Chris Park Wedding Guide 2025
- beartomlinson
- Jun 11
- 9 min read
Your DIY Wedding Inspiration at Chris Park & Haviland Lake, Durango, Colorado
Celebrate your love surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and rustic charm!
#DurangoWeddings #ChrisParkWeddings #DIYWedding #MountainPartyRental #DurangoBalloon #SWCO #DurangoColorado #BearsRanch
We can hardly believe we’re kicking off our 8th wedding season at Chris Park—the same special place where we celebrated our own wedding 8 years ago!
Over the years, we’ve had the joy of helping more than 30 couples tie the knot at this beautiful venue (photos below). Each season brings new challenges, but the smiles of happy couples and their families make it all so rewarding.
We’re truly grateful to be part of the Durango wedding community, and we’re always here to help with any questions, concerns, or party rental needs for your special day at Chris Park. Cheers to another amazing season filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable celebrations! - Bear Tomlinson, Mountain Party Rental, mountainpartyrental@gmail.com
Planning a wedding at Chris Park in Durango, Colorado is a unique and beautiful experience, but it does come with a few important considerations. Here are pro tips to help you pull off a smooth and unforgettable event:
🌲 Pro Tips for Planning a Wedding at Chris Park (Durango, CO)
1. Book Early
Chris Park is a popular seasonal venue and dates go quickly—especially June through September. Reserve your date well in advance, and confirm with both the venue and your vendors.
2. Plan for Mountain Weather
At 8,000+ feet elevation, weather can change fast—sunshine one minute, rain or hail the next.
Have a weather backup plan (tent rental, umbrellas, blankets for guests).
Dress appropriately and remind guests to bring layers.
3. Consider the Altitude
Some guests may not be used to the elevation.
Offer water stations, encourage hydration, and take it easy with alcohol. Be mindful that guests coming from sea level may feel the effects of alcohol faster at high altitude.
"Have sunscreen and bug spray available for guests—Chris Park is beautiful but comes with mountain bugs, including wasps. Locals have even been known to use deli meat as a distraction tactic to keep wasps away from food and guests!
4. Embrace the Natural Setting
Let the surroundings do the heavy lifting. Chris Park has stunning views and forest charm.
Use minimal, nature-inspired décor.
Consider biodegradable confetti balloons or flower petals to stay eco-friendly.
5. Plan for Power & Lighting
Chris Park has limited infrastructure, so:
Talk to your rental provider about generators, string lights, or other power solutions.
Lighting is essential for safety once the sun sets.
6. Restrooms & Trash
The venue has basic amenities, but for a larger wedding you may need:
Portable restrooms or luxury restroom trailers
Trash & recycling stations (and people to help haul them away)
7. Work With Local Vendors
Durango-based vendors know the terrain, the park rules, and how to navigate the logistics of mountain weddings.
Your party rental provider can help with tents, tables, chairs, dance floors, and more. Visit moutainpartyrent.com or durangoballoon.com for more party rental info.
8. Coordinate With the Forest Service
Chris Park is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, so:
Ensure all permits are in order.
Follow Leave No Trace guidelines.
Respect quiet hours and fire restrictions.
Saying "HI" to the camphosts goes along way and they can help with any questions.
9. Plan for Limited Cell Service
There’s little to no reception at Chris Park.
Provide printed directions.
Consider walkie-talkies or a day-of coordinator with a communication plan.
10. Extend the Celebration
Chris Park is ideal for weekend wedding experiences.
Plan a welcome BBQ, rehearsal dinner, or post-wedding brunch at nearby cabins or campgrounds.
For out-of-town guests looking to experience the beauty of the area, BearsRanch.com offers conveniently located horseback trail rides—perfect for soaking in the local scenery and adding a bit of adventure to the weekend!
Let guests know about lodging in Durango or Vallecito early.
Please use this only as a helpful guide and info sheet to help you plan your event better at the Chris Park Campgrounds and Pavilion.
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.
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.
Recreation Sites
Group Standard Nonelectric
Group Shelter Electric
Overnight
Activities
Hiking
Fishing
Camping
Boating
Amenities
Accessible Vault Toilets
Drinking Water
Fire Pit
Grills/Fire Ring
Picnic Table
Platform
Accessibility
BBQ
Electricity Hookup
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.
Getting Here
Latitude
37° 30' 59.0000" N
Longitude
107° 47' 60.0000" W
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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.
Need to Know
Check in: 2 pm, Check out: 12 pm (noon)
For general information about the San Juan National Forest, please call (970) 884-2512. Campsite availability is not available at this phone number.
Click here for more information on the San Juan National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
Chris Park Road, San Juan NF
Durango, CO
Phone Number
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
PEAK SEASON:
May 02, 2025 - September 27, 2025 (Peak Season) |
Getting there: From Durango, travel north on Highway 550 for about 18 miles until you see the horse crossing signs and the brown chris park and haviland lake turn right signs, located at Haviland Lake Road. Turn right at the Haviland Lake sign, cross a cattle guard, continue for a half-mile, then turn right at the Y intersection. Left takes you to Haviland Lake, Right takes you down 1 mile to Chris Park Campgrounds.
Chris Park Booking Windows
Group sites at this campground operate on a 12-month rolling basis:Availability is released from Fri, May 6th 2022 through Sun, September 25th 2022.
Facility Rates:
Group shelter electric / pavilion: $280/night
Group shelter non electric / no pavilion: $140/night* Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
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.
Bears Ranch, carries on a 40 year equestrian tradition and sits at the entrance to Chris Park and Haviland lake (51 Haviland lake road) and offers sleigh rides in the winter and horseback trail rides throughout the summer. Bears Ranch is open to the public in the summer, offering local area info, grab-n-go sandwiches, snacks and SUP rentals for Haviland lake. More info can be found at bearsranch.com
Chris Park Pavilion SPECS
Chris Park Pavilion — Venue Details
🏠 Inside the Pavilion
Seating:23 heavy-duty, mobile picnic-style tables
Size: 8 ft long x 29.5 in wide
Seats approx. 8 adults or 10 children per table
Lighting:
4 ceiling-mounted can lights (very dim)
Additional lighting is strongly recommended (rent or bring your own)
Electrical:
8 electrical outlets total
Located on 8 ceiling support beams (staggered on alternating sides)
🍽️ Outside Cooking Area
Located just outside the pavilion on a 32 ft x 40 ft cement slab
Storage & Prep:
2 Large metal-covered storage shelves (4 ft x 30 in)
2 Small metal shelves (4 ft x 18 in)
Grilling:
4 charcoal grills (3 ft x 3 ft each)
Bring your own charcoal and tools
Food Service Tables:
3 metal buffet/serving tables (8 ft x 29.5 in)
Tablecloths recommended for serving/presentation
Drinking Fountain located outside the pavilion
🔥 Fire Pit Area
Located on the south side of the pavilion
Fire Pit:
Round, 57.5 inches in diameter
Surrounded by 12 benches (each 8 ft long x 10 in wide)
Great for:S'mores station, group gatherings, or evening relaxation
Note:Bring your own firewood. Fires only permitted if no fire ban is in place
🚻 Bathroom Facilities
Main Bathroom:
Located at Campsite 3 (Group Shelter)
2 separate rooms: 1 Male, 1 Female (2 toilets total)
Additional Vault Toilets:
Located at Campsites 1 & 2 (across from Campsite 3)
Important Notes:
No lighting in any of the restrooms
Recommend bringing toiletry kits and battery-operated lanterns
🏐 Volleyball Court
Located south of the pavilion and fire pit ring
Size: 30 ft x 50 ft
Summer: net is usually set up
Bring your own volleyball to be safe
Alternative Use: Great space for a band or dance floor with tent coverage
Suggested tent size: 20 ft x 20 ft
🧲 Horseshoe Pits
Located southwest of the pavilion and volleyball court
2 sets of railroad tie horseshoe pits
Bring your own or rent horseshoes to ensure availability
💍 Ceremony Site Recommendation
A popular choice for couples getting married at Chris Park is to host the ceremony outdoors, with the reception following inside the pavilion.
There’s a lovely, natural ceremony site located just off the southeast end of the pavilion. Follow the footpath and road for about five minutes, and you’ll come upon a semi-flat, open space nestled among towering ponderosa pines. This spot offers a peaceful forest setting with incredible views of the Hermosa Cliffs to the west—a breathtaking backdrop for exchanging vows.
For our own ceremony, we rented benches and chairs to accommodate immediate and older family members. We were also fortunate to have a family friend craft an altar from aspen branches, which we then decorated with fresh flowers and greenery to reflect the natural beauty of the space.
This site requires minimal setup to shine—it’s perfect for couples looking to embrace the mountain landscape in a quiet, meaningful way.
Please see the photo collages below featuring a variety of past client weddings at Chris Park Campgrounds. These images are here to help you get a better feel for the space, layout, and natural beauty the venue offers.
Looking for another beautiful spot to say "I do"? There's a picturesque open meadow located just to the left of Group Site 2. This serene, grassy clearing offers a wide-open view surrounded by forest—perfect for couples who want a more natural, sunlit setting for their ceremony.
💡 Pro Tip:
To create a private, intimate mountain wedding experience, consider reserving all three group campsites (Sites 1, 2, and 3). This allows you to accommodate all your guests with plenty of space for RVs, tents, and camper setups, while giving you exclusive use of the area for the weekend.
With the full campground reserved, you’ll have the freedom to host everything from rehearsal dinners to post-wedding brunches, all nestled in the heart of the San Juan National Forest.
For our own wedding, we chose to take wedding party photos at Haviland Lake earlier in the day, before our ceremony and reception at Chris Park that afternoon and evening. The lake provided a stunning mountain and water backdrop, while Chris Park gave us the rustic, forested atmosphere we loved for the rest of our celebration.
We hope these photos inspire your planning and help you envision your special day!
We’ve recently added new Chris Park blog posts to our website with helpful tips, planning advice, and rental ideas tailored specifically for weddings and events at the Chris Park Pavilion and campground.
Feel free to check them out at:
or
We hope these resources help answer your questions, ease any planning concerns, and spark ideas for your upcoming event.
Most Requested Rental Items for Chris Park Weddings
Lighting Packages— Ambient and functional lights inside the pavilion
PA System— For speeches, announcements, and music on the dance floor
Seating— Benches and chairs for ceremony and reception
Table Linens— Elegant fabric options to dress up your tables
Centerpieces & Décor— Blue glass vases and DIY floral arrangements
Photo Display— Rustic wood photo clip frames for memories and seating charts
Tables— Cocktail tables, wedding gift table, message table, and standard dining tables
Game Rentals— Fun extras like cornhole, giant Jenga, and more to entertain guests
Coolers & Drink Troughs— Metal troughs and coolers for keeping beverages cold
Drink Dispensers— For cocktails, water, or other refreshments
Tents— 10’x10’ or 20’x20’ tents for shade and weather protection
Happy Trails and Happy Planning!
— Bear, Owner/Operator Mountain Party Rental, mountainpartyrental@gmail.com
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