Haviland Lake Campground

About

Haviland Lake Campground is a moderate-difficulty camping area located 18 miles north of Durango, Colorado, within the San Juan National Forest. Situated at an elevation of 8,186 feet on the shores of Haviland Lake, the campground offers views of the Hermosa Cliffs. The site operates seasonally from May through September and typically requires about two hours for setup and initial exploration. There are 43 campsites, with 26 reservable and 17 featuring electrical hookups. Many sites are shaded by Ponderosa pines, with some located directly near the lakeshore. The campground accommodates RVs up to 45 feet, tents, and horses or pack animals. Parking is available in spurs for vehicles with wheels, though overflow parking is not provided. Amenities include drinking water, trash pickup, picnic tables, campfire rings, and accessible vault toilets. Firewood is available for purchase or use on-site. The lake is a no-wake area, prohibiting motorized boats and allowing only non-motorized vessels such as kayaks, paddleboards, and boats with electric troll motors. Anglers can fish for rainbow and brown trout from an accessible dock or the shore, requiring a valid Colorado Division of Wildlife fishing license. Several trailheads are nearby, including the Forebay Lake Trail, which leads to a small lake just over a mile east of the campground. The historic Rico-to-Rockwood Wagon Road passes through the area, and a commercial stable offers horseback rides near the entrance. The site is pet-friendly and located in bear country, necessitating safe food storage practices.