Introduction to Late-Fall Camping
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean camping season has to end. In fact, late fall is perfect for a chill camping adventure. The mountain air turns crisp, and the aspen trees glow bright with yellow and orange colors. Late fall means quieter trails and cooler weather, but the same stunning mountain views.
There is a unique beauty to late-fall camping in Durango and the San Juan Mountains. With so many high-country camping spots and close-to-town gems, camping in late fall will be a breeze (literally). Check out this fall camping guide when planning your next autumn adventure.
Why Camp in Late Fall?
The fun doesn’t have to end when summer is over. Fall welcomes in the slow season for Durango, and with it comes fewer crowds on trails and at national parks. This means you can park closer to the trailhead and sometimes hike without seeing a single person.
Cooler days mean you can adventure the whole day without worrying about the dangerous summer heat. Spots like La Plata Canyon are full of secluded hikes that, during the fall, are bright with colors and alive with wildlife. The seasonal atmosphere while camping in the San Juan Mountains only adds to the magic.
Top Late-Fall Camping Destinations
San Juan Mountains
North of Durango sit the San Juan Mountains. Some of the best fall camping is in the San Juan Mountains because the climate is so unique. When you camp in the San Juan Mountains at sites like Molas Lake and Sig Creek Campground, you are surrounded by alpine views. In the late fall, the mountains shine with remnants from the golden aspen trees that cover the high country.
When camping at high elevation in late fall, be sure to bring plenty of layers and be prepared for changing weather, sometimes late fall can bring a light snow. Also, bring loads of water so that you are hydrated and ready for your adventures. Check fire restrictions before you go and leave no trace.
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is an amazing spot for camping and hiking. The park's mix of desert climate and mountain air makes for mild weather. Inside the park, there is so much to do with guided tours, cultural sites you can hike to, and trails that take you into canyons.
Many campsites outside the park, such as Ancient Cedars, have amenities like water hookups and electrical services. For camping in the park, check out the Morefield Campground, which sits right next to several natural monuments. Mesa Verde fall camping means getting to experience the fall scenery and learn about the Ancient Puebloans at the same time.
Vallecito Lake Area
Due to historic floods this fall of 2025, we do not recommend camping at Vallecito while it recovers. However, here is a little information about Vallecito.
Nestled above Durango is the Vallecito Lake Area, where you can camp along the lake and wake up surrounded by towering ponderosa pines. In the late fall, the fish are still biting, and at the reservoir, you can catch northern pike, brown, and rainbow trout. Along the shoreline of the Vallecito Lake campgrounds, you experience the peacefulness that happens as the golden color shimmers off the alpine lake.
Nearby is the popular Vallecito Campground, which sits along Vallecito Creek. This spot experiences fewer visitors in late fall and is great if you want to catch the late-fall colors or fly fish in the creek.
Durango Area Campgrounds
Durango offers a wide variety of camping options in and around town. United Campground of Durango, 5 minutes north of town, is a pleasant RV and tent camping spot with views of the Animas River and many amenities. North of town is the Alpen Rose RV park, which features stunning views of the Animas Valley and well-kept RV sites. Camping near town allows you to access mountain passes and desert fun without being too far from Downtown Durango.
For those looking to tent camp, spots like Junction Creek Campground and Lower Hermosa Campground have toilet amenities and secluded sites. Both spots allow you easy access to town but still have those remote camping vibes. Make sure you check online when looking for a campground to confirm their late-season availability.
Tips for Late-Fall Camping
Stay layered, kinda like an onion.
It’s important when late-fall camping to make sure you pack the essentials. When night falls, things tend to get cold in Durango, so pack extra layers. To stay warm, pack wool or cotton clothes as well as a down layer; that way, you are prepared for chilly nights. Night falls sooner in late fall, so bring a headlamp or flashlight so you can see your way around camp.
The cold weather might tempt you to build a cozy fire and roast marshmallows. Before you do so, check the fire restrictions at your campsite and in the National Forest. By knowing before you go, you can help prevent forest fires.
Sometimes late fall can have a few snowy surprises. If you plan on camping at high elevation, check out the forecast before you go and pack accordingly. Alpine weather can change quickly in the fall. Stay ahead of the weather by starting hikes early and getting off of mountains before afternoon storms.
Community and Seasonal Events
There is so much outdoor recreation that you can do in Durango this fall, but don’t let that distract you from the fun happening in town. October marks the last month of the amazing Durango Farmer’s Market, where local farmers and creators come together every Saturday in the TBK Bank parking lot.
Late fall opens the door to plenty of outdoor activities. A great activity to do on your camping trip is to take a bird sighting adventure. Downtown at Maria’s Bookshop, you can pick up a Colorado bird identification guide and see how many birds you can spot around your campsite or on a hike. Other fun late-fall outdoor activities can include reading at your campsite, checking out local pumpkin patches, or fishing at Andrews Lake.
What’s Next for Your Fall Adventures?
Fall welcomes the wonderful time of winter.
Make sure you soak in all the sun you can get by going on hikes around town and sitting outside in the crisp air. By preparing your body for the cold, dark days of winter, you will acclimate to the changing weather faster. Plan by getting your winter gear out of storage and making sure it is good to go.
Don’t forget to live in the moment of fall and take in every last moment of the season. By keeping outside and embracing all the beauty of fall, you help keep outdoor traditions alive. Go to a pumpkin patch, leaf peep in the San Juan Mountains, and sip apple cider along the Animas River.
Conclusion
Camping in late fall can be so rewarding. With fewer people, more colors, and cooler days, you can take advantage of every moment outside. This fall, lie back at your campsite and breathe the crisp mountain air. To make sure your camping trip is a success, be prepared with the proper gear and layers. Always check the weather before you go out and use safe fire practices. By doing all these things, you keep yourself safe and help protect the beauty of nature. As things get colder, be bolder, and plan that late-fall camping trip (you won’t regret it).
