Let’s take a trip north from Durango on the Million Dollar Highway, officially known as US 550 if you’re looking at a map. Luckily for any white knucklers out there, the route is full of national forest and private RV parks to pull over, get some rest, and give it a shot come morning. 160 (County Rt. Dispersed camping is allowed in Bureau of Land Management areas and national forests. Sometimes camping is allowed in Wildlife Management areas and state forests. Note that cell service in all of Ouray is in and out, but more so at Amphitheater Campground than the other two parks. Itâs about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. About the Author: Nathan convinced the love of his life to leave Colorado and travel the country in a VW Bus. There are forty-seven developed campgrounds of which thirty-one meet the selection criteria. It’s most noted for its staggering San Juan Mountains, some of the steepest in the state. 4J+1+1 (an RV park, not a formula for some type of two-wheel Jeep) is directly inside this incredibly quaint, walkable town, while Ouray RV Park & Cabins is less than a mile north of town, most of which distance can be walked on a hiking trail. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/colorado/san-juan-national-forest 160 (County Rt. West Mancos/Transfer Trails. San Juan National Forest Camping: Campendium has 300 reviews of 80 Campgrounds in San Juan National Forest. Home / Blog / All the Best Camping in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. The San Juan National Forest is located in the southwest corner of Colorado. Last June Diana went on a girl's weekend trip - backpacking in San Juan National Forest in Colorado with her friend Cass and Cass' dog Jasper. 501 13.2 miles to Vallecito Area Campgrounds sign (Forest Rt. Turn right onto Rt. They call it the Million Dollar Highway, presumably because if you crash over the precipice lining one side of the oft-broken, always gorgeous road as it winds from Durango (one of Colorado’s most authentic towns) to Silverton (an ex-mining cowboy-style tourist trap) and then on to Ouray (something in between the two), the payout to whoever’s name is on your life insurance is going to be that large. It is a surfaced, barrier-free trail leading 1/2-mile to a deck overhanging West Mancos Canyon. Then again, if you’re really into being in downtown Durango and don’t care about the quality of your actual site, there’s a patch of gravel with a few spots — reservations required and you have to call during normal business hours — an easy walk from town at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Thanks to a vast wilderness that enjoys federal designation, most of the public land in the national forests around the San Juan Mountains is available for dispersed camping, and there are numerous campsites that are ideal for staging an outdoor retreat. Luckily for those wanting a taste of the camping scene in the San Juan Mountains, much of the land in and around the range is made up of designated national forest, which includes a handful of awesome campgrounds throughout the region. Related Information; What is a SOPA? Big Al Trail. Dozens of campgrounds in the San Juan Mountains are available in the national forests, weather permitting. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad passes immediately behind United, but doesn’t run at night so you won’t have to worry about the whistle’s blow come bedtime. leave Colorado and travel the country in a VW Bus. Fortunately, not everything worth doing needs to weigh a ton. Campsite Selection San Juan National Forest encompasses about 1.8 million acres in the southwestern corner of Colorado. If you’re dead set on having hookups, or just like the amenities private RV parks offer, Durango has a nice variety to choose from. The Durango KOA (not to be confused with Durango KOA North) is a great all around park, while Lightner Creek has the most vibe for your family’s dollar. 500 and go 2.7 miles to campground. Itâs about nourishment and learning. - National Park, National Forest, State Park, All the Best Camping in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Detailed descriptions of campgrounds in the San Juan National Forest. 501 for 18.5 miles to Vallecito campground sign (County Rt. For recreational camping, there is a limit of a total of 28 days on the San Juan National Forest in a continuous 60 day period. All rights reserved. Where Is The San Juan National Forest? These days, ski slopes dust powder all winter long, steam trains pull tourists through mountain valleys that are stuff of legends, and locals eternally continue the impossible debate over which is more beautiful, a columbine in spring or the aspens in autumn. Season: Year round. In the area, campers often spot mule deer, bear, fox and more. Silverton is a blast, but you won’t be the only one crowding the streets of a town that’s all about the steam train and mining vibes which once served as the area’s livelihood…and still does. 603 and go 5.7 miles to campground on left. These days, ski slopes dust powder all winter long, steam trains pull tourists through mountain valleys that are stuff of legends, and locals eternally continue the impossible debate over which is more beautiful, a columbine in spring or the aspens in autumn. Wildlife Viewing: The dense and isolated forests of the San Juan National Forest provide a healthy habitat for wildlife to appear around the Lemon Reservoir. Just a bit further, and higher up the mountain, Ampitheatre Campground — part of Uncompahgre National Forest, but still a paid campground at $13 per night — gives you that more rugged experience, including picnic tables and vault toilets. It’s a short drive to town and otherwise, one of the more beautiful private parks you’ll find in the area. Trails merge for the first 1/2 mile, dropping steeply into the canyon, then split, with West Mancos heading upriver, and Transfer heading downriver. It tends to attract more of a retiree crowd than families and young people but serves as a decent layover on your way north if you had too much fun in Durango to go any further. Camping or hiking, you’ll have the adventure of a lifetime in the San Juan’s. Phone: 970-385-6500. Contact Information Local Phone: 1-970-884-2512 United Campground of Durango is as close to town as you can get, and it’s the last stop for the trolley that serves as the primary transportation around the downtown area. 603). Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, California. These days they’re not hauling ore from deep in the ground but serving tourists eager to drive their Jeeps across the mountain passes or dress up in 1870’s garb and have a fun family photo to take back home come the snowfall. Living on the forest (residential use) is prohibited. Camping near San Juan National Forest is easy with Hipcamp, where private landowners offer one-of-a-kind camping experiences. If you’re more interested in the breweries and nightlife of Durango, you can’t beat United Campground of Durango (the city has a small local cab service, too, if you don’t make the last trolley.) The forest occupies land in Archuleta, Conejos, Dolores, Hinsdale, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Rio Grande, San Miguel and San Juan Counties. From Durango, head west to discover the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park or east to the visually different but equally gorgeous US 160 to explore the forests and mountains lining more delightful small towns like Pagosa Springs and Alamosa, Colorado, then go all the way to Great Sand Dunes National Park. for the San Juan National Forest . Hours: 24/7. Fishing may be good in the West M… We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Haviland Lake, San Juan National Forest in Durango, Colorado: 12 reviews, 0 photos, & 2 tips from fellow RVers. We’ve often written about the San Juan Mountains because of rugged alpine beauty, friendly mountain community, well-developed access, and the multitude of outdoor options available there. Several of Colorado’s famous “14’ers” can be found in the Weminuche and Lizard Head Wilderness Areas. Beyond Ouray, Ridgway, Colorado is worth a stop in and of itself, and serves as the fork in the road where one can continue on to luxurious Telluride to the west or destinations like Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Crested Butte further north. San Juan National Forest State Colorado Country United States Phone Number 970-247-4874 Directions View on Google Maps Official Website View Website Coordinates 37.338° N, 107.917° W Unknown price Tent / RV / Trailer - Group: 1 Site Town Park Campground. West of town, a KOA offers up the typical Kampground of America experience while being the only RV park with truly reliable cell service, and not ten minutes from Durango proper. Depending on your elevation, national forest camping in the Durango area can involve thick gamble oaks surrounding wide open spaces, such as east of town at Madden Peak; dry, ponderosa pine needle-laden or juniper scrub forest camping in oil field BLM land like Durfield and Sauls Creek (both closed December through April); or elevated aspen and fir shade along the river at Old Lime Creek Road (do not go beyond the lakes if approaching from the south and in anything larger than a truck camper–this road turns extremely narrow and harrowing). Nine years later, they’ve decided there’s really no better place to be in these United States, and are building a cabin as a place to rest between their future traveling ’round. The San Juan National Forest is located in southwestern Colorado and is comprised of 1,877,675 acres. The views are spectacular in this region of the state, so all the recreation is first rate. The San Juan National Forest abound with natural and cultural treasures. The trailhead is across from the campground entrance. Those looking for an easy nature walk will enjoy short, easy trails such as the .9-mile Baby Bathtubs Trail, peppered with colorful wildflowers, or the one-mile Piedra Falls Trail, which features a beautiful waterfall. 500). There’s no better way to experience the San Juan Mountains than via the main road which cuts through it all. Address: 2680 County Rd 243, Durango, CO 81301. History and nature blend together in the San Juan National Forest to give visitors a special forest experience. South San Juan Wilderness (mostly in Rio Grande NF) Weminuche Wilderness (partly in Rio Grande NF) The San Juan National Forest is a U.S. National Forest covering over 1,878,846 acres (2,935.7 sq mi, or 7,603.42 km²) in western Colorado. Explore camper reviews and photos of the campgrounds in San Juan National Forest. In fact, nine out of ten optometrists lose their medical license when it’s revealed that their patients disagree that Ouray — nicknamed the Switzerland of America — is the most beautiful place in Southwest Colorado. Fork Trail, the area between the junction with the Beaver Creek Trail and the next crossing of the West Fork of the San Juan is closed to campfires and camping is permitted only in existing sites at least 100 feet from water. Campendium is an Amazon Associate site and earns from qualifying purchases. Here’s a … These campgrounds and the towns they surround are only a sliver of what the San Juan region of Southwestern Colorado offers, though. San Juan National Forest has a number of spectacular trails for all skill levels that wind through the wilderness. Details. There are a handful of places you can make your spot, nearly all of them without charge — some a bit more organized and some more or less free-for-alls — but for the biggest views check out Golden Horn Camping Area, perfect for the most rugged of Sportsmobiles or largest of Class As alike. Those are only a smattering of the available free camping options in the larger Durango area, and we have yet to find one that truly disappoints. Teddy Roosevelt created the San Juan National Forest in 1905, sources say, because it’s downright stunning. Recreational camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in the same location. In the southwest corner of Colorado, where breathtaking wilderness meets plentiful recreation opportunities, you’ll find the San Juan National Forest.Covering 1.8 million acres, roughly eight times larger than Rocky Mountain National Park, the San Juan National Forest is a great location if you’re planning to go backpacking, camping, or just for a day hike. Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. In the wilderness areas, zero-impact camping is allowed without a permit away from trails. After the 14 days, campers must move at least 3 air miles away. Be prepared for cold nights, especially in spring and fall, but the brave will find watching the sunrise from a high mountain pass fitting compensation. Durango is a quintessential Colorado destination; it has multiple breweries, tons of mountain biking, rafting and climbing, ample natural food stores and a Main Street lined with local jewelry and clothing shops, plus restaurants boasting nearly all the culinary wonders this world has to offer. Five distinct life zones range from elevations near 5,000 feet to above 14,000 feet. Graham Creek Campground is situated above Vallecito Lake, in the scenic San Juan National Forest ... Florida Camping Day Use Fishing Hiking Wildlife Location Address: Bayfield, Colorado 81122 GPS: 37.4776, -107.5466 View on Map Local Directions: In Bayfield, CO, at the Vallecito Lake sign on US Rt. Durango is home to a host of RV parks, but the real beauty of the area shines through with the sun’s rays between tall ponderosa pines and Douglas firs in the town’s surrounding national forest. Camping near San Juan national forest. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. 501), go north on Rt. The area features the San Juan Skyway, a Bureau of Land Management 4WD scenic byway, Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway and a National Forest scenic byway.The forest encompasses three wilderness areas: Weminuche Wilderness, South San Juan Wilderness, and Lizard … Meanwhile, heading north from Durango on US 550, Alpen Rose RV Park is the first place available after leaving town. Haviland Lake, San Juan National Forest in Durango is rated 8.7 of 10 at Campground Reviews. © 2020 Outdoor Project. Itâs about more than standing on the mountain top. If you’re anywhere in the western United States right now, it’s hard to escape this year’s record-breaking wildfire season and... It’s no secret America’s natural spaces are becoming increasingly popular. They offer full hookups, hot showers, laundry, a pool — your typical RV park amenities, but the best part of this park is perhaps the antique steam engine locomotive, which hauls tourists from Durango to Silverton and back on an all-day tour of one of the most stunning valleys you’ll ever ride a train through. Itâs about protecting what sustains us. Location Address: Bayfield, Colorado 81122 GPS: 37.4089, -107.536 View on Map Local Directions: In Bayfield, CO, at Vallecito Lake sign on US Rt. The San Juan National Forest, alone or when combined with the Rio Grand National Forest (to the northeast) and the Uncompahgre (to the northwest), cover a lot of the San Juan … Technically, Ouray is north of the San Juan National Forest, but it’s still a quintessential part of this drive, and some might say the most impressive of the entire stretch. The Best Winter Adventures in North America. Interpretive signs point out flora and fauna in the area and there are benches when you need to rest. Terrain ranges from high-desert mesas to alpine peaks, with thousands of miles of back roads and hundreds of miles of trails to explore. In both cases: don’t expect cell service, expect nothing from the WiFi, and you just might be pleasantly surprised. In Colorado, state parks saw nearly a million additional visitors... © 2020 Campendium Inc. All rights reserved. Whether you just need to know where to camp nearby or you want to plan a free camping road trip, we've got you covered.You can simply use your smart phone's GPS to find camping near you or even use our trip planner to plan your route from coast to coast.. Our community provides the best free camping information available. It’s difficult to say which of these is the absolute best RV park in Durango. The narrow canyon, which the town mostly fills, doesn’t allow for a ton of camping options. The San Juan National Forest is a U.S. National Forest covering over 1,878,846 acres (2,935.7 sq mi, or 7,603.42 km²) in western Colorado. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/colorado/san-juan-national-forest/dogs We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. San Juan National Forest: Camping at Junction Creek - See 566 traveler reviews, 195 candid photos, and great deals for Durango, CO, at Tripadvisor. San Juan National Forest covers more than 1.8 million acres in Southwest Colorado. This includes backcountry hikes, one of the country’s only via ferretas, ice climbing, and a vast network of four-wheel driving routes. Turn right onto Rt. Trailhead is adjacent to the Big Al Trail. At mile 6, the trail begins to climb steeply. Regardless of which direction you head, if you’re starting in Durango, it’s all good times for miles to come. How to read the SOPA (legend) The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) Abbreviations and Definitions Forest Service NEPA : Current SOPA Report (NOTE: The SOPA report opens in a separate browser window.) Thanks to a vast wilderness that enjoys federal designation, most of the public land in the national forests around the San Juan Mountains is available for dispersed camping, and there are numerous campsites that are ideal for staging an outdoor retreat. 501), go north on Rt. While there are RV parks directly in town, Red Mountain Motel & RV Park being the most centrally located, the real beauty of this area lives in the forested mountain camping west of town. A little west of town there’s an RV park by the name of Lightner Creek Campground with a real summer camp vibe, and I mean that in the best way possible, where families flock to play in the river and swim in the pool. Teddy Roosevelt created the San Juan National Forest in 1905, sources say, because it’s downright stunning. Here’s a quick roundup of some of the region’s best. Find a Free Campsite. Barrier-Free trail leading 1/2-mile to a deck overhanging West Mancos Canyon ’ ll have the adventure a. Nature blend together in the state, so all the best camping in the San Juan National in. Move at least 3 air miles away in and out, but more so at Campground!, CO 81301 cell service in all of Ouray is in and,! 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