Target Tree Campground
Target Tree Campground is located 7 miles east of Mancos on the north side of Highway 160 at an elevation of 7,643 feet. It is the ideal camping spot for day trips to Mancos, Durango and Mesa Verde National Park. The name, "Target Tree," refers to the Ute Indians' use of the area to harvest sap and bark from Ponderosa pines as food supplements. They also used the trees for target practice, leaving several scarred trees throughout the area.
More like this: reservable in Colorado · big rigs in Colorado · pets allowed in Colorado
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 18 |
| Equestrian | 2 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 60 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
20 sites in 2 loops. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | Water / sewer | People / vehicles | Fires | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 002 | Loop A | Standard | Back-in | 40 | Gravel | Partial | – / No | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 003 | Loop A | Standard | Back-in | 40 | Gravel | Partial | – / No | 8 / 2 | Yes | Prime |
| 006 | Loop A | Standard | Back-in | 32 | Gravel | Full | – / No | 8 / 2 | Yes | Prime |
| 007 | Loop A | Standard | Back-in | 32 | Gravel | Full | – / No | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard |
| 009 | Loop A | Standard | Pull-through | 40 | Gravel | Full | – / No | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard |
| 010 | Loop A | Standard | Back-in | 35 | Gravel | Partial | – / No | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard |
| 013 | Loop A | Standard | Back-in | 32 | Gravel | Partial | – / No | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard |
| 014 | Loop A | Standard | Back-in | 40 | Gravel | Full | – / No | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard |
| 015 | Loop A | Standard | Back-in | 25 | Gravel | Full | – / No | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard |
| 016 | Loop A | Standard | Back-in | 35 | Gravel | Full | – / No | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 60 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Tent pads | Yes |
Target Tree Campground, located between Durango and Mancos off Highway 160, has 28 sites on a south-facing hillside overlooking Thompson Park. This campground's name refers to the Ute Indians' use of the area to harvest sap and bark of ponderosa pines as food supplements. They also used trees for target practice. Scarred trees remain; a short trail leads to one, and historical markers explain their usage. There are 17 barrier-free sites. Many sites are shady, but can be hot on sunny days. Most large and pull-thru sites require mechanical leveling of RVs. Three campsites have corrals for overnight camping with horses. The campground's group campsite group site has been converted into individual sites and is no longer available as a group site. There are no electrical hookups, dump station, firewood, or showers
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Closed for the season. Forest Service sites close for the season; check the official page for the reopening date. |
| Season | May to September |
| Forest | San Juan National Forest |
| Booking | Reservations available online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. |
| Fees | Standard: $24 |
| Rules | Quiet time is typically between 10pm - 6am. Please be a good neighbor and limit use of generators to no more than one hour at a time. Dogs must be leashed or otherwise physically restrained. Do not leave pets unattended. Check-out time: 12:00 pm; Check-in time: 2:00 pm - if the site is empty, campers may come in anytime. |
Weather by month
Getting there
From Mancos, take U.S. Highway 160 east for 8.8 miles. Turn left at campground sign and follow the gravel road for 0.3 miles to the campground. From Durango, take U.S. Highway 160 west for 20 miles to the campground sign. Turn right and the follow gravel road for 3 miles to the campground.
| Coordinates | 37.3409° N, 108.1880° W · Directions ↗ |
Charges and cancellations
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Group Sites Group Facility (including Cabins and Lookouts): A visitor who cancels a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite.
Supplies & services
| Outdoor gear | Backcountry Experience ↗ | 17.4 mi |
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 37.3 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Target Tree Campground - Durango Colorado
Trails nearby
- 0.1 miNarrow Gauge0.8 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 3 miStarvation Creek3.9 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 1 more
- 3.9 miOld Gold Run2.5 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 1 more
- 4.2 miThree Heroes0.7 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
This campground sits inside San Juan National Forest.
- inSan Juan National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 2,094,539 acres
- 12.7 miHermosa Creek Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 37,344 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
Historic landmarks nearby
Natural features
The campground sits on a south-facing hillside overlooking Thompson Park. A Ponderosa pine and Gambel oak forest provides shade in many sites. The area is hot during the summer, but cools off significantly at night.
Recreation
Visitors may enjoy taking a short, accessible interpretive trail to view a historic target tree. The campground is also known for its great birding opportunities, with a sign in the campground that lists species found in the area. The Narrow Gauge Trail begins within the campground and climbs 3.4 miles to an old railroad grade. The rails were placed just three feet apart to allow trains to navigate through the rugged mountains.
Nearby
Southwestern Colorado, part of the Four Corners region, contains over 4,000 archaeological sites and over 600 cliff dwellings. Mesa Verde National Park is 1 hour and 45 minutes south, close enough for a day trip. Other sites within a few hour's drive include the Anasazi Heritage Center in Dolores, Canyon of the Ancients and Hovenweep National Monument.
Guidebooks for Colorado
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Target Tree Campground?
Sites at Target Tree Campground are reservable on Recreation.gov. Reservations available online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Target Tree Campground?
Standard: $24
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Target Tree Campground?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
What does it cost to cancel a reservation at Target Tree Campground?
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.
Source: Charges and cancellations
Is Target Tree Campground open right now?
Closed for the season as of Oct 16, 2026. Season May to September.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Target Tree Campground have?
20 sites, including 18 standard sites without power and 2 equestrian sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Target Tree Campground?
The longest site here provides 60 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are there showers or a dump station at Target Tree Campground?
There are no electrical hookups, dump station, firewood, or showers
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Target Tree Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Target Tree Campground. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Target Tree Campground?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. Quiet time is typically between 10pm - 6am.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is there cell service at Target Tree Campground?
FCC coverage maps show Verizon 5G and AT&T 5G at the campground point. Terrain changes that from one site to the next.
Source: FCC Broadband Map
What is there to do at Target Tree Campground?
Visitors may enjoy taking a short, accessible interpretive trail to view a historic target tree. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation