ancestral Puebloan sites will make you feel like you've stepped into years gone Read more...
Well get along little doggy! Pack up your pony and use Pine River Campground as your jump off point for the Pine River trail; it’s totes horse friendly. Sites are as primitive as they get, but the Pine River Valley views will make you glad you chose to rough it. There’s horse hitches for your stallion, but no corral. The grounds are also suitable Read more...
Sig Creek Campground is not only in a super gorgeous spot, but its seclusion is unmatched. 6 miles up a gravel road (no worries, your sedan is cool to take up there) is a handful of primitive spots under giant pines. There’s space for your RV, but you might wanna sleep on top of it to catch the insane display of stars at night. Did we mention this Read more...
An 11-acre shady campground with less than 30 campsites? Yes please! Talk about bang for your buck, Transfer Park Campground will make you feel like king or queen of the forest. The Upper Loop offers mostly level, larger sites near sunny play areas while the Lower Loop offers spots for smaller RVs, two larger sites and some of the best tent sites Read more...
Hikers, we have found your haven; thank us when your calves feel like rubber bands! Transfer Campground is the gateway to eight trails all complete with stunning views and a variety of altitudes. Whether you're looking to hike it old-school, fish, motorbike, ATV, or mountain bike, you'll be sure to find one of the right spots for you. With a camps Read more...
Looking for wide open spaces and a tent spot to call your own? Graham Creek Campground has got you covered. With bountiful natural beauty around and convenient access to clutch activities, you can’t help but love it here. There is plenty of vegetation between campsites, so you can enjoy your forested haven in seclusion. Give yourself some down tim Read more...
Do yourself a solid and visit North Canyon Campground! You’ll be rewarded with lake and mountain views from your site and quick access to the North Canyon trail will take you to a sick lookout of the Vallecito Reservoir. Read more...
Now this is mountain living! Pine Point Campground has killer views of Vallecito Reservoir and quick access to hiking trails and fishing and boating on the water. If you wanna romp in the forest during the day and still be able to catch the sunset lakeside in your hammock, this is your spot. All those hotel folk have no idea what they're missing o Read more...
Get ready to brave some of the crowds if you're coming in summer, because Cayton Campground is a popular spot. With easy access from Highway 145 and an idyllic spot on the Dolores River, you'll have access to fishing and half a dozen trails within a 15-mile radius. Trek Lizard Head Trails around the basins of 14ers (a mountain that reaches over 14 Read more...
A wedding, a fiesta, or even a late-afternoon siesta! Enjoy all of these and more at Chris Park Group Campground in the San Juan National Forest! Reservable for very large groups, this spot is perfect to host your next get-together. Day activities include hiking and mountain biking trails along with horseshoe pits (gotta love campground activities Read more...
Activate 4WD for this one, folks! At Kroeger Campground in La Plata Canyon, the steep dropoffs will leave you breathless. Or actually, that might be the 9,000 foot elevation. . . Either way, you’re in for a killer view! Take in the beauty of the San Juan National forest as you hike portions of the Colorado Trail from Kroeger Campground. You don’t Read more...
Don’t hesitate to claim your stake at Lower Hermosa Campground before you tame the Hermosa Creek Trail via mountian bike. But don’t worry, this place isn’t just for the bikers. The trail is open to hikers, horseback riders, and even dirtbikes. At the Lower Hermosa Campground, you’ll find a sense of peace in the small, primitive environment. And a Read more...
Cool breeze, lakefront camping, no worries. At Middle Mountain Campground on Vallecito Lake, get your relaxation on full-force. Chill by the water, take out the SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard), or pal around the old mining town at the end of the road. Do it all or do nothing. But whatever you do-do it to the max. Read more...
South Mineral Campground is a one stop shop for your outdoor adventure! There’s a variety of sites from shady places for your tent to sunny, creekside spots for your RV and even ADA accessibility. Sites are first-come, first-served but if you don’t feel like fighting it out on a busy day, there are designated spots along the road for dispersed cam Read more...
You'll have it made in the shade at West Dolores Campground. These leafy areas sit along with west fork of the Dolores River and offer some pretty sweet-ass mountain biking trails if we may say so ourselves. Tents and RVs can both find a home here, though keep in mind that services are non-existent between the months of September and May. Read more...
Teal Campground is definitely the popular girl of the area, so prepare to arrive early. With views of beautiful peaks and an overlook of Williams Creek Reservoir, this is the ideal spot for that nature selfie. Grab a box of tackle and fish for some of the delicious stock of trout and kokanee salmon, or carry your lightweight boat to the shores of Read more...
Located close to the river with (mostly) level campsites, Mavreeso Campground is ideal for both tent campers and RV drivers alike. Sculpt those sexy calves of yours on one of the many trails near the campground, or hop on your trusty mountain bike and huff and puff your way up through the gorgeous scenery. Electricity hookups make this place just Read more...
Do you like water? Good. Cimaronna Campground is nestled between both a river and a reservoir, with scenic meadows in between. Whether you're interested in fishing for salmon Cimaronna Creek or hiking the adjacent Cimaronna Trailhead, you won't be short of activities in this picturesque spot. Rev up your motorized boat or paddle your canoe around Read more...
Farmer Jane and Farmer Joe, we would like to introduce you to your next honeymoon locale. Palisades Campgrounds caters specifically to campers with livestock, complete with stalls, feed mangers, and a hitching rack. A water tank for your livestock will keep it simple, too. Once the ol' stead is fed and watered, take her for a stroll around William Read more...
Sharpen ye old huntin' stick, Bridge Campground is the perfect spot to catch some game. Whether you're interested in goin' fishing or have bigger fish to fry, this flat and open is area is a good starter for wildlife spotting. If your party is geared up for a hike, be sure to check out the trails only a few miles away from the Piedra Area and Wemi Read more...
How often can you say you've trekked the Rainbow Trail? West Fork Campground offers some colorful pathways as well as fishing in both the West Fork and Wolf Creek. Although this scenic campground is lightly used, the streams are heavily fished and are frequented by only the most skilled of fishers looking for a prize catch. With a trail leading in Read more...
Gentle south-facing slopes and shady ponderosa pines make Ute Campground better than any relaxation tape you've tried to sleep to. Practice some walking mediation and hike around the sun-kissed grounds, then check out the Chimney Rock Archaeological Area, where you will encounter ancestral sites accessible via interpretive trails. All that's left Read more...