All sites offer a picnic table and fire ring One of 19 first-come sites.
Typical back-in spur with picnic table and fire ring at Lower Hermosa
Some sites have more sun exposure perfect for solar or satellite access

Lower Hermosa

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates May through September.

Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness

This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.

Weed Free Forage Products

The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.

Cave Closure and Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.

Falls Creek Closure Area, Camping, and Motor Vehicle Travel Restrictions

This San Juan National Forest forest order describes closure areas, as well as camping and motor vehicle travel restrictions in the Falls Creek.

West Fork Road and Bridge Closure Order

The Pagosa Ranger District's West Fork Bridge is closed by Forest Order due to damage during the October 2025 flood events. Forest Road 648 (West Fork) is closed at location identified by this order.

Multiple roads and trails damaged by flooding on SJNF

In early October, severe flooding events created ongoing safety and access concerns for Forest users on the Columbine and Pagosa Ranger Districts of the San Juan National Forest. Available forest employees are assessing the many roads, trails, bridges, and other infrastructure that was damaged or…

McPhee Park Road Closure Order

The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources.

Lemon Reservoir Restrictions

The following act is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and waters on the Columbine Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest:

Cascade Flume Safety Closure

Area closure: The purpose of this Order is for public health and safety during the Cascade Tacoma Flume repair. The recent failure of the flume resulted in infrastructure damage and a landslide that has destabilized the Described Area. Concerns for public safety include loose debris, continuing…

McPhee Reservoir Prohibitions

The purpose of this Order is to prevent the infestation of aquatic nuisance species.

Mancos/Dolores Camping Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and natural resources.

Forest Orders

Visit our Forest Order page for a list of all the current Forest Orders: Closures, Fire Restrictions, and Camping, Occupancy, and Use Restrictions.Forest and Regional orders are generally temporary in nature and are designed to protect public safety and our natural resource. After review, Regional…

About

Lower Hermosa Campground sits along Hermosa Creek in the San Juan National Forest, approximately 18 miles north of Durango. The campground features 19 first-come, first-served sites suitable for tents and RVs up to 30 feet. Located at the trailhead for the renowned Hermosa Creek Trail, the campground serves as a base for exploring the 25-mile singletrack trail that winds through the Hermosa Creek Special Management Area. The trail attracts mountain bikers, hikers, horseback riders, and fishermen seeking access to the scenic creek corridor. Campground amenities include vault toilets, picnic tables at each site, fire grates, and trash pickup. No potable water is available, so visitors must bring their own supply. Dispersed camping is prohibited along Lower Hermosa Road, and all overnight camping must occur in the developed campground. While horses are not permitted within the campground itself, the adjacent trailhead features a horse corral and hitching posts for overnight equestrian camping. Bear-safe food storage practices are recommended.

Directions

From Durango, travel north on Highway 550 for approximately 14 miles. Turn left at Hermosa onto County Road 201, which becomes Forest Road 576. Continue approximately 4 miles to the campground entrance.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups No
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $18

Vehicle

Max RV Length 30ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

All sites offer a picnic table and fire ring One of 19 first-come sites.
Typical back-in spur with picnic table and fire ring at Lower Hermosa
Some sites have more sun exposure perfect for solar or satellite access
Horse corrals available at some sites for overnight use. NO WATER at campground. Guests should pack-out waste.
Lower Hermosa sign and information board
Another back-in spur site at Lower Hermoasa
Picnic table and fire ring surrounded by trees - All sites first come, cash, check, or scan-pay

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