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. 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. There are forty-seven developed campgrounds of which thirty-one meet the selection criteria. The views are spectacular in this region of the state, so all the recreation is first rate. Hours: 24/7. Note that cell service in all of Ouray is in and out, but more so at Amphitheater Campground than the other two parks. 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. 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. These campgrounds and the towns they surround are only a sliver of what the San Juan region of Southwestern Colorado offers, though. The San Juan National Forest is located in southwestern Colorado and is comprised of 1,877,675 acres. 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. In both cases: don’t expect cell service, expect nothing from the WiFi, and you just might be pleasantly surprised. Here’s a … Town Park Campground. Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. 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. Teddy Roosevelt created the San Juan National Forest in 1905, sources say, because it’s downright stunning. 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. Fortunately, not everything worth doing needs to weigh a ton. Several of Colorado’s famous “14’ers” can be found in the Weminuche and Lizard Head Wilderness Areas. All rights reserved. It’s most noted for its staggering San Juan Mountains, some of the steepest in the state. Teddy Roosevelt created the San Juan National Forest in 1905, sources say, because it’s downright stunning. After the 14 days, campers must move at least 3 air miles away. Haviland Lake, San Juan National Forest in Durango, Colorado: 12 reviews, 0 photos, & 2 tips from fellow RVers. 501 13.2 miles to Vallecito Area Campgrounds sign (Forest Rt. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. 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 … Fishing may be good in the West M… 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. Haviland Lake, San Juan National Forest in Durango is rated 8.7 of 10 at Campground Reviews. 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. Turn right onto Rt. 501 for 18.5 miles to Vallecito campground sign (County Rt. Camping near San Juan National Forest is easy with Hipcamp, where private landowners offer one-of-a-kind camping experiences. Turn right onto Rt. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Five distinct life zones range from elevations near 5,000 feet to above 14,000 feet. In the area, campers often spot mule deer, bear, fox and more. Dispersed camping is allowed in Bureau of Land Management areas and national forests. 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. Big Al Trail. 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. 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.