Lower Hermosa Campground

4.28

57 reviews

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Quick Facts

8,500 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Columbine Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,500 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Columbine Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Lower Hermosa Campground

$18.00 - $18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Lower Hermosa Campground charges $18 per night for all campsites. Fees are paid on-site as reservations are not accepted. All sites are first-come,...

Standard Site Fee$18.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

(970) 884-2512null

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What Campers Say

4.28

Satisfactory

Based on 57 reviews

48 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousfriendlysites

"User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the campground's cleanliness, privacy, and proximity to the Hermosa Creek Trail. The absence of water on-site and occasional noise disturbances were noted."

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Campground Map

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Lower Hermosa Campground

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Driving directionsFrom Durango, CO: Travel north on Highway 550 for approximately 14 miles. Turn left (west) at Hermosa onto County Road 201 which becomes Forest Rd. 576. Head approximately 4 miles to the campground entrance.

"Keep in mind that the asphalt road turns into a 1-2 miles of gravel road to get to the camp spot." - User Review by Dalton Campbell. Roads are gravel for the last stretch but relatively smooth and passable according to users.

Nearby places

Durango: Approximately 14 miles and 30 minutes.

Nearby supplies

Supplies available in Durango, approximately 30 minutes away.

Best Time to Camp at Lower Hermosa Campground

From May through September, Lower Hermosa transforms into a high-altitude haven where mountain weather keeps you on your toes. Summer days can reach a pleasant 81°F, perfect for trail adventures, while crisp nights remind you of the elevation with temperatures that can plunge to near freezing. Early season visitors in May might wake to a dusting of snow on their tent, while September campers witness golden aspens against dramatically changing skies. The campground's elevation means afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly, bringing refreshing rain showers that enhance the pine-scented air. Winter extremes have recorded bone-chilling lows of 7°F, making the summer season all the more precious for those seeking this mountain escape.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May–Sept; summer temps ~81°F and peak season for trails and biking.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Campground closes Sept 15; early fall pleasant but season is short.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens Memorial Day weekend — limited late-spring access; conditions variable at 8,500 ft.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed in winter (seasonal opening through Sept 15).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May through September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through September 15.
Current Alerts: No current advisories, but past fire damage is visible.

About Lower Hermosa Campground

Nestled at 8,500 feet in the San Juan National Forest, Lower Hermosa Campground serves as a gateway to adventure for outdoor enthusiasts seeking authentic wilderness experiences. This rustic, single-loop campground draws hikers eager to explore the renowned Hermosa Creek Trail, anglers casting lines in pristine mountain waters, and mountain bikers tackling challenging terrain. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach without running water, it provides essential amenities including vault toilets, sturdy picnic tables, and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings under starlit skies. Though horses must stay at the nearby equestrian-friendly trailhead with dedicated corrals and hitching posts, the campground itself offers an intimate basecamp for those ready to explore Colorado's rugged backcountry on foot or wheels.

Lower Hermosa Campground offers 19 first-come, first-serve sites suitable for tent and RV camping. There is a separate area for horse camping at the nearby trailhead.

Historical SignificanceThe Hermosa Creek corridor tells a powerful story of nature's resilience and renewal. Past wildfires have sculpted this landscape into a living classroom of forest regeneration, where new growth emerges triumphantly among charred remnants of the past. As seasoned visitor Greg Hager observes, 'The forest will not regenerate unless there is a fire,' highlighting the essential role these natural events play in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Today's campers witness firsthand how fire shapes and renews these ancient forests, creating a mosaic of habitats that support diverse wildlife and offer a profound connection to the natural cycles that have defined this region for millennia.

Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Lower Hermosa transforms into a high-altitude haven where mountain weather keeps you on your toes. Summer days can reach a pleasant 81°F, perfect for trail adventures, while crisp nights remind you of the elevation with temperatures that can plunge to near freezing. Early season visitors in May might wake to a dusting of snow on their tent, while September campers witness golden aspens against dramatically changing skies. The campground's elevation means afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly, bringing refreshing rain showers that enhance the pine-scented air. Winter extremes have recorded bone-chilling lows of 7°F, making the summer season all the more precious for those seeking this mountain escape.

ElevationPerched at 8,500 feet above sea level, Lower Hermosa Campground offers a true high-country experience where the air is crisp, thin, and invigorating. At this elevation, morning coffee tastes better as you watch mist rise from the valleys below, though newcomers should pace themselves as their bodies adjust to the altitude. The thin air means cooler temperatures year-round—pack that extra layer even in July—and spectacular star viewing on clear nights when you feel closer to the cosmos. This elevated paradise rewards those who venture high with pristine air, fewer crowds, and the kind of profound quiet only found where the forest meets the sky.

Natural Features and SceneryLower Hermosa captivates visitors with its dramatic landscape of towering Ponderosa pines and sturdy Gambel oaks creating a natural cathedral overhead. As one enchanted camper noted, 'There's something unbelievably amazing about hiking through a grove of mature ponderosa pines. Even though a fire went through, the charred remains add rugged beauty.' This is nature's gallery where fire-sculpted trees stand as monuments to resilience, their blackened trunks contrasting beautifully with vibrant new undergrowth. Steep dropoffs reveal sweeping vistas of the surrounding wilderness, while dappled sunlight filters through the recovering canopy. The interplay of shadow and light, coupled with the aromatic blend of pine resin and mountain air, creates an atmosphere that's both humbling and rejuvenating.

Geological RegionSituated within the spectacular Hermosa Special Management Area of the San Juan National Forest, Lower Hermosa Campground occupies a unique ecological niche where diverse mountain ecosystems converge. This protected landscape showcases the dramatic topography of southwestern Colorado, with steep canyon walls giving way to gentler forested slopes adorned with stately Ponderosa pines and gnarled Gambel oaks. The area's geology tells an ancient story written in stone and soil, while more recent chapters are visible in the fire-adapted forest that demonstrates nature's remarkable ability to heal and thrive. This special management designation ensures that future generations will continue to experience the raw beauty and ecological importance of this recovering forest landscape, where every visit offers new discoveries among the regenerating groves.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 pm

Check-out

12:00 pm

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is capped at 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 people allowed per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSingle loop with 19 sites; includes areas for equestrian camping at an adjacent trailhead.

Reservation PlatformsReservations not accepted; all sites are first-come, first-serve.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll 19 sites are walk-up and first-come, first-serve. Sites fill up later in the evening according to user reviews.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation is not applicable as reservations are not accepted.

AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available.

Site SizeUser reviews suggest the campsites are big and level, with room for RVs up to 30 feet.

PrivacySites are relatively private, with one user describing them as "private with fire rings and picnic tables.

Total Campsites19 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites 7 or 9 for proximity to trailheads and relative privacy.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Lower Hermosa Campground provides direct access to Hermosa Creek Trail #514, a 25-mile singletrack trail popular among hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, fishermen, and motorized singletrack users. This trail offers opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to experience steep drop-offs, diverse ecosystems, and scenic views. Horse camping amenities are available just outside the campground. However, there are no designated swimming, boating, or fishing facilities on-site.

HikingThe campground serves as a trailhead for Hermosa Creek Trail #514, which spans 25 miles. It is described as a singletrack trail with steep drop-offs and is popular among hikers, bikers, and motorized users. User Greg Hager highlighted the beauty of mature ponderosa pines along the trail, noting: "There's something unbelievably amazing about hiking through a grove of mature ponderosa pines."

BikingHermosa Creek Trail #514 is highly popular among mountain bikers. User Dalton Campbell noted: "Some of the trails were bike and Moto accessible."

Wildlife viewingThe surrounding area is rich in wildlife, with users commenting on bird life and the regenerating forest. Harrison Karr noted: "Lots of bird life."

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife presence in the area. Users recommend practicing bear-safe food storage.

Active AlertsNo current advisories, but past fire damage is visible.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10pm to 6am.

Emergency ServicesColumbine Ranger District Office at 367 Pearl Street Bayfield, CO 81122. Phone: (970) 884-2512. Hours: Friday only, 10:00am-4:30pm (Closed on federal holidays).

Trash & RecyclingTrash pickup services are available. Campers are advised to follow 'pack it in, pack it out' principles.

Water FeaturesNo water bodies nearby.

Camp HostCamp hosts are described variably as friendly and welcoming: "The host was so friendly, really cared about us." - User Review by Carol Clover. However, one user noted concerns about aggressive dogs and behavior.

Weather at Lower Hermosa Campground

Reviews

4.3

57 reviews

Satisfactory

Lower Hermosa Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the campground's cleanliness, privacy, and proximity to the Hermosa Creek Trail. The absence of water on-site and occasional noise disturbances were noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 57 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets, private and spacious campsites, friendly camp hosts, and proximity to a 25-mile trail.

Based on 57 reviews

Common Concerns

No potable water available, occasional noise disturbances, reports of homeless individuals in the area.

Based on 57 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water supply, arrive early on weekends to secure a site, and check out campsites #7 and #9 as recommended by users.

Based on 57 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Memorial Day weekend and early summer are popular times, with quieter periods observed in late summer. The campground may be less crowded during weekdays.

Based on 57 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "The vault toilets were shockingly clean, always had TP and actually smelled pretty good." (Marcella Olds) - "Spacious, private sites with fire rings and picnic tables." (Megan Kotlus) - "Clean pit...

Based on 57 reviews