How much does camping cost at Target Tree Campground?

Camping fees at Target Tree Campground range from $24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Target Tree Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Target Tree Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Target Tree Campground before I book?

Yes! Target Tree Campground has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Target Tree Campground?

Target Tree Campground is open May 9, 2025, through September 27, 2025.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Target Tree Campground?

Target Tree Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Target Tree Campground?

Fire policies at Target Tree Campground: Obtain firewood locally to prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Target Tree Campground have?

Target Tree Campground has 25 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Target Tree Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Target Tree Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Target Tree Campground?

Target Tree Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Target Tree Campground?

Popular activities at Target Tree Campground include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Target Tree Campground

4.78

164 reviews

San Juan NF, Colorado, USA

Featured in:Camping Near Mesa Verde National Park#1 Primitive Camping Colorado Desert Camping Colorado +8 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

7,643 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Season opens May 9, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

7,643 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Season opens May 9, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Target Tree Campground

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season rates for standard and equestrian sites are $24 nightly. Additional reservation service fees may vary ($3-$9 depending on booking method).

Standard Site Fee$24.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(661) 702-1420

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.78

Top-Rated

Based on 164 reviews

69 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanfriendly

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Target Tree Campground are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing cleanliness, convenience, and the exceptional camp host. Common highlights include the spaciousness and privacy of sites as well as the proximity to attractions like Mesa Verde and Durango."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

San Juan NF, Colorado, USA

Target Tree Campground

San Juan NF, Colorado, USA

Nearby places

Mancos: 7 miles. Durango: Approximately 25-30 miles. Mesa Verde National Park: Approximately 20-30 minutes.

Driving directionsFrom Mancos, take U.S. Highway 160 east for 8.8 miles. Turn left at campground sign and follow the gravel road for 0.3 miles to the campground. From Durango, take U.S. Highway 160 west for 20 miles to the campground sign. Turn right and the follow gravel road for 3 miles to the campground.

Gravel road access of 0.3 miles from Highway 160. Road noise is present due to proximity to the highway.

Best Time to Camp at Target Tree Campground

Spring hits the sweet spot here. Daytime temperatures run 55-70°F, nights drop to 30-40°F. Wildflowers show up, the oaks leaf out, and wildlife becomes more active. Trails see lighter traffic than summer, and the air clarity gives clean views toward Thompson Park and the distant mesas. The temperature swings between day and night stay comfortable for hiking and ridge-top biking without summer heat.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 16% in CO

Spring and early summer receive high praise for clear skies and moderate temperatures in reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 9, 2025, through September 27, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens May 9, 2025, and closes September 27, 2025.

About Target Tree Campground

Target Tree Campground sits at 7,643 feet in San Juan National Forest, 25 sites spread across well-spaced loops. The location puts you within striking distance of Mesa Verde and Durango, but highway noise carries to some sites. Fees run $24 per night. Sites accommodate tents, RVs, and equestrian setups, with vault toilets and potable water on-site.

Target Tree Campground offers a mix of camping accommodations, including individual, group, and equestrian sites. RVs, tents, and trailers are welcome, though large RVs may face challenges due to site dimensions.

Historical Significance

The campground's name references Ponderosa pines that Ute hunters used for target practice. Those same trees also provided sap and inner bark that supplemented their diet. Some of the old-growth pines still carry visible scars from that era.

Weather and SeasonsSpring hits the sweet spot here. Daytime temperatures run 55-70°F, nights drop to 30-40°F. Wildflowers show up, the oaks leaf out, and wildlife becomes more active. Trails see lighter traffic than summer, and the air clarity gives clean views toward Thompson Park and the distant mesas. The temperature swings between day and night stay comfortable for hiking and ridge-top biking without summer heat.

ElevationAt 7,643 feet above sea level, Target Tree Campground offers the perfect mountain escape where crisp, pine-scented air fills your lungs and spectacular vistas stretch before you. This elevation creates an ideal climate for camping, with nights cool enough for comfortable sleeping and days warm enough for hiking and exploring. The commanding views from this height showcase the rugged beauty of southwestern Colorado's diverse landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a south-facing slope where Ponderosa pine forest transitions into Gambel oak woodland. Volcanic soils and sedimentary geology create the foundation for this mix. From the sites, you look down onto Thompson Park's grasslands. The aspect means abundant sunshine, with tree cover providing dappled shade throughout most of the campground. Spring wildflowers and the oak's seasonal leaf changes add visual texture to the ridges and slopes.

Geological RegionTarget Tree Campground occupies a stunning position in southwestern Colorado's diverse ecosystem, where the dramatic transition between Ponderosa pine forests and Gambel oak woodlands creates a rich tapestry of mountain ecology. The south-facing slopes capture abundant sunshine while overlooking the gentle grasslands of Thompson Park below. This unique geological positioning, combined with the area's volcanic soils and sedimentary formations, has created an environment where diverse plant communities thrive and mountain vistas unfold in every direction.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Groups

The group site can accommodate up to 50 people and 10 vehicles, offering pull-through and parallel RV sites and two divided corrals for equestrian campers.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe loops run about 0.7 miles total. Sites are large and well-spaced, each with a picnic table and fire ring. The ground surface is pebbly in places, so tent campers might want extra padding under their sleeping pads.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites available June 20 through June 24, 2025.

Cancellation PolicyIndividual campsites canceled up to 2 days before reservation start incur a $10 cancellation fee. Cancellations the day before or on arrival incur forfeiture of the first night's use fee and a $10 service fee. No-shows incur a $20 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate.

AccessibilitySeveral campsites meet accessibility standards, and an accessible interpretive trail is available for viewing a historic target tree.

Site SizeSites are described as large and spacious, accommodating tents, trailers, RVs, and equestrian setups.

PrivacyThe sites provide good privacy due to the layout and spacing between them. Multiple reviews emphasize the secluded and private nature of the sites, such as 'The layout is such that each site feels private' from Samantha W on August 31, 2020.

Total Campsites25 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites farther away from the highway to minimize noise. Sites with tent platforms include tie-down rings aiding stabilization in windy conditions.

Need help booking Target Tree Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Target Tree Campground offers diverse recreational activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and horseback riding. The Narrow Gauge Trail provides a challenging hike of 3.4 miles up to an old railroad grade. Birding opportunities are abundant, with a posted sign listing species in the area.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are a consideration with signs warning campers, yet dumpsters remain open, which could attract wildlife. Coyotes are often heard.

Fire PolicyObtain firewood locally to prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is provided, with dumpsters available for campers to dispose of their waste. Some reviews, like Edward S (August 5, 2022), highlight the convenience of having dumpsters on-site.

Water FeaturesNo specific water bodies are mentioned.

Camp HostReviews emphasize the camp host's attentiveness, friendliness, and diligence in maintaining cleanliness. Hosts Blaine Gott and Tim are noted for going above and beyond.

Weather at Target Tree Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.8

164 reviews

Top-Rated

Target Tree Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Target Tree Campground are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing cleanliness, convenience, and the exceptional camp host. Common highlights include the spaciousness and privacy of sites as well as the proximity to attractions like Mesa Verde and Durango.

Review Summaries

Based on 164 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews universally praise the cleanliness of the campground, particularly the vault toilets and general grounds. The host is frequently described as friendly, helpful, and diligent. Comments like...

Based on 164 reviews

Common Concerns

The most frequent complaints involve road noise from nearby Highway 160, which some users found disruptive. Examples include 'The location was not desirable...you’ll hear nothing but highway traffic'...

Based on 164 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend choosing sites further from the road to avoid noise. Bringing a comfortable base for tent camping is also suggested due to the pebble surfaces. For equestrian campers, sites 25 and...

Based on 164 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and early summer receive high praise for clear skies and moderate temperatures, although later summer may experience higher heat levels. Memorial Day and holiday weekends are noted as busy but...

Based on 164 reviews

Camper Quotes

Examples include 'The vault toilets were as clean as any I’ve ever seen' (Jason G, July 10, 2022) and 'Sites are clean and private. Camp host was super friendly' (Julianne S, July 25, 2021).

Based on 164 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 019 (Loop A) is noted for significant road noise, while sites like 006 (Loop A) and 013 (Loop A) are praised for privacy and cleanliness. Site 025 in Loop B is highlighted as accommodating for...

Based on 164 reviews