Haviland Lake Campground

We spent the Memorial Day weekend at this lovely lakeside campground. Even though we showed up without reservations and couldn't get a spot with a lake view, it was very nice. Despite the fact that it was a holiday weekend and the campground was full, it was very quiet in the evenings. Our site was large and level with a big tent pad that we used as our front yard. We were surrounded by Aspen trees and could not see our nearest neighbor. The campground is on a tiered hillside and most of the sites are fairly far apart. It was a little too early in the year to go swimming in the lake, but our dog enjoyed it very much. We also enjoyed the two hiking trails that start at the campground. The only negative was the lack of easy lake access. The water side sites had their own path to the lake, but everyone else had to use the fishing access- which was not convenient for us with our dog. Other than that it was a great campground to spend the weekend and we would definitely stay there again.

We stayed here over Labor Day weekend last year, and it was packed. I became aware of the campsite LITERALLY the day bookings opened up for that weekend, and, on a whim, booked the last lakefront site (probably because it's a dry site - no hookups). But it was amazing. It's a "pull-through" - although it's a very tight fit if you have slides (after booking, I saw the fine print that this site is not suitable for slides, but we figured if it came to it - we could keep the road side slide in), as it's more like a "pull-aside" on the road out of the campground. But aside from that - the site itself was spectacular. On the lake, with lake access for kayaks/canoes/SUP's down the hill from the site. Amazing views from sun up to sundown. Nice level area with fire ring & picnic table. Short walk to the bathrooms if you need them. Nice tent pad. Lots of space. Only downside is that sometimes folks will walk through your campsite to get down to the lake - even though they could easily walk around it. We never saw the camp hosts during our stay. Quiet at night. 15 minute drive north of Durango, or head north on Hwy 550 (Million Dollar Highway) for a scenic drive. Cannot wait to go back...

Not inexpensive, $24 for non-electric sites, $32 for electric. Many sites are doubles so double the price. Wasn't pleased that bathrooms were closed. Many of the other campers weren't happy either. Noisy neighbors my second night. Otherwise, beautiful stay.

Haviland Lake Campground is one of the best places to camp around Durango. We liked the individual loops that made it feel like your own little neighborhood.

We stayed in Loop D. The bathrooms were very clean as were all the sites. The camp hosts were friendly and they had fire wood for sale. The sites ON the lake are awesome, but not necessary.

This campground is big rig friendly but barely. We took our CCSB F350 with 38.5’ 5th wheel and squeezed through all of the narrow roads without damage but I’d think twice about a big 40’+ toyhauler behind a long bed. You will lightly brush some branches on the main roads but most of the sites are not built for that length trailer

We stayed here for 3 nights and would love to have stayed longer. Site #39 is a double site with direct water access. Surrounded by huge trees and lots of open space. Plenty of room for 2 large rigs. A few things to know beforehand: The road coming into the campground is very narrow. Most sites have electric but no other hook-ups. Bring bug spray... the mosquitoes can be bad. Enough cell signal to get an incoming text but no outgoing. And no internet.

Beautiful campground with pines, aspen and a beautiful lake, mountain meadows and a large snowy mountain to look at. Sites were dirt/gravel, but mostly level. Clean vault toilets with water. Some sites have electric. This campground is only available via reservation, so plan ahead. There was a bear in my campsite, so beware.

We’ve always heard great things about Haviland Lake in the past, but unfortunately the lake has been almost entirely drained. Don’t get me wrong, it was still pretty, but not what it would’ve been. Other people have complained of mosquitoes and while we noticed some, they didn’t deter us from being outside and I wouldn’t let them stop you.

Our campsite said it would fit a 40 footer. We have a 40 foot bumper to bumper fifth wheel and we did not have a 1/2 inch to spare. The angles were difficult and it’s not for the faint of heart... and that’s with exceptional skills.

In the general, the whole campground is tight. There might be other sites that would work for a big rig but we will not be going back to that site again, and probably not any of the other ones either. It was too nailbiting and perhaps too early to offer my husband a beer.

Verizon has 1 bar and only good for text. ATT was marginally better and could sometimes get calls and some data.

Otherwise, it was absolutely beautiful... even with no water. If you’re reading this review next year, I can’t imagine that the link will fill up all that fast given that it’s almost entirely empty. Haviland is fed off of the lake to the north and that link is also drained and will need to get filled first.

Only big rig accessible of you are really confident. We had site 42 with a 38’ 5th wheel and 2’ rack off the back. Very challenging to back into the spot. I would pick another spot if I ever go back. Camp hosts were non existent. We showed up and they had an off duty sign. Common courtesy would be to add some helpful suggestions on which loop to take with a large rig and dually. Just ignored us. I thought this was full hookup, so be advised they don’t have water the sites. Good hiking in the area and lake will be beautiful once filled again.

Located at 8,100 feet on the eastern side of the San Juan Mountain range , this CG is unique in many ways. Twenty miles north of Durango CO, it is easily accessible via highway 550. Access sign on 550 clearly marks the entrance to the narrow and winding road which is hard surfaced and in good condition.

There are welcoming and informative camp hosts at the pay station entrance. The park itself is divided into four ‘loops.” We stayed at a “premium” site (#43) with a view of the lake; albeit mostly drained due to ongoing drought. There was electricity at this and many other sites in the CG. However, there is no water for RV filling or a dump. The site had a table, fire pit and trail access to the lake bed. We did get a “senior” discount of 50% on the $43 fee.

We spent one of the few remaining days of the CG season which ended on September 30. It was also shoulder season for fall color as the Aspen were just beginning to put on their annual show.

For those of us who live at 23 ft above sea level (LA), hiking (slow walking pace!) at this elevation was a challenge but the looping dirt roads within the CG were a temptation not to be resisted.

All in all, a pleasant experience and one to be repeated.

We stayed in space 28 the smallest site in the campground. It was not that bad. Sites all appear level. Few trails located nearby. Showered in Durango @ north main laundry which worked out well.