Camping

Blue Ridge Fire a symptom of larger problem

Unpermitted structures, illegal campfires and lax enforcement blamed for heightened wildfire risks in Forest Lakes subdivision

August 25, 2025 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

Camping

Stage 1 fire restrictions issued for much of Southwest Colorado

Agencies urge residents, visitors to refrain from certain activities

July 1, 2025 • Scout Edmondson — Herald Staff Writer

Animas Valley

First review finds Animas Valley RV park noncompliant with code

Developer has 120 days to address issues

April 8, 2024 • Reuben M. Schafir — Herald Staff Writer

Camping

Car camper found dead in La Plata Mountains is identified

Investigators confirm man’s identity almost two weeks after his death

July 24, 2023 • Tyler Brown — Herald Staff Writer

Camping

Man found dead inside SUV at Snowslide Campground in La Plata Canyon

Identification of deceased and cause of death pending

July 13, 2023 • Tyler Brown — Herald Staff Writer

Campground

3 decomposed bodies found near remote campsite in western Colorado

A hiker made the grim discovery Sunday northeast of Gunnison

July 13, 2023 • Olivia Prentzel — The Colorado Sun

Campground

How to have a backcountry campfire in Colorado

short answer is: Don’t. But if you do, here are some expert tips

June 30, 2023 • Parker Yamasaki — The Colorado Sun

Business (general)

Hower Built says Southwest Colorado is growing market for camper buildouts

says more young professionals want to live out camper life

May 30, 2023 • Tyler Brown — Herald Staff Writer

Business

Remote work hasn’t lost popularity in Durango

the height of the pandemic fades, remote work continues to appeal to those living in rural areas

August 21, 2022 • Tyler Brown — Herald Staff Writer

Business (general)

Rugged camper may help hone a new facet of Silverton’s high-elevation economy

Campfire conversation sparks Sasquatch Expedition Campers

July 31, 2022 • Nancy Lofholm — The Colorado Sun

Campground

Campsite reservation issues potentially cost state $2.8M, audit finds

Colorado Parks and Wildlife operates more than 4,200 campsites in 42 state parks

June 15, 2022 • Faith Miller — Colorado Newsline

Campground

Commissioners to vote on exiting managed camp contract

concerns, La Plata County advised not to buy property along Highway 160

June 11, 2022 • Aedan Hannon — Herald Staff Writer

Campground

Residents of Purple Cliffs want a say in move to managed camp

in unhoused community feel burned by the county, city and local advocacy groups

June 8, 2022 • Aedan Hannon — Herald Staff Writer

Campground

La Plata County and Durango agree to partner on new site for managed camp

governments have an end in sight for the yearslong search

May 5, 2022 • Aedan Hannon — Herald Staff Writer

Camping

La Plata County agrees to buy four properties for managed camp

Commissioners will spend $1.7 million to purchase sites next to the Durango Dog Park

April 13, 2022 • Aedan Hannon — Herald Staff Writer

Camping

La Plata County considering purchase of various sites for managed camp

Properties could address concerns of Ella Vita and Crestview residents

March 30, 2022 • Aedan Hannon — Herald Staff Writer

Camping

Why can’t Durango’s unhoused manage themselves?

Purple Cliffs residents say they already have a managed camp; La Plata County and advocacy groups disagree

February 23, 2022 • Aedan Hannon — Herald Staff Writer

Camping

List of locations for a managed homeless camp in Durango grows

Plata County and city of Durango vetting 18 additional sites after protest from residents

January 31, 2022 • Aedan Hannon — Herald Staff Writer

Camping

What is a ‘managed’ homeless camp and who does it serve in Durango?

City, county and unhoused advocates think they’re making progress, but campers aren’t so sure

January 10, 2022 • Aedan Hannon — Herald Staff Writer

Campground

La Plata County’s plan for managed homeless camp divides Durango residents

who live near proposed location oppose the project, but others say it will help tackle homelessness

December 14, 2021 • Aedan Hannon — Herald Staff Writer

Camping

Risk of human-caused wildfires a growing concern in San Juan Mountains

Colorado’s climate becomes warmer and drier, fires can spark easier and burn larger

November 28, 2021 • Grant Stringer — The Colorado Sun