Most wildfires are preventable. Learn to be fire safe
- Hesperus
Near Mesa Verde National Park
Within a 60-minute drive from the Mesa Verde.
Joe is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
All to yourself
99% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.
Rig suitability
Vehicles under 24 feet allowed
Allowed rigs: travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, pop-up campers, class A RVs, class B RVs, class C RVs, campervans, cars, truck campers, and rooftop tents
Pull-in site
Surface type: Grass or field
Surface levelness: Flat
Doesn't accommodate slideouts
Water hookup available
Generators allowed
No electrical hookup
No sewage hookup
No TV hookup
What to expect
Short walk to site
RV/tent site
6 guests max
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
Pets allowed
Potable water available
Showers available
Cooking equipment present
Picnic table present
Wifi available
Pack it out
Laundry absent
Things to know
Getting there
Check in: After 12:00 PM
Check out: Before 11:00 AM
On arrival: Meet with Host
Cancellation policy: Moderate
Minimum nights: 1 night
Accepts bookings: 6 months out
Short walk
No wheelchair access
Max 3 vehicles
2WD accessible
During your trip
Follow the
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.
RV/tent sites
1 site
High demandInstant book
Carside
100%
(105)Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Reviews
100% Recommend114 ratings · 97 reviews
Great spot! Is far in the canyon that you get great access to hiking and site seeing. You can barely see the hosts house or the neighboring houses.
Joe’s has an amazing set up and plenty of space for you to spread around. Kitchen included, the shower set up is fantastic and it’s great if you’re bringing people to a new to camping.
I will definitely be looking at his spot again.
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Jose A.
3 reviews
Booked a last minute surprise Father’s Day camping trip for my husband and to say it was the best experience… it really was! My husband has been showing interest in gold panning and we are advent campers and this was great! We had our three kids who loved playing in the creek, while dad panned for gold and I got to lounge in a comfy chair to read and enjoy watching my family and the beautiful scenery. We loved the exclusiveness of this camp spot much better than having close neighbors in a camp ground. Our 14 year old doggo got to roam freely. It was truly the best. Thank you Joe for allowing us to enjoy your beautiful piece of land and the provided amenities. We already want to return! Oh and not to mention the awesome engineering of the outdoor shower, we definitely enjoyed! And the hubby did find gold! Thank you, see you again soon!
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Taylor G.
1 month on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2026
18 ft rooftop tent ·
Creekside
It was great to return to this wonderful jewel. Joe and his team has created a perfect camping experience while preserving the natural beauty of the land. The shower setup is genius! :)
Jamie F.
18 reviews
Recommends
· June 2026
14 ft truck camper ·
Creekside
At Joe’s Hipcamp you are nestled in an aspen co nifer forest which you share with at least 20 bird species (in June) . It’s a beautiful spot and Joe’s outdoor shower is the best thing ever after many days of hiking etc in dusty conditions. We enjoyed meeting Joe and hope to be back next year. Thank you Joe!
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Kathy J.
5 reviews
Recommends
· June 2026
Tent ·
Creekside
Funky old-school camp spot. Rustic and gets you back into that mining camp vibe.
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Erin M.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2026
24 ft campervan · With pets ·
Creekside
Off a beautiful scenic dirt road in the forest valley. Very thoughtful campground and clear the owner has gone through much trouble and time to make it a cozy campers destination with access to a sink, outdoor space, and showers. It is fun just to explore around the site or relax by the babbling creek… Incredible host who is attentive to making sure you have what you need and highly recommend!
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David S.
6 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Creekside
We had a great quick night at Joe’s place. There were so many amenities like a fully stocked camp kitchen, outhouse, shower set up, and plenty of chairs and tables. We didn’t have to unload much of our own stuff and could just use what was provided. We slept peacefully with the sound of the creek. We wish we could have stayed longer to explore more of the property and creek!
Our dog was a bit anxious at first but Joe came by with a treat to say hello and she immediately was happy and relaxed. She loved playing in the creek.
Michelle H.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
16 ft car ·
Creekside
We loved the camp site its private and has all the things you need.
S
S V.
10 months on Hipcamp
I love this site. 3 places to set up a tent and plenty of parking near the tent spaces for my RTT. Great set up for a peaceful getaway. You can get your steps in walking around 😁
M
Mary Lin V.
4 reviews
Joe is a great host that provides everything you need to camp. This is a great site for multiple tent campers with multiple level and groomed tent pads. Also suitable for small trailers or vans. Ample group parking. Lots of places to explore in La Plata Canyon. Great stop on our San Juan Adventure!
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Chip C.
3 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Creekside
I loved it so much at Joe’s land I wanted to stay much longer! The layout of the kitchen area, campsites, bathroom area, shower and creek made it feel like we had the whole forest to ourselves. It was quiet, peaceful and so so beautiful. The only thing I wasn’t expecting was it was a little walk from the car but nothing we couldn’t handle and still totally worth it. I came here for a retreat and that’s exactly what it was. I wouldn’t have left the site at all if I hadn’t needed more ice. I just loved it here so much! The kitchen has everything you need for very simple cooking but you still need to bring your own cooking utensils. I can’t wait to come back!
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Rachael D.
1 year on Hipcamp
This is our second trip to Joe’s place and we loved it just as much this time. He provides a magical place with plenty of room to enjoy and explore as a family. The perks include how he provides water and firewood, as well as a composting toilet and outdoor shower.
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Nichole N.
2 reviews
Very private and peaceful. Camp site it well equipped and clean.
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K G.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent ·
Creekside
Absolutely fantastic! Joe has thought of everything and is not only an excellent host, but also super kind! It was a very peaceful and easy stay!
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Justine H.
9 reviews
Joe's place is great! Quiet and private. We thoroughly enjoyed our peaceful 5 nights. You can't get better.
Deana N.
2 reviews
My daughter and friend had a wonderful time at Joe's place! They had a great, level campsite and could hear the creek from their tent. There are great trails close by. The campsite is secluded and private, but the drive into Durango and up to Silverton is easily do-able for hiking other trails. They loved it! La Plata Canyon is so beautiful and peaceful. It's a very special place.
Joe was helpful. The campsite is equipped as indicated on Hipcamp. They want to go back regularly. Joe was a wonderful host. Thanks for being awesome, Joe!
L
Lori M.
1 year on Hipcamp
What a beautiful spot! We only stayed for one night on our way through the area, so we didn’t get to enjoy all this beautiful spot has to offer, but the dogs did get to play in the creek. The host came down to welcome us, which was great. The only thing I didn’t realize was that the tent sites were a bit of a hike from the car. Not a huge deal, but it should be noted your car won’t be visible to you from your site. We look forward to coming back and making it all the way to the top of the mountain!
Crystal T.
7 reviews
What a great find! We’ve never been so comfortable in the great outdoors and Joe’s place has every amenity one needs. This is well above primitive camping but nice to be spoiled for a few nights. Joe has thought of everything as other guests have mentioned. Great stay and a pleasure to meet Joe (and Norma, his cow).
K
Keith F.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Creekside
One of my favorite hipcamp experiences, the property is lovely with plenty to do— cold plunge in the creek, nearby hiking, including a trail right next door that has a stunning view of the basin. the cooking & lounge area was a great spot to hang out and relax. and there’s a shower!! the host was kind and hospitable, if i ever find myself back in the area i would certainly stay again.
S
Stacey R.
18 reviews
Beautiful site! Joe has all your bases covered with a great hangout spot, 2 burner stove, fresh water, hot shower and compostable toilet. My little 10' camper tucked into the parking space well - but better suited for tent campers. The sites are perfect, right by the creek. Will definitely return. Thanks Joe!!
M
Marcy E.
4 reviews
This was such a dreamy campsite. My husband and I are driving from Utah to Texas with our two dogs and decided to stop in Hesperus since it was just as the aspens were changing from green to gold, which made for an incredible drive.
The area was breathtaking and the campsite itself was so cozy. We are used to true primitive camping, so having a small sink, outhouse, table, chairs, stove, water, wood, and a few extra supplies was amazing. Our dog had the absolute best time running around on the property, and we took advantage of the wifi to check work notifications (had to walk just a bit up the hill to get solid connection which wasn't an issue). If you have a tent that's 4p or bigger, you won't be able to set up on the wooden platform, but there is plenty of other spots to choose from.
Everything was private, and it felt so magical sitting in that space. I hope we get the chance to swing through again in the future.
Claire S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
Tent ·
Creekside
This is a beautiful site up La Plata Canyon along a creek, especially in the fall as the aspen turn colors. Joe has done a lot of work developing a nice camp kitchen area, tent pads, lighted paths and a DIY shower! I think this would be a great site for multiple parties, a large group or a family. There are a couple of large standing snags but these are avoidable with careful tent placement.
N
Nicole T.
13 reviews
The campsite is amazing as well as everything that surrounds it!!! We were not ready to leave! Joe was helpful and overall great! We loved this spot!!! Highly recommended!!!!
Terry W.
5 reviews
Outstanding. Simply breathtaking. Joe was very nice and accommodating, we have nothing but praise! So many trails and waterfalls to see and explore, this place is the perfect base camp.
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Jacob S.
1 year on Hipcamp
This spot is definitely the best hip camp I've ever experienced! Joe is very kind and thoughtful and has a very lovely and spacious plot of land. You have everything you need with generous water (drinking and otherwise), a great kitchen setup with stove and propane and shelter incase it rains. A lovely fire pit with ample wood, and a really legit outhouse and shower! The star of the show is really the beauty of the forest and surrounding creek and the amount of privacy and ability for exploration you get. It was amazing to call that spot home for a couple days, will definitely look forward to another trip here in the future. Thanks Joe!
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Brittney C.
2 years on Hipcamp
Joe is a great host, provides quite a bit which is appreciated.
Beautiful area, a gem of a place to unwind. Only wish we would have had more than one night.
T
Terrie R.
2 reviews
Joe's spot is really exceptionally beautiful. This was my first time using HipCamp and the bar is now high. Nestled up 124 miles after it has become a dirt road, the land is dense, beautiful forest of aspens & evergreens, boulders of various sizes & a hearty rushing stream running through (in late August, at least).
Joe makes it all a welcome place to land, with varied trails running between two tent sites, the large kitchen & fire area, the outhouse & the outdoor shower (I didn't use as I was just there one night & it did require a tiny bit of handling). I noticed some folks writing about the proximity of the tent site to the road & cars- there is one closer to the road but there is another just a little further down the trail where the main sound you hear is the rushing of the stream, and, on Labor Day wknd, the occasional ATV or dirt bike over the stream.
Communication was easy & I got to chat with Joe for a few minutes in person. Lovely. Would highly recommend, and longer than one night would be lovely!
Rachael S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Joe is awesome, the site is well equipped with everything you need. We were the only guests but all sites felt very private. There is plenty to see around the camp, we wish we had more time!
M
Michelle W.
9 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2024
16 ft car ·
Creekside
Very peaceful. The river/creek is pretty audible all around from the parking spot up to top of the property that backs to public lands. Great for hiking.
Plenty of chairs to sit and relax in and out of the sun/rain.
Great fire pit and camp set up.
I would go back-dog had blast running in and around the creek.
M
Mary Lin V.
4 reviews
Not sure where to start. Best campsite ever for this solo traveler. I spent most of my time by the creek in my hammock, reading or just losing myself in the sounds of the water rushing over rocks and the wind in the pines. As others noted, I did hear road noise at the kitchen area but not a problem. Highly recommend this site. Absolutely magical.
B
Bridget C.
9 reviews
Location
Hesperus, La Plata, Colorado, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Joe G.
Joined in August 2021Things to do nearby
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