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San Juan/Haviland Lake
Overview
San Juan/Haviland Lake Campground, nestled within the expansive **San Juan National Forest**, offers a quintessential Colorado mountain experience. Situated at an elevation of approximately 8,100 feet, this facility provides a tranquil retreat for travelers seeking a deep connection with the outdoors without venturing too far from city conveniences. It successfully strikes a balance between **rustic forest camping** and essential modern comfort, offering a peaceful atmosphere dominated by mature ponderosa pines and sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Location & Surroundings
The park is located roughly 18 miles north of Durango along the famous San Juan Skyway, a route known for its breathtaking alpine scenery. The campground is situated on the eastern shore of **Haviland Lake**, where the landscape is defined by a lush mix of Gambel oak, aspen, and pine trees. These provide excellent shade and a sense of seclusion between campsites. To the west, the dramatic **Hermosa Cliffs** create a stunning backdrop, especially during sunset when the rock faces glow with vibrant orange and red hues.
Amenities & Park Features
While many Forest Service sites are strictly primitive, Haviland Lake caters to RV travelers by offering **electric hookups** at more than a dozen sites. Each individual site features a sturdy picnic table and a fire ring for evening gatherings under the stars. The grounds are well-maintained with access to vault toilets and drinking water stations positioned throughout the loops. While there is no dump station on-site, the **paved camping spurs** are designed to accommodate a variety of rig sizes, including many large trailers and motorhomes up to 45 feet.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The lake serves as the primary recreational hub, though it is restricted to **non-motorized boating**, ensuring the water remains calm and quiet for fishing and paddleboarding. Anglers frequently visit to cast for rainbow and brown trout. Beyond the water, the **Hermosa Creek Trail** provides world-class hiking and mountain biking opportunities through the rugged backcountry. For a change of pace, visitors can take a short drive to the Purgatory Resort for summer activities or explore the historic narrow-gauge railroad and breweries in downtown Durango.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is best suited for travelers who prioritize a **scenic, natural environment** over the crowded amenities of a commercial RV resort. It is a perfect match for birdwatchers, landscape photographers, and those who enjoy waking up to the sounds of nature. Because the park offers a mix of sunshine and deep shade, it is ideal for **outdoor enthusiasts** who want a quiet basecamp for exploring the high country while enjoying the cooler temperatures found at higher elevations.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Franco Lossio
Beautiful sites that are in front of the lake. Restrooms are basic. Only work during summer season. Place is nice
Olivia Yazzie
Burn band but we still had do much fun. Excellent weather. Beautiful night. Oklahoma visiting Colorado. Thank you.
Mckinsey Greymountain
Its a great place to fish and chill. Camping spots aren't too far from the lake and the fish are biting !
Nikki
Highly recommend!! One of the best and cleanest campgrounds we have stayed at. Best campground hosts ever!! There is a very beautiful picturesque lake for fishing and possibly swimming in the summer. We will definitely keep this campground on our places to stay when we come out west. We stayed two nights and did not want to leave, so hopefully, next time, we will stay even longer!
Cecil Shrock
A beautiful lake, people were catching fish, we were there to relax by the lake side. Campground looks appealing, want to go back sometime to camp there.
Justin Wideman
It was a nice overnight on a longer National Park trip. Quiet and beautiful in the National Forest. Good facilities, helpful hosts.
LauraLee Beaton
Comfortable well wooded campground. Several enjoyable hikes next to the campground. There is a small lake with crayfish and fish. Several people were fishing from the shore and kayaks, too. They do take walkins, but definitely better to reserve a spot.
Enoch Garris
Gorgeous lake and scenery! Avoid going on summer weekend afternoons to use the lake. It was quiet and tranquil the first hour we were there, but the afternoon was crowded and loud. The $8 day use fee was unexpected. It was unclear whether or not we were required to pay the fee for using the lake, but we wanted to be sure so we paid.
Cristina Kulakowski
We stayed here Saturday, October 8-Tuesday, October 11. The campground was labeled "Open" (with limited services) on NFS website. By limited services, they mean NO services. No camp host and only Loop A was open (gate closed off access to all other loops). There were no envelopes available to pay for anything so we stayed here for free. All electric was turned off. Bathrooms were open with no toilet paper. All trash cans/dumpsters were locked. Be prepared to boondock if coming during off season! We filled our water at the JW Durango RV park 10 minutes from this campground (they charge $15 to fill). All that said, this place is BEAUTIFUL! We loved it. But considering how expensive it is during the season we don't know if we'd have enjoyed it as much. $85 in some cases is a bit steep when you don't have water or sewage hookups. When people talk about the tight turns, they aren't joking but we have a 33ft 5th wheel and managed just fine. Go slow and turn as wide as you can. Take your time backing in. Lots of pot holes to navigate. Again, go slow. Verizon service was spotty to non-existent. Starlink worked great. Overall, We stayed for free and were boondocking during off season so no complaints for what it was. Can't beat the views of the lake from Loop A.
Cole Ryan
24$ a night not bad! 1 Camp host was always aggitated. Just her personality.