Duran Canyon Campground

Star4.64
15 reviews
15160 State Road 75, Peñasco, NM 87553

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$7 - $14/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day we...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Camino Real Ranger District site

Official Website
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Duran Canyon Campground
$7.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard campsite fee is $14 per night, which includes parking for one vehicle. Senior or Access pass holders are charged $7 per night. Additional...
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Standard Site Fee$14.00
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
575-587-2255
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What Campers Say

4.64

Top-Rated

Based on 15 reviews

11 Google reviews

"User reviews for Duran Canyon Campground are mixed. While the area is praised for its scenic beauty, accessibility issues on rocky terrain have been highlighted by users."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

15160 State Road 75, Peñasco, NM 87553

Duran Canyon Campground

15160 State Road 75, Peñasco, NM 87553

Driving directionsFrom Penasco, NM, take State Rt. 75 east 4.8 miles to 'T' intersection (State Rt. 518). Turn right onto Rt. 518 (unmarked) and go 8.3 miles to La Junta Canyon (Forest Rt. 76) sign. Turn left at sign onto Rt. 76 (dirt and gravel) and go 2 miles to campground sign. Turn right across low water bridge into campground.
Forest Road 76 is dirt and gravel and becomes increasingly rocky further up the hill, potentially requiring a lifted truck for safe navigation. The road is seasonally closed to vehicles from January 1 to April 30 each year.
Nearby places
Penasco, NM (approximately 15 miles, estimated travel time not provided).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies available in Peñasco, NM. No details on specific stores or fuel stations provided.

Best Time to Camp at Duran Canyon Campground

Experience the dramatic beauty of four distinct seasons at Duran Canyon, where temperatures dance between winter's crisp 32°F mornings and summer's pleasant 76°F afternoons. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland, while spring brings the excitement of melting snow and rushing creeks. Summer offers ideal hiking conditions with warm days and cool mountain nights, and fall paints the forest in golden hues. Come prepared for mountain weather's quick changes and embrace the magic of high-altitude camping.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open Memorial Day–Labor Day; pleasant summer temps (~76°F) and trail access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closes after Labor Day; fall visitation limited/closed.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Closed until Memorial Day weekend; spring season not applicable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed in winter; winter recreation not supported onsite.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, weather dependent.

About Duran Canyon Campground

Escape to Duran Canyon Campground, where 12 intimate campsites line the gentle banks of Duran Creek, creating a peaceful mountain retreat for both tent campers and RV adventurers. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to wilderness exploration, with the La Cueva Lake Trail #8 and Duran/Policarpio Trail #13 beginning right at your doorstep. Wake up to the sound of babbling creek water and step directly onto trails that wind through the magnificent Carson National Forest, making this the perfect basecamp for hikers seeking authentic backcountry experiences.
Duran Canyon Campground primarily caters to tent camping with two combined sites that are RV-friendly.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Camping is limited to a maximum of 14 days, whether consecutive or not, in any 45-day period.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Duran Canyon Campground offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. Hunting and shooting are also listed as recreational activities nearby.
HikingThe campground provides access to two trails: the La Cueva Lake Trail #8 and the Duran/Policarpio Trail #13. Additionally, a 3-mile foot trail, Duran Canyon Trail, is nearby.
FishingFishing is available in the nearby stream, with rainbow trout being stocked.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rocky terrain on roads, which increases further uphill, and weather-dependent accessibility during seasons with snow or heavy rainfall.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Duran Canyon Campground

Reviews

4.6
15 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Duran Canyon Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Duran Canyon Campground are mixed. While the area is praised for its scenic beauty, accessibility issues on rocky terrain have been highlighted by users.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the 'beautiful' natural surroundings of the campground.
Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

A common complaint mentioned in user reviews is that 'all the camping sites were filled in the front by RVs,' and the further areas were difficult to access due to rocky terrain.
Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend having a lifted truck or a vehicle suited to off-road conditions to navigate the rocky terrain leading to upper campsites.
Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

"It was beautiful but showing up on a Thursday late afternoon all the camping sites were filled in the front by RVs. And the further you go up, the rockier it is."
Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some reviews indicate that sites in the front are taken up by RVs, while upper sites are more challenging to reach without a suitable vehicle.
Based on 15 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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