Junction Creek Campground

Star4.67
451 reviews
1499 FDR 171, DURANGO, CO 81301, USA
Great Hiking

Quick Facts

7,300 ft

Price

$32 - $150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

185 campsites

Season

Peak season runs fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation site

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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Junction Creek Campground
$32.00 - $150.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season nightly rates range from $32 for standard non-electric sites to $150 for group picnic areas. Electric sites range from $45 to $82...
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Standard Site Fee$32.00
Hookup Site Fee$45.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$125.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
661-702-1420mandy@rockymountainrec.com
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What Campers Say

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 451 reviews

164 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanspacioussites

Some mention

unlevelcell service

"Junction Creek Campground receives high praise for its spacious, well-maintained sites, exceptionally clean vault toilets, and proximity to Durango and the Colorado Trail. The dirt road leading to the campground is often criticized for its washboard condition, but most visitors find the overall experience worthwhile."

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Campground Map

1499 FDR 171, DURANGO, CO 81301, USA

Junction Creek Campground

1499 FDR 171, DURANGO, CO 81301, USA

Driving directionsFrom Main Street in Durango, travel west on 25th Street (across from the fairgrounds entrance) for just over three miles to the forest boundary. Continue just over a mile to the campground entrance. The day-use area loops to the left.
The road to the campground includes about 1.5 miles of gravel and washboard conditions, requiring careful navigation. Many reviews note that the road can be rough, especially in rainy conditions. It is manageable with all vehicle types, but caution is recommended for trailers and low-ground clearance vehicles.
Nearby places
Durango (6 miles, approximately 15-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials are available in downtown Durango, approximately 6 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Junction Creek Campground

At 7,300 feet, Junction Creek transforms with the seasons in spectacular fashion. Summer brings golden days perfect for exploration, though wise campers pack layers for the crisp mountain evenings that remind you why sleeping bags were invented. Nature adds her own drama with afternoon thunderstorms that roll through like clockwork, washing the forest clean and filling the air with the intoxicating scent of rain on pine needles. As autumn approaches, the gambel oaks burst into fiery displays, while early spring visitors might wake to find their tents dusted with fairy-tale snow.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers best weather and trail access though it's the busiest season with some crowd/noise.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn is quieter and very pleasant with fewer bugs and crisp evenings.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 16% in CO

Spring is noted as quieter and pleasant, with fewer bugs and good trail access (pre-peak).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Peak season ends Sept 27; off-season reservations limited and winter activities aren't highlighted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 2–September 27.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Peak season runs from May 2 to September 27, with first-come-first-served sites available June 21–25. Out-of-season reservations are not permitted.
  • Current Alerts: No specific alerts are currently mentioned.

About Junction Creek Campground

Nestled in the heart of Colorado's wilderness near Durango, Junction Creek Campground beckons adventurers to a serene mountain retreat where towering ponderosa pines and graceful gambel oaks create a natural cathedral. This hidden gem serves as your personal basecamp for exploring the legendary Colorado Trail, where morning hikes reveal misty mountain vistas and afternoon bike rides wind through sun-dappled forests. The melodic waters of Junction Creek provide a soundtrack for anglers seeking rainbow trout, while families gather around evening campfires beneath star-studded skies.
Junction Creek Campground caters to a range of camping preferences, including tent, RV, and group camping. Specific loops like Loop E offer electric hookups, making them suitable for larger rigs and RVs.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Junction Creek Campground offers a variety of activities including hiking, biking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and camping. The Colorado Trail, which begins nearby, is a centerpiece attraction for hiking and mountain biking, extending 500 miles to Denver. Fishing opportunities are available for rainbow and brook trout in Junction Creek and upstream.
HikingThe Colorado Trail and Logchute Trail System provide excellent hiking opportunities. Trails feature diverse terrain, ranging from subalpine forests to alpine meadows above the timberline. Gudy's Rest is a recommended lookout on the Colorado Trail.
FishingFishing is available in Junction Creek and upstream, with rainbow and brook trout being common catches. Skilled anglers are advised to try locations further upstream for better prospects.
BikingMountain biking is popular on the Colorado Trail and Logchute Trail System, with trails catering to different skill levels.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include chipmunks and birds like the ethereal hermit thrush. Be mindful of rodents like mice and chipmunks potentially entering campsites.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area is home to bears, rodents, and other wildlife, requiring campers to practice safe food storage techniques.
Active AlertsNo specific alerts are currently mentioned.

Weather at Junction Creek Campground

Reviews

4.7
451 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Junction Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Junction Creek Campground receives high praise for its spacious, well-maintained sites, exceptionally clean vault toilets, and proximity to Durango and the Colorado Trail. The dirt road leading to the campground is often criticized for its washboard condition, but most visitors find the overall experience worthwhile.
Review Summaries
Based on 451 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently highlight the cleanliness of the vault toilets, the helpfulness of camp hosts, spacious and private campsites, and the campground's peaceful setting. Electric hookups in Loop E...
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Based on 451 reviews

Common Concerns

The gravel road leading to the campground is a recurring issue, described as extremely dusty and washboard. Some sites lack level ground, and solar panels may be limited due to tree cover. Cell...
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Based on 451 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a booster for better cell service in Loop E. Come prepared with full water tanks for RVs, as spigots are non-threaded. Consider weekdays for quieter stays, and keep pets well-trained as...
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Based on 451 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the busiest season, with some complaints about crowded sites and ATV noise. Spring and autumn provide quieter and more pleasant experiences, with fewer bugs.
Based on 451 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Vault toilets were the cleanest public bathrooms I’ve ever encountered.' 2. 'The hosts do rounds several times a day and keep everything immaculate.' 3. 'The road up is gravel and quite...
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Based on 451 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Loop E is consistently praised for its electric hookups, spacious sites, and suitability for RVs. Site E8, a double site, is noted for its size but limited shade.
Based on 451 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible parking and vault toilets are available. Large-group shelters are equipped with electricity, enhancing usability for disabled campers.
Based on 451 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are common but off-leash behavior is frequently noted. Responsible pet ownership is encouraged to maintain the campground's welcoming environment.
Based on 451 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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