Colorado has its fair share of exquisite mountains, rivers, prairies and forests, and nowhere is this better showcased than within its 42 state parks.
Spread across the state, these parks vary in elevations. Incorporating some that are anywhere between 3,800 feet around its eastern plains, to 10,000 feet up in the mountains.
Collectively they offer wonderful opportunities to engage in a range of outdoor pursuits on both land and water. Which include everything from fishing, hiking and biking, to swimming, white water rafting and horseback riding.
In addition, there are plenty of fabulous scenic spots for a picnic, and points of historical and cultural interest that you should become aware of.
For those of you who live in or near the city of Durango, many of these parks are within easy driving distance of you.
So if its been a while since you spent some time in the heart of nature, why not check out these five great destinations?
Map of State Parks Near Durango, CO
Here is a map of the state parks in Colorado covered by this post:
List of State Parks Near Durango
These five state parks near Durango can all be reached within a 4 hour drive of the city.
Presented in order of geographical distance, with the closest one being first, they all provide varied camping accommodation options for those who want to stay a few nights.
1. Mancos State Park
Distance from Durango: about 23 miles west of Durango (straight-line).
Location: 42545 Road N, Mancos, CO 81328
Just a 40 minute drive northwest of Durango lies the historic Mancos State Park.
Close to the Mesa Verde National Park, this fascinating place is known to have been a dwelling place for Ancestral Puebloans, who lived in the area from around AD 1 to 1300.
Today, it is a popular spot for kayakers, canoeists, paddleboarders and other boating enthusiasts who enjoy the sparkling waters of the Jackson Gulch Reservoir. While angling is also a popular activity too, with rainbow trout and yellow perch being in abundance.
In terms of camping options, Mancos has two main campgrounds, the Main and the West. These are set near a picturesque ponderosa forest and span two sides of the reservoir. Together they feature 32 campsites overall, which have toilets, fire pits and picnic tables.
At the main campground you will find drinking water too, but unfortunately no electrical hookups. The west campground has neither.
As an alternative to RV and tent camping, two yurts are also provided for visitors.
See our full Mancos State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
2. Navajo State Park
Distance from Durango: about 32 miles southeast of Durango (straight-line).
Location: 1526 County Rd 982, Arboles, CO 81121
Attracting over 300,000 visitors every year the Navajo State Park is a popular public recreational space to visit in the southwest of Colorado.
Only a 50 minute drive southwest of Durango, the main drawcard of this 2,100-acre park is the Navajo Reservoir which extends south for 20 miles into New Mexico.
With more than 15,000 surface-acres to play with, this park is a haven for those who love water based recreational activities. Boating, jet skiing, SUP, kayaking and canoeing are all regularly practised here. Whilst fishermen are presented with lots of opportunities to get trout, pike, bluegill, catfish, crappie and both small and large mouth bass.
If you’d prefer to stay on dry land, there are several hiking trails you can explore, as well as scenic spots to enjoy a picnic.
Overall, Navajo’s three campgrounds have 138 campsites between them, as well as three cabins. Most of which remain open throughout the year. Flush toilets and showers are available in all three campgrounds, and a dump station is available in one of them.
See our full Navajo State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
3. Lone Mesa State Park
Distance from Durango: about 45 miles northwest of Durango (straight-line).
Location: 42545 Road N Mancos CO 81328
Lone Mesa State Park is a closed-access state park in Colorado located 23 miles (37 kilometers) north of Dolores.
Highlights associated with Lone Mesa State Park include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
See our full Lone Mesa State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
4. Ridgway State Park
Distance from Durango: about 66 miles north of Durango (straight-line).
Location: 28555 Highway 550, Ridgway, CO 81432
A 2 hour drive north of Durango will take you to the Ridgway State Park.
Known for its spectacular mountain scenery, the park has been called the ‘Switzerland of America’ and is a photographers dream.
It also contains a reservoir that stretches for five miles long, as well as several recreational areas that are universally accessible. This makes it a popular spot for fishing, swimming, boating and SUP, as well as family picnics too.
The park has a diverse range of flora and fauna which you can explore via a number of hiking trails. Along some of which you might encounter mountain lions, deer, coyotes, elk and rabbits. You will even find a swimming beach too, which is a lovely spot to sunbathe and relax.
During the months of April to October, some 258 campsites are made available for tents, trailers, RVs, campervans and motor homes.
In the remaining months of the year, only 20 RV sites and 15 walk-in tent sites are available at this dog-friendly campground.
See our full Ridgway State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
5. Heron Lake State Park
Distance from Durango: about 78 miles southeast of Durango (straight-line).
Location: Rutheron, NM
Heron Lake State Park covers 5,900 acres in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. Established 1971.
Highlights associated with Heron Lake State Park include lake recreation, river access, and mountain scenery.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground and a marina.
See our full Heron Lake State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
