Campgrounds around Purgatory, Colorado provide access to the scenic San Juan National Forest with multiple options for overnight stays. Established sites like Junction Creek Campground offer traditional camping experiences with amenities including picnic tables, toilets, and fire rings. The area supports diverse camping styles, from tent sites on lush grass at United Campground of Durango to full-hookup RV facilities at Alpen Rose RV Park. For those seeking more primitive experiences, Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping areas allow free camping on public lands with minimal facilities.
Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping availability in this mountain region. Most developed campgrounds like Haviland Lake and Lower Hermosa operate from May through September or October, closing during winter months due to snow and freezing conditions. Campground roads vary in quality, with some requiring higher clearance vehicles for access. Many campgrounds recommend advance reservations, especially during summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities reach capacity. Water restrictions may apply in certain seasons, particularly late fall through early spring. One camper noted, "We were notified before hand that we could not hook up to water due to freezing temperatures. It is November."
Campers consistently rate the region's natural beauty and proximity to outdoor recreation as major highlights. Several visitors mention the unique experience of watching the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad pass directly through United Campground of Durango. "The greatest thing about this campground is that the Durango steam train goes right through the campground. To see the historic train right from your camper or tent window is pretty great," one review shared. Proximity to Durango's amenities serves as another advantage, with most campgrounds positioned within a 5-15 minute drive of town. Sites with mature shade trees receive particular praise during summer months, while facilities with clean bathrooms and hot showers are frequently mentioned as valuable amenities. The area's camping options balance wilderness experiences with practical conveniences for various camping styles.
$32 - $150 / night
"Very nice campground in a beautiful area near Durango. The bathrooms were very clean and the lots were all in good spots. Very close to part of the Colorado Trail!"
"The double site allowed us to put our 24-foot trailer across both spots with our front door facing the back of the campsite with nothing but beautiful national forest behind us!"
$45 - $70 / night
"Its really close to the Durango old Town area (like 10 min drive or less) and about 45 minutes to mesa verde."
"We did 4 campgrounds during our trip in Colorado this summer."
$47 - $197 / night
"We had to overnight in Durango area for one night, on our way from Colorado to Arizona."
"CUSTOMER SERVICE: Friendly staff; shuffled our stay around so we could extend and not relocate during the week. WIFI/ CELL SERVICE: Camp wifi and speed seemed to work really well!"
$65 - $1 / night
"Its a pretty expensive park...big rigs are regularly 79.00 and they did discount it 8.00 per night for off season, but all the big rig sites line up along the entrance/exit and people are arriving as late"
"Easy to find off the Highway. Close but not too close to downtown Durango. We were immediately greeted by CJ. He was extremely nice and he guided us to our shady site by the cafe."
"Great spot away from the road. Steep hill into the campsite- but close to town if you have a toad/truck."
"The creek was great, the pool was welcome relief for the kids and we enjoyed talking to fellow campers visiting from around the country and England!"
"Relatively convenient for access to the town and activities in the area. The main road into the area is very easy navigable by any vehicle. Some of the side roads get significantly tougher."
"A residential area with no access to BLM land. Instead, search for Durfield dispersed camping nearby and it will take you to the correct place."
"Outside of Durango, away from the road, all you hear is the river running by. The sites are all large and the grounds are immaculate. We stayed 5 nights and were very sad to leave."
"The river was right behind our site and there was a small amount of privacy. Pool was superb. My only complaints are that the bathhouse I went to (old one) was pretty rough."
$32 - $98 / night
"I stayed at Haviland Lake near Durango, Colorado for three days, but could have stayed for a week or more!"
"There are hookups at this campground and it isn't too far away from stores. Liked the place overall. No rushing waters but Haviland Lake took the attention. "
$20 / night
"Right next to Hermosa Creek trail. Such a beautiful place. The bathrooms are clean, the camp host is an awesome guy. Would definitely stay again."
"Access to camp ground is on a rock dirt road that goes from single to double lane off and on. I drove a 21foot bus with a 16x7 tandem axle trailer."
"We decided to drive further up the mountain, gaining some elevation but it was much more secluded."
"Madden Peak dispersed camping is a fantastic option for those seeking a peaceful and scenic camping experience near Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez, and Durango."
TravelerNice enough if you’re passing through. Some spots with river views and access. It would be a good idea to make sure nothing is going on at the fairgrounds unless you like lots of company. Otherwise it’s pretty quiet and secure.
LegendDurango is known for historic trains and this RV park has a historic train that runs right through it.
Right on a river. Small family run campground. Good stopping point if exploring Durango.
ScoutBe aware they charge $4 per night per person over the two allowed visitors. If you have kids, watch out; the charges add up. Dogs are free, however. They claim it is for water usage. Not sure how we'd use $4 in water per child per day, but it's their prerogative to add as many charges as they want. I just want folks like us who have families to be aware of how much more you'll have to pay for the privilege of bringing your kids.
GuideThe spots were a little close together but nice groomed gravel. Quiet park. Great bathrooms with hot water and lots of laundry options. Good dog park with grass.
TravelerIt’s about 2.5 miles off the road on a little washed out road but not bad. Showed up, no one here. Great spot not far from the road for overnighting. Bonus they have about 15 miles of mountain bike trails!
GuideFriendly staff, enjoyable stay. Wide spaces with picnic tables and grills. Showers, laundry, dog park
TravelerNon stop highway noise, barking dogs!
TravelerI have been coming here since I was 6. The guys of our family always came here to camp for a week in the summers and the experiences and memories will last a lifetime. The road to the campground is a challenging one, but the drive is worth it.
GuideI was the only one here overnight. Room for about 30 regular sized vehicles. Come in from Hwy 550 on county road 2651. Hart Road has bad washboard.
Dispersed camping sites near Purgatory, Colorado offer significant cost savings with rustic conditions compared to more developed options. The area sits at elevations between 7,000-9,000 feet in the San Juan Mountains, creating distinct seasonal weather patterns. Winter camping often faces snow closures, while summer brings afternoon thunderstorms that typically clear by evening.
Fishing at trout ponds: Some campgrounds like Alpen Rose RV Park feature stocked fishing areas on-site. "There is a very nice dog run and exercise area. They also have a trout pond," notes Ronald in his review of the park.
Hiking from campsites: Access trails directly from certain camping areas without driving. At Lower Hermosa Campground, one camper shared, "From what we heard, weekends can get crowded... It was awesome though because several trails leave from the area, so you can go for nice evening hikes. These trails are also mountain bike friendly!"
Stargazing opportunities: Higher elevation camping sites away from town provide excellent night sky viewing. "Great views of stars as from this elevation," reports Cale D. about camping at Durango North-Riverside KOA. The minimal light pollution around Purgatory creates ideal conditions for constellation viewing.
Historic train access: The United Campground of Durango offers a unique attraction with the Durango & Silverton train passing through. One camper noted, "Not only does the train bisect the RV and Tent camping areas so you can watch it go by, but the city free trolley stop is right at the entrance and will take you to within a block and a half of the station downtown."
River proximity: Many campers appreciate sites adjacent to water. "The sites are huge. The views are spectacular. Electric at some sites, double sites available also," mentions Maureen A. about Junction Creek Campground. Riverside sites often cost more but provide natural white noise and cooling effects.
Free camping alternatives: Budget-conscious campers can find dispersed options just outside town. Madison G. reports, "Awesome campground that's free! It's only 10 mins from downtown Durango and is so beautiful and quiet. Great hiking trails around too."
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate seasonally due to weather. "The gate was closed from Dec 1- April 30. Looked like it would have been a nice spot," reports a visitor to Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies widely across the region. A camper at Junction Creek shared, "Very limited/no cell service," while another at Alpen Rose RV Park noted good reception. Check ahead if connectivity matters for your trip.
Water availability: Carry sufficient water for dispersed sites. Martin W. observed, "Unfortunately, there is no water or trash station. However, you can refill portable water affordably at the Hydration Station in Durango or for free at the Durango Montessori School."
Road conditions: Access to some campsites requires navigating unpaved roads. One camper reported, "It's a bit of a rough road getting up the mountain but it's worth it. Lots of washboarding on the road up but it's fine if you just coast over the bad areas and go slow."
Swimming pools: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities that children enjoy during summer months. "The swimming pool was welcome relief for the kids and we enjoyed talking to fellow campers visiting from around the country," noted one reviewer at HTR Durango Campground.
Play facilities: Some campgrounds feature recreational amenities. "They had an ice cream station, outdoor movie watching area, pool, playground and other things," reports one visitor about Durango RV Resort. These extras can make longer stays more enjoyable for children.
Tent pads: Family tent campers should seek sites with dedicated pads. "The tent space #2 that we stayed in was barely a site. Carved out of the slope, the quite small site was not flat, limiting the way we could sleep," warns Erika G. about certain tent sites.
Quiet hours: Family groups should note campground quiet times, typically 9-10 PM. "Campground goes dark by 9:00 PM. Very friendly folks our week," reports one camper at HTR Durango Campground.
Winter hookups: Cold weather campers should verify water availability. "We were notified before hand that we could not hook up to water due to freezing temperatures," notes one winter visitor, as water systems often shut down when temperatures drop below freezing.
Utility placement: Check hookup locations before backing in. Glenn F. shares this advice: "The only ding that I'd give this place is that there may be some power issues depending on the site. Thank God we had the surge protector and that I tested the outlet before plugging into the RV."
Site dimensions: Large rig drivers should confirm space dimensions. "The spaces are short. If your RV/toad or travel trailer plus pickup is much over 48 feet, you'll be out in the road," cautions Gary S. about certain campgrounds in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need reservations for camping near Purgatory Resort?
Reservations are highly recommended for camping near Purgatory Resort, especially during peak seasons. Sig Creek Campground inside Purgatory fills quickly, with Tuesday mornings being the best time to secure a spot. Sites are spacious but popular. For dispersed options, Hermosa Park Road Dispersed doesn't require reservations but can get busy during weekends and summer months. Access is through Purgatory Resort (avoid road 58 north of Rico). First-come, first-served areas fill quickly during ski season and summer weekends.
Where is the nearest campground to Purgatory Resort in Colorado?
Kendall Camping Area is located just 30 minutes from Purgatory Ski Resort, making it one of the closest camping options. This area features a basic setup with one toilet (bring your own toilet paper) and beautiful creekside spots for those lucky enough to snag them. Another nearby option is Westerly RV Park, which offers a straightforward camping experience with the advantage of being a short drive to Purgatory and conveniently located across from a hot springs resort.
What camping options are available in the Purgatory area of Colorado?
The Purgatory area offers diverse camping experiences for all preferences. For scenic views, Little Molas Lake Campground sits along the Million Dollar Highway between Durango and Silverton with the Colorado Trail passing through it. Dispersed camping enthusiasts should check out Dispersed Campsites on 591 near 550 (Lime Creek Area), which provides quick access to Lime Creek fishing just off road 550. The region also features RV parks, forest service campgrounds, and dispersed camping options with varying levels of amenities and accessibility.
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