Florida Campground

For those of us who call Colorado home, the majestic Rocky Mountains and vast national forests are not just scenery; they're our backyard playground. When the urge to escape the everyday hustle strikes, finding a camping spot that truly offers tranquility, space, and breathtaking views is paramount. Look no further than Florida Campground, nestled within the picturesque San Juan National Forest near Durango. This campground is a gem for locals seeking an authentic Colorado outdoor experience, offering a blend of peaceful seclusion and access to fantastic recreational opportunities.

Florida Campground stands out for its serene atmosphere and well-thought-out design, providing ample room for campers to spread out and enjoy nature. Whether you're an avid hiker, a keen angler, or simply looking to unwind amidst stunning vistas, this campground offers an ideal setting. This article aims to provide you, our fellow Colorado residents, with a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Florida Campground. We’ll delve into its strategic location, the essential services it provides, and the unique features and highlights that make it a "best place so far" for many visitors, helping you plan your next memorable high-country adventure.

Florida Campground is beautifully situated on Forest Rd 596, Durango, CO 81301, USA. This places it within the expansive San Juan National Forest, near the north end of Lemon Reservoir, in the scenic southwestern part of Colorado. For Colorado locals, this location offers a desirable balance: it's close enough to the vibrant town of Durango to be convenient for supplies and exploring local attractions, yet sufficiently removed to provide a genuine sense of wilderness and escape.

Accessibility to Florida Campground is generally good during its open season (typically May to September). From Durango, visitors can travel via Florida Road (County Road 240) and then County Road 243, which leads directly to the campground entrance. From Bayfield, the route involves County Road 501, then County Road 240, and finally County Road 243. While these roads are generally well-maintained, being in a national forest, some sections might be unpaved or gravel, and conditions can vary with weather. It's always a good idea to check current road conditions, especially if you're bringing a larger RV.

The campground's proximity to the Florida River and Lemon Reservoir is a key aspect of its accessibility. This means easy access for those interested in fishing or non-motorized boating. While RV parking might be limited to a maximum length of 25 ft for individual sites, the presence of "several pull throughs" and "plenty of room to camp" suggests that it accommodates a variety of setups. Its setting within a shady forest of Colorado blue spruce, Douglas fir, and aspen trees provides natural beauty from the moment you arrive.

Florida Campground offers a range of essential services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for campers, embodying the balance between rustic charm and necessary conveniences.

• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are provided, offering basic restroom facilities within the campground.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available, ensuring campers have access to a safe water source throughout their stay.
• Picnic Tables: Each individual campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meals and outdoor activities.
• Campfire Rings with Grills: Every campsite includes a campfire ring with a grill, allowing for cooking over an open fire and enjoying traditional campfires (when fire restrictions permit).
• Trash Pickup: Trash collection services are provided, helping to keep the campground clean and reducing the need for campers to pack out all waste.
• Camp Host: A camp host is typically on-site from May to September, providing assistance, information, and selling firewood, which enhances the overall camping experience and site management.
• Group Site Facilities: A dedicated group site is available, equipped with picnic and serving tables, and multiple campfire rings with grates, capable of accommodating up to 75 people. This site can be reserved in advance.
• Individual Sites (First-Come, First-Served): The majority of the 20 individual campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips.

It is important to note that between September and May, services such as water, trash pickup, and restrooms are generally not available.

Florida Campground boasts several notable features and highlights that contribute to its appeal as a prime camping destination in Colorado. These elements are frequently praised by visitors and define the unique experience offered.

• Quiet Atmosphere: As noted by reviews, it is a "nice quiet campground," making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape from noise and crowds.
• Spacious Campsites: Campers consistently appreciate the "good space between spots," providing a sense of privacy and room to relax, a welcome contrast to more tightly packed campgrounds. "Plenty of room to camp" is a recurring positive remark.
• Prime Riverside Spots: A significant highlight is the availability of "several prime spots on river," offering direct access to the Florida River and the soothing sounds of flowing water.
• Amazing Views: Visitors rave about the "amazing views" from the campground. Situated within the San Juan National Forest, campers are treated to picturesque mountain scenery and forested splendor.
• Excellent Hiking Opportunities: The area provides "great hiking." Nearby trails like Lost Lake and Stump Lake Trails (short, easy hikes to backcountry lakes) and the Burnt Timber Trail (No. 667) offer diverse options for exploration.
• Fishing Access: The swift Florida River is renowned for its rainbow and brown trout fishing, providing excellent opportunities for anglers right from the campground's vicinity. Lemon Reservoir, about three miles away, is also stocked with rainbow trout and kokanee salmon, offering additional fishing and boating options.
• Shaded Forest Setting: The campground is nestled within a "shady forest of Colorado blue spruce, Douglas fir and aspen trees," providing natural shade and a refreshing environment, especially during warmer months.
• Pull-Through Sites Available: The presence of "several pull throughs" adds convenience for RV and trailer owners, making it easier to maneuver and set up camp.
• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding forest is home to deer, elk, rabbits, and grouse, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing.

For those planning a visit to Florida Campground or needing to inquire about specific details, here is the direct contact information:

Address: Forest Rd 596, Durango, CO 81301, USA

Phone: (970) 884-2512 (Columbine Ranger District Office - the managing office for this area of San Juan National Forest)

Mobile Phone: While a specific mobile phone number for the campground is not provided, the main district office number is the best point of contact.

It is highly recommended to contact the Columbine Ranger District Office before your visit, especially for the most up-to-date information on:

• Current operating dates and any closures (typically May - September).
• Road conditions, particularly if traveling with a large RV or during shoulder seasons.
• Current fire restrictions or bans.
• Site availability, especially since individual sites are first-come, first-served.
• Specific details about the group site reservation process via Recreation.gov.

The San Juan National Forest Supervisor's Office can also be reached at (970) 247-4874 for broader inquiries.

For Colorado locals, Florida Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination, perfectly encapsulating the essence of a tranquil mountain escape without being overly remote. It offers that elusive balance of natural beauty, peace, and convenient access to outdoor activities that many Coloradans seek in their camping experiences.

The "nice quiet campground" ambiance, coupled with "good space between spots," is a significant draw. In a state where popular camping spots can often feel crowded, Florida Campground provides the breathing room and solitude that allows for genuine relaxation and immersion in nature. The "several prime spots on river" add a unique charm, allowing campers to enjoy the soothing sounds of the Florida River right from their campsite, an ideal setting for morning coffee or evening unwinding.

Furthermore, the "amazing views" are a testament to the campground's location within the stunning San Juan National Forest. For locals, these vistas are a constant reminder of why we live in Colorado – the towering trees, the clear skies, and the surrounding mountains create a breathtaking backdrop for any outdoor activity. The "great hiking" opportunities, with trails leading to backcountry lakes, cater directly to our state's active population who love to explore on foot.

The practical amenities like clean vault toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings, along with the presence of friendly rangers and a camp host, ensure that even though it feels remote, essential comforts are met. The option for both first-come, first-served individual sites and a reservable group site makes it flexible for various types of trips, from spontaneous weekend getaways to planned family gatherings. Its proximity to Lemon Reservoir and the opportunities for fishing and non-motorized boating further cement its appeal for local water enthusiasts. Florida Campground is not just a place to camp; it's a quintessential Colorado experience, offering serene beauty, ample space, and abundant recreation, making it a perfect retreat for anyone calling the Centennial State home.

Florida Campground

Forest Rd 596, Durango, CO 81301, USA