Target Tree Campground
4.7766 reviewsSan Juan NF, Colorado, USA
Target Tree Campground
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Peak season rates for standard and equestrian sites are $24 nightly. Additional reservation service fees may vary ($3-$9 depending on booking method).
About this campground
Perched at 7,643 feet in the Colorado high country, Target Tree Campground serves as your gateway to the Southwest's most treasured destinations. Just a scenic drive from the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park and the vibrant mountain towns of Mancos and Durango, this historic campground takes its name from a fascinating chapter in Ute Indian history. Here, centuries-old Ponderosa pines still bear the distinctive scars from when Ute hunters honed their marksmanship skills, while these same majestic trees provided life-sustaining sap and bark that supplemented their traditional diet.
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 SignificanceWalk among living monuments to Ute Indian heritage at Target Tree Campground, where ancient Ponderosa pines tell stories written in bark and wood. These towering giants served dual purposes for the Ute people: their straight trunks became practice targets for developing hunting prowess, while their nutritious inner bark and sweet sap provided crucial supplements to their diet. Today, visitors can still observe these historic markings, tangible connections to the indigenous peoples who knew these forests intimately.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of mountain climate where warm, sun-drenched days give way to refreshingly cool evenings that invite campfire gatherings and stargazing. During peak season, you'll enjoy predominantly dry conditions with comfortable temperatures that make outdoor adventures a pleasure. The dramatic temperature swings between day and night create that perfect camping atmosphere where morning coffee tastes better and sleeping bags feel cozier.
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 SceneryNestled on a sun-kissed, south-facing hillside, the campground overlooks the meadowed expanse of Thompson Park, creating a picturesque setting that changes with each passing hour. Towering Ponderosa pines intermingle with graceful Gambel oaks, their combined canopy offering dappled shade throughout the campground. This natural cathedral provides welcome relief from summer's warmth while framing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The interplay of forest and meadow creates diverse habitats that attract wildlife and wildflowers alike.
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySeveral campsites meet accessibility standards, and an accessible interpretive trail is available for viewing a historic target tree.
Sites SizeSites are described as large and spacious, accommodating tents, trailers, RVs, and equestrian setups.
Sites 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 CampsitesChoose campsites farther away from the highway to minimize noise. Sites with tent platforms include tie-down rings aiding stabilization in windy conditions.
Best CampsitesSpecific reviews highlight campsite 002, 006, 013, and 014 for their privacy, cleanliness, and proximity to amenities.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground loops are approximately 0.7 miles in length. Sites are large, spaced well apart, and designed for privacy with picnic tables and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonSeason opens May 9, 2025, and closes September 27, 2025.
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.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
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
The Narrow Gauge Trail starts within the campground and climbs 3.4 miles to an old railroad grade. User James P mentions, 'Nice hiking trails in the campground,' on September 12, 2022.Biking
Mountain biking is mentioned as an activity, though specific trails or difficulty levels are not detailed. User Chris E notes, 'There’s good hiking and mountain biking from the campsite,' on May 31, 2022.Wildlife viewing
Birdwatching is highlighted as a key activity, with a posted sign in the campground listing species found in the area.Cultural and Educational Programs
An accessible interpretive trail provides educational insight into the historic target trees used by Ute Indians.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Obtain firewood locally to prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms.
Hazards
General hazardsBears are a consideration with signs warning campers, yet dumpsters remain open, which could attract wildlife. Coyotes are often heard.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 24
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 67%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 9, 2025, through September 27, 2025.
Trash and 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.
Proximity to water featuresNo specific water bodies are mentioned.
Common complaintsHighway noise is a recurring issue mentioned in multiple reviews. Some users noted issues with vault toilet maintenance during peak times.
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.
Campground Map
San Juan NF, Colorado, USA
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.Nearby places
Mancos: 7 miles. Durango: Approximately 25-30 miles. Mesa Verde National Park: Approximately 20-30 minutes.
Camper Reviews
4.8
66 reviews
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 66 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 66 reviewsShow more
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 66 reviewsShow more
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 66 reviewsShow more
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 66 reviewsShow more
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 66 reviewsSite-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 66 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are highlighted positively, such as well-spaced sites and accessible trails. No specific concerns are noted.
Based on 66 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically address pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 66 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025