Best Campgrounds in San Juan National Forest

San Juan National Forest is a stunning and diverse natural area located in southwestern Colorado. It features breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and abundant recreational opportunities, including camping. With so many incredible campgrounds to choose from, it can be challenging to decide where to stay.

Here are 10 of the best campgrounds in San Juan National Forest:

Purgatory Resort: This popular campground is located near Purgatory Resort and offers scenic views, easy access to hiking trails, and convenient amenities.

Purgatory Resort is a popular camping destination located in San Juan National Forest in southwestern Colorado. This resort offers a unique and scenic camping experience, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to a variety of recreational activities and amenities.

The benefits of camping at Purgatory Resort include:

• Scenic Views: Purgatory Resort is situated in a stunning natural setting, surrounded by the majestic mountains of San Juan National Forest.
• Access to Recreational Activities: The resort offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating, making it a perfect destination for those seeking an adventure-filled camping trip.
• Convenient Amenities: Purgatory Resort offers a range of convenient amenities, including bathrooms, showers, and fire pits, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
• Family-Friendly: With its scenic beauty, recreational activities, and convenient amenities, Purgatory Resort is a great destination for families seeking a fun and memorable camping trip.
• Ideal Location: Purgatory Resort is conveniently located near popular attractions, such as Durango and Silverton, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding area.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful and scenic camping experience, or an adventure-filled trip filled with outdoor activities, Purgatory Resort is an excellent destination to consider.

Molas Lake: This campground is situated on the shores of Molas Lake and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains, fishing opportunities, and access to hiking trails.

Molas Lake is a stunning campground located in the San Juan National Forest in southwestern Colorado. This campground is situated on the shores of Molas Lake and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to a variety of recreational activities.

The benefits of camping at Molas Lake include:

• Scenic Views: Molas Lake offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful and scenic camping experience.
• Access to Fishing: Molas Lake provides ample fishing opportunities, making it a great destination for anglers seeking to catch a variety of fish species.
• Access to Hiking Trails: Molas Lake is located near a number of popular hiking trails, making it a great destination for those seeking a nature-filled camping trip.
• Convenient Amenities: Molas Lake offers a range of convenient amenities, including bathrooms, showers, and fire pits, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
• Family-Friendly: With its scenic beauty, recreational activities, and convenient amenities, Molas Lake is a great destination for families seeking a fun and memorable camping trip.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful and scenic camping experience, or a nature-filled trip filled with fishing and hiking opportunities, Molas Lake is an excellent destination to consider.

Elk Creek: This campground is located near the Elk Creek trailhead and offers access to popular hiking destinations such as Ice Lakes and the Needle Mountains.

Elk Creek is a beautiful campground located in the San Juan National Forest in southwestern Colorado. This campground is situated near the Elk Creek trailhead and offers easy access to popular hiking destinations, such as Ice Lakes and the Needle Mountains.

The benefits of camping at Elk Creek include:

• Access to Hiking Destinations: Elk Creek provides easy access to popular hiking destinations, making it a great destination for those seeking a nature-filled camping trip.
• Scenic Views: The campground is surrounded by the stunning landscape of San Juan National Forest, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
• Peaceful Surroundings: Elk Creek offers a peaceful and serene camping experience, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
• Convenient Amenities: Elk Creek offers a range of convenient amenities, including bathrooms, showers, and fire pits, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
• Ideal Location: Elk Creek is conveniently located near popular attractions, such as Durango and Silverton, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding area.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful and scenic camping experience, or a nature-filled trip filled with hiking and outdoor adventures, Elk Creek is an excellent destination to consider.

Pine River: This remote campground is located near the Pine River and offers peaceful and serene surroundings, as well as opportunities for fishing and hiking.

Pine River is a stunning campground located in the San Juan National Forest in southwestern Colorado. This campground is situated along the Pine River and offers easy access to popular fishing destinations, as well as scenic hiking trails.

The benefits of camping at Pine River include:

• Access to Fishing: Pine River provides ample fishing opportunities, making it a great destination for anglers seeking to catch a variety of fish species.
• Scenic Views: Pine River is surrounded by the stunning landscape of San Juan National Forest, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and river.
• Access to Hiking Trails: Pine River is located near a number of popular hiking trails, making it a great destination for those seeking a nature-filled camping trip.
• Convenient Amenities: Pine River offers a range of convenient amenities, including bathrooms, showers, and fire pits, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
• Ideal Location: Pine River is conveniently located near popular attractions, such as Durango and Silverton, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding area.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful and scenic camping experience, or a nature-filled trip filled with fishing and hiking opportunities, Pine River is an excellent destination to consider.

Vallecito Reservoir: 

Vallecito Reservoir is a campground located near Vallecito Reservoir in the San Juan National Forest. This campground provides easy access to a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking. The benefits of camping at Vallecito Reservoir include access to recreational activities, scenic views, convenient amenities, and a family-friendly environment.

Junction Creek: 

Junction Creek is a campground located near Junction Creek in the San Juan National Forest. This campground provides easy access to popular hiking destinations, such as the Purgatory Resort, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The benefits of camping at Junction Creek include access to hiking destinations, scenic views, peaceful surroundings, convenient amenities, and an ideal location near popular attractions.

Lemon Reservoir: 

Lemon Reservoir is a campground located near Lemon Reservoir in the San Juan National Forest. This campground provides ample fishing opportunities and easy access to scenic hiking trails. The benefits of camping at Lemon Reservoir include access to fishing, access to hiking trails, scenic views, convenient amenities, and a peaceful and serene environment.

Haviland Lake: This campground is located near Haviland Lake and provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking.

Haviland Lake is a hidden gem located in the stunning landscape of the southwestern United States. Surrounded by rolling hills and towering trees, this tranquil body of water offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Haviland Lake has something to offer everyone.

Some of the key benefits of visiting Haviland Lake include:

• Scenic Beauty: The lake is surrounded by a breathtaking landscape that is sure to take your breath away. From the crystal-clear waters to the towering trees and rolling hills, there’s no shortage of stunning views to take in.
• Recreational Opportunities: Haviland Lake is a popular destination for a wide range of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking. With miles of trails and plenty of space to roam, it’s the perfect place to get active and enjoy the great outdoors.
• Peace and Quiet: If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the stresses of everyday life, Haviland Lake is the perfect destination. With its serene waters and peaceful surroundings, it’s a place where you can unwind, relax, and recharge.
• Wildlife Viewing: Haviland Lake is home to a wide range of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, birds, and even beavers. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply enjoy observing wildlife, you’re sure to have a memorable experience at the lake.

In short, Haviland Lake is a hidden gem that offers visitors a chance to connect with nature, enjoy scenic beauty, and experience peace and quiet. So if you’re looking for a getaway that’s both restorative and rejuvenating, this stunning body of water is a must-visit destination.

Little Molas Lake: This small campground is located near Little Molas Lake and offers scenic views and easy access to hiking trails.

Little Molas Lake is a breathtakingly beautiful body of water located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Surrounded by towering peaks and lush forests, this serene lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a passionate fisherman, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Little Molas Lake has something to offer everyone.

Some of the key benefits of visiting Little Molas Lake include:

• Scenic Beauty: The lake is surrounded by stunning scenery that is sure to take your breath away. From the crystal-clear waters to the towering peaks and lush forests, there’s no shortage of breathtaking views to take in.
• Recreational Opportunities: Little Molas Lake is a popular destination for a wide range of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. With miles of trails and plenty of space to roam, it’s the perfect place to get active and enjoy the great outdoors.
• Peace and Quiet: If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the stresses of everyday life, Little Molas Lake is the perfect destination. With its serene waters and peaceful surroundings, it’s a place where you can unwind, relax, and recharge.
• Wildlife Viewing: Little Molas Lake is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elk, deer, bears, and birds. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply enjoy observing wildlife, you’re sure to have a memorable experience at the lake.

In short, Little Molas Lake is a hidden gem that offers visitors a chance to connect with nature, enjoy scenic beauty, and experience peace and quiet. So if you’re looking for a getaway that’s both restorative and rejuvenating, this stunning body of water is a must-visit destination.

Elk Point: This campground is located near the Elk Point trailhead and offers scenic views, fishing opportunities, and access to popular hiking destinations such as the Chicago Basin.

Elk Point is a charming and picturesque community located in the heart of the stunning state of South Dakota. Known for its friendly residents, stunning natural beauty, and rich history, Elk Point is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.

Some of the key benefits of visiting Elk Point include:

• Community Spirit: Elk Point is a tight-knit community that is known for its friendly residents and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a longtime local or a newcomer, you’ll quickly feel at home in this charming community.
• Scenic Beauty: Elk Point is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, from rolling hills and lush forests to tranquil lakes and rivers. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a passionate fisherman, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Elk Point is the perfect destination.
• Rich History: Elk Point has a rich and storied history that dates back to its founding as a fur-trading post in the mid-19th century. From historic sites and landmarks to museums and cultural centers, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about the area’s fascinating past.
• Outdoor Activities: Elk Point is a popular destination for a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. With miles of trails and plenty of space to roam, it’s the perfect place to get active and enjoy the great outdoors.

In short, Elk Point is a hidden gem that offers visitors a chance to experience the charm and beauty of rural South Dakota. So if you’re looking for a getaway that’s both restorative and rejuvenating, this charming community is a must-visit destination.

Lake Eileen: This campground is located near Lake Eileen and offers scenic views, fishing opportunities, and easy access to popular hiking destinations.

Lake Eileen is a stunning body of water located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Surrounded by towering peaks, lush forests, and rolling hills, this serene lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a passionate fisherman, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Lake Eileen has something to offer everyone.

Some of the key benefits of visiting Lake Eileen include:

• Scenic Beauty: The lake is surrounded by breathtaking scenery that is sure to take your breath away. From the crystal-clear waters to the towering peaks and lush forests, there’s no shortage of stunning views to take in.
• Recreational Opportunities: Lake Eileen is a popular destination for a wide range of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. With miles of trails and plenty of space to roam, it’s the perfect place to get active and enjoy the great outdoors.
• Peace and Quiet: If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the stresses of everyday life, Lake Eileen is the perfect destination. With its serene waters and peaceful surroundings, it’s a place where you can unwind, relax, and recharge.
• Wildlife Viewing: Lake Eileen is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elk, deer, bears, and birds. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply enjoy observing wildlife, you’re sure to have a memorable experience at the lake.

In short, Lake Eileen is a hidden gem that offers visitors a chance to connect with nature, enjoy scenic beauty, and experience peace and quiet. So if you’re looking for a getaway that’s both restorative and rejuvenating, this stunning body of water is a must-visit destination.

Lemon Reservoir: This campground is located near Lemon Reservoir and provides scenic views, fishing opportunities, and easy access to popular hiking trails.

Lemon Reservoir is a magnificent body of water located in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. With its sparkling waters and breathtaking surroundings, this reservoir is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman, a passionate boater, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Lemon Reservoir has something to offer everyone.

Some of the key benefits of visiting Lemon Reservoir include:

• Scenic Beauty: The reservoir is surrounded by stunning scenery that is sure to take your breath away. From the crystal-clear waters to the towering peaks and lush forests, there’s no shortage of breathtaking views to take in.
• Recreational Opportunities: Lemon Reservoir is a popular destination for a wide range of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. With miles of trails and plenty of space to roam, it’s the perfect place to get active and enjoy the great outdoors.
• Peace and Quiet: If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the stresses of everyday life, Lemon Reservoir is the perfect destination. With its serene waters and peaceful surroundings, it’s a place where you can unwind, relax, and recharge.
• Wildlife Viewing: Lemon Reservoir is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elk, deer, bears, and birds. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply enjoy observing wildlife, you’re sure to have a memorable experience at the reservoir.

In short, Lemon Reservoir is a hidden gem that offers visitors a chance to connect with nature, enjoy scenic beauty, and experience peace and quiet. So if you’re looking for a getaway that’s both restorative and rejuvenating, this magnificent body of water is a must-visit destination.

It is important to note that these campgrounds may have restrictions and limitations due to COVID-19 and other factors. It is recommended to check the latest information and reserve a campsite in advance to ensure a successful and enjoyable camping trip.