United Campgrounds of Durango combines an Animas River setting with a distinctive feature of the property: the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad runs directly through the campground. That mix can shape the stay more than a generic “near Durango” location description. Campers can compare the listed RV and tent-site options, decide whether an active rail setting suits their trip, and review the campground’s rules before choosing dates. The official website describes the park as about four miles from downtown Durango and lists its operating season as May 1 through October 15.
The train is part of the campground setting
The railroad is not simply a nearby attraction to drive to. The campground’s official site says the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad runs through the park and highlights views of the train from the property. That may be a memorable part of a visit for rail enthusiasts and families, but travelers who prefer a quiet, uninterrupted setting should factor the train into their expectations and consult current information before booking. The official site also places the campground on the banks of the Animas River, along the trolley line and at the north edge of the city limits.
The listed address is United Campgrounds of Durango, 1322 Animas View Dr, Durango, CO 81301. Its location roughly four miles from downtown can help campers think through how they want to divide time between the campground and city activities, without assuming a particular travel time or transportation option.
Choose between the RV and tent areas
The website describes more than 100 level RV sites, including water-and-electric sites and full-hookup options with water, electricity, and sewer. It also lists more than 90 grassy, shaded tent sites. Those descriptions give visitors a starting point for matching a site type to their setup, but they do not establish which individual sites remain available or guarantee a particular view, shade level, or location. The campground says requests may be considered, while specific or adjoining site assignments are not guaranteed and are based on availability on arrival day.
There is an important separation between the camping areas: the published guidelines say tents are not allowed in RV sites and RVs are not allowed in the tent area. Tent campers should also note that the website describes picnic tables and grassy areas, with bathrooms, showers, and laundry nearby. These are useful planning details, but confirm the current placement and access to facilities when making a reservation rather than assuming every site has the same arrangement.
For RV travelers, the site says each site accommodates an RV and one vehicle. A towed cargo trailer may need to be disconnected and parked in overflow parking near the office; the posted guidelines say overflow parking is first come, first served and cannot be guaranteed, and extra charges may apply. If the rig includes a trailer or multiple vehicles, ask how that configuration will be handled before arrival.
Plan around the published season and daily schedule
The official site lists May 1 to October 15 as the campground’s open season. Since seasonal dates and operating details can change, confirm the dates that apply to the intended trip directly with the campground. Its posted schedule gives check-in as noon or later and checkout at 11 a.m. Arriving outside those stated times should not be assumed to be acceptable without direct confirmation.
Quiet hours are listed as 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Mountain Time, and generators are not allowed anywhere in the park. The guidelines also prohibit wood-burning campfires. Propane and charcoal grills, along with propane rings, are listed as accepted alternatives. Campers who depend on a generator or expect to build a wood fire should treat these rules as a deciding factor, not a minor detail to resolve after setting up.
Pets and children need a little extra planning
The posted rules welcome leashed pets and set a two-dog limit. They also prohibit leaving pets unattended in the campground or tying them to an RV or a tree. Pets are not allowed in or around buildings or the pool area, and the website specifically says they cannot be walked in the tent area or below the train tracks. Anyone traveling with a dog should review the full current rules and decide whether those boundaries fit the daily routine.
For families, the campground’s guidelines call for adult supervision of children under 14 in the pool area; the site warns that there is no lifeguard and swimming is at visitors’ own risk. It also says the irrigation ditch and train tracks are not play areas. These rules make it sensible to discuss boundaries with children before exploring, especially in a campground where the rail line is part of the setting.
Confirm the details that affect your particular stay
Before choosing a site, confirm current dates, the exact RV hookup type or tent-area arrangement, vehicle and trailer parking, and any applicable fees. The official website is durangorv.com, and the listed phone number is +1 970-247-3853. A public listing snapshot reports a 4.1 rating from 504 reviewers; ratings summarize other visitors’ experiences and cannot answer whether a specific site configuration or rule will suit an individual trip. For a useful decision, compare those reviews with the campground’s current rules and the details it confirms directly.
