Lemon Lake Lodge

Lemon Lake Lodge sits on 46 acres bordering the San Juan National Forest, about 20 miles north of Durango and roughly 25 to 30 minutes by car. The property fronts Lemon Lake, a reservoir that typically fills by May or June and recedes through the summer, and the main lodge looks straight out over the water and the surrounding peaks at an elevation of 8,300 feet.

The main building is a three-level, six-bedroom, five-bath lodge with a full kitchen, dishwasher, washer and dryer, a living room with a fire pit, and a deck with a propane BBQ grill. It sleeps up to 14 adults and 6 children. Two smaller units share the grounds: the Retreat, a one-bedroom, one-bath space upstairs with lake views through sliding glass and French doors, and the Hideaway, a powered camper with its own kitchen and bedroom, sharing a bathroom with the Retreat. Each has its own grill and TV.

Outside, there's a corral large enough for up to 20 horses with a tack shed, trails heading out in any direction, fishing and boating on the lake, and open ground for games like volleyball. Wi-Fi comes via Starlink, and exterior doors use a personalized code system for guest access. Dogs and horses are welcome; the lodge asks that guests email ahead with the number of dogs.

Booking runs direct through the lodge, with savings advertised over third-party sites, though checking Airbnb or VRBO calendars first is suggested for a faster read on open dates. Minimum stays vary: five nights for the main lodge, three for the Retreat, two for the Hideaway.