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Durango North Riverside
Overview
Durango North Riverside offers a tranquil escape nestled in the heart of the Animas River Valley. This park provides a scenic mountain backdrop and direct access to the water, making it a favorite for travelers looking to balance modern comfort with the raw beauty of nature. Formerly known as United Campgrounds of Durango, the property maintains a classic Colorado feel while offering the modern essentials needed for extended stays or quick weekend getaways. It serves as a peaceful retreat where the rushing water of the river provides a constant, relaxing soundtrack for your mountain adventure.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just six miles north of historic downtown, the park sits perfectly between the rugged San Juan National Forest and the flowing Animas River. The setting is dominated by towering pine trees and red rock cliffs, offering a slightly cooler temperature than the desert floor during the summer months. Its location along Highway 550 makes it a convenient and highly accessible basecamp for those planning to navigate the Million Dollar Highway, which is widely considered one of the most stunning scenic drives in the United States.
Amenities & Park Features
The park caters to various rig sizes by offering a mix of riverfront back-in sites and spacious pull-thru options for larger motorhomes. Guests have access to essential conveniences designed to make life on the road easier, including:
- Full hookups with 30 and 50 amp service
- High-speed Wi-Fi and cable television access
- On-site heated seasonal swimming pool
- A well-stocked general store and laundry facilities
One of the most unique features of this park is the city trolley service that stops right at the entrance. This allows visitors to explore the dining and shopping of downtown Durango without the stress of parking a large vehicle in tight urban spaces.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor adventure is just steps away from your site, with the Animas River providing excellent opportunities for fly fishing and whitewater rafting. A short drive south leads you to the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, where you can take a coal-fired steam train through the mountains. Heading north brings you to the alpine trails and winter slopes of Purgatory Resort. For those interested in history, the park is a manageable drive from Mesa Verde National Park, home to world-renowned ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for families and couples who prioritize natural scenery and river access over the crowded atmosphere of high-density urban resorts. It specifically appeals to anglers who want to cast a line just steps from their RV and road trippers looking for a central hub to explore the diverse landscapes of Southwest Colorado. If you enjoy the atmosphere of a wooded canyon setting while remaining close to the cultural amenities of a vibrant mountain town, this park will fit your travel style perfectly.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Internet
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Ashley Haines
Second time we’ve stayed at this campground and we really enjoy it. It has beautiful views and the staff is always very nice and accommodating. The only issue is the bathrooms are very outdated.
Jeff Hornback
We are currently staying at Durango Riverside, and I think it is a great park. It is so peaceful, with beautiful views and the river running right through the park. The only downside is that it is farther away from town than some of the other RV parks, but I think the views and serenity make it worth the extra drive. I am staying in a pull-through spot, as that is always my default so I can disconnect and connect my Jeep onsite. However, if I came here again, I would reserve a back-in spot right on the river. It would be worth the extra hassle of disconnecting and connecting my vehicle outside my spot. Pretty much all the people in the riverside spots sit out in the evening right on the river, enjoying the peaceful sights and sounds of the beautiful river. The only other thing I'd mention is, due to the remote location, internet service is spotty. The park provides basic Wifi, which is good for checking e-mail or low-bandwidth things like that, but it's not good for streaming. Cellular hot spots don't work very well here. We have a Starlink satellite, which works great here, but without it, I wouldn't be able to work remote or stream TV. Office staff were very friendly, and there is a heated pool, and I think there is also a cafe that is open on the weekends. I recommend it!
Rachel Gisselberg
Beautiful park! Stayed here in our rv the last 3 nights with my husband and dog right on the river! So peaceful and the staff were very nice! Try the pizza at the café it's Delicious!! Only reason it's 4 stars instead of 5 is that they could have a larger area for dogs to run and play. Highly recommend!
Eamonn O'Callaghan
We stayed in a cute cabin right along the river! The grounds are well kept and the staff we interacted with for 1 night were friendly. Bathrooms are definitely “campground” bathrooms but functional and clean. Definitely try to get a river front RV or cabin spot!
Ajalee Hood
Do not camp here. This is an old KOA and by no means a resort. All of the good reviews are from people who have paid hundreds of dollars for an RV or cabin site by the river. The tent sites are far away from the river and against the highway. The bathrooms have not been updated since before the moon landing. Literally. They were grimy and gross. There is no handicap access to the bathroom and no handicap stall. I brought the state of the bathroom to the attention of the person in the office and she said the condition of the bathroom didn’t matter to her because she personally has an RV. She said she had no reason to know what condition they were in. Lady, you work there. You should know what you are selling to people. And the comfort of your guests is your business. I expected a peaceful river to sleep next to. There was a loud droning sound all night like a generator or something, and the sound of trucks on the highway. I was told that river access was only for people in cabins and RVs. Tent sites are on a hill with nowhere level to set up my small tent. Worst campsite I’ve stayed at across North America.