It all started in 1965…
When this campground hosted its first guests the goal back then was simply to offer folks from around the Four Corners a place to relax and lounge along the Animas River.
Today, the property boasts 73 quality RV sites, 24 cabins and 6 tent sites. We also have a heated pool, playground, convenience store, retail shop, game room, café with a large deck for dining, laundry room, paved roadways, two bath houses, and an observation deck overlooking the Animas.
The property sits just south of Bakers Bridge, a local landmark made famous as the set of the climactic finale in the movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” – where Paul Newman and Robert Redford sat along the rocky cliffs that line the river before they famously took the plunge.
As the lifeblood of this community, the Animas River winds its way under that bridge and south toward historic downtown Durango. Everyone from whitewater enthusiasts and acclaimed fly fisherman to laidback locals in inner tubes enjoy the same flowing mountain waters miners have tapped for more than a century.
Back in 1965, the population of Durango was just over 10,000 and La Plata County almost 20,000. Today, the city itself is home to 20,000 residents while the county is closing in on a staggering 58,000.
As more and more people discover the beauty and majesty of the San Juan National Forest and surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks, the number of people flocking to the Four Corners region continues to grow.
Whether hiking, biking, horseback riding, or four-wheeling this area has an endless number of adventures to uncover. Even if it takes a lifetime to explore some of the forgotten roads in this region, these outdoor experiences offer just a glimpse of what there is to do when you visit.
People come from around the world to ride the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, listen to songs and stories from the Bar D Wranglers, hit the slopes at Purgatory Resort, or hug the guardrails along the legendary Million Dollar Highway.
These are just a few of the reasons people continue to come back year after year, and generation after generation. Even here at Durango Riverside, we constantly listen to stories from guests who first came here as children and now return with their own.
It really is easy to find places where you can experience some of the wonders this community has to offer. But, there’s only one place where you can relax and lounge along the Animas River with friends and family, making memories that will stick with you for generations – Durango Riverside.
Contact information
Front desk phone: 970-247-4499
Email: info@jwdurango.com
In case of emergency, dial 911. If there is an emergency in the park, like broken water lines or an electrical outage, call 970-903-6378
Hours of operation (Peak Season – Memorial Day to Labor Day)
Front Desk/Convenience Store/Retail Shop: 8 a.m.-8 p.m., daily
Laundry room: open 24 hours a day
Pool area: 9 a.m.-sundown
Game room: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Café: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4-9 p.m.
Check in time: 2 p.m. – Check out time: 11 a.m.
Quiet time: 10:30 p.m.-7 a.m.
Hours vary during off-peak times. Updated hours are posted at the front desk.
Cancellation Policy
There is a $35 cancellation fee. However, if you cancel your reservation within 7 days (or one week) of your arrival date, you will forfeit your deposit, which is equal to the first night’s stay.
Taking out the Trash (Peak Season – Memorial Day to Labor Day)
We pick up trash throughout the park between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., daily. You can leave your trash in front of your site and we will pick it up. If you need to dispose of your trash outside that window, our dumpsters are located just outside the park entrance and marked on the park map. We ask our guests to use the bear proof dumpster, which has sliding door access marked for your convenience.
Pick up times vary during off-peak times. Updated times are posted at the front desk.
Cleaning House
We do not offer daily housekeeping services for our cabins, but we do have coin-operated laundry facilities on site for guests to use. We include one set of linens and basic toiletries upon arrival. Guests can purchase additional toiletries in the convenience store.
Park it Here
Durango Riverside has limited parking available. Each site is typically able to accommodate one vehicle (in addition to an RV at each RV site). We do have a few overflow parking spaces available on site and a few off site. If you have additional trailers or vehicles, you will need to register for an overflow spot.
Wifi Information
We offer our guests low-speed Wifi for free throughout the park. High-speed Wifi is available for a fee and guests can choose their preferred option upon arrival.
On the wild side
We do have wildlife in the area, including black bears, racoons, coyotes, mountain lions, lynx, crows, magpies and more. We ask all our guests to be BEAR AWARE. This means leaving trash inside except during trash pick times and keeping all pet food inside. If you have any questions about wildlife, you can ask our staff or check out some of our local resources like Bear Smart Durango – Our local go-to resource for Bear Aware advice, www.bearsmartdurango.org – and Colorado Parks and Wildlife – https://cpw.state.co.us.
Fire Safety
Fires are allowed within the provided fire rings located at each site. If local conditions warrant fire restrictions, it will be posted at the front desk. Don’t hesitate to ask any staff member about local fire restrictions. Here’s some helpful fire safety tips:
Rules for the Pool
There is NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY at our pool, so swim at your own risk. All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Swim diapers are required for babies and toddlers.
Durango is for Dogs
We have two spots in the park where we provide pick up bags and drop off trash cans just for cleaning up after our canine companions. They are located outside the two bathhouses. Leashes are required for all pets while in the park, and pets are not allowed in the pool or playground areas. Guests must have up-to-date vaccination records. Guests are also asked not to leave their pets alone, either in cabins or at RV sites, and must keep pets off the furniture in cabins. If you’re in need of any local pet care professionals, like groomers or caretakers, ask anyone on our staff for suggestions.
Welcome to JW Destinations Resort at Durango Riverside located along the Animas River amid the towering Ponderosa pines.
