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San Juan/Transfer Park
Overview
San Juan/Transfer Park offers a quintessential mountain getaway nestled deep within the San Juan National Forest. Located northeast of Durango, this campground serves as a scenic gateway to high-altitude adventures and serene forest living. Unlike a high-density resort, this park provides a truly rustic camping experience where the primary focus is connecting with the rugged beauty of Colorado's mountain landscape. It is an ideal spot for travelers who value privacy and natural surroundings over modern luxuries.
Location & Surroundings
The park is beautifully situated along the banks of the Florida River, just a short distance from the clear waters of Lemon Reservoir. Surrounded by towering Ponderosa pines and thick Gambel oaks, the elevation sits at approximately 8,000 feet. This height ensures cool summer temperatures and incredibly crisp mountain air. The surrounding geography is characterized by steep, dramatic canyon walls and lush alpine meadows, creating a stunning backdrop for every individual campsite.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional forest service location, the park features primitive camping facilities primarily designed for self-contained RVs and trailers. Visitors have access to clean vault toilets and potable water from hand pumps, though it is important to note there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups. Each site is generously spaced and equipped with a sturdy picnic table and a heavy-duty fire ring, which is perfect for enjoying evening campfires under an expansive, star-filled sky.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find a wealth of activity with easy access to Lemon Reservoir for trout fishing and peaceful paddleboarding. The nearby Burnt Ridge Trail and Youngs Canyon offer hikers and mountain bikers miles of winding paths through diverse terrain and scenic overlooks. For a day trip, the historic downtown area of Durango is a short drive away, offering a chance to ride the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and explore local history.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is perfect for dedicated boondocking enthusiasts and travelers who prefer a quiet, off-the-grid environment far from city noise. It is particularly well-suited for smaller RVs, camper vans, or rugged truck campers looking to escape the crowds found in commercial parks. If you are a wildlife photographer or a nature lover seeking a peaceful, low-profile basecamp for exploring the San Juan Mountains, this park provides the solitude you need.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Paul Lupa
This is a gem at the end of a washboard dirt road. I was there mid July weekend and it was half full. Quiet, fishing, clean toilets, cold creek nearby. The Florida camp was much more active but the 1mile road to Transfer Park seemed to keep most of the big campers away, that and most sites were just big enough for a car and
Angela Wilson
Absolutely gorgeous! Nice clean campsites with restrooms close 👌 by.
Jesse Kropf
Nice setting in tall pine trees, nice Florida river rushes right by the back side of the campground. The 3.5 miles of gravel road in there is pretty rough , lots of potholes and wash boarding. The road going thru the campground is fairly rough as well. McClure canyon is right behind the campground is a very popular hangout for Rock climbers
Martina Marty
Great place lots smaller than what we like for our super c 36ft
Al
Nice camp ground, lots of nice spots and great river area for wading.
Cindy Whitaker
Warning: dirt road so take it slow!! The campgrounds are open with a friendly park host already in place. It's a fee area and looks like $8 a day just for day use/hiking/biking or fishing. The water is low but I've heard kayakers and wind surfers rally on the lake in early June. Camping is an additional fee per night and the grounds are ready and well kept. There were very few vehicles/folks out in the middle of the week and no one was actually set up for camping as of yet. The horse trailer parking looks like maybe 4 rigs would fit altho I ve never seen it that full??
Michelle Martinez
It was nice and pretty!!! But still a little chilly
Cathy Garcia
We have been going there for about40 years we love it there our kids go there to
MaKayla Hood
One of my very favorite Campgrounds EVER. Super quiet and so much to do. The Florida River is right beside the grounds , the Burnt Timber Trailhead is right beside the grounds , Lemon is just a 15 min drive away and there's a shop that's 30 min away if you need emergency provisions . It's great !