An RVer’s Guide to San Juan National Forest

Sarah and Dustin Bauer's Tiffin Wayfarer parked at McPhee Recreational Area and a sunset peeking through the mountains.

If your RV goals include making unforgettable memories, staying in spectacularly serene campgrounds, and getting out into nature to hike, bike, raft, SUP or fish your worries away, look no further than the San Juan National Forest

Nestled deep in the heart of Colorado's majestic Rocky Mountains we promise the views are candy for the eyes and the experience is like comfort food for the soul. This sprawling wilderness is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering breathtaking vistas, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for exploration by foot, bike, raft and OHV. From the iconic Chimney Rock to the pristine alpine lakes, San Juan National Forest is a treasure trove of natural wonders waiting to be discovered. 

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In this RV camping guide, we'll take you on a tour of a few of our favorite campgrounds, share essential tips for a smooth home-on-wheels trip, and highlight some of the top attractions that make San Juan National Forest a must-visit destination. 

We'll also dive into adventure activities, unique camping experiences, and the ins and outs of navigating this vast forest in your home on wheels. So, grab your hiking boots, charge your camera batteries, and get ready to make some lifetime memories like we did in our 2020 Tiffin Wayfarer RW. We promise they will last a lifetime in the stunning San Juan National Forest! 

San Juan National Forest: The Details 

Located in southwestern Colorado, the San Juan National Forest is a vast and magnificent wilderness just waiting to be explored. With its sprawling size of over 1.8 million acres, this national forest offers many family friendly opportunities for adventure and discovery. Divided into three distinct sections - the Pagosa, Mancos-Dolores, and Columbine Ranger Districts - each area boasts its own unique charm and attractions. 

Top Activities and Attractions Near Campgrounds 

  1. Chimney Rock

    For a uniquely magical experience, consider visiting Chimney Rock National Monument. You can take a guided tour of an 800-year-old Chacoan astronomical observatory and enjoy amazing views of the surrounding landscape, all while learning about the incredible people who called this treasure home from the amazing site hosts.  

    The top of Chimney Rock Monument in San Juan National Forest.

  2. Durango-Silverton Steam Train

    Rated the #1 scenic train ride in America, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Train is where you can embark on a relaxing ride through the heart of one of the most stunning national forests. A truly unforgettable experience, this historic steam-powered train takes you through the heart of the San Juan National Forest while you do nothing but relax and step back in time. As you chug along the tracks, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. Add to that the onboard amenities of cozy seating, onboard concession car, specialized drinks, souvenirs and bathrooms, it's a journey that will leave you renewed and in awe of the natural beauty that surrounds you. 

    Old trains stationed amongst mountains in San Juan National Forest.

  3. Ice Lake Hike

    For hiking enthusiasts, the world-renowned Ice Lake Basin Trail is a must-do. It's a challenging hike, but the rewards are worth it – you'll see aspen meadows, waterfalls, alpine lakes, and wildflowers. If you're looking for something more family-friendly, check out the Junction Creek Trail. It's an easy, shaded walk with a slight incline, perfect for beginners or as a warm-up. 

  4. San Juan Skyway

    One incredible activity that we will forever recommend is driving the San Juan Skyway. It's a scenic drive that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, old mines, alpine lakes, countless waterfalls, and so many viewpoints to stop at and savor it all. The drive takes you over mountain passes including Coal Bank Pass and Molas Pass (our favorite). Don't miss the "Million Dollar Highway" stretch, which clings to the steep canyon walls of Uncompahgre Gorge. 

    A view of Molas Pass in San Juan National Forest.

  5. Lizard Head Wilderness Area

    Over 41 thousand acres and at elevations ranging from 9,000ft to 14,262ft it offers endless opportunities to partake in your favorite outdoor hobby, or just simply enjoy the drive and views. While moving our Tiffin RV in between Cayton campground and Burro Bridge campground, we soaked up all the dramatic mountain landscapes and the gorgeous stands of aspens. Word to the wise, while our Tiffin Wayfarer handled this trek like a camp, it is a dirt road and can be bumpy in some places. Don’t take this route if that would be a challenge in your RV. 

    A view of the mountain range in Lizard Head Wilderness in San Juan National Forest.

  6. Geyser Spring Trail

    Located near the town of Rico and the Cayton campground, this 3-mile round-trip hike leads to Colorado's only known* geyser. A true treasure of an experience, watching it bubble and turn in what felt like the middle of nowhere, and surrounded by wildflowers. This was a major highlight of our trip.  

Finding Campgrounds  

We've discovered some fantastic RV family-friendly options in San Juan National Forest while visiting in our Tiffin Wayfarer. Many campgrounds offer basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. While full hookups are rare, you'll find drinking water from scattered faucets throughout the campgrounds. 

For those who love lakeside camping, Haviland Lake Campground is a must-visit. With 43 sites, including 17 with electrical hookups, it's situated on the shores of Haviland Lake and offers stunning views of the Hermosa Cliffs. The campground caters to both RVs and tents, with many sites shaded by majestic Ponderosa pines. 

There are 35 established campgrounds in San Juan and many amazing places to disperse camp, so the options feel endless, but here is where we stayed in our Tiffin Wayfarer RW.

San Juan National Forest

Family-Friendly RV Campgrounds

Find Your Campground
1
East Fork Campground
SECTION: Pagosa
LOCATION: San Juan National Forest-Pagosa Springs
CAMPSITES: 26 Sites; 17 reservable; remaining are first come, first serve
ELEVATION: 7,700 ft
SERVICES: Potable water, trash, vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire grates
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2
Kroeger Campground
SECTION: Columbine
LOCATION: San Juan National Forest- Hesperus
CAMPSITES: 10 Campsites all First Come, First Serve
ELEVATION: 8,900 ft
SERVICES: Potable Water, 1 Vault Toilet, NO trash-Pack Out, Picnic Tables, and Fire Grates
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3
Snowslide Campground
SECTION: Columbine
LOCATION: San Juan National Forest- Hasperus
CAMPSITES: 13 all First Come, First Serve
ELEVATION: 8,800 ft
SERVICES: NO water, No Trash, 2 Vault Toilets, Picnic Tables, Fire Ring
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4
Cayton Campground
SECTION: Mancos-Dolores
LOCATION: San Juan National Forest- North of Rico
CAMPSITES: 27 Campsites- 16 Reservable (11-electric) 11- First come, first serve (5 electric)
ELEVATION: 9,400 ft
SERVICES: Potable water, Dump stations, Vault Toilets, Electric sites, Picnic Tables, Fire Rings
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5
Burro Bridge Campground
SECTION: Mancos-Dolores
LOCATION: San Juan National Forest-Northeast of Dunton
CAMPSITES: 14 sites: all first come, first serve
ELEVATION: 9,100 ft
SERVICES: Potable water, Dump stations, Vault Toilets, Electric sites, Picnic Tables, Fire Rings
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6
House Creek Campground- Mcphee Lake
SECTION: Mancos-Dolores
LOCATION: San Juan National Forest- Dolores
CAMPSITES: 22 campsites, 12 reservable, 10 first come, first serve
ELEVATION: 7,000 ft
SERVICES: Potable water, Dump Station, Electric sites, Vault Toilets, Picnic tables, Shade structures, and fire rings
View Campground
7
Haviland Lake Campground
SECTION: Columbine
LOCATION: San Juan National Forest- Durango
CAMPSITES: 43 Campsite, 26 reservable-17 electric, rest are first come, first serve
ELEVATION: 8,705 ft
SERVICES: Potable water, Dump Station, Electric sites, Vault Toilets, Picnic tables, Shade structures, and fire rings
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8
South Mineral Campground
SECTION: Columbine
LOCATION: San Juan National Forest- Silverton
CAMPSITES: 26 sites- all first come, first serve
ELEVATION: 9,800 ft
SERVICES: Potable water, Trash, Vault Toilets, Picnic Tables, and Fire Grates
View Campground

All campgrounds we visited had on-site or nearby activities like hiking, fishing, jeeping/OHV trails, biking, and other nearby attractions. Remember, with some planning, you can find the perfect spot for you and your loved ones to create lasting memories in this beautiful forest. 

If you're up for a wilder adventure and to escape the camping crowds, dispersed camping is permitted in many areas of the forest. Just remember to camp at least 100 feet away from water sources and roads, and limit your stay to 14 days before moving at least 3 miles away. We received some great recommendations at the San Juan National Forest Pagosa Ranger Station.  

Essential Tips for RV Camping in San Juan 

First, plan ahead! Most campgrounds here don't offer full hookups, but they do provide the basics. You'll find picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets at most sites. For drinking water, look for the scattered faucets throughout the campgrounds. Make sure to plan accordingly so you are not scrambling to find water or a dump station. 

When it comes to choosing a spot, size matters. Many campgrounds can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet, with some like Williams Creek even welcoming homes on wheels up to 50 feet. Remember reservations can be made up to six months in advance for individual sites and a year ahead for group sites. So, don't wait until the last minute to secure your perfect spot in this beautiful forest! Since our Tiffin Wayfarer RW is under 26ft, we haven’t stayed there ourselves, but the photos look beautiful.  

Sarah and Dustin Bauer cook dinner next to the river at Snowslide Campground in San Juan National Forest.

 We've found that navigating San Juan National Forest in an RV can be an exciting adventure, but it requires some planning, especially if you don’t have a satellite phone or wi-fi. For extra peace of mind, it is crucial to always carry a current topographical map, as cell phone coverage can be unreliable in remote areas. For RV-friendly routes, check out the Motor Vehicle Use Maps to see which routes are open by season and travel type. 

Time To Hit the Road for Your Adventure 

San Juan National Forest offers a wealth of experiences for RV campers like us. From scenic campgrounds, unlimited hiking and mountain biking trails, emerald lakes, and some of the most epic mountain views you could ever imagine. The forest's diverse landscape provides opportunities to hike, bike, fish, and explore historical sites, all while soaking in breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. 

Whether you're seeking family-friendly activities or off-the-beaten-path adventures, San Juan National Forest promises an unforgettable outdoor experience that will keep you coming back for more. 

Sarah & Dustin Bauer

Class C Motorhomes

Class C motorhomes offer outdoor experiences for larger families at a lower price point than Class A Motorcoaches. Recognizable by their raised sleeping or storage areas which extend over the cab of the RV, Class C Motorhomes offer more living space than Class B Motorhomes but are smaller in size and can offer better gas mileage than Class A Motorcoaches.

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