- San Juan National Forest
The best RV parks in San Juan National Forest, CO
97% (41)
Hike through the rugged wilderness or take a scenic drive in this expansive national forest.
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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near San Juan National Forest
Almostaranch
Almostaranch
91%
(29)
3mi from San Juan National Forest · 3 sites
The Almostaranch Family welcomes you to stay with us in the San Juan Mountains located in Durango, Colorado. Our property features spectacular views and endless activities for you and your family. We look forward to seeing you! Durango is the Capitol of mountain biking in the US. Horseback riding next door and snowmobile rentals close by. Kayaking very close & hiking trails everywhere. Silverton 35 miles. RV site includes horseshoe pits and tables.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$85
/ night
Junction West Durango
Junction West Durango
95%
(33)
6.5mi from San Juan National Forest · 97 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$59
/ night
Animas River Valley red cliffs
Animas River Valley red cliffs
95%
(129)
9mi from San Juan National Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV
Pitch your tent or park in the upper pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the road from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille. Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road. Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production this year. No other view like it of the Mission Ridge red cliffs with the silhouettes and glow at sunset. At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent or park in the "sloped" pasture and enjoy the view of the Animas Valley. Just 8 miles north of Durango off of the million dollar highway. Across the highway from Honeyville and across the river from fun at the Bar D Ranch or James Ranch Harvest Grille. Durango Mountain Resort is just up the road. Horses and cattle grazing in the pasture below and the apple trees and the honey bees are in full production. Mission Ridge red cliffs with the mysterious silhouettes and glow at sunset. At night you may hear the Animas River below or some animal sounds. Name the constellations among the amazing view of the stars! Please provide what you will be driving and camping in, along with guesstimate of your arrival time for a quick booking response. Safe travels.
Pets
from
$50
/ night
RV Space 1 Mile from Vallecito Lake
RV Space 1 Mile from Vallecito Lake
100%
(17)
13mi from San Juan National Forest · 1 site
Learn more about this land:Get away from the crowds of the local RV parks in Vallecito Lake, Colorado. Save money and stay in our quiet neighborhood instead! This RV space is located in a quiet neighborhood just 1 mile north of Vallecito Lake, Colorado, in the San Juan National Forest. The gravel RV space has easy access to County Road 501.This RV space is easy to access. It has full hookups: 50 amp electric, water, and sewer. Wifi is included (and it’s good for streaming!). Dogs are welcome with prior approval. No camping tents, RVs and campers only. The quiet Decker Park neighborhood is just 1 mile north of Vallecito Lake. Most residents are aged 50+. This is a kid-friendly neighborhood. Features include:One mile north of Vallecito Lake. Walking distance to Vallecito Creek (fishing opportunities!), restaurants, shops & marina just minutes away, firepit (available when fire restrictions allow)Local attractions include boating, fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, ziplining, horseback riding, whitewater rafting and just about everything you need to have an authentic Colorado experience.CAMPFIRES: Portable fire pits, charcoal and propane grills are permitted when fire restrictions allow.Thank you for booking our RV space in Vallecito Lake, CO!
Pets
Full hookups
from
$27
/ night
Bear springs
Bear springs
98%
(60)
16mi from San Juan National Forest · 1 site
Beautiful mountain views, trails and only 10 minutes to downtown Durango! 35 acre gated community property with miles of private trails to explore. Friendly pets welcome. Complementary firewood fire restrictions permitting. Owners live on property and are available to help or answer questions. Great setup and location.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$65
/ night
Durango Placer
Durango Placer
100%
(107)
19mi from San Juan National Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land:
The creek is just feet away from your tent site, with numerous waterfalls. Great hiking, or just taking in the scenery. So much to do in the immediate area: biking, hiking, fishing swimming, jeeping, exploring, rock hounding, birding, etc. Located 35 minutes from downtown Durango at 9300 feet. Visit the cool mountains and the cold creek. You will have the place to yourself. One group only on this property at a time. There are 3 tent sites to choose from, and a RV site to park. Up to 6 guests in a group allowed .
Fire wood is provided free, a full kitchen with camp stove, sink , utensils, cups, and plates available. Updated privy, and hot showers.
Enjoy !
The road closes in the winter so hosting is restricted from May 15th thru October 15th
There is no cell service. Wifi is available. Landline is available in emergency. Happy Camping !
Water hookup
Pets
from
$40
/ night
The Aspen Camp
The Aspen Camp
100%
(14)
20mi from San Juan National Forest · 3 sites
Located right on the edge Silverton. Easy access to downtown, parks and the new Bakers Park trails. The site is nestled a small stand of aspens with the Animus River running behind the property. Lots of birds and wildlife come through this area, bring your binoculars!
The picnic table in the shade is a great place to unwind after a full day in the mountains.
Water spigot on property. 30amp RV plug as well as conventional 120v plug.
Sewer hookup available
No bathroom on site.
No campfires. No OHV in town limits
Pets
Full hookups
from
$44
/ night
HTR Durango
HTR Durango
98%
(27)
20mi from San Juan National Forest · 73 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$35
/ night
Juniper Moon Homestead
Juniper Moon Homestead
100%
(24)
23mi from San Juan National Forest · 1 site
We are a small start up homestead situated on 4 acres in Durango, Co. The drive to town is about 20 mins where you will find everything you need including tons of outdoor adventures (hiking, rafting, rock climbing, mountain bike trails!) There is a community pond and river within walking distance from our property.
Currently we are offering 120v electric hookup and you can fill your fresh water tank. We do not have a sewer dump at this time. We are a busy family working to grow our homestead. Please reach with any questions and to book.
***We can only accept fully self-contained RVs with a bathroom inside***
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from
$40
/ night
Fourth Sister Farm
Fourth Sister Farm
100%
(44)
26mi from San Juan National Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Ten acres overlook the La Plata Mountains outside of Durango, CO. My small farm borders pinyon forest and rings with crickets, redwing blackbirds, and chorus frogs. You can find shady spots in the Forest, the orchard, or enjoy the view from the clearing. The irrigation ditch offers fun for dogs and ambient sounds. This is a working farm, and we are often in the greenhouse and garden. Leashed dogs only to protect wildlife and chickens! You’re likely to see deer, raccoons, foxes, hawks, hummingbirds, and maybe a skunk!
Pets
from
$33
/ night
Linda M.’s Santa Rita Ranch
Linda M.’s Santa Rita Ranch
99%
(129)
33mi from San Juan National Forest · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Santa Rita Ranch is located in a rural, agricultural valley south of Durango, Colorado.
Originally a dairy and hay farm, the Mannix's raised all organic beef in the past.
Currently it operates as a hay farm and Linda has three horses and three donkeys.
Very quiet rural area with plenty of open space. Elevation 6,000 ft.
Learn more about this land:
The 40 acre Santa Rita Ranch has hayfields, irrigation and plenty of room to camp. Located 20 minutes south of Durango Colorado it is quiet and peaceful. Good internet access! Porta potty available. Only 20 minutes to two wineries: Foxfire Farms in Ignacio, CO and Wines of the San Juans near Aztec, NM. Paddleboarding and windsurfing on Lake Nighthorse. Lots of mountain bike trails near Durango and good road biking on our CR 213. Flying into Durango? We have a tent and camp chairs for you! Horses and donkeys available to pet. Horse boarding available for those traveling with their equine friends.
Pets
from
$25
/ night
Story Tree Ranch 4 animal lovers!
Story Tree Ranch 4 animal lovers!
90%
(10)
34mi from San Juan National Forest · 2 sites
Beautiful view of the La Plata mountains. 20 minute drive to Mesa Verde national park 30 minutes to Durango
only 4 miles to downtown Mancos, where you can enjoy Art galleries,
Mancos Brewing Company for yummy locally sourced food,
and Fenceline Cidery next to a babbling creek
Tales and Tails a plenty.
Story Tree Guest Ranch has llamas, horses, goats, ducks, chickens and a donkey and a very friendly pig named Charlotte
Pets
from
$35
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
S
Stacy
2 weeks ago
25 ft travel trailer
With pets
This Hipcamp site is absolutely beautiful. The sunrise over the mountains was perfect. The site is very close to the Mesa Verde entrance, which made it perfect for us to sleep in and still have a full day at the national park.
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G
Gabriel
December 2025
20 ft travel trailer
With kids
Very convenient spot!
Michael made sure we had everything that we needed and more!
Can’t wait to be back!
See more
M
Maria
November 2025
25 ft Class C
Group trip
This was the perfect spot to reset and plug in for the night. The view was beautiful in the morning for some photos. The hosts were completely friendly and walked us through the hook up process.
See moreP
Paul
November 2025
23 ft campervan
With pets
Terrific! The spot is 10 minutes from Durango and far enough from the owners home that it felt private. And there are endless acres of forest for the dogs to explore. We had no problem accessing the site in our rwd Ford Transit. Verizon signal was adequate. Tree coverage made starlink useless.
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Robert
October 2025
21 ft campervan
The site was level, clean and had a very nice view. Utilities were nice and convenient.
See moreM
Marlana
October 2025
30 ft fifth wheel
Small and somewhat private location close to several wonderful places!
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B
Beck
October 2025
Tent
This was my second time staying here, and it will always be one of my favorite places to stop. Linda is a great communicator & even makes sure to provide curated directions, depending on which way you are coming from. Highly recommend stopping for a night (or two!) The donkeys are also a plus :)
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M
Meg
October 2025
19 ft campervan
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.
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Rebecca
October 2025
32 ft travel trailer
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!!
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C
Christine
October 2025
Tent
We loved staying on Melinda's land! It was pouring rain from a freak storm and she generously allowed us to use her mudroom and her addition downstairs. Genuinely, she saved our trip. She had great recommendations on things to do in the area and was available and communicative. I could not ask for a better host,
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N
Nicole
October 2025
25 ft campervan
Enjoyed our two night stay at HTR Durango. Beautiful surroundings with creek running through our site. Camp is well-maintained. Close proximity town.
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K
Keeghan
October 2025
29 ft travel trailer
With pets
Beautiful location with gorgeous sunsets and stargazing. A little close to the neighbor rv’ers. Didn’t appreciate the dogs barking early morning. Overall a great overnight stay!
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T
Tammy
October 2025
Tent
We love camping at Melinda’s. Beautiful views, gracious host and close to hiking trails and Durango. This was our 2nd time there and we’ll be back our next time through Colorado.
See moreK
Kathy
October 2025
23 ft travel trailer
Peaceful ! Wanna get away - this is a nice spot ! Good views and quiet !
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A
Andrea
October 2025
16 ft car
Loved seeing all the animals on the farm! As you might expect, there’s no/little cell phone service here, so just good to know. This was an easy place to stay one night and then get quickly to Mesa Verde!
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t
tracy
October 2025
20 ft campervan
What a beautiful gem of a place! So scenic, open, private and the best host ever, Linda.
She provided a great deal of suggestions on where we could spend the day. She’s an incredibly warm host that we’ll always remember.
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M
Michele
October 2025
20 ft travel trailer
This is my second stay here and loved it just as much the second time around. I’m in a 20foot travel trailer and it fit great. All amenities worked perfectly and the site is just so clean and private. There is nothing like stepping out the door right into a grove of aspens. So peaceful!
See moreJ
Josh
October 2025
6 ft pop-up camper
With pets
Excellent hosts and lovely site! Linda was so welcoming and friendly, she gave us lots of recommendations for the area and was just genuinely lovely to talk to. Clear directions to site and the site itself is very private and peaceful. We would definitely choose to stay here again and couldn’t recommend it enough
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E
Elizabeth
October 2025
4 ft campervan
With pets
Beautiful spot in the hills above Durango! Directions were clear, site was level, firepit and utilities all as advertised. We drove a 2 WD Ram Class B and had no issues accessing. Will stay here again when we are in Durango next. :)
See moreI
Ian
September 2025
20 ft travel trailer
Great location, suburb views, nicely spaced sites - it’s no wonder it’s so highly rated on Hipcamp …
See more 97%
41 ratings · 24 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent ·
Lower Hermosa Campground
Great place to stay in the mountains. There were a few spots with trees big enough to hammock. The paved road leading up to the campsite is not well maintained, but the last bit on gravel was fine.
Caroline H.
11 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent · With pets · Group trip ·
West Dolores Campground
Very unplugged and remote, but not too far to get back into things. MANY mosquitos in the summer, so plan accordingly.
A
Amanda S.
8 reviews
May 2023
Love camping and hiking at South Mineral!
K
Kristy D.
2 years on Hipcamp
May 2021
Lovely little campground that has 2 small loops. The lower loop A can accommodate larger rigs down the center and has electric for them. The spots on the outer parameter of the loop are better for smaller units such as vans, tents and small travel trailers. Loop B is set up nicely for tents and smaller trailers but there is no electric for smaller units and the bathrooms are a little bit of a walk if your tent camping. The bathrooms are situated in the center of the campground grounds. Many spots are right on the river so if you have small children I would avoid during runoff times. We just camped there and the water was running to fast to fish or let the kids get near it. Beautiful little campground, clean, well maintained, easy to access.
Holly W.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2020
Great campsite for exploring around the Pagosa Springs area. We spent two nights and it was about half full each night. Overall, quiet and clean and the other campers were respectful without much noise. Most had RVs (we were the only tent campers) so a bit of noise from generators/motors but nothing to complain about. Zero service available so great to disconnect and relax.
This is a great place to stay if you want to hike to Rainbow Hot Springs. The trailhead is a short drive (about 1.5 miles) from the driveway for the campground.
Cara H.
5 years on Hipcamp
December 2019
The campsites are close but not too bad as it has more of a forest vibe. I camped here in June 2016 and it was fairly quite considering the time of year and number of campsites. The lake was a cool walk and our pups loved the area!
Meghan N.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2018
Brilliant hiking. What views..breath taking
Maggie S.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2018
built-in equipment
Gantsetseg G.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2018
Nice place, no hookups, at the end of the Colorado trail, no dump station but access to potable water
Michael C.
7 years on Hipcamp
May 2018
Loved this lakeside campground, camped here in october, no host, no bugs but lots of hunters. Lovely spot right on the lake, Hermosa is a hood place to shop for farm fresh goodies and the amazing million doller highway to Silverton makes for an awesome day trip.
Sally P.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2018
This campsite was an absolute gem! Just off the highway, but tucked away enough to not hear any road noise and have complete peace. I planned to be there for 2 days and extended to 4. It was wonderful. Clean spots, also private spots. I felt comfortable changing in the openness of my spot because there were enough trees to deter any onlookers. Vault toilets and drinking water provided. Trash collection, as well! Which I loved, having been on the road for a week prior to this stay.
Dani G.
7 years on Hipcamp
October 2017
Too good to spread the word...I camped here in 1975...Take your breath away...Not just the almost 9,000 foot altitude. Absolutely beautiful late season.
M
Michael H K.
8 years on Hipcamp
October 2017
Primitive, tent, and hookups available. Not expensive. Was able to get two sites next to each other: one the Grandpa site the other everybody else, what's that about??? 🤷🏽♂️
The hosts were great, my age 65. But alas new hosts this year haven't met them.
Remember, closed after Oct 15.
B
Bob W.
8 years on Hipcamp
September 2017
great place ! close to Silverton and the Alpine loop...
Marty E.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2017
Take bug spray!
Sue M.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2017
Gorrrrrgeous river/hike. We car camped, literally no spots to setup a tent. Still worth itttt
Mioara D.
8 years on Hipcamp
November 2016
Wonderful campground! I have camped and backpacked at many places in Colorado, in the wilderness and at campsites. I can honestly say this is my favorite campsite in the region. Everything was close by (restrooms, trailheads, the river, water faucets, etc) the camp hosts are very nice and accommodating, if you've got any questions feel free to ask them. This is (to me) the most beautiful and awe-inspiring part of Colorado, and this campsite in right in the center of it all. Vallecito reservoir is just a 5 minute drive from the camp, and it offers fantastic fishing, stores, restaurants, etc. Weminuche Wilderness trail begins at the north side of the camp, I suggest a hike. I spent 2 weeks backpacking on that trail on a previous trip, amazing
Jacob G.
9 years on Hipcamp
August 2016
Camped here with my pup in tow - great access to fishable water, nestled in a forest of trees. Wasn't there for long, so didn't explore more up the road, but a great spot, I'm assuming, if I had more time. We did the campsite spot, so listened to a neighbor's generator until 10pm, and then at 8am sharp it started up again. Something to keep in mind, if you're not going backcountry, and want peace and quiet. :)
Ashlee N.
4 reviews
August 2016
Great campground. Nice and quiet. A few trails around the campground and lake that are easy in experience level. There are a lot of mosquitoes in the summer so bring plenty of spray or candles. Firewood bundles are available for purchase from the camp host. This campground is directly in between downtown Durango and Silverton. It's a great jumping off point for both cities, the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and all other activities in the area.
Seamus O.
9 years on Hipcamp
May 2016
This site is marked by closed according to the reservation site.
E
Eva P.
10 years on Hipcamp
October 2015
18 EarthRoamers and their owners camped near this location for a beautiful and relaxing day and evening. We were participating in the 11th Annual EarthRoamer Owners Rally.
Craig F.
10 years on Hipcamp
September 2015
We towed our 23' Airstream into Sig Creek in Aug 2015. We do a lot of boondocking in BLM & NF sites. The access road was no problem, but the campground itself was heavily rutted and overgrown. It looked like an abandoned NF campground. Several dispersed sites along the access road offered much nicer settings.
J
Joseph D.
10 years on Hipcamp
July 2015
Note that temperatures were regularly 10-15 degrees lower than Durango. Lots of free firewood to collect.
Mark S.
10 years on Hipcamp
July 2015
Cows often run through this camp, so be ready for morning Moos. Right side of road campsites are all near the river - can't go wrong with any of these. I say people 4 wheeling near river. Love this campsite, especially #4.
Mark S.
10 years on Hipcamp