Colorado’s Hidden Lakeside Escape

Looking for a quiet lakeside campground in Colorado with epic paddle boarding, hiking trails, and bird songs for your morning hot chocolate soundtrack? Keep reading—Middle Mountain Campground might just be your next favorite camping destination.

Location

Middle Mountain Campground is located in southwestern Colorado, near Vallecito Lake in the San Juan National Forest. The campground sits nestled among towering pine trees and offers peaceful views of the surrounding mountains and lake. It’s a fantastic basecamp for those who enjoy serene surroundings without sacrificing outdoor adventure.

How to Get There

From Durango, Colorado, head northeast on County Road 240 (Florida Road) for about 17 miles. Turn left onto County Road 501 and continue another 10 miles until you reach Vallecito Reservoir. Keep an eye out for signage directing you toward Middle Mountain Road. From there, follow the dirt road (passable by most vehicles) to the campground.

Note: The road is not paved, but we had no trouble accessing it in our camper van.

Temperature and Bugs

We camped at Middle Mountain Campground in mid-June, and the weather was perfection. Daily highs hovered in the mid-70s, making it comfortable for hiking and paddling. As for bugs? Not too many! I applied mosquito repellent (just to be safe) whenever I stepped out for a walk or went stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).

Middle Mountain Campground Technology

Cell signal from T-Mobile worked interminably with a signal booster.

However, we had flawless internet with Starlink once it was properly set up! This allowed us to check weather forecasts and send emails.

Thinking about adding Starlink to your vanlife tech setup? Read our real-world review: Starlink Mini – Real World Vanlife Results and What Didn’t Work.

Our Starlink setup has been a game-changer. If you’re considering it, we’d love it if you used our referral link—it supports our blog at no cost to you.

Amenities

Despite its remote setting, Middle Mountain Campground provides basic and useful amenities:

Vault toilets

Trash dumpsters

Picnic tables at each site

Fire rings with grill bars

Keep in mind: There is no potable water at this site, so bring your own water supply.

What to Do at Middle Mountain Campground

Middle Mountain is an outdoor lover’s playground. Here’s what we enjoyed most:

Paddleboarding and kayaking on the lake.

Fishing (don’t forget your Colorado fishing license)

Walking trails that circle the campground and provide benches to relax and immerse yourself in the sounds of nature.

Birdwatching—wake up to the melodic chirps of mountain birds

Looking for another great camping option in the area? Don’t miss our write-up on Quaking Aspen Dispersed Camping.

Must-Have Gear for Middle Mountain Campground

Being prepared makes all the difference. Here are a few must-haves that made our stay more comfortable (these are affiliate links that help support our blog—thank you!):

7-Gallon Rigid Water Containers – A must since there is no water source available

Pop-Up Canopy – Provides shade and helps keep you cool

Comfortable Camping Chairs – The picnic tables are great, but we always prefer a good backrest

FAQ – What Campers Want to Know

Q: Are reservations required at Middle Mountain Campground?

A: No. It’s first-come, first-served. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends during peak summer months.

Q: Is the campground RV-friendly?

A: Yes, but there are no hookups. The sites are more suitable for smaller RVs and camper vans due to limited space and maneuverability.

Q: Can I swim in the lake?

A: You can, though it’s chilly even in summer! Most visitors use the lake for paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing.

Q: Is there firewood available?

A: No firewood for sale on-site. Bring your own or gather dead and downed wood per forest regulations.

Wrap-Up: Plan Your Middle Mountain Getaway

If you’re looking to unplug, reconnect with nature, and enjoy quiet lake vibes, Middle Mountain Campground in Colorado is a fantastic choice. With its basic amenities, great access to water activities, and stunning mountain scenery, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to every summer.

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