Bedroom 1 - Queen Bed Bedroom 2 - Full over Queen Bunk Bedroom 3 - Twin Bunk Bedroom 4 - King Bed
Welcome to Camp Demarest, your peaceful Colorado retreat in Hesperus—ideally situated between some of the Southwest's most iconic destinations. Perfectly located for adventure, the home sits between Mesa Verde National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient cliff dwellings—and the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, where you can experience one of the most scenic train rides in the country. Whether you're here for history, outdoor exploration, or simply to unwind, this location makes it easy to do it all. This newly remodeled home embraces a unique mid-century theme, with large windows that invite the outdoors in and fill the space with natural light. The property itself is steeped in local history, once homesteaded as a stagecoach stop along the Spanish Trail. Throughout the home, you'll find touches of regional character and storytelling—from nods to western author Louis L'Amour, who once picnicked along the nearby river, to tales of mountain recluses and early Southwest tourism. Step inside and you're welcomed by a bright, open living space designed for comfort and connection. The cozy electric fireplace, smart TV, and a collection of family-friendly board games create the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring. The fully equipped kitchen overlooks the backyard and flows seamlessly into a spacious dining area with seating for eight—perfect for shared meals, game nights, or planning your next adventure. The home comfortably accommodates families and groups with thoughtful sleeping arrangements. A front bedroom features a plush queen bed and easy access to a full bath with a tub/shower combination and in-unit washer and dryer. Toward the back of the home, a series of connected bedrooms provide an ideal setup for kids or groups, including a full-over-queen bunk and a separate twin bunk room. The private master suite offers a peaceful retreat with a king bed, dedicated workspace, walk-in closet, and an en-suite bathroom with a large shower, along with direct access to the backyard. Traveling with little ones is easy, as the home is equipped with a high chair, pack-n-play, children's books, and a variety of toys to keep younger guests comfortable and entertained. Outside, you'll find one of the home's most special features: a spacious backyard designed for both relaxation and play. After a day of exploring, unwind by the river, watch for wildlife, or fire up the grill for a barbecue. Guests can enjoy outdoor dining under the gazebo, gather around the gas fire table, or take advantage of activities like horseshoes, cornhole, frisbee, and badminton/volleyball. There's even a fun scavenger hunt of hidden surprises for guests of all ages, plus an extra fridge/freezer for added convenience. Just a short stroll away, the La Plata River offers a peaceful escape into nature. Spend your days fishing, picnicking, or simply enjoying the sounds of the water flowing through a landscape filled with cottonwood trees, deer, and wild turkeys. In the mornings, sip your coffee on the porch while taking in the quiet beauty of the surroundings; in the evenings, retreat to comfortable beds and enjoy cool, peaceful nights under the stars. The surrounding La Plata Mountains provide endless opportunities for hiking, photography, and exploring the beauty of Southwest Colorado. Whether you're visiting ancient ruins, riding historic railways, or enjoying quiet riverside moments, Camp Demarest offers the perfect balance of adventure, history, comfort, and relaxation. We strive to provide a welcoming, comfortable home base as you experience all that the Southwest has to offer—and we would love to host you. (Please note: river levels may vary depending on season and weather.)
This home is dog friendly. Approved Dogs are allowed with a non-refundable fee per pet based on size/type. Please let us know about your pet(s) when inquiring or making your reservation. Additional restrictions apply including crating, leashing, and other rules for the safety of your pet and the care of our home. Please inquire if needed for more details ahead of booking.
To Purgatory Ski Resort: 50 Minutes/40 Miles To Downtown Durango: 20 Minutes/13 Miles To Mesa Verde: 26 Minutes/25.6 Miles
BOOK WITH US AND RECEIVE DISCOUNTS ON RAFTING, ATV/JEEP RENTALS AND TOURS, SKI AND SNOWBOARD EQUIPMENT RENTALS, AND MUCH MORE!
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Private Log Cabin; Pond, Hot tub, Star Gazing, Shuffle Board, Sauna
Hesperus
Private Log Cabin; Pond, Hot tub, Star Gazing, Shuffle Board, Sauna
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadlock
About the area
Hesperus
Located in Hesperus, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Durango Arts Center are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Ski Hesperus and Chapman Hill Ice Rink and Ski Area. Historic Tram Park and The Powerhouse are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging and ice skating.
Perins Peak State Wildlife Area - 12 min drive - 17.4 km
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - 18 min drive - 24.0 km
Getting around
Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad Station - 15 min drive
Durango, CO (AMK-Animas Air Park) - 24 min drive
Restaurants
‪Kennebec Cafe - ‬3 min drive
‪Cosmopolitan Durango - ‬17 min drive
‪Delightfully Decadent - ‬10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Family Retreat w/Yard Near Mesa Verde & Durango Train, Fire Pit & River Access pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Family Retreat w/Yard Near Mesa Verde & Durango Train, Fire Pit & River Access?
As of 19 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Family Retreat w/Yard Near Mesa Verde & Durango Train, Fire Pit & River Access on 7 Sept 2026 start from AU$542, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Family Retreat w/Yard Near Mesa Verde & Durango Train, Fire Pit & River Access?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Family Retreat w/Yard Near Mesa Verde & Durango Train, Fire Pit & River Access?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Family Retreat w/Yard Near Mesa Verde & Durango Train, Fire Pit & River Access?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Family Retreat w/Yard Near Mesa Verde & Durango Train, Fire Pit & River Access located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 2.3 mi (3.8 km) from Ski Hesperus and within 12 miles (20 km) of Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Twin Buttes. Historic Tram Park and San Juan National Forest Supervisor's Office are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
My husband and I enjoyed everything about our stay in Hesperus. House was
Very comfortable with an awesome backyard. Location was perfect, very close to Durango.
We really enjoyed staying here. Very peaceful and a great location to many fun things to do. Kids really liked the outdoor games and the river in the backyard. Having great internet service was also great!
We enjoyed the house and property. Outdoor space is wonderful and the house was perfect for our trip. The owners are very nice and always available if needed.
Our family had an amazing time at this property! Our hosts were so friendly and had great recommendations for places to eat and explore in the area. Great little details on the property too like horseshoes, hammock by the river, even a scavenger hunt for our 6 year old. Highly recommend this property; it's a 15 minute easy drive into downtown Durango and great place to end your night.
Brielle D.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019
Verified
8/10 Good
Larry B.
5 Oct 2018
Lovely and quiet place
Nice rural setting. Lots of deer. Plenty of things to do and the owner was very hospitable.
Larry B.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
jon l.
27 June 2018
Quiet and Peaceful
The owners are very accommodating and helpful. The property is great for a small family and kids. We loved it!
jon l.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2018
Verified
8/10 Good
Verified traveller
1 Jan 2019
Great house with big yard!
This house had a huge yard with plenty of snow to play with! The house was nice and clean!
Verified traveller
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Mar 2020
So happy your enjoyed your Christmas stay and the house met your expectations
This property was the perfect launch point for our trip to Durango and Mesa Verde. We played hard during the day then came back to enjoy the peaceful river, fun outdoor games and open space. The hosts are lovely!
This was the perfect getaway for our family! The property had so much to do. We went exploring in the back of the property, played horseshoes, and relaxed on the back porch every night. We were also very close to Durango with a short drive to fishing access and Lake Nighthorse. We would absolutely stay again!
This is a great home. The property is beautiful. We played lots of frisbee, and even caught a fish. I would recommend this rental to anyone.
Verified traveller
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Mar 2020
So glad you caught a fish in the LaPlata River and that you enjoyed yourselves
Verified
8/10 Good
Lisa H.
20 Aug 2018
Great family place!
This was a perfect location to explore Durango and Mesa Verde. The house was very comfortable with a big bright kitchen. The bathroom setup was a bit funky, but worked just fine for our family of 4. We would definitely come back again.
A comfy place to enjoy inside and out! This home had everything we needed and a great place to relax outdoors. Location was perfect for social distancing, yet close enough to all the site seeing. Thank you so much for sharing your home with us!
Nice home located between Mesa Verde and Durango ... our goal was to visit both in the area, and this home was pretty much in the middle. Nice touches for the guests upon arrival, my kids really enjoyed the scavenger hunt and games out back.
Greg G.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
About the host
Hosted by Durango Red Cliff Properties
Red Cliff Properties is a family-owned & operated business that strives to provide the highest level of personal care and service. Guests of Red Cliff Properties get access to exclusive discounts.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests