Bay City Campground

San Juan National Forest holds Bay City Campground along a creek corridor outside Hesperus, a dispersed site managed by the US Forest Service with just a handful of pullouts and fire rings. The road begins paved through a residential stretch before transitioning to unpaved surface, though a standard sedan handles it without issue. No restrooms here. What the site lacks in infrastructure it makes up for in creek proximity, with the sound of moving water a consistent backdrop.

Capacity is limited. Reviewers count three to four spots, and the sites sit close together, which can feel cramped when the campground fills. Midweek visits and shoulder-season timing have worked well for those who arrived without a reservation and still found space. One reviewer noted what appeared to be abandoned vehicles on-site, and at least one uncomfortable encounter with another visitor, so conditions can vary. Wildlife in the surrounding forest adds to the atmosphere, with fir and mixed woodland framing the sites.

Cell coverage is workable on Verizon, enough to send a text confirming arrival, though uploading photos runs slowly. Fires are permitted, alcohol is allowed, and pets are welcome. Nancy M. describes the spot as "private, cozy, and secluded," and those who return tend to do so in different seasons to catch the creek at varying water levels. Nearby, Kroeger Campground provides a developed alternative if dispersed camping feels too rustic. Campers interested in primitive camping near San Juan National Forest will find Bay City fits that category well. Bring your own water and plan to pack out all waste.