Durango offers a variety of campgrounds and RV parks that are conveniently located to Downtown Durango. We have included a variety of campgrounds below for both tent & RV sites. At the bottom we have included other important information about dump sites, water fill, propane fill and RV parking in Downtown Durango.
Durango is surrounded by millions of acres of public lands in the San Juan National Forest, offering incredible opportunities for camping, picnicking, hiking, and simply enjoying the mountain scenery. From high-alpine lakes to forested creek valleys and scenic overlooks, these public campgrounds and day-use areas provide easy access to some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes. Contact the San Juan National Forest Headquarters at (970)247-4874 for information. To book campground reservations, call 877-444-6777 or visit Recreation.gov. Click here for a map and guide for these areas.
Whether you are planning an overnight camping trip or just a relaxing afternoon outdoors, these locations are some of the most popular places to explore near Durango.
Junction Creek CampgroundLocated off 25th Street. This turns into Junction Creek, follow this road approximately 5.5 miles to the campground entrance.
Located in the San Juan Forest, close to Durango and near the beginning of the Colorado Trail, nestled amongst the ponderosa pines, the campground has 44 campsites with 29 reservable sites and 14 sites with electrical hook-ups. There is also one group site that will accommodate up to 50 people. Amenities include accessible vault toilets, picnic tables, grills, a fire ring, a tent pad, and a water spigot. The maximum RV site is 60 feet. Open season May-September.
Haviland Lake CampgroundLocated about 18 miles north of Durango along Highway 550, Haviland Lake Campground is one of the most scenic and accessible camping areas near town.
The campground sits beside a small alpine lake surrounded by towering pine trees and mountain views. Campsites are located both along the shoreline and within the forest, offering a peaceful setting for overnight stays. Visitors enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing, and the lake is well known for its calm waters and family-friendly atmosphere.
Because of its easy access and beautiful setting, Haviland Lake is one of the most popular public campgrounds in the Durango area.
Vallecito CampgroundVallecito Campground sits along Vallecito Creek in a scenic valley near the edge of the Weminuche Wilderness, the largest wilderness area in Colorado.
This large campground offers numerous campsites and easy access to hiking trails that lead deep into wilderness areas. Fishing in Vallecito Creek and nearby Vallecito Lake is also a popular activity. With its combination of forest scenery, mountain views, and outdoor recreation opportunities, Vallecito is a favorite destination for families and outdoor adventurers.
Lower Hermosa CampgroundJust a short drive north of Durango, Lower Hermosa Campground sits near Hermosa Creek and provides a shaded forest setting that is close to town but still feels remote.
The campground features 19 campsites and serves as a gateway to the extensive Hermosa Creek Trail system, which offers excellent hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The nearby creek also provides opportunities for fishing and enjoying the sounds of flowing mountain water.
Middle Mountain CampgroundMiddle Mountain Campground is located along the shores of Vallecito Reservoir, one of the most popular recreation destinations in the region.
The campground offers lakeside campsites with easy access to boating, kayaking, fishing, and shoreline relaxation. Visitors enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and forests, along with quick access to hiking trails and nearby recreation areas.
Located along the Million Dollar Highway north of Durango, Andrews Lake is a beautiful alpine lake perfect for a relaxing day trip.
Visitors enjoy lakeside picnicking, fishing, and access to nearby hiking trails that climb toward mountain passes and waterfalls. The dramatic alpine scenery and cool mountain air make Andrews Lake a favorite stop for travelers exploring the San Juan Mountains.
Animas OverlookFor one of the best scenic viewpoints near Durango, the Animas Overlook day-use area offers stunning panoramic views of the Animas River Valley.
This scenic pull-off is a popular stop for photography and picnicking. Visitors can often spot the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad winding through the canyon below.
Little Molas Lake Day-Use AreaIn addition to camping, Little Molas Lake also offers a scenic day-use area perfect for picnicking and relaxing along the water.
The lake is surrounded by open meadows and mountain views, making it an ideal stop for travelers driving the Million Dollar Highway or exploring the nearby high-country trails.
Vallecito Lake Day-Use AreasVallecito Lake features several public access and picnic areas where visitors can enjoy the lake and surrounding forest.
Activities at Vallecito include boating, kayaking, fishing, and lakeside picnicking. With beautiful scenery and easy access from Durango, it remains one of the region’s most popular recreation destinations.
For visitors seeking additional amenities and convenient access to Durango’s outdoor attractions, commercial campgrounds offer a comfortable, well-equipped camping experience. These privately operated campgrounds often provide services such as full RV hookups, restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and on-site stores. Many also include cabins, tent sites, and family-friendly features like playgrounds or river access. Located near downtown Durango, the Animas River, and nearby outdoor recreation areas, commercial campgrounds are a great option for travelers who want to enjoy the beauty of Southwest Colorado while still having easy access to modern conveniences.
HTR Durango
(Formerly, Lightner Creek Campground) 1567 CR 207 (Lightner Creek Road) 970-247-5406
Located only 5 minutes from Downtown Durango, HTR Durango is in a box canyon surrounded by high cliffs and large Douglas fir and Ponderosa Pine. Offering a variety of accommodations including lodges that fit up to 6 people, Creekside Cottages, cabins, 30/50 AMP Sites, and tent sites. Amenities include a dog park, playground, propane fire pits, seasonally heated pool, basketball, and more. Pets are welcome and there is an off-leash dog park and trails to explore right from the park.
Oasis Durango RV Resort
30090 US 160 Durango- 970-247-0783
Located just a quick 15 minutes from Downtown Durango, Oasis Durango RV Resort provides several accommodations including deluxe cottages, RV sites and tent Sites. Amenities include a seasonal heated pool, community BBQ area, playground, mini-golf, dog park, laundry facilities, propane, herb garden, and more. RV amenities include 50/30/20 AMP sites, sewer, water, and electric hookups. Open year-round. Peak season May 1- October 31 nightly rates only. Off-season November 1 to April 30 with nightly, weekly, and extended stays available.
Alpen Rose RV Park
27847 Hwy. 550 North, Durango, (970) 247-5540
Located in the Animas Valley with great mountain views and is just minutes from Downtown Durango. Alpen Rose RV Park is a full-service RV Park offering standard 30/50 AMP sites and big rig-friendly sites. No tent sites are available at this park. Amenities include a seasonal swimming pool, restroom and showers, free Wi-Fi, laundry room, group pavilion, Playground, trout pond, pet playground, self-serve dog wash, and convenience store. Open year-round. Winter season from Nov. 1 to March 31 daily and weekly and monthly rates are available.
La Plata County Fairgrounds
2500 Main Avenue, Durango (970) 382-6465
The La Plata County Fairgrounds is the only RV Spots with in the City Limits and is conveniently located on the North side of Durango in the North Main District. The campground offers easy access to the Animas River Trail right behind the fairgrounds. This 9-mile trail runs along the Animas River and will lead you directly to Downtown. . There is a Trolly stop near the fairgrounds that will take you directly into town. The trolley runs every 20 minutes and is free in the summer. The campground offers 6 Sites that include water and Electric 50/30 AMP, and 2 -110 plugs Accommodations include bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. The Fairgrounds is located directly next door to the Durango Recreation Center which offers showers, a Pool, and recreation facilities. Open from April 1 to October 31. Reservations are made by calling the Fairgrounds at 970-382-6465
United Campgrounds of Durango1322 Animas View Drive, Durango Phone: 970-247-3853
Locally owned and operated for 40 years. United Campgrounds of Durango is located along the Animas River on the north end of Durango, just 4 minutes from Downtown Durango. United Campground of Durango has 100 level RV sites with water, electricity and sewer and 90 tent sites. Amenities include a seasonal heated swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, a pet park, and a small store. Pets are allowed on-site for no additional cost. Open May 1 to October 15.
Oversized vehicles like RVs – Oversized vehicle parking is allowed on 5th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, and at the Transit Center parking lot when space is available. Parking at the Transit Center requires a day pass, which can be purchased inside the Transit Center between 7 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday for only $5.
