Lemon Reservoir and Haviland Lake are quieter, non-motorized waters

Not every lake near Durango is a busy motorboat reservoir. Lemon Reservoir, on the Florida River northeast of town, and Haviland Lake, off Highway 550 with views of the Hermosa Cliffs, are smaller waters managed for a quieter experience.

Both are good for fishing and for calm-water paddling. The Forest Service notes that boating here leans toward non-motorized craft, and at Haviland Lake the allowed boats are limited to hand-rowed or electric trolling-motor power. That keeps the water peaceful and is part of why these spots feel different from a big reservoir full of wakeboats. If you have a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or small fishing boat, these lakes suit them well.

A practical heads-up on inspections: aquatic nuisance species rules still apply to protect these waters from invasive mussels, and a given lake may not have a staffed inspection station. That can affect whether and how you can launch a trailered boat, so check current status before you load up. Cleaning, draining, and drying gear between waters is always the right habit.

For campground details, boating limits, and current conditions, see the San Juan National Forest recreation pages for Haviland Lake and the Lemon Reservoir (Florida) campgrounds.