United Campground Review: Durango's Riverside RV Favorite

United Campground of Durango has been family-owned for over 40 years, and it holds the position that most Durango-area RVers know by reputation before they ever visit: the riverfront campground where the narrow gauge railroad runs through the property, the Animas River is fishable from camp, and downtown Durango’s restaurants and breweries are reachable on a free trolley that stops at the entrance. That combination of river, railroad, walkable town access, and 40 years of family management has made United the default first-choice campground in a town that has no shortage of options.

The campground delivers on its reputation. Over 100 RV sites with full hookups spread across a shaded, grassy property along the Animas River. A heated swimming pool. Clean bathrooms with hot showers. WiFi that reviewers consistently report is strong enough for streaming. And the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad — a coal-fired steam train that runs the canyon route to Silverton daily during summer — passes directly through the property with a whistle blast that startles first-time visitors and becomes part of the experience by the second day.

Rates run $55 to $70 per night, which is competitive for a full-hookup, in-town campground in a Colorado mountain resort town. The season is May 1 through October 15, typical for this elevation. Yelp reviewers give it 4 out of 5 across 59 reviews. TripAdvisor users are consistently positive. The Dyrt campers cite cleanliness, spacious sites, and the train experience as recurring highlights. This review covers the full picture — what works, what doesn’t, and whether United is the right Durango camp for your trip. For the full Durango overview, see our Durango RV parks guide.

Getting There#

United Campground is located at 1322 Animas View Drive (County Road 203), Durango, CO 81301. The campground sits north of downtown Durango along the Animas River, approximately 4 miles from the historic downtown core.

If you are approaching from the south on US-550, you will drive through downtown Durango and continue north. County Road 203 (Animas View Drive) branches off to the left along the river. If you are arriving from the east on US-160 or from the north on US-550 coming down from Silverton, the campground is well-signed from the main highway.

The approach is straightforward for large rigs. US-550 through Durango is a standard two-lane highway through town, and the turn onto County Road 203 does not involve any tight corners or narrow passages. The campground entrance accommodates big rigs without stress.

Durango sits at 6,512 feet elevation — high enough that you will notice the altitude (breathing slightly harder, tiring a bit faster on hikes) but low enough that most people acclimate within a day or two. If you are coming from sea level, take it easy on your first day and drink extra water.

Provisioning tip: Durango has full-service provisioning — Walmart, City Market (Kroger), natural grocers, diesel stations, propane filling, and RV supply shops. The town is a genuine mountain basecamp with everything you need. Stock up in town before settling in, though the campground’s general store covers basics and essentials.

The Campground#

United Campground has over 100 RV sites with full hookups and more than 90 tent sites spread across a property that lines the Animas River. The campground is divided by — and this is the defining feature — the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad tracks, which cut through the middle of the property separating the RV camping area from the tent camping area.

Site Types and Layout#

RV sites are full hookup — water, electric (30/50-amp reported by multiple reviewers), and sewer at each site. The sites are level, grassy, and shaded by mature cottonwood and other deciduous trees that have had four decades to grow into a genuine canopy. After a long drive through the sun-baked lower elevations, pulling into United and parking under a cottonwood canopy along the river feels like an exhale.

The sites vary in size. Some accommodate big rigs comfortably; others are tighter and better suited to smaller travel trailers and Class C motorhomes. When booking, ask about specific site dimensions if you are over 35 feet. Pull-through and back-in options are both available.

Riverside sites are the most desirable. These sites put you within steps of the Animas River — close enough to hear the water from your camp chair, and in some cases, close enough to cast a fishing line from your site. Riverside sites book first and carry a premium. If river proximity is your priority, book early and request a riverside assignment.

Interior sites are still shaded and level but lack the river view and water sounds. They are generally quieter (less foot traffic from anglers and river walkers) and slightly less expensive.

The Railroad Experience#

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad runs through the campground property. This is a working heritage railroad — coal-fired steam locomotives pulling vintage passenger cars along the Animas River canyon to Silverton and back. The train passes through camp multiple times daily during the operating season (typically May through October, with limited winter runs).

This is either a feature or a bug, depending on your temperament. The steam whistle sounds as the train approaches the property crossing, and the ground vibrates slightly as the locomotive passes. Most campers — and every review platform reflects this — treat it as entertainment. Kids line up to wave at the engineer. Adults grab their cameras. The first passage catches you off guard; by the third, you are pulling out your phone to record it.

If you are a light sleeper or sensitive to noise, be aware that early-morning departures can start before 8 AM. The campground is not the place for silence seekers — between the train, the river, and the proximity to town, there is ambient sound throughout the day. If silence matters, the parks outside of town (Alpen Rose, Tico Time) are better fits.

Grounds and Atmosphere#

The property feels established in a way that only four decades of continuous family operation can produce. The cottonwood trees are mature, providing genuine shade that newer parks cannot match. The grass is maintained. The river runs along the edge, accessible from the campground without crossing any roads. The overall atmosphere is family-oriented, relaxed, and social without being loud — campers fish, kids play, and the train passes through with reliable regularity.

The Animas River through this section runs clear and cold, fed by snowmelt from the San Juan Mountains. It is fishable — brown trout and rainbow trout are the primary species — and the stretch through camp sees light pressure compared to the more famous sections upstream. If you brought a fly rod, you will use it here.

Hookups and Amenities#

Hookups#

Every RV site includes full hookups:

• Electric: 30 and 50-amp service reported
• Water: Individual water connections at each site
• Sewer: Full sewer hookups at each site

The electrical infrastructure is adequate for the campground’s age and size. Running your AC on a hot August afternoon (highs in the mid-to-upper 80s at this elevation) should not be a problem on the 30-amp service. If you need 50-amp for dual AC units, confirm availability for your specific site when booking.

Facilities#

• Swimming pool: Heated pool, open Memorial Day through Labor Day. A significant amenity for families — the pool provides a mid-afternoon activity that keeps kids occupied while adults decompress after a day of sightseeing.
• Bathrooms and showers: Clean restrooms with hot showers. Multiple reviewers specifically praise the cleanliness of the facilities, which is notable for a campground of this size and age. The management clearly invests in maintaining the bathhouses.
• Laundry: On-site laundry facilities with washers and dryers.
• General store and gift shop: Stocked with groceries, basic RV supplies, ice, firewood, and souvenirs. Not a full grocery run, but adequate for forgotten items and daily needs.
• WiFi: Free WiFi throughout the campground. Multiple reviewers report it is strong enough for streaming — an unusual and noteworthy claim for a campground. Your mileage may vary depending on occupancy and your location in the park, but the base-level connectivity appears to be above average.
• Dump station: Available for guests and potentially for non-guests (check current policy).
• Picnic tables and fire rings: At each site.
• Playground and arcade/game room: On-site entertainment for kids.

What Is Missing#

There is no hot tub or spa. There is no fitness center. There are no organized activities or group events in the way that resort-style parks provide. This is a campground, not a resort — the river, the pool, the trails, and the town are your amenities. For most visitors spending their days exploring Mesa Verde, riding the narrow gauge railroad, or fishing the Animas, the campground amenities are more than sufficient.

What’s Nearby#

Downtown Durango#

The marquee benefit of United’s location is the proximity to downtown Durango and the ease of getting there without moving your rig. The Durango city trolley stops at the campground entrance and runs on a regular schedule to the historic downtown and the train station. The trolley costs $1 per ride — functionally free compared to parking and driving.

Downtown Durango punches well above its weight for a town of 19,000 people. The main strip along Main Avenue has:

• Restaurants: Ore House (upscale steaks and mountain views), Steamworks Brewing (craft beer and pub food — the amber ale is excellent), Jean-Pierre Bakery (French pastries at elevation), East by Southwest (Asian fusion), and two dozen other options ranging from fine dining to taco shops.
• Breweries: Steamworks, Ska Brewing (their taproom is a Durango institution), Animas Brewing, and Carver Brewing — enough to build a full afternoon around a brewery crawl.
• Shopping: Outdoor gear shops (Backcountry Experience, Pine Needle Mountaineering), galleries, bookstores, and the kind of independent retail that chain-store culture has eliminated in most American towns.
• Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad depot: The historic train station where the daily trips to Silverton depart. Tickets for the full round-trip run $99 to $199+ per adult depending on class and season, and the 3.5-hour ride through the Animas River gorge is genuinely spectacular. Book weeks or months ahead for summer.

Mesa Verde National Park#

Thirty-six miles west on US-160, approximately 45 minutes from the campground. Mesa Verde is the only national park in the United States dedicated entirely to archaeological preservation, protecting over 5,000 known archaeological sites including 600 cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans between roughly 600 and 1300 AD.

The marquee attraction is Cliff Palace — the largest cliff dwelling in North America, with 150 rooms and 23 kivas tucked into an enormous sandstone alcove. Ranger-guided tours of Cliff Palace and Balcony House are available seasonally and require separate tickets. The park road to the cliff dwellings has steep grades and sharp curves — leave your RV at camp and drive your tow vehicle or a smaller vehicle to the ruins.

Park entry is $30 per vehicle (valid 7 days) or free with an America the Beautiful pass.

San Juan Mountains#

Durango is the southern gateway to Colorado’s most dramatic mountain range. The San Juan Mountains are steeper, more rugged, and less visited than the Front Range peaks, with mining-era ghost towns, alpine lakes, and passes above 12,000 feet.

• Million Dollar Highway (US-550 to Silverton and Ouray): One of the most scenic drives in America — and one of the most terrifying for RV drivers. The section between Silverton and Ouray is narrow, has no guardrails, and features sheer drop-offs. If you want to drive it, use your tow vehicle, not your rig. The practical length limit is about 30 feet.
• Silverton: The narrow gauge railroad’s northern terminus, a preserved mining town at 9,318 feet with restaurants, shops, and the kind of authentic Western character that most mountain towns have lost.
• Animas River fishing: World-class trout water from Durango upstream. Several local outfitters offer guided trips.
• Mountain biking: Durango is a legitimate mountain biking destination. Horse Gulch, Animas Mountain, and the Colorado Trail are all accessible from town.

Purgatory Ski Resort#

Twenty-five miles north on US-550. In summer, Purgatory operates its chairlift for mountain biking and sightseeing, and the resort area has additional hiking trails. In winter (if you are camping at Alpen Rose, the only year-round park in the area), Purgatory offers skiing and snowboarding at a mid-size Colorado resort without the crowds of the Front Range ski areas.

Vallecito Lake#

Twenty-three miles northeast of Durango on County Road 501. A reservoir in the pine forests of the San Juan Mountains with camping, fishing, boating, and a quieter alternative to the Durango town scene. Several campgrounds and RV parks line the lakeshore.

The Honest Details#

What Works#

Location is the headline. Riverfront camping within walking/trolley distance of a genuinely excellent mountain town is rare. You can fish the Animas from camp, trolley to dinner at Steamworks, and walk back along the river path under a Colorado sunset. The proximity to Mesa Verde, the train depot, and the San Juan Mountains makes United a basecamp that does not waste your driving time.

The shade is real. Four decades of cottonwood growth have created a mature canopy that most parks cannot match. In a region where afternoon sun at 6,500 feet hits hard, genuine shade is a meaningful quality-of-life feature.

The WiFi actually works. In a world where “campground WiFi” is usually a euphemism for a connection that barely loads a weather forecast, United’s WiFi gets consistent positive mentions for being usable — including for streaming. Do not count on video conferencing during peak occupancy, but for everyday internet use, it appears to deliver.

Cleanliness is maintained. Family management for four decades means an owner who cares about the property is on-site. The bathhouses, the grounds, and the common areas are consistently clean in reviews — a detail that correlates strongly with long-term family ownership versus corporate management.

The trolley access eliminates car dependency. Being able to leave your rig parked and reach downtown Durango’s restaurants, breweries, and attractions via a $1 trolley removes one of the biggest friction points of RV camping in a tourist town — parking.

What Doesn’t Work#

The train noise is constant. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad passes through the property multiple times daily, with steam whistles at the crossing. Most people find this charming. Some people find it disruptive. If you are a light sleeper, sensitive to noise, or camping specifically for tranquility, United is the wrong choice. Trains can depart before 8 AM and return in the late afternoon/evening.

Sites vary significantly in quality. Not all 100-plus RV sites are created equal. Riverside sites with shade and river views are genuinely excellent. Interior sites farther from the river and closer to the railroad tracks are more ordinary — functional but not the experience that earns United its reputation. Site assignment matters here more than at most campgrounds. Call the office and request a specific site based on your priorities (river proximity, shade, distance from tracks, rig size).

The season is short. May 1 through October 15 is the operating window. If you want to camp in Durango outside of those dates, Alpen Rose (year-round, 5 miles north) is effectively your only option among the parks in our Durango guide.

Pricing adds up with extras. The $55-to-$70 nightly rate is a two-person base. Additional guests are $5 per person per night, and extra vehicles are $10 each. A family of four with a tow vehicle is paying $65 to $85 per night before any activity spending. Competitive for Colorado but not cheap — a week’s stay runs $385 to $595 for the site alone.

Summer weekends are crowded. June through August is peak Durango tourism season, and the campground reflects that. At full capacity, over 100 RV sites plus 90 tent sites means a busy property. The family-friendly atmosphere means kids running between sites, activity at the pool, and general campground bustle. If you want a quieter experience, target midweek stays or shoulder season (May, September, early October).

Who It’s Best For#

• First-time Durango visitors who want the full mountain-town experience without a car-dependent campground
• Train enthusiasts and families who want the narrow gauge railroad running through their campsite
• Anglers who want Animas River access from camp
• Families who need a pool, clean facilities, and walkable town access
• Mesa Verde visitors who want a full-service basecamp with provisioning and entertainment options

Who Should Look Elsewhere#

• Silence seekers — the train, the river, and the town proximity mean constant ambient sound
• Budget campers — at $55 to $70 per night plus add-ons, United is mid-range at best; dispersed camping in San Juan National Forest is free
• Winter campers — closed October 15 through May 1; try Alpen Rose for year-round operation
• Solitude-first campers — try Tico Time (20 minutes south) or the dispersed camping options in the San Juan Mountains

Full Specs and Booking#

United Campground of Durango

• Address: 1322 Animas View Drive, Durango, CO 81301
• Phone: (970) 247-3853
• Website: durangorv.com
• Total sites: 100+ full-hookup RV, 90+ tent
• Max RV length: Large rigs accommodated on many sites (confirm specific site when booking)
• Hookups: Full (water, sewer, 30/50-amp electric)
• Wi-Fi: Free, park-wide (reported usable for streaming)
• Showers: Hot showers included
• Laundry: On-site
• Pool: Heated, open Memorial Day through Labor Day
• Camp store: General store with groceries, ice, firewood, RV supplies
• Pet-friendly: Yes (on leash)
• Season: May 1 through October 15
• Rates: $55-$70/night (two-person base; $5/additional person, $10/extra vehicle)
• Reservations: Online at durangorv.com or by phone
• Trolley: City trolley stop at campground entrance ($1 ride to downtown)
• Elevation: ~6,512 feet

Booking strategy: For peak summer (late June through mid-August), book 2 to 3 months ahead, and 3 to 4 months ahead for riverside sites. July Fourth week and the first two weeks of August are the tightest windows. Shoulder season — May, September, and early October — offers the best combination of pleasant weather, thinner crowds, and available sites. Fall color in the San Juans peaks in late September and is spectacular. The campground’s closing date of October 15 means you can catch the fall aspens if you time it right.

FAQ#

Is the train noise a problem?#

For most campers, no — it becomes part of the Durango experience rather than an annoyance. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad passes through the property several times daily with steam whistles at the crossing. The rumble is felt more than heard inside your RV. If you are very noise-sensitive, request a site as far from the tracks as possible, or consider one of the parks farther from town.

Can I fish the Animas River from the campground?#

Yes. The campground has direct Animas River access, and the stretch through the property holds brown trout and rainbow trout. You will need a valid Colorado fishing license, available online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife or at sporting goods stores in Durango. Fly fishing is the primary method, but spin fishing works in the deeper pools.

How far is Mesa Verde National Park?#

About 36 miles west on US-160, approximately 45 minutes’ driving time. Leave your RV at camp and drive your tow vehicle — the park roads to the cliff dwellings involve steep grades and tight curves that are manageable but unnecessary in a large rig.

Is the trolley reliable?#

The Durango city trolley runs on a regular schedule during summer months, with a stop at the campground entrance. It costs $1 per ride and runs to downtown Durango and the narrow gauge railroad depot. It is reliable during operating hours, but check the current schedule for exact times and routes — service may be reduced on Sundays and holidays.

Can big rigs fit?#

Many sites accommodate large rigs, but not all. When booking, specify your rig length and ask for a site that can handle your dimensions. Pull-through and back-in options are available. If you are over 40 feet, call the office to discuss the best site options rather than booking blind online.

How does United compare to other Durango campgrounds?#

United is the best option for campers who want riverfront access and walkable town proximity. Alpen Rose is the year-round option with mountain-valley views 5 miles north. Durango Ranch RV Resort is a smaller, newer option closer to Mesa Verde. Tico Time River Resort is the adventure-resort option 20 minutes south with ziplines, waterslides, and event programming. For the full comparison, see our Durango RV parks guide and the Colorado Rocky Mountains overview.