Lower Hermosa Campground

About

Lower Hermosa Campground is a moderate-difficulty, first-come, first-served site in the San Juan National Forest, located 14 miles northwest of Durango at an elevation of 7,719 feet. The campground contains 19 sites accessible via Forest Road 576, which is a dirt road suitable for vehicles and RVs up to 30 feet. Sites are spacious, shaded by trees, and equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, and grills. Restrooms are pit-style and generally well-maintained. There is no on-site water or trash collection, requiring visitors to bring their own water and pack out waste. The Hermosa Creek Trail #514 begins at the parking lot, offering direct access for hiking and mountain biking. While horses are not permitted inside the campground itself, an adjacent corral at the trailhead allows for overnight horse camping. The site is open from May through September, though cooler nights in early May may require extra layers. Cell service is available, with Verizon reporting decent to good reception.