The best camping near Navajo State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Navajo State Park adventure.

Campers can hike, fish, and enjoy water sports at Colorado’s largest lake.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Navajo State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Navajo State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Navajo State Park

HTR Durango

74 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Durango, CO
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. Dry Camping (October 14-31, 2024, May 1-15, 2025 and October 13-30, 2025): During dry camping, only RV sites are open, with no tents or cabins. 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.
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$35
 / night
99%
(106)

Linda M.’s Santa Rita Ranch

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Durango, CO
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.
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$20
 / night

Junction West Durango

99 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Durango, CO
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.
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$59
 / night
98%
(256)

Tranquility @ The Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents600 acres · Hesperus, CO
5th generation, 600 Acre working farm, with two miles of the La Plata River running through it and spectacular views of the La Plata Mountains and Sleeping Ute Mountain. You will find a wide variety of vegetation and wildlife; Southwest Sage, Cactus, Ponderosa, Pinion, and Pine trees, Mule Deer, Turkey, Fox, Rabbits, Bald Eagles, and Red Tail Hawks to name a few. Learn more about this land: 600 Acre working farm, with two miles of the La Plata River running through it and spectacular views of the La Plata Mountains and Sleeping Ute Mountain. You will find a wide variety of vegetation and wildlife (Southwest Sage, Cactus, Ponderosa, Pinion, and Pine trees, Mule Deer, Turkey, Fox, Rabbits, Bald Eagles, and Red Tail Hawks to name a few) . Guests are encouraged to explore this beautiful piece of the southwest. The Farm is located just 12 miles from La Plata Canyon, 15 miles from Durango, 15 miles from Lake Nighthorse, and 35 miles from Mesa Verde National Park. There is one large campground that can hold up to 5 RV's and 1 secluded tent small camper site to choose from. Guest are welcome to purchase vegetables and fresh farm eggs.
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$27
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98%
(57)

Nakation Group Booking

11 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · La Plata, NM
Step out of your tent in the morning, and the sun kisses your cheeks... All of them. Private adult only (18+) Clothing Optional dry tent camping set on 20 rural acres. Book the entire campground for your Group Stay, for those who are looking for a private Getaway. Re-use, Re-purpose, Up-cycle... We are committed to making great treasures from one man's trash! Our sites have tables and chairs created from old tires. We are re-using old pallets to create tent platforms, benches and signs. Our little campground is primitive, but we are a work in progress, with amenities coming in the future. Property butts up against a large BLM area, with plenty of room to take a walk in the buff. We have an above ground pool if you would prefer to relax and skinny dip. Or if you're preferring to sight see, there are numerous places to go around our area. In New Mexico, in 45 minutes or less you can be at one of the following: Navajo Lake State Park, Aztec Ruins, Glade Run Recreational area, Jackson Lake Wildlife Refuge, Farmington Lake Recreational area. San Juan Quality Waters in the San Juan River offers world class fishing. The Animas River offers fun river floats. Chaco Canyon National Park is only 2 hours away. In Colorado, we are about an hour from these attractions: Mesa Verde National Park, McPhee Reservoir, Canyon of the Ancients, Lake Nighthorse Day Use Recreation area, Chimney Rock and Purgatory Ski Resort. La Plata Canyon has great mountain hiking and is only 30 minutes away. We look forward to assisting you in a memorable Getaway!
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$15
 / night
100%
(1)

Denkai Animal Sanctuary

8 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Hesperus, CO
Nestled amidst 40 acres of breathtaking Mountain Views, our tranquil sanctuary offers a truly serene and peaceful retreat. Located on our nonprofit animal sanctuary property, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while knowing that your stay supports a worthy cause. Just a short ten-mile drive away lies the renowned Lake Nighthorse, a haven for water enthusiasts. And for those looking to explore the shimmering waters, we provide convenient on-site paddleboard rentals, ensuring you have everything you need for an unforgettable aquatic adventure. As you wander through our expansive grounds, you'll discover pockets of lush greenery and shaded areas, perfect for finding solace in the embrace of nature. If you're traveling with an RV, worry not, as we offer ample parking space to accommodate your vehicle. Additionally, horse owners will find our sheltered areas with larger paddocks ideal for their equine companions. Whether you're seeking a peaceful respite or embarking on an equestrian adventure, our sanctuary provides the perfect haven for both humans and horses alike. At our sanctuary, we understand that everyone has unique needs and desires. Whether you're in search of a quiet place to rejuvenate your soul or simply passing through the area, we are dedicated to catering to your individual requirements. While we don't provide amenities such as water, electricity, or septic facilities for RVs, we encourage you to come prepared for sustainability. Bring your own water and necessary items to ensure a comfortable stay. Rest assured, our idyllic surroundings and warm hospitality will make your visit a memorable one, regardless of the purpose of your stay.
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$25
 / night

The best camping near Navajo State Park guide

Overview

About

The 15,000-acre Navajo Reservoir, which flows over the Colorado–New Mexico state line, is the lifeblood of Navajo State Park. You can’t visit this park without getting on the water, whether setting sail on a boat cruise, zipping along the shore on jet-skis or water-skis, or fishing for catfish, crappie, and bass. Trails run along the San Juan River for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, while the Sambrito Wetlands area is a hot spot for bird-watching. Campers have plenty of options, from full hook-up RV sites to primitive tent campsites, or you can anchor your houseboat at the marina.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for lakeside views: Tiffany Campground has RV sites and cabins, plus six walk-in tent sites looking out over the lake.  
  • Best for RVs: Rosa Campground has 39 sites, all with electric, water, and sewer hook-ups.
  • Best for self-sufficient campers: Windsurf Beach Campground has primitive sites for tents and small RVs away from the crowds.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve one of the park’s 138 campsites or three log cabins via the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. 
  2. Campsite reservations open six months in advance, and all sites can be reserved, including primitive campsites.
  3. The park sees some 300,000 annual visitors, so campsites can book up fast. Book as early as possible, especially if visiting during peak season (April to November) or on holiday weekends.

When to go

Navajo State Park is open year-round, but peak season runs from April through November. Come in spring when wildflowers brighten up the hiking trails, plan a summer visit to make the most of water sports on the lake, or enjoy boating and angling from spring through fall (the boat ramp is from December through February). All campsites except Arboles Point are open through winter, but off-season campers must be self-contained.

Know before you go

  • Navajo State Park is located 42 miles southeast of Durango, about a 50-minute drive away along Highway 151. The park lies just north of the Colorado-New Mexico state line.
  • Facilities include a visitor center, restrooms, boat and watercraft rentals, boat ramps, and a dump station. All facilities close from December through March; however, the vault toilet at the primitive campgrounds stays open.
  • Fires are permitted only in park-provided grills, and complete fire bans are possible during dry periods. 
  • You can bring your own boats and watercraft, but you must follow state laws for both Colorado and New Mexico. Swimming is not permitted on the Colorado side of the lake. 
  • Wheelchair-accessible campsites can be found at the Tiffany, Carracas, and Rosa campgrounds.

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