SUMMER SALE 50% off The Dyrt PRO — just $2.49/moGet now
SALE: PRO just $2.49/mo

Bear Camp - Dispersed

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Getting a vehicle up the short access hill requires higher ground clearance, and four-wheel drive is strongly recommended, especially in wet conditions. Bear Camp is a free dispersed site within San Juan National Forest, with three spots that sit close together and tend to run unlevel. Cell service is listed as available. The setup works best for trucks or small campers like teardrops. Campers researching dispersed sites near San Juan National Forest will find comparable options in the surrounding area, including South Mineral Road Dispersed — San Juan NF just down the road.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsBear Camp is located in Colorado near Silverton

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

37.81817098 N
107.72848236 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 5 users
    Last on 7/24/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 31 users
    Last on 7/24/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 10 users
    Last on 7/24/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 5 users
    Last on 7/24/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 31 users
    Last on 7/24/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 10 users
    Last on 7/24/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Bear Camp - Dispersed needs a permit.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Bear Camp

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

0%
50%
0%
50%
0%

3.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 23, 2024

Tried to stay, got stuck

The road is rough heading up. I made it up there but got stuck. Three spots up there and they are close together. I met David who thankfully had some traction pads which helped me get unstuck. Ended up staying at Kendall. Don't go up here unless you have 4 wheel drive and use caution if it is wet.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Aug. 6, 2023

Three close sites for smaller setups

Higher ground clearance vehicles are recommended to get up the short hill. Once up the hill you will find three somewhat unlevel sites that are close to one another. We camped here two nights and both nights there was only one other vehicle. Ideal for truck/car camping or maybe very small campers like a tear drop or other.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Bear Camp - Dispersed by Dave R., August 6, 2023
  • Review photo of Bear Camp - Dispersed by Dave R., August 6, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free camping available in Silverton?

Yes, free camping is available near Silverton at Bear Camp dispersed camping area. This site offers three free camping spots and is accessible by a short but rough road. For those seeking alternatives, Kendall Campground is another option in the area if Bear Camp is full or if you encounter difficulty accessing the site due to road conditions or weather.

What are the facilities at Bear Camp Campground?

Bear Camp is a primitive dispersed camping area with minimal facilities. There are three somewhat unlevel camping spots situated close to each other. The site does not offer amenities like restrooms, water, or trash services. It's best suited for truck/car camping or very small campers rather than larger RVs. Be prepared to pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. The campground's rustic nature makes it ideal for self-sufficient campers who enjoy a more primitive camping experience.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Silverton, CO?

Bear Camp is a dispersed camping option near Silverton, CO. It features three camping spots located up a short hill. The site is somewhat secluded but requires higher ground clearance vehicles to access due to the rough road leading up to the camping area. The campground typically doesn't get overcrowded, making it a good option for those seeking a more remote camping experience near Silverton. For the best experience, arrive early to secure a spot, especially during peak season.