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FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

CHRIS PARK

Durango, Colorado · La Plata County · Campground

Overview Chris Park is located near Haviland Lake in southwestern Colorado, 18 miles north of Durango. Visitors enjoy the area for its hiking, canoeing and fishing opportunities.Recreation Several trailheads are in the vicinity, including Forebay, Goulding, Elbert Creek and Purgatory Flats. The historic Rico-to-Rockwoo…

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37.51639, -107.80000
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About CHRIS PARK

Overview Chris Park is located near Haviland Lake in southwestern Colorado, 18 miles north of Durango. Visitors enjoy the area for its hiking, canoeing and fishing opportunities.Recreation Several trailheads are in the vicinity, including Forebay, Goulding, Elbert Creek and Purgatory Flats. The historic Rico-to-Rockwood Wagon Road passes through Chris Park. Built in the late 1800s, the road was used for six years until the railway opened.Facilities The campground offers three group sites. Sites 1 and 2 can accommodate up to 75 people each. Site 3 can accommodate up to 150 people, and includes a picnic shelter with electricity and grills. A volleyball court is located near this site as well. Picnic tables and campfire rings provided, as are vault toilets and drinking water.Natural Features The campground is situated in a mostly flat, open area, shaded by scattered ponderosa pine trees. Haviland Lake is a short drive from the site. Nearby Attractions Beautiful Haviland Lake is less than two miles from the campground. The 80-acre, no-wake lake offers boating, canoeing and fishing. Accessible fishing docks are located on the lakeshore. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.Charges & Cancellations 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. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds

How to Get There

From Durango, travel north on Highway 550 for about 18 miles to the campground. Turn at Haviland Lake sign, continue for a half-mile, then turn right at the intersection.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to CHRIS PARK

Heading to CHRIS PARK? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for CHRIS PARK?

No central reservation system listed for CHRIS PARK. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231879) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to CHRIS PARK?

From Durango, travel north on Highway 550 for about 18 miles to the campground. Turn at Haviland Lake sign, continue for a half-mile, then turn right at the intersection.

How do I contact CHRIS PARK?

You can reach the park at email: rlynd@goexplorus.com.