Target Tree Campground

Star4.78
164 reviews
San Juan NF, Colorado, USA

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

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Target Tree Campground
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates for standard and equestrian sites are $24 nightly. Additional reservation service fees may vary ($3-$9 depending on booking method).
Standard Site Fee$24.00
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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Provider
(661) 702-1420
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What Campers Say

4.78

Top-Rated

Based on 164 reviews

69 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanfriendly

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

San Juan NF, Colorado, USA

Target Tree Campground

San Juan NF, Colorado, USA

Driving directionsFrom Mancos, take U.S. Highway 160 east for 8.8 miles. Turn left at campground sign and follow the gravel road for 0.3 miles to the campground. From Durango, take U.S. Highway 160 west for 20 miles to the campground sign. Turn right and the follow gravel road for 3 miles to the campground.
Gravel road access of 0.3 miles from Highway 160. Road noise is present due to proximity to the highway.
Nearby places
Mancos: 7 miles. Durango: Approximately 25-30 miles. Mesa Verde National Park: Approximately 20-30 minutes.

Best Time to Camp at Target Tree Campground

Experience the best of mountain climate where warm, sun-drenched days give way to refreshingly cool evenings that invite campfire gatherings and stargazing. During peak season, you'll enjoy predominantly dry conditions with comfortable temperatures that make outdoor adventures a pleasure. The dramatic temperature swings between day and night create that perfect camping atmosphere where morning coffee tastes better and sleeping bags feel cozier.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (May–Sep) praised for warm days, cool nights and clear skies; busy on holidays.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Early fall offers mild temps, clear skies and scenic views; season runs into late Sept.

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

Spring and early summer receive high praise for clear skies and moderate temperatures (positive signals).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonally open May 9–Sept 27; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 9, 2025, through September 27, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Season opens May 9, 2025, and closes September 27, 2025.

About Target Tree Campground

Perched at 7,643 feet in the Colorado high country, Target Tree Campground serves as your gateway to the Southwest's most treasured destinations. Just a scenic drive from the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park and the vibrant mountain towns of Mancos and Durango, this historic campground takes its name from a fascinating chapter in Ute Indian history. Here, centuries-old Ponderosa pines still bear the distinctive scars from when Ute hunters honed their marksmanship skills, while these same majestic trees provided life-sustaining sap and bark that supplemented their traditional diet.
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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

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

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe Narrow Gauge Trail starts within the campground and climbs 3.4 miles to an old railroad grade. User James P mentions, 'Nice hiking trails in the campground,' on September 12, 2022.
BikingMountain biking is mentioned as an activity, though specific trails or difficulty levels are not detailed. User Chris E notes, 'There’s good hiking and mountain biking from the campsite,' on May 31, 2022.
Wildlife viewingBirdwatching is highlighted as a key activity, with a posted sign in the campground listing species found in the area.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsAn accessible interpretive trail provides educational insight into the historic target trees used by Ute Indians.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are a consideration with signs warning campers, yet dumpsters remain open, which could attract wildlife. Coyotes are often heard.

Weather at Target Tree Campground

Reviews

4.8
164 reviews
Top-Rated
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 164 reviews

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...
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Based on 164 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'...
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Based on 164 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...
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Based on 164 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...
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Based on 164 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 164 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

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 025 in Loop B is highlighted as accommodating for...
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Based on 164 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are highlighted positively, such as well-spaced sites and accessible trails. No specific concerns are noted.
Based on 164 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews specifically address pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 164 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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