How much does camping cost at Target Tree Campground?

Camping fees at Target Tree Campground are $24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Target Tree Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Target Tree 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 Target Tree Campground before I book?

Yes! Target Tree Campground has 6 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 Target Tree Campground?

Target Tree Campground is open May 08 to September 26. 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 Target Tree Campground?

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

How many campsites does Target Tree Campground have?

Target Tree Campground has 25 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Target Tree Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Target Tree Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Target Tree Campground?

Target Tree Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Target Tree Campground?

Popular activities at Target Tree Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Target Tree Campground

4.73

237 reviews

San Juan NF, Colorado, USA

Top 2% in COSpring

AReport Card

Featured in:Camping Near Mesa Verde National Park#1 Forest Camping Colorado Desert Camping Colorado +7 more

Quick Facts

7,643 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Season opens May 9, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,643 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Season opens May 9, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Target Tree Campground

$24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Equestrian Nonelectric: $24.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

(661) 702-1420rlynd@goexplorus.com

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Campground Map

San Juan NF, Colorado, USA

Target Tree Campground

San Juan NF, Colorado, USA

Nearby places

Mancos: 7 miles. Durango: Approximately 25-30 miles. Mesa Verde National Park: Approximately 20-30 minutes.

Weather at Target Tree Campground

Best Time to Camp at Target Tree Campground

Best season: spring. Spring delivers the best combination of mild daytime temperatures (roughly 55–70°F) and cool nights (30–40°F), making long hikes and ridge-top mountain biking comfortable without summer heat. Wildflowers, newly leafed Gambel oak and active wildlife make wildlife viewing especially rewarding, and trails are noticeably less crowded than peak summer. Early-season clarity also gives great vistas toward Thompson Park and distant mesas. Peak months: June, May, September, July Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 2% in CO

Spring named best season; mild temps and multiple reviewers praise spring stays.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 26. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens May 9, 2025, and closes September 27, 2025.

About Target Tree Campground

Target Tree Campground sits in the San Juan National Forest at high elevation, operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation. This small alpine campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness and attentive camp host, though highway noise is noticeable.

Target Tree Campground offers a mix of camping accommodations, including individual, group, and equestrian sites. RVs, tents, and trailers are welcome, though large RVs may face challenges due to site dimensions.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring delivers the best combination of mild daytime temperatures (roughly 55–70°F) and cool nights (30–40°F), making long hikes and ridge-top mountain biking comfortable without summer heat. Wildflowers, newly leafed Gambel oak and active wildlife make wildlife viewing especially rewarding, and trails are noticeably less crowded than peak summer. Early-season clarity also gives great vistas toward Thompson Park and distant mesas. Peak months: June, May, September, July Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation7643 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a south-facing slope where Ponderosa pine forest transitions into Gambel oak woodland. Volcanic soils and sedimentary geology create the foundation for this mix. From the sites, you look down onto Thompson Park's grasslands. The aspect means abundant sunshine, with tree cover providing dappled shade throughout most of the campground. Spring wildflowers and the oak's seasonal leaf changes add visual texture to the ridges and slopes.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesAn accessible interpretive trail provides educational insight into the historic target trees used by Ute Indians.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Groups

The group site can accommodate up to 50 people and 10 vehicles, offering pull-through and parallel RV sites and two divided corrals for equestrian campers.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilitySeveral campsites meet accessibility standards, and an accessible interpretive trail is available for viewing a historic target tree.

Site SizeSites are described as large and spacious, accommodating tents, trailers, RVs, and equestrian setups.

PrivacyThe sites provide good privacy due to the layout and spacing between them. Multiple reviews emphasize the secluded and private nature of the sites, such as 'The layout is such that each site feels private' from Samantha W on August 31, 2020.

Total Campsites25 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites farther away from the highway to minimize noise. Sites with tent platforms include tie-down rings aiding stabilization in windy conditions.

Best CampsitesSites 2, 6, 13, and 14 get specific mentions in reviews for privacy and proximity to amenities. Sites 25 and 26 accommodate livestock for equestrian campers. If highway noise bothers you, choose sites farther from the road.

Need help booking Target Tree Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Target Tree Campground offers a variety of amenities suited for individual, group, and equestrian camping. Located at a scenic elevation of 7,643 feet, it provides vault toilets, potable water, trash collection, picnic tables, fire rings, and two divided corrals for equestrian campers. The individual sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, while the group site accommodates up to 50 people and 10 vehicles. The campground is well-maintained and frequently praised for its cleanliness. Several user reviews emphasize the diligence of the camp host in maintaining spotless vault toilets and grounds.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Target Tree Campground

Target Tree Campground offers diverse recreational activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and horseback riding. The Narrow Gauge Trail provides a challenging hike of 3.4 miles up to an old railroad grade. Birding opportunities are abundant, with a posted sign listing species in the area.

Hiking4.0/5

Narrow Gauge Trail starts in campground; 3.4 mi climb to an old railroad grade.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Scenic overlooks, private sites, pine/oak woodland and grassland views lend good photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground provides vault toilets. Many reviews praise their cleanliness, such as 'The vault toilets were super CLEAN! No flies, spiders, etc!!' from Janice F on July 19, 2021.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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

Rate Target Tree Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.7

237 reviews

Top-Rated

Target Tree Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Target Tree Campground are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing cleanliness, convenience, and the exceptional camp host. Common highlights include the spaciousness and privacy of sites as well as the proximity to attractions like Mesa Verde and Durango.

Review Summaries

Based on 237 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 237 reviews.

Site 019 (Loop A)Loved
Site 019 (Loop A) is noted for significant road noise, while sites like 006 (Loop A) and 013 (Loop A) are praised for privacy and cleanliness.
Site 025Loved
Site 025 in Loop B is highlighted as accommodating for larger rigs, such as a 36' fifth wheel.

What Campers Love

Reviews universally praise the cleanliness of the campground, particularly the vault toilets and general grounds. The host is frequently described as friendly, helpful, and diligent. Comments like...

Based on 237 reviews

Common Concerns

The most frequent complaints involve road noise from nearby Highway 160, which some users found disruptive. Examples include 'The location was not desirable...you’ll hear nothing but highway traffic'...

Based on 237 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend choosing sites further from the road to avoid noise. Bringing a comfortable base for tent camping is also suggested due to the pebble surfaces. For equestrian campers, sites 25 and...

Based on 237 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and early summer receive high praise for clear skies and moderate temperatures, although later summer may experience higher heat levels. Memorial Day and holiday weekends are noted as busy but...

Based on 237 reviews

Camper Quotes

Examples include 'The vault toilets were as clean as any I’ve ever seen' (Jason G, July 10, 2022) and 'Sites are clean and private. Camp host was super friendly' (Julianne S, July 25, 2021).

Based on 237 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are highlighted positively, such as well-spaced sites and accessible trails. No specific concerns are noted.

Based on 237 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews specifically address pet policies or pet-related experiences.

Based on 237 reviews

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Target Tree Campground

$24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Equestrian Nonelectric: $24.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(661) 702-1420rlynd@goexplorus.com

Go if

You want a tidy high-elevation base camp for spring hiking with helpful hosts and don't mind road sounds.

Skip if

You need quiet isolation or plan to visit outside the seasonal operating window.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nestled at 7,800 feet among towering ponderosa pines, Mancos Campground offers a peaceful mountain retreat where Jackson Gulch Reservoir sparkles below and the San Juan Mountains paint the horizon. Two developed camping loops plus cozy heated yurts provide comfortable no-hookup camping, while the shoreline beckons with fishing poles, kayaks, and trails waiting to be explored.

Target Tree Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Target Tree Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Target Tree Campground

Best Time to Camp at Target Tree Campground

Planning Tips

About Target Tree Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Target Tree Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Target Tree Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

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How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

RV information

Directions

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Target Tree Campground

Best Time to Camp at Target Tree Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Target Tree Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Target Tree Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns