Description

The Durango North / Riverside KOA is a lovely campground nestled amidst majestic Ponderosa Pines on the shore of the whitewater Animas River. The park features stunning mountain views and the soothing sounds of whispering pines and rushing river. The campground is conveniently close to historic sights, fine dining, and shopping in Durango, as well as high mountain adventure in the San Juan Mountains. The campground is a great place to relax, enjoy stunning mountain views, fish the Animas River, and explore the many area attractions.

Location

Durango North / Riverside KOA
13391 Co Rd 250
Durango, CO 81301
koa.com
(970) 247-4499
Latitude: 37.453927 N, Longitude: -107.802087 W, Elevation: 6,512 ft (1,988 m)

Details

We stayed for seven-nights at the Durango North / Riverside KOA in late September, 2020.

Caution – This is yet another campground where you may not be able to trust your GPS/Nav system guidance. The campground has only recently become a KOA and GPS/Nav system base-maps may be out of date. Check KOA website for directions, use street address, or consult a more frequently updated service like Google Maps.

COVID-19 Pandemic Response: Mixed – check-in inside office/store at front desk, plexi shield; no masks evident with staff in office, on grounds, or in cafe kitchen/order counter; social distancing; closed/limited facilities; guest masks welcome, but not required.

Cost

For seven nights at a 50 amp full hookup gravel pull-thru site, we paid about $68 per night including taxes and Value Kard Rewards Discount. There were no additional fees for pets or an extra vehicle.

Ratings (1-5)

Accessibility – 5/5

The campground is easily accessible from highway US-550 via paved streets. Lanes in the park are well-maintained asphalt. The park has pull-thru and back-in RV sites and can accommodate large rigs. The campground facilities have provisions for Universal access.

Facilities/Amenities – 5/5

The park amenities include full hookup 50 or 30 amp RV sites, tent sites, cabin rentals, restrooms, showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, cable TV, camp store, gift shop, firewood sales, pavilion, playground, enclosed pet run, cafe, ice cream stand, espresso & fudge shop, game room, movie deck, Animas River observation deck, fishing, and seasonal swimming pool. Facilities are clean and well-maintained.

Site quality – 4/5

RV sites are full hookup with 50 or 30 amp electric, Wi-Fi, picnic table, fire ring, and cable TV. Park sites are pull-thru or back-in, clean, and most have shade trees. Site surface is gravel. Site spacing varies – some of the pull-thru sites, at least, feel crowded. The park offers the convenience of site-side trash service. Deluxe patio sites, deluxe cabins, and riverside campsites/cabins are available.

Scenic Value – 5/5

The campground is set amidst majestic Ponderosa Pines on the shore of the rushing Animas River and features dramatic mountain views. This campground is also nicely landscaped, clean, and park-like. The scenery around the park and along highway US-550 is simply spectacular.

Location/Isolation – 5/5

The campground is set amidst whispering pines and enjoys the soothing sounds of whitewater on the Animas River. The park is far enough from highway US-550 to receive little road noise. One detraction is the closeness of some of the RV sites which can feel cramped and crowded. Otherwise, this is simply a spectacular location with a relaxing atmosphere.

Paws Friendliness – 4/5

The campground is pet friendly, with cleanup stations but no pet runs. The campground is large enough for a good walk with your pet.

Overall Rating – 5/5

Overall, the Durango North / Riverside KOA is a lovely and relaxing place to stay while exploring the Durango area. We enjoyed our stay and would certainly visit another time.

Additional info

Internet access

We received a moderate 4G Verizon signal at this campground. The campground provided free WiFi.

Water Quality

The water at this campground tested hard.

Nearby Amenities

A fair range of shopping and services are available nearby in Durango, Colorado (14 miles).

Nearby attractions

Here are a few local attractions and activities:

• • Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum
  • Historic Downtown Durango
  • San Juan National Forest
  • Animas River
  • Animas River Trail
  • Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum
  • Pinkerton Hot Springs
  • Purgatory Resort
  • Animas Museum
  • Animas Forks Ghost Town
  • Red Mountain Mining District
  • Silverton
  • Hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, snow sports
  • Scenic drives

Photos