Last updated on March 26th, 2024 at 11:07 pm
Recently updated on March 26th, 2024 at 11:07 pm
Durango offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers in the heart of Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes.
Whether you seek the comfort of a resort-style campground or the rustic charm of a mountain escape, Durango’s campgrounds have something for everyone. In an updated review, we’ve also got you covered to find the best tents for group camping.
In this article, we will explain everything about our 3 picks for the best campground in Durango Co. From the amenities available for you to how you can reserve a seat in these campgrounds, you’ll get a complete guide.
Let’s explore the natural havens in Durango!
Campground in Durango Co– Our Top 3 Picks
1. Durango Riverside Resort – Best United Campground Durango Co
Location
Durango Riverside Resort and RV Park is nestled along the banks of the Animas River, just a few miles from downtown Durango, Colorado.
Overview
Durango Riverside Resort and RV Park offer a delightful blend of modern convenience and natural beauty. Situated along the tranquil Animas River, it’s an ideal destination for campers looking for a comfortable yet scenic camping experience.
Amenities
This resort-style campground provides full RV hookups and other facilities like water and electricity for comfort.
For added convenience, you’ll find clean restrooms, hot showers, and a camp store on-site. When the weather gets warm, cool off in the heated swimming pool.
If you prefer staying connected, the park offers Wi-Fi and cable TV. Bikes are available for rent for those who enjoy cycling to make your journey more beautiful.
Whether you’re traveling in an RV or prefer tent camping, Durango Riverside Resort offers a variety of site options to suit your needs.
Operating Season
Durango Riverside Resort and RV Park welcome visitors year-round, allowing you to experience the beauty of every season, from summer adventures to winter wonderland experiences.
Activities
The Animas River, which runs alongside the campground, offers excellent opportunities for fishing and tubing. Spend a leisurely day casting your line and enjoying the tranquil waters. For outdoor enthusiasts, the campground is a great starting point for exploring nearby trails, whether you’re into hiking or mountain biking.
Nearby Attractions
One of the most iconic attractions in the area is the Durango and Silverton Gauge Railroad. This fascinating train ride takes you through the eye-catching San Juan Mountains and beautiful wilderness views. Durango’s downtown area is rich in restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, making it a must-visit during your stay.
Reservation and Booking
You can book your spot online, securing your place in this natural oasis. Remember, because of its popularity, you must make reservations for a smooth journey.
2. Junction Creek – The Most Scenic United Campground Durango
Location
Junction Creek Campground is in the San Juan National Forest, north of Durango, Colorado.
Overview
For campers seeking a more rustic experience in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Junction Creek Campground offers a tranquil mountain escape.
This campground is ideal for those who want to get closer to nature without the amenities of an entire RV resort.
Amenities
Junction Creek Campground provides a more primitive camping experience with no hookups. However, it does offer vault toilets, drinking water, and picnic tables. The emphasis here is on simplicity and natural beauty.
Operating Season
Junction Creek Campground welcomes visitors from May to September, depending on weather conditions. Enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery and outdoor activities during the warmer months.
Activities
The beauty of this campground is that it allows hiking and mountain bike trails. Junction Creek is a trailhead for several routes, including access to the renowned Colorado Trail.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker searching for an adventurous trek or a beginner seeking a leisurely walk through the woods, there are trails suited to your preferences. For fishing enthusiasts, Junction Creek offers opportunities to catch some local trout.
The campground’s natural setting also provides a serene atmosphere for relaxation and stargazing.
Nearby Attractions:
The area surrounding Junction Creek Campground is a gateway to the beautiful Hermosa Creek Wilderness Area. This pristine wilderness is known for its unspoiled landscapes, abundant wildlife, and additional hiking opportunities.
For those interested in scenic drives, consider exploring the San Juan Skyway, a designated Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway, offering breathtaking views of high mountain passes and alpine landscapes.
Reservation and Booking:
Reservations for Junction Creek Campground are by the National Recreation Reservation System.
Booking in advance is excellent, especially at the start of summer when campsites tend to fill up quickly.
Haviland – The Best Lakeside Durango Campground
Location
The Haviland Lake Campground is located approximately 18 miles north of Durango, Colorado.
Overview
Haviland Lake Campground offers a serene mountain camping experience along the shores of Haviland Lake. This campground is perfect for those seeking a closeness with nature.
Amenities
Haviland Lake Campground provides a soothing and calm camping experience. There are no hookups, but you will find facilities like drinking water, toilets, and picnic tables. The emphasis here is on simplicity and natural beauty.
Operating Season
Haviland Lake Campground is typically open from May to early September, depending on the weather conditions.
This operating season allows visitors to enjoy the changing seasons, from vibrant summer blooms to peaceful fall foliage.
Activities
The centerpiece of Haviland Lake Campground is, of course, Haviland Lake itself. You can enjoy fishing there. The calm waters make it an excellent spot for water-based activities and a serene backdrop for relaxation.
For hikers, the Haviland Lake Trail is a scenic path that winds around the lake, offering bewitching scenes of mountains and forests.
This trail suits all skill levels and is a great way to immerse yourself in the area’s natural beauty.
Nearby Attractions
The beauty of the Haviland campground is enhanced by its surrounding attractions. Nearby, the Hermosa Creek Wilderness Area is known for its pristine landscapes, diverse wildlife, and additional hiking opportunities.
For those who love to enjoy scenic views, consider journeying along the San Juan Skyway. This beautiful area provides stunning vistas of the high mountain passes and the region’s alpine landscapes.
FAQs – Campground in Durango Co
What is the best campground in Durango Co?
Durango, Colorado, offers several fantastic campgrounds. We’ve highlighted three of the best:
1. Durango Riverside Resort and RV Park
2. Junction Creek Campground
3. Haviland Lake Campground
What amenities are available at the campgrounds in Durango Colorado?
Durango Riverside Resort and RV Park offers full RV hookups, clean facilities, a heated swimming pool, Wi-Fi, and cable TV. Junction Creek Campground provides a more primitive camping experience with vault toilets, drinking water, and picnic tables.
Haviland Lake Campground offers a serene camping experience with no hookups but provides drinking water, toilets, and picnic tables.
What activities can I enjoy at Colorado Campgrounds?
Each campground offers a unique set of activities.
At Durango Riverside Resort, you can enjoy fishing and tubing in the Animas River, explore nearby hiking and biking trails, and visit the iconic Durango and Silverton Gauge Railroad.
Junction Creek Campground is a hub for hikers and mountain bikers, with access to the Colorado Trail.
Haviland Lake Campground offers fishing, serene lake views, and hiking along the Haviland Lake Trail.
What nearby attractions are worth exploring while camping in Durango, Colorado?
While camping in Durango, you’re near stunning attractions like the Hermosa Creek Wilderness Area, renowned for its unspoiled landscapes. Consider exploring the San Skyway, breathtaking mountain views.
Conclusion
To conclude, whether you’re seeking the modern comforts of Durango Riverside Resort and RV Park, the rustic simplicity of Junction Creek Campground, or the serene natural beauty of Haviland Lake Campground, you’ll find an ideal spot to make memories and connect with nature.
As you plan your camping adventure in Durango, keep in mind the unique character of each campground, the amenities they provide, and the operating seasons. To ensure a seamless journey in a campground in Durango Co, consider making reservations, especially during peak summer months when these campgrounds fill up quickly.
Durango offers a world of wonder and natural beauty that will leave you with cherished memories of your camping experience.
So pack your bags, embrace the great outdoors, and get ready to explore the remarkable landscapes of Durango, Colorado.
