How much does camping cost at Haviland Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Haviland Lake Campground are $32 - $98/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Haviland Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Haviland Lake Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Haviland Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Haviland Lake Campground has 11 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Haviland Lake Campground?

Haviland Lake Campground is open May 08 to September 19. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Haviland Lake Campground?

Haviland Lake Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Haviland Lake Campground have?

Haviland Lake Campground has 98 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Haviland Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Haviland Lake Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Haviland Lake Campground?

Haviland Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Haviland Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Haviland Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Haviland Lake Campground

4.36

536 reviews

Haviland Lake Road, San Juan NF, Durango, CO, USA

B+Report Card

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

8,705 ft

Price

$32 - $98/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

98 campsites

Season

Open from May 2, 202...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,705 ft

Price

$32 - $98/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

98 campsites

Season

Open from May 2, 202...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Haviland Lake Campground

$32.00 - $98.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC- PREMIUM: $53.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC- DOUBLE SITE: $82.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC- PREMIUM DOUBLE SITE: $98.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC:...

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

661-702-1420rlynd@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Haviland Lake Road, San Juan NF, Durango, CO, USA

Haviland Lake Campground

Haviland Lake Road, San Juan NF, Durango, CO, USA

Nearby places

Durango: 18 miles, approximately 30-minute drive.

Weather at Haviland Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Haviland Lake Campground

Best season: fall. Early fall (particularly September) offers the best combination of weather, color, and solitude at 8,700+ feet — expect crisp days in the upper 40s–60s°F and cool nights dipping into the 20s–30s°F. Aspen and willow around Haviland Lake put on good color and hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing (elk rut in September) are at their peak while campsites thin out compared with midsummer. Daylight is still long enough for full-day outings but the crowds are noticeably lighter and the air is: Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Best season: aspens, elk, crisp days and quieter conditions at high elevation.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 19. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 2, 2025, to September 27, 2025. First-come, first-served availability from June 20 to June 24, 2025.

About Haviland Lake Campground

Haviland Lake Campground sits at 8,700 feet in San Juan National Forest, 18 miles north of Durango. Rocky Mountain Recreation operates this large alpine campground with tent, RV, and primitive sites around a fishing and boating lake. Fall brings aspen color, elk activity, and fewer crowds, while summer draws families for lakeside recreation and access to surrounding trails.

Haviland Lake Campground accommodates a variety of camping preferences, from tent camping to RV sites with electric hookups. Some sites are located near the lake offering scenic views.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Early fall (particularly September) offers the best combination of weather, color, and solitude at 8,700+ feet — expect crisp days in the upper 40s–60s°F and cool nights dipping into the 20s–30s°F. Aspen and willow around Haviland Lake put on good color and hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing (elk rut in September) are at their peak while campsites thin out compared with midsummer. Daylight is still long enough for full-day outings but the crowds are noticeably lighter and the air is: Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8705 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines shade most campsites. The Hermosa Cliffs rise behind the lake, catching morning and evening light. At this elevation, the forest supports elk, wildflowers, and thick stands of conifers. Aspens and willows around the lakeshore turn color in September. The basin geology dates back millions of years, shaped by ancient erosion that carved out the lake bed.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available, but the campground provides tent pads and RV accommodations as mentioned in user reviews.

Programs & ActivitiesPrograms are not mentioned explicitly.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Visitors may stay up to 14 nights per visit within a rolling 30-day period.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or its mobile app.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are provided. Some campsites have flat terrain, but the hilly and uneven landscape may limit access in certain areas.

Site SizeSites vary in size. For example, site #42 was noted to accommodate a 34' RV, but some users reported difficulty with larger RVs.

PrivacyPrivacy levels differ across sites. Many sites are wooded and secluded, but some, like site #13, were criticized for being too close to roads or other sites.

Total Campsites98 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 45 is ideal for tent camping or small camper vans but not suitable for larger RVs due to size constraints. Site 42 is noted for its lake access.

Best CampsitesSites 42, 43, and 45 get high marks for lake views and proximity to the water. Site 42 fits a 34' RV. Site 13 sits too close to the road and other sites. Some larger RVs struggle with site sizes, so check Recreation.gov dimensions before booking.

Need help booking Haviland Lake Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Haviland Lake Campground offers a variety of amenities catering to campers seeking both comfort and a natural setting. The campground includes accessible vault toilets, potable water stations, picnic tables, campfire rings, and electricity hookups at selected sites. Some user reviews provide contrasting views about the amenities. For example, one user praised the restrooms as 'spotless' and 'odorless,' while another noted the lack of toilet paper during the off-season.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Haviland Lake Campground

Haviland Lake Campground offers a range of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. The lake, despite seasonal changes in water levels, serves as a focal point for many of these activities.

Hiking4.0/5

Multiple trailheads accessible from campground; Forebay Lake ~1 mile away.

Fishing4.0/5

Popular lake fishing for rainbow and brown trout; lake is a focal activity.

Boating4.0/5

Canoeing/kayaking allowed; lake is a no-wake zone for peaceful paddling.

Water Sports4.0/5

Lake allows canoeing and kayaking; tranquil no-wake conditions ideal.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation and national forest setting suggest good dark skies (inferred).

Photography4.0/5Hermosa Cliffs, aspens, lakeshore light and wildlife provide strong photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; accessible vault toilets are provided instead. Reviews frequently highlight their cleanliness and maintenance.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

536 reviews

Recommended

Haviland Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Haviland Lake Campground are mixed due to seasonal water levels and mosquito issues. However, recurring themes include clean facilities, helpful camp hosts, and picturesque settings.

Review Summaries

Based on 536 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 536 reviews.

Site #42Loved
Site #42 was noted for challenging RV backing angles but praised for proximity to the lake.
Site #13Mentioned
Site #13 was criticized for being too close to the road.

What Campers Love

Campground hosts are frequently praised for being attentive and friendly. Vault toilets are highly rated for cleanliness, and the lake and surrounding trails are appreciated for their natural beauty.

Based on 536 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquitoes are a major issue during summer months. Some sites lack privacy or adequate space, especially for larger RVs. The absence of a dump station and water hookups for RVs is also noted.

Based on 536 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito repellent and camp during cooler months for fewer insects. Verify site descriptions on Recreation.gov for accurate suitability, particularly for larger RVs.

Based on 536 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often focus on mosquitoes and the lake's water levels. Fall reviews cite quieter conditions and reduced amenities. Winter data is unavailable.

Based on 536 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Camp hosts were diligent about caring for the facilities and were often seen moving about and checking on things.' - User Review. 'The lake was drained but it's still a wonderful campground.' - User...

Based on 536 reviews