Best Camping near Durango
Camping is a great way to spend a relaxing time in nature while vacationing! Durango is located in a beautiful and diverse region of the Southwest. To the north of Durango are the jagged San Juan mountains full of old mining roads, hiking, and high alpine lakes. To the west are the beautiful peaks of the La Plata Mountains with expansive views stretching all directions. To the South, the land opens up into mesas and eventually desert.
There are many camping areas within a short drive of Durango. Some of our favorite camping spots are the La Plata Mountains, Junction Creek, and Haviland Lake! They all are awesome camp areas that fit different wants, recreational needs, and styles of camping.
Camping in the La Plata Mountains is great if you plan to visit Mesa Verde and the Four Corners Monument. There is one 4 wheel drive road that snakes its way and gains elevation through La Plata Canyon all the way to Kennebeck pass on the north end of the La Plata Mountains. This road is popular with off-road vehicles and sightseers. There are two campgrounds at the entrance to La Plata Canyon, these are Snowslide and Kroger camp area. Snowslide campground has shady sites next to the La Plata River. The Maximum RV size is 35 feet. Potable water is available at Kroger campsite just up the road. There are no trash services at this campsite. Two Vault toilets are available for use. Kroger Campsite is a bit less busy than Snowslide. It also has no trash services but it does have potable water and a vault toilet. This campsite is not suitable for large RV’s. These Campsites are about 17 miles outside of Durango. There is a restaurant (Kennebeck Grill), gas station and post office just down the road from these sites in Hesperus.
Junction Creek is close to the town of Durango, about 5 miles away. There is plenty of camping here with RV hookups, group sites and plenty of availability. This campground is on a forested hillside with Junction Creek a quarter-mile below. Junctions Creek Campground is a great base camp close to town. Junction Creek has toilets, potable water, and trash service. Horseshoe and volleyball nets are on site as well.
Haviland Lake Campground is about 18 miles north of Durango as you head towards Purgatory Resort and Silverton! This campground has a lake which is great for canoeing, swimming, and fishing. The campground has views of the Hermosa Cliffs and many sites have views of Haviland Lake. There are tent sites as well as hookups for RV’s. There is also potable water and trash services. This is a beautiful campground with a good location near to Durango, Purgatory, and Silverton!
For more information here are the links to these great campgrounds!
Kroger Campground
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recarea/?recid=43002
Snowslide Campground https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=43232&actid=29
Junction Creek Campground
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=42998&actid=29
Haviland Lake Campground
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=42962&actid=29