Haviland Lake Campground

For Colorado residents seeking a picturesque and amenity-rich outdoor experience, Haviland Lake Campground, nestled within the breathtaking San Juan National Forest, is an ideal destination. Situated just a short drive north of Durango, this popular campground offers a perfect blend of serene lakeside beauty and diverse recreational opportunities. Whether you're an avid angler, a paddle sports enthusiast, a hiking aficionado, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to unwind with family and friends, Haviland Lake Campground provides a welcoming and vibrant setting for your next adventure in the Centennial State.

What truly sets Haviland Lake Campground apart is its stunning natural environment combined with thoughtful facilities. Imagine waking up to magnificent views of the Hermosa Cliffs reflected in the tranquil waters of Haviland Lake, or spending your days exploring miles of scenic trails that connect to historic routes. The campground offers a variety of site types, including those with electric hookups, catering to both RV and tent campers, ensuring a comfortable stay for a wide range of preferences. The presence of accessible features further enhances its appeal, making the beauty of the San Juan National Forest available to more visitors.

Haviland Lake itself is a highlight, an 80-acre "no-wake" lake perfect for non-motorized boating activities like kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Its waters are regularly stocked with various trout species, making it a prime spot for fishing. This campground isn't just a place to set up camp; it's a gateway to a myriad of outdoor pursuits, promising a refreshing and memorable escape into the heart of Colorado's natural splendor.

Haviland Lake Campground is gracefully positioned within the San Juan National Forest, Colorado, specifically at CO 81301, USA. Its location is a significant asset for Colorado locals, being approximately 18 miles north of Durango. This provides a convenient balance, offering a true mountain escape while remaining within reasonable driving distance of a larger town for supplies or additional activities.

To reach the campground from Durango, visitors typically travel north on Highway 550 for about 18 miles. From there, a clear right turn onto Haviland Lake Road leads directly to the campground, approximately one mile down the road. The roads leading to and within the campground are generally well-maintained, accommodating various vehicle sizes, from passenger cars to large RVs.

The campground's elevation of over 8,000 feet places it amidst towering ponderosa pines and offers spectacular views of the majestic Hermosa Cliffs across the lake. Many campsites boast direct lake views or easy shoreline access, enhancing the immersive natural experience. While some campers have noted minor road imperfections or the need for careful navigation within the loops, the overall accessibility and the breathtaking scenic drive contribute positively to the journey to this beautiful Colorado destination.

• Campsite Variety: Haviland Lake Campground offers a total of 43 campsites, including single- and double-family sites. These sites are designed to accommodate both tents and RVs, with various pull-through and back-in options.

• Electric Hookups: A significant convenience for RV campers, 17 of the campsites are equipped with electric hookups (30/50 amp), allowing for a more comfortable stay.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Every campsite comes with a picnic table for outdoor dining and a fire ring for campfires, many also including a grill grate for cooking over an open flame.

• Potable Drinking Water: Drinking water is available throughout the campground via spigots, ensuring campers have access to fresh water (though hose hookups may not be available for filling large tanks directly at every spigot).

• Accessible Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are conveniently located throughout the campground loops, with many designed to be accessible.

• Trash Collection: Designated trash dumpsters are available for responsible waste disposal, helping to maintain the cleanliness of the campground and protect wildlife.

• Camp Host: A friendly and engaged camp host is typically on-site to assist campers, provide information, and ensure a pleasant experience.

• Firewood Sales: Firewood is often available for purchase from the camp host, saving campers the need to bring their own.

• Reservable and First-Come, First-Served Sites: While the majority of sites are reservable via Recreation.gov (up to 6 months in advance), a few first-come, first-served sites are also typically available, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips.

• RV Dump Station (nearby): Although not within the campground itself, an RV dump station with potable water is conveniently located approximately 5 miles north of the campground at a store/gas station called "Needles," addressing a common RV camping need.

• Beautiful Lakeside Setting: The campground is situated directly on the shores of Haviland Lake, offering stunning views of the 80-acre, "no-wake" lake and the majestic Hermosa Cliffs across the water. Many campsites provide direct lake views or easy shoreline access.

• Excellent Fishing: Haviland Lake is a popular and productive fishing spot, regularly stocked with a variety of trout species, including rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. An accessible fishing dock is located on the lakeshore, and a valid Colorado fishing license is required for those 16 and older.

• Non-Motorized Boating Paradise: As a no-wake lake, Haviland Lake is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. A boat ramp provides easy access for launching paddle-powered vessels, allowing for serene exploration of the water.

• Extensive Hiking and Biking Trails: Numerous trails are accessible from or near the campground, catering to various skill levels. The Forebay Lake Trail begins within the campground, leading to a smaller nearby lake. The historic Rico-to-Rockwood Wagon Road also passes through the area, offering historical context to hikers and bikers.

• Spacious and Shaded Campsites: Sites are generally well-spaced, providing a good degree of privacy, and are often shaded by towering ponderosa pines, offering comfort during warmer days.

• Wildlife Viewing and Bird Watching: The mixed forest of spruce, fir, and aspen trees surrounding the lake provides a lush habitat for diverse wildlife, including deer, elk, and a wide selection of birds, making it excellent for nature observation.

• Proximity to Durango: Being just 18 miles north of Durango, campers have easy access to the town's amenities, dining, and other attractions, allowing for a balanced blend of wilderness and urban convenience.

Address: San Juan National Forest, CO 81301, USA

Phone: (970) 247-4874 (San Juan National Forest Headquarters)

Reservations: (877) 444-6777 (Recreation.gov)

For Colorado residents, Haviland Lake Campground in the San Juan National Forest is a highly suitable and appealing choice for a variety of reasons, embodying the quintessential Colorado outdoor experience. Its blend of accessible beauty, diverse recreational opportunities, and well-maintained facilities makes it an ideal local getaway.

Firstly, its convenient location just north of Durango means that this stunning natural retreat is easily accessible for many locals, whether for a spontaneous weekend trip or a planned longer vacation. The relatively short and scenic drive allows more time to be spent enjoying the outdoors rather than traveling, a significant benefit for busy Coloradans. The mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites also provides flexibility, catering to both planners and those who prefer last-minute adventures.

Secondly, the sheer breadth of activities available right at your campsite is a major draw. From the excellent fishing in a regularly stocked lake (without the need for a state license on the lake itself) to the opportunities for tranquil paddle sports on a no-wake lake, Haviland Lake caters to water enthusiasts of all ages. Coupled with extensive hiking and biking trails that showcase the beauty of the San Juan National Forest, the campground offers endless possibilities for outdoor engagement, allowing locals to truly immerse themselves in the active Colorado lifestyle.

Finally, the comfort and quality of the facilities, including electric hookups at many sites, clean vault toilets, potable water, and the presence of a helpful camp host, ensure a comfortable and stress-free camping experience. These amenities, combined with the spacious and often shaded campsites offering stunning lake and cliff views, elevate Haviland Lake Campground from a simple place to sleep to a destination where relaxation and connection with nature are paramount. For Colorado locals seeking a well-rounded, beautiful, and convenient outdoor escape, Haviland Lake Campground is an outstanding choice to create lasting memories.

Haviland Lake Campground

San Juan National Forest, CO 81301, USA