97% (35 reviews)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next San Juan National Forest adventure.
Hike through the rugged wilderness or take a scenic drive in this expansive national forest.
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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
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Stay at a public campground in San Juan National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds near San Juan National Forest
98%
(665)
Bright Star Campground
33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Cortez, CO
We have COMPLIMENTARY Wifi, Drinking Water, Ice, Hot Showers, Bathrooms, Shade, and an equipped Camper's Kitchen for our guests to enjoy from April 15 - Oct 15!
There are TIPIS, CAMPING CABINS, TENT and BOONDOCK SITES. WE ALSO HAVE A NAVAJO HOGAN (wood yurt) OPEN-YEAR ROUND. All of our sites are not listed here. We can also accommodate groups and small events but not public events. We have a private covered group site as well.
Bright Star Campground: Once used as a church camp, it is now a Campground for all to enjoy!
We are a perfectly located vacation campground on 40 acres with amenities and wide-open spaces. Amenities include hot showers, an equipped community kitchen, a pavilion with hammocks, tables, ping pong, etc. Enjoy complimentary coffee, eggs, filtered drinking water and more.
Bright Star Campground is located in the Great Sage Plain in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park with panoramic mountain/mesa views of the Four Corners region, all only 5 miles southeast of Cortez.
We are in an arid desert climate. Water is scarce, stored in cisterns for use in camp. Because of this we ask that you be conservative with water use in camp.
We are a cannabis-friendly destination but ask that Cannabis use stay at your campsite, cabin or tipi.
There are many things to do/see nearby: Mesa Verde National Park, Canyons of the Ancients, Hovenweep National Monument and Phil's World Mountain Biking. Raft down the Dolores river, maybe rent a SUP or kayak and chill on a quiet reservoir. There are museums and cultural centers in the area as well.
Durango is 45 min, Telluride is 1.5 hrs away, and Moab is about 2.5 hours away-including Arches and Canyonlands National parks.
The best/nearest airport is in Durango. Cortez has Denver Air (Key Lime Air) with connections to Denver and Phoenix. The nearest large international airport is in Salt Lake City or Albuquerque.
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$38
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100%
(1)
RICO RIVER RANCH
6 sites · Lodging26 acres · Dolores, CO
This secluded riverfront property is located 35 miles South of Main street Telluride, Colorado. This private "campground" can host up to 16 guests, features a wood-fired sauna, 2 Rv spots with full hook-ups, two sheep wagons, two 900sq foot luxury lavvu tipi tents, a Finnish grillhouse, a santa maria grill and a large campfire ring with plenty of seating. Surrounded on both sides by National forest - you will be able to enjoy the land with no other campers nearby.
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$75
/ night
98%
(253)
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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99%
(82)
Durango Placer
1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Hesperus, CO
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 !
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$40
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98%
(57)
Spectacular Mountain Getaway
1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Ridgway, CO
5 acres of trees up on a hill with breathtaking views of the mountains, including the 14er peak, Mount Sneffels. Only 5 miles from the small mountain town of Ridgway, Colorado and only 30 miles from the famous mountain town of Telluride, Colorado. Friendly hosts willing to offer great advice about how to explore the area. The mountain views from the property makes you imagine you are in Nepal looking at one of the Himalayan Peaks!
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$50
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95%
(123)
Animas River Valley red cliffs
1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Durango, CO
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.
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$50
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88%
(17)
Twilight Falls
4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Silverton, CO
Twilight Falls is a 40 acres private paradise of natural forests, meadows, streams and waterfalls nestled within thousands of acres of San Juan National Forest.
Come experience this amazing place. Words cannot describe it. This has been a family retreat for our family for decades, and we want to share it with you.
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$85.50
/ night
100%
(41)
Fourth Sister Farm
2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · CO
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!
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$33
/ night
95%
(220)
Camping in the Mesas
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Dolores, CO
This land was inhabited by the Ancient Anasazi and Pueblo people. The Anasazi Heritage Museum and archeological ruins are two miles away. There are ruins and sites on this land that have yet to be excavated. Many different ancient people came through this land, left and sites were inhabited by other people. One group of people would come and build upon the sites of another group, and taking part of their culture with them.
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$30.80
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100%
(85)
MSB Legacy Retreat
4 sites · RVs9 acres · Mancos, CO
We have 9 acres with plenty of elbow room. Located 5 minutes from Mancos, right off CO 184, there is one site in the trees with full hookups and 2 sites on top perfect for group camping. Sites on top have a beautiful view of Mesa Verde to the west and the La Plata mountains to the east. Both sites have water and electricity and sewer dump nearby. The area is full of history, from Mesa Verde National Park to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. 3 ski areas within an hour, whitewater rafting, hiking, biking, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, stargazing or just enjoying the sunsets. With Mancos only 5 minutes away, there are dining options, brewery, parks, library, and shopping all with a small, hometown feel. Come enjoy all the 4 Corners area has to offer!
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$30
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97%
(15)
Camp Summit
1 site · RV75 acres · Durango, CO
Immerse yourself in nature's embrace as you find nothing but forest, endless and serene. If you're fond of scenic vistas, this site awaits you at the edge of the tree line, offering an expansive view that stretches beyond. Venture along game trails or hiking paths that crisscross the property, and with a little exploration, discover a hidden meadow nestled within the woods. The location is also a prime spot for observing hawks gracefully ride the winds.
Set on a wooded mountainside, the site gazes out over Durango valley, promising breathtaking views. Over 95 acres of undisturbed forest and game trails beckon you to explore. Begin your journey with an easy-to-moderate trailhead found at the base of the driveway. For those seeking water adventures, Lemon and Vallecito reservoirs are a mere 30 minutes away, while the heart of downtown Durango is a convenient 10-15 minute drive down the road.
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$45
/ night
97%
(36)
Bear springs
1 site · RV35 acres · Durango, CO
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.
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$59
/ night
The best camping near San Juan National Forest guide
Overview
About
Encompassing a 1.8-million-acre swathe of southwestern Colorado and home to four wilderness areas, San Juan National Forest offers ample opportunities to get out and play. Recreation options abound here, particularly in the summertime, when outdoor enthusiasts descend upon the area for climbing, fishing, hiking, water sports, and off-roading. The forest is also home to some pretty spectacular scenic drives, including the 232-mile San Juan Skyway. While the forest can be visited as a day trip from Durango, it’s worth spending the night at one of the developed campgrounds or primitive dispersed camping areas, most of which have vault toilets and fire rings.
Notable campgrounds
- Best for camping with your boat: Miller Creek Campground offers direct access to the Lemon Reservoir and has its own concrete boat ramp.
- Best for wilderness hikers: Vallecito Campground is situated at the entrance to the Vallecito Trail, which leads out into the Weminuche Wilderness.
- Best for off-roaders: Williams Creek Campground offers easy access to a number of area all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Many of the campsites in the San Juan National Forest can be reserved in advance. Individual sites are released at 8am Mountain Time, six months in advance, while group sites go live 12 months in advance. If you're trying to book a cabin or popular spot, be ready to book online right when it becomes available.
- To get a first-come, first-served spot, choose a harder-to-reach campground to increase your chances, particularly on summer weekends.
- If you have a flexible schedule, try to arrive mid-week when campgrounds are less crowded.
When to go
You are best off visiting the San Juan National Forest from late-spring or summer, when the weather is at its warmest and much of the area's winter snowpack has melted. Many people do come to the area for winter recreation, and while the forest offers some spectacular opportunities for sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling, conditions can be treacherous and may be difficult to navigate for all but the most experienced outdoors people.
Know before you go
- Cell service is not always reliable in the San Juan National Forest. Make sure to download offline maps or get paper maps before you set out.
- Dogs must remain leashed when in campgrounds and under voice command in backcountry areas. Never allow your pet to get near wildlife.
- Black bears live in the San Juan forest. For your protection and theirs, familiarize yourself with bear-safe protocols before heading out and make sure to store all food, cookware, and garbage in a hard-sided vehicle or in a bear-proof container.
- If you’re visiting in the winter, make sure to bring chains or snow tires.
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