The historic railway has been in continuous operation between Durango and Silverton since 1882.
For most RVers it would be shocking to stay at a campground in the mountainous region of Durango, Colorado, to learn that an active rail line runs through it. It would be more alarming to realize that a passing train would blow its whistle multiple times a day. This is exactly what you will find at United Campgrounds of Durango. Nonetheless, I knew all about this before we arrived.
Why would we stay at such a park here? The answer is we needed a place to camp for two nights as we wanted to experience the Durango & Silverton Railroad. Plus, we wanted to explore the area. The train leaves daily from its downtown core. What better place to camp than along the tracks of a historic railroad.
In fact, the historic railway has been in continuous operation between Durango and Silverton since 1882. The extensive round trip leads through the dense San Juan National Forest, which is a National Historic Landmark and a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. There are also a series of special excursions/themed trips along the way throughout the year.
What’s more is adventurous RVers should stay a few extra days to explore the Colorado trails of this southwest region that includes Durango, Silverton, and many other areas.
This Durango RV Park offers Many Services
United Campgrounds of Durango is the closest RV park to the train depot. This is a benefit given the early departure times of most excursions. Additionally, there are great photo opportunities of the train. The full-service RV park itself offers 100-plus level sites, 90 grassy tent sites, and generous pull-through spaces. Large shade trees are also among the grounds. Additionally, the pet-friendly park has a store/gift shop and a heated swimming pool. The restrooms are also clean and offer hot showers.
If you don’t feel like driving your tow vehicle, dinghy or motorhome to the train depot, a trolley departs several times hourly from a trolley stop conveniently located just in front of the park.
Having a steam locomotive rumble through your campsite, just another adventure in RVing!
Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.
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