Just a short drive from this mountain sports town and the depot for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, the Durango East KOA provides a panoramic view of the jagged San Juan Mountains. At an elevation of 7,000 feet, this piñon-shaded campground atop a mesa makes for comfortably cool summer nights. It’s a fine spot to relax around the pool, challenge your friends to a game of pool and enjoy nightly ice cream gatherings and free movies.

Several outfitters guide kayak and whitewater raft outings on the Animas River, which flows through downtown Durango. Dozens of galleries, shops and restaurants line its charming streets. The area also offers hiking, biking, fishing, outfitted jeep tours and horseback riding. The Durango East KOA serves as a great base camp for Mesa Verde National Park.