Home is where you park it. For the American RV community, Durango is a premier destination for remote wilderness access, pristine amenities, and unbeatable campground views.
In a scenic locale where you can sip morning coffee from the base of a mountain and catch dinner from the neighboring alpine lake, Durango campgrounds are easy to find and hard to leave. Whether you’re searching for a formal RV park or primitive campground, Durango offers a resting place for every kind of traveler.
Favorite Established Campgrounds
Molas Lake Park and Campground
Features: Colorado Trail access, 25-acre stocked lake, mountain views
One of the most scenic campgrounds in Colorado, if not the country, Molas Lake Park provides easy access for rigs of every shape and size. The 137-acre park is located in between Durango and Silverton, offering quiet ambience and some of the best evening star gazing. Onsite, you can rent SUP (stand up paddle boards) and sit on-top kayaks, purchase firewood, and even enjoy a hot shower. With quick access to the Colorado Trail, Molas is the ultimate adventure basecamp. Reserved thru Silverton Chamber.
United Campground
Features: Animas River access, historic train views, and full-electric
In the heart of Durango, the United Campground provides unbeatable views of the train. You’ll find 90 tent sites, more than 100 full-electric sites, and a heated swimming pool. If you plan to explore downtown, the Durango trolley conveniently stops right at the entrance of United Campground. With both back-in and pull-through sites, United Campground accommodates a variety of RV sizes.
Junction Creek Campground
Features: Quiet forest scenery close to town, full-electric, hiking and fishing access
Close to town with a far-out feel, Junction Creek is a little piece of forest paradise. With close access to the Colorado Trail terminus, Logchute Trail System, and Junction Creek, there are plenty of daytime activities to enjoy nearby. It’s a smaller campground with just 46 sites, 29 reservable electrical hook-ups, but the in-town access and cozy atmosphere makes this destination worth it.
Alpen Rose RV Park
Features: Hot spring access, close to town, full-electric, big rigs welcome
Tucked into the Animas River Valley, Alpen Rose RV Park offers awesome sunset views and even better hot spring access. As one of the closest resorts to must-visit Trimble Hot Spring, Alpen Rose is cozy, quiet, with a rustic mountain feel. The park offers full-electric back-in and pull-through sites, accommodating rigs up to 110’ long. Expect breakfast options in the morning, a pet playground and walking service, and pizza served 4 to 8pm daily.
Lightner Creek Campground and Cabins
Features: Scenic high cliff views, full service, creek access
Just five miles from downtown Durango, the Lightner Creek campground offers full-service campsites, cabins, and tent sites. You’ll find a heated pool onsite, laundry, wifi, showers, and direct access to lightner creek, which runs through the park. Fall asleep each evening to the sound of the creek and wake each morning to a box canyon sunrise.
Meadowlark Cabins and RV
Features: Lakefront views, electric, hiking access
For access to Colorado’s largest body of water above 7,800’, Meadowlark Cabins and RV offer private access and a comfortable atmosphere. From your full service campsite, you’ll gain close access to horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and water excursions. Just 30 minutes from downtown Durango, Meadowlark is just far enough away from the bustle to feel like its own mountain escape.
Primitive Boondocking Sites:
For a remote feel and quiet solitude, these boondocking sites are less accessible but just as RV-friendly. Please be respectful of these National Forest areas, as it is the responsibility of the user to maintain them,.
Barnes Mountain Boondock
GPS: 37.369575, -107.899104
A dispersed camping zone just beyond the Las Animas Overlook, this wooded area is free for camping and able to fit small camper vans and towables. It will be a rocky, dirt road up to the camp area, so 4WD is encouraged. RVers willing to make the journey will be rewarded with quick access to trails around Cape Horn, Sliderock Mountain, and Monument hill.
Missionary Ridge Road
GPS: 37.425947, -107.786024
Only small camper vans and pop ups are recommended for this little slice of paradise along the Missionary Ridge switchbacks. Here you’ll find private mountain range views and close access to a number of creeks and rivers for fishing.
Elbert Creek Road
GPS: 37.597128, -107.85545
Like nearly all national forest access campgrounds, there is a two-week maximum stay at the Elbert Creek Road dispersed camping location. Pay attention to signs and make sure that you are parked in a designated permissible camping zone. If you do, you’ll be rewarded with views of vibrant green alpine meadows, forests, and far-off peaks. The smaller the rig, the better your chance of finding a permitted site. You’ll find awesome trails and mountain biking paths nearby.
Sig Creek Campground
GPS: 37.6335, -107.8838
Nine campsites are tucked in this pay campground, just 32 miles north of Durango. Overnight fees are $12, but the expense is worth it, considering that RVs of up to 30 feet can find a spot here. With access to Hermosa Creek, Purgatory Mountain resort, and pristine mountain biking single-track, Sig Creek offers an ideal adventure basecamp for the willing boondocker.
