Chris Park
4.8811 reviewsChris Park Road, San Juan NF
Quick Facts
Price
$140 - $280/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
3 campsites
Season
Open from May 2, 202...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$140 - $280/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
3 campsites
Season
Open from May 2, 202...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Chris Park
$140.00 - $280.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary by group size and site features. Group Standard Non-electric sites cost $140 per night, whereas Group Shelter Electric sites are $280 per...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$280.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$280.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(661) 702-1420mandy@rockymountainrec.com
What Campers Say
4.88
Top-Rated
Based on 11 reviews
Most mentioned
clean
Some mention
reservation
"User reviews highlight the campground's suitability for group events, its well-maintained facilities, and the friendliness of the camp hosts. Positive comments center on the cleanliness of the vault toilets, the excellent group amenities, and the beauty of the natural surroundings."
Fees & Passes at Chris Park
$140 - $280/night
Campsite fees
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: 14 nights maximum stay allowed.
Cancellation: A $10 cancellation fee applies for changes made before arrival, with additional penalties for late c...
Prices verified November 24, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Rocky Mountain Recreation website.
Best Time to Camp at Chris Park
Summer at Chris Park brings the quintessential Colorado camping experience – brilliant blue skies, warm sunshine, and refreshingly cool evenings perfect for campfire gatherings. The dry mountain air keeps you comfortable throughout the day, while occasional afternoon breezes rustle through the pines, offering natural air conditioning. These pristine conditions make summer the ideal season for hiking, fishing, and exploring the surrounding wilderness without the worry of frequent storms interrupting your outdoor plans.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 2 to September 27, 2025, and May 8 to September 19, 2026.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open from May 2, 2025 to September 27, 2025, and from May 8, 2026 to September 19, 2026.
About Chris Park
Nestled in the heart of southwestern Colorado's San Juan National Forest, Chris Park Campground offers a unique retreat where history meets hospitality. This thoughtfully designed group camping facility sits just a stone's throw from the sparkling waters of Haviland Lake, making it the perfect basecamp for family reunions, scout troops, and outdoor clubs seeking both adventure and togetherness. Here, beneath towering ponderosa pines, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape that has welcomed travelers for generations, with modern amenities that ensure your group's comfort while exploring the boundless recreation opportunities that surround you.
Chris Park Campground is specifically designed for group camping and events. It features three group sites with amenities suitable for gatherings such as weddings and family reunions.
Historical SignificanceYour camping experience at Chris Park is enriched by the echoes of Colorado's pioneering past. The historic Rico-to-Rockwood Wagon Road cuts right through the campground, its weathered tracks telling tales of prospectors, settlers, and merchants who traversed these mountain passes in the late 1800s. Before the iron horse arrived to transform transportation in the Rockies, this vital artery connected remote mining camps with the outside world. Today, you can walk these same paths, imagining the creak of wagon wheels and the determination of those who carved civilization from the wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsSummer at Chris Park brings the quintessential Colorado camping experience – brilliant blue skies, warm sunshine, and refreshingly cool evenings perfect for campfire gatherings. The dry mountain air keeps you comfortable throughout the day, while occasional afternoon breezes rustle through the pines, offering natural air conditioning. These pristine conditions make summer the ideal season for hiking, fishing, and exploring the surrounding wilderness without the worry of frequent storms interrupting your outdoor plans.
ElevationHigh in Colorado's mountainous terrain, Chris Park Campground offers that perfect alpine camping experience where the air is crisp and the stars shine brilliantly in the clear mountain sky.
Natural Features and SceneryChris Park unfolds across a gentle, welcoming landscape where majestic ponderosa pines stand sentinel over expansive meadows. The campground's thoughtful layout takes advantage of the naturally level terrain, creating comfortable spaces for groups to gather while maintaining a connection to the surrounding wilderness. Just two miles down the road, Haviland Lake beckons with its mirror-like waters reflecting the surrounding peaks – a photographer's dream and an angler's paradise. The interplay of open spaces and forest groves creates diverse microclimates throughout the campground, from sun-drenched gathering areas to cool, shaded retreats perfect for afternoon relaxation.
Geological RegionPositioned within the magnificent San Juan National Forest of southwestern Colorado, Chris Park Campground occupies a remarkable geological setting where ancient forests meet mountain meadows. This region, sculpted by millennia of natural forces, presents a fascinating tapestry of Colorado's diverse ecosystems. The relatively level terrain speaks to the area's unique geological history, while the surrounding peaks remind visitors of the powerful forces that shaped these mountains. The proximity to Haviland Lake and other water features reveals the ongoing work of nature, as snowmelt and rainfall continue to carve and nurture this spectacular landscape.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets and drinking water facilities are available. The campground is located on mostly flat terrain, which may assist individuals with mobility challenges.
Sites SizeThree group sites are available. Sites 1 and 2 accommodate up to 75 people each, while Site 3 accommodates up to 150 and includes additional facilities.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is located in a mostly flat, open area with scattered ponderosa pine trees providing some shade. It is not described as particularly secluded.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 3 is recommended for larger groups due to its capacity (up to 150 people) and the inclusion of amenities such as a covered pavilion and grills.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum stay allowed.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites accommodate large groups, with Site 1 and 2 hosting up to 75 people each, and Site 3 up to 150 people.
Groups
The campground offers three group sites. Sites 1 and 2 can accommodate up to 75 people each, while Site 3 can accommodate up to 150 people. Site 3 includes a picnic shelter with electricity and grills, as well as a volleyball court.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes three group sites with Site 3 featuring a pavilion, electricity, and grills.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 2, 2025 to September 27, 2025, and from May 8, 2026 to September 19, 2026.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit details provided about walk-up or first-come, first-served availability.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies for changes made before arrival, with additional penalties for late cancellations or no-shows. Late cancellations (within 14 days of check-in) forfeit the first night's fee. No-shows incur a $20 fee and forfeit the first night's rate.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Chris Park Campground provides a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, canoeing, and boating. Several nearby trailheads, including the Forebay, Goulding, Elbert Creek, and Purgatory Flats trails, offer options for hikers of various skill levels. The historic Rico-to-Rockwood Wagon Road runs through the campground, providing an additional recreational and educational opportunity.
Hiking
Several trailheads are located near the campground, including Forebay, Goulding, Elbert Creek, and Purgatory Flats. These trails offer diverse experiences for hikers. User reviews mention "easy hikes right from the campground."Fishing
Haviland Lake, located less than two miles from the campground, offers fishing opportunities. Accessible fishing docks are available on the lakeshore.Boating
Boating and canoeing are permitted on the nearby Haviland Lake, which is an 80-acre no-wake lake.Winter Activities
The campground's accessibility during winter is undocumented, but the surrounding San Juan National Forest offers winter activities nearby such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing are popular on Haviland Lake, which is less than two miles away from the campground.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire rings are provided at each site; however, any additional firewood must comply with 'Don't Move Firewood' guidelines.
Hazards
General hazardsNo specific hazards, such as wildlife or terrain, are explicitly mentioned.
Weather at Chris Park
43
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 20%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services are likely located in Durango, CO, 18 miles away. Specific facilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 2 to September 27, 2025, and May 8 to September 19, 2026.
Trash and recyclingInformation not specifically provided, but general waste management is likely in place given the maintained vault toilets.
Proximity to water featuresHaviland Lake, an 80-acre no-wake lake offering fishing, canoeing, and boating opportunities, is located less than two miles from the campground.
Common complaintsSome user reviews highlight issues with the cleanliness of facilities and conflicting reservations.
HostBarbara, the camp host mentioned by guests, is described as friendly and welcoming, contributing to a positive camping experience.
Campground Map
Chris Park Road, San Juan NF
Driving directionsFrom Durango, travel north on Highway 550 for about 18 miles to the campground. Turn at Haviland Lake sign, continue for a half-mile, then turn right at the intersection.
The campground is accessible via a well-maintained paved highway (Highway 550) followed by a short drive on local roads. Clear signage and relatively easy access for most vehicles are noted.Nearby places
Durango, CO: 18 miles
Nearby supplies
Nearest supplies are likely in Durango, CO, 18 miles away. Details on exact stores or locations are not provided.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.9
11 reviews
Chris Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's suitability for group events, its well-maintained facilities, and the friendliness of the camp hosts. Positive comments center on the cleanliness of the vault toilets, the excellent group amenities, and the beauty of the natural surroundings.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users praise the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the general maintenance of the facilities. The picnic shelter and grills at Site 3 receive high praise, and the campground is considered...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
A few users mentioned issues with the camp host allowing other groups to use reserved sites and a decline in facilities maintenance during certain visits.
Based on 11 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Book Site 3 for larger gatherings, as it includes additional amenities like a picnic shelter with electricity and grills. Bring your own firewood to avoid transporting it between locations, following...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer receives the most reviews, with users noting the excellent weather and suitability for group events. Autumn reviews also highlight the good conditions, but fewer reviews were documented for...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The vault toilets were kept extremely clean!' - JEFF S\n2. 'Group campground site #3 is to kill for. It has a huge shelter and lots of picnic tables throughout the shelter.' - JOEL M\n3. 'The...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 3 is highlighted as the premier choice for large groups, with its picnic shelter, electricity, and grills receiving special mention. Site 1 and Site 2 are praised but noted for their slightly...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The campground's flat terrain and accessible vault toilets make it a good option for visitors with mobility challenges. The clean and well-maintained facilities were appreciated by all users,...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 24, 2025
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