Duran Canyon Campground
01 review15160 State Road 75, Peñasco, NM 87553
Duran Canyon Campground
$7.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$14.00
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
Standard campsite fee is $14 per night, which includes parking for one vehicle. Senior or Access pass holders are charged $7 per night. Additional vehicles are $7 per night. Day-use parking costs $7 per day.
About this campground
Escape to Duran Canyon Campground, where 12 intimate campsites line the gentle banks of Duran Creek, creating a peaceful mountain retreat for both tent campers and RV adventurers. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to wilderness exploration, with the La Cueva Lake Trail #8 and Duran/Policarpio Trail #13 beginning right at your doorstep. Wake up to the sound of babbling creek water and step directly onto trails that wind through the magnificent Carson National Forest, making this the perfect basecamp for hikers seeking authentic backcountry experiences.
Duran Canyon Campground primarily caters to tent camping with two combined sites that are RV-friendly.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of four distinct seasons at Duran Canyon, where temperatures dance between winter's crisp 32°F mornings and summer's pleasant 76°F afternoons. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland, while spring brings the excitement of melting snow and rushing creeks. Summer offers ideal hiking conditions with warm days and cool mountain nights, and fall paints the forest in golden hues. Come prepared for mountain weather's quick changes and embrace the magic of high-altitude camping.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 9,000 feet above sea level, Duran Canyon offers the crisp, clean air and refreshing temperatures that only high-altitude camping can provide. This elevated paradise means cooler summer escapes from valley heat and enchanting winter landscapes blanketed in pristine snow. The thin mountain air adds an invigorating quality to every breath, while the elevation creates stunning vistas and the perfect climate for those seeking respite from lower elevation warmth.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a cathedral of towering mature spruce trees that create a natural canopy above your campsite, their ancient branches whispering stories of the forest. The magical confluence of Duran and Junta Creeks provides a natural soundtrack of flowing water, while the surrounding peaks frame breathtaking views in every direction. This pristine mountain ecosystem offers glimpses of local wildlife, wildflower meadows in season, and the kind of untouched forest beauty that makes memories last a lifetime.
Geological RegionDiscover the rugged splendor of Carson National Forest at Duran Canyon, where millions of years of geological forces have sculpted a dramatic landscape of mountain peaks and carved valleys. The campground sits at the strategic meeting point of Duran and Junta Creeks, surrounded by ancient spruce forests that have weathered centuries at 9,000 feet. This remarkable terrain tells the story of volcanic activity, erosion, and glacial movements that created the stunning topography hikers and nature lovers cherish today.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are not wheelchair accessible. Other accessibility features are not noted.
Sites SizeSites are generally standard-sized with gravel parking aprons.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not specified.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLower sites are more accessible and preferable for RVs. Sites further up are better suited for tent camping, but the rocky terrain makes them difficult to reach without a lifted vehicle.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to a maximum of 14 days, whether consecutive or not, in any 45-day period.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutConsists of 12 single campsites, including 10 tent sites and two combined tent/RV sites. The RV-compatible sites are located at the entrance and have gravel parking aprons.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, weather dependent.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are unavailable; walk-up only.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, with no reservation options. User reviews indicate that sites may fill quickly, especially those accessible to RVs.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Duran Canyon Campground offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. Hunting and shooting are also listed as recreational activities nearby.
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire guidelines mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rocky terrain on roads, which increases further uphill, and weather-dependent accessibility during seasons with snow or heavy rainfall.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 58%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 11.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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
Emergency Services
Camino Real Ranger District in Peñasco, NM (phone: 575-587-2255) provides ranger services. Emergency hospital, police station, and further specifics are null.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere is no specific information about trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Duran and Junta Creeks; no access to lakes, rivers suitable for swimming, or boating.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention that RVs tend to occupy the most accessible sites near the front of the campground, while the uphill sites are rocky and difficult to access without specialized vehicles. "Unless you have a lifted truck, I would not recommend going further up the hill."
Campground Map
15160 State Road 75, Peñasco, NM 87553
Driving directionsFrom Penasco, NM, take State Rt. 75 east 4.8 miles to 'T' intersection (State Rt. 518). Turn right onto Rt. 518 (unmarked) and go 8.3 miles to La Junta Canyon (Forest Rt. 76) sign. Turn left at sign onto Rt. 76 (dirt and gravel) and go 2 miles to campground sign. Turn right across low water bridge into campground.
Forest Road 76 is dirt and gravel and becomes increasingly rocky further up the hill, potentially requiring a lifted truck for safe navigation. The road is seasonally closed to vehicles from January 1 to April 30 each year.Nearby places
Penasco, NM (approximately 15 miles, estimated travel time not provided).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies available in Peñasco, NM. No details on specific stores or fuel stations provided.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Duran Canyon Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Duran Canyon Campground are mixed. While the area is praised for its scenic beauty, accessibility issues on rocky terrain have been highlighted by users.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the 'beautiful' natural surroundings of the campground.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
A common complaint mentioned in user reviews is that 'all the camping sites were filled in the front by RVs,' and the further areas were difficult to access due to rocky terrain.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend having a lifted truck or a vehicle suited to off-road conditions to navigate the rocky terrain leading to upper campsites.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"It was beautiful but showing up on a Thursday late afternoon all the camping sites were filled in the front by RVs. And the further you go up, the rockier it is."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Some reviews indicate that sites in the front are taken up by RVs, while upper sites are more challenging to reach without a suitable vehicle.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025