Chris Park Group Campground

For Colorado locals planning a large family reunion, a scout troop outing, a corporate retreat, or any significant group gathering, finding the perfect outdoor venue can be a challenge. Look no further than Chris Park Group Campground, nestled in the stunning San Juan National Forest near Durango. This campground is specifically designed to accommodate large parties, offering ample space and essential amenities to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone. It's a cherished spot where collective memories are forged amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Colorado mountains.

Chris Park Group Campground consistently receives high praise from visitors for its ability to host "Group camping with lots of space." The feedback highlights the thoughtful provisions, such as "a few fire pits in each of the three camping areas" and "a few tables," ensuring that even large groups have comfortable gathering points. The cleanliness of the facilities is also a recurring positive, with guests noting that "The bathrooms are clean." And the enthusiastic remark, "It was amazing! We will definitely be back. Chadwick was the best host EVER," truly speaks to the exceptional service and welcoming atmosphere you can expect here.

While Chris Park offers a more rustic experience with no running water directly at the sites, its focus on large group accommodation, combined with essential facilities and the natural beauty of the San Juan National Forest, makes it a prime choice. Whether your group is planning a wedding, a fiesta, or simply a multi-family camping trip, Chris Park Group Campground provides the ideal setting for a truly Colorado outdoor adventure.

Chris Park Group Campground boasts a prime location that balances convenient access with immersive natural beauty within the San Juan National Forest. You'll find this dedicated group camping area at 900 Chris Park Rd, Durango, CO 81301, USA. Its strategic placement is approximately 18 miles north of Durango, providing a relatively short and scenic drive from the city center.

To reach the campground from Durango, visitors typically travel north on Highway 550 for about 18 miles. A turn at the Haviland Lake sign will direct you, and then a half-mile further, a right turn at an intersection leads directly to the campground. This straightforward access is a significant advantage for large groups traveling with multiple vehicles and varied equipment, as it minimizes logistical challenges typically associated with more remote campgrounds.

The campground is situated in a mostly flat, open area, providing easy maneuverability for vehicles and ample space for group activities. While shaded by scattered ponderosa pine trees, it offers enough openness to feel spacious. Its close proximity to Haviland Lake, less than two miles away, is a major draw. This 80-acre, no-wake lake provides additional recreational opportunities like boating, canoeing, and fishing, all easily accessible from the campground. This blend of accessibility to major roads and proximity to popular natural attractions makes Chris Park Group Campground an ideal and highly convenient location for any group event in the Durango area.

Chris Park Group Campground is specifically designed to cater to the needs of large gatherings, offering a suite of services and amenities that prioritize comfort and functionality for big groups. While some facilities are primitive to maintain the natural setting, the essentials for group camping are well-provided.

• Three Dedicated Group Sites: The campground features three distinct group sites. Sites 1 and 2 are spacious, each capable of accommodating up to 75 people. Site 3 is even larger, designed to host up to 150 people, making it perfect for very large events.
• Picnic Tables: Each of the three camping areas is equipped with multiple picnic tables, providing ample seating and dining surfaces for large groups.
• Multiple Fire Pits/Rings: To facilitate group gatherings and cooking, "a few fire pits" are available in each of the three camping areas, allowing for multiple campfires simultaneously (subject to fire restrictions). Grills are also provided.
• Vault Toilets: The campground features "clean" vault toilets, ensuring essential restroom facilities are well-maintained and accessible, although there is "no running water" directly at these facilities, requiring campers to plan accordingly.
• Potable Drinking Water: While not always at every site, potable drinking water is available within the campground, often via a hand pump or central spigot, requiring campers to bring containers for transport.
• Group Pavilion with Electricity: Site 3, designed for the largest groups, includes a picnic shelter with electricity and grills, offering a covered gathering space ideal for events, meals, or shelter from the elements.
• Volleyball Court: A volleyball court is located near Site 3, providing a dedicated recreational area for group sports and activities.
• Horseshoe Pits: Horseshoe pits are also available, adding another fun outdoor game option for campers.
• RV Access and Electrical Hookups: While the general information notes "no running water" at the bathrooms, Site 3 specifically offers "electricity and RV access," suggesting some hookup capabilities for larger vehicles.
• Trash Collection: Trash pickup is provided, making waste management convenient for large groups.
• Accessible Sites and Facilities: The campground strives to be accessible, with features like accessible vault toilets and fishing docks at nearby Haviland Lake.

Chris Park Group Campground truly shines with its unique features and highlights, making it a standout choice for large group gatherings in the Colorado outdoors. These aspects are what contribute to the "amazing" experiences reported by visitors and ensure a smooth event.

• Dedicated Group Capacity: The primary highlight is its specialized focus on group camping. With sites accommodating 75 to 150 people, it's one of the few places in the region genuinely equipped for very large gatherings, from family reunions to organized events.
• Spacious Layout: Each of the three camping areas offers "lots of space," allowing groups to spread out, enjoy privacy, and engage in various activities without feeling cramped. This ample room is crucial for comfortable large-group camping.
• Abundant Fire Pits and Tables: The provision of "a few fire pits" and multiple "tables" within each group area means no one is left out when it comes to campfire gatherings or meal times, fostering a communal atmosphere.
• Exceptional Camp Host Service: The positive feedback about hosts like "Chadwick" being "the best host EVER" highlights the significant human element. Friendly, attentive, and helpful hosts contribute immensely to a pleasant and well-managed group camping experience.
• Pavilion with Electricity (Site 3): The inclusion of a picnic shelter with electricity and grills at the largest site (Site 3) is a major convenience, offering a covered, powered space ideal for food preparation, dining, or gathering, regardless of weather.
• Recreational Amenities On-Site: The presence of a volleyball court and horseshoe pits directly within the campground provides built-in entertainment options for groups, encouraging friendly competition and active engagement.
• Proximity to Haviland Lake: Less than two miles away, Haviland Lake offers additional recreational activities such as boating, canoeing, and fishing (with accessible fishing docks), extending the fun beyond the campground boundaries. The lake is an 80-acre, no-wake body of water, perfect for quiet water sports.
• Access to Historic Trails: The historic Rico-to-Rockwood Wagon Road passes through Chris Park, offering a unique opportunity for hiking and exploring a piece of Colorado's past. Other trailheads like Forebay, Goulding, Elbert Creek, and Purgatory Flats are also nearby.

For inquiries, reservations, or to obtain current information about Chris Park Group Campground, please use the following contact details. It is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance due to its popularity as a group camping destination.

Address: 900 Chris Park Rd, Durango, CO 81301, USA

Phone: (877) 444-6777

Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777

Please note that Chris Park Group Campground is part of the San Juan National Forest and reservations are typically handled through Recreation.gov. The phone numbers provided are generally for the national reservation system. For more detailed information on specific site availability, current conditions, fire restrictions, or any other specific questions, it is advisable to also contact the local Ranger District office that oversees this area within the San Juan National Forest. For general San Juan National Forest inquiries, you can often find a number on the U.S. Forest Service website for the Columbine Ranger District, which covers the Durango area.

Chris Park Group Campground is an outstanding choice for Colorado locals, especially those planning large gatherings, perfectly aligning with the communal and outdoor-loving spirit of the state. Its core suitability lies in its dedicated design for group camping, offering spacious sites that can comfortably accommodate up to 150 people. This is a rare and invaluable feature for Colorado residents organizing family reunions, club outings, or large social events, providing a tailored solution that individual campsites simply cannot match.

The campground's location in the stunning San Juan National Forest, just a short drive from Durango, offers the quintessential Colorado mountain experience. Locals appreciate the ease of access while still feeling completely immersed in nature, surrounded by ponderosa pines and majestic views. The added benefit of being less than two miles from Haviland Lake provides immediate access to popular water-based activities like canoeing and fishing, enhancing the recreational opportunities for all group members.

Furthermore, the consistent praise for "friendly camp hosts" like Chadwick underscores the welcoming and well-managed environment. This personal touch ensures that groups feel supported and allows organizers to focus on the event rather than logistical challenges. The provision of multiple fire pits and tables, along with a pavilion and recreational amenities like volleyball and horseshoe pits, ensures that groups have everything they need for enjoyable communal activities. For Colorado locals seeking a dedicated, spacious, scenic, and well-managed venue for their next big outdoor gathering, Chris Park Group Campground is the ideal choice, promising an amazing and unforgettable experience right in our own backyard.

Chris Park Group Campground

900 Chris Park Rd, Durango, CO 81301, USA