San Juan National Forest

USDA Forest Service
San Juan National Forest
15 Burnett Court
Durango, CO 81301
970-247-4874

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
970-385-1257

Location

Target Tree Campground is 7 miles east of Mancos, on the north side of Highway 60. Near Mesa Verde National Park.

Facilities

Picnic tables, composting vault toilets, fire grates, trash disposal, potable water. Adjacent picnic area.

No electricity, dump station, firewood, or showers.

Operated by concessionaire.

Attractions & Considerations

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.

The campground is known for a variety of birds; a sign lists species that can be seen in the vicinity. Its 25 sites on a south-facing hillside overlook Thompson Park; 17 with barrier-free access. Most large and pull-through sites require mechanical leveling of RVs.

Many sites are shady, but can be hot on sunny days. There are 10 picnic sites.

The Narrow Gauge Trail begins near campsite 37 and leads uphill 3.4 miles to an old railroad grade.

Map of Area