Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping, near Durango, Colorado, offers a rugged escape into the heart of the San Juan National Forest. This location is perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of nature without the frills—it's all about the great outdoors here.

The area is known for its stunning views and a sense of seclusion, making it a favorite among campers looking for a private spot to unwind. Many visitors have noted the presence of established fire circles, which add to the charm of the camping experience. As one camper put it, “Great sky view” and “private and secluded” are highlights that keep folks coming back.

While there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, this spot is ideal for those who enjoy a more primitive camping style. Reviewers have mentioned that some areas can be rough, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended, but many have successfully navigated the dirt roads with standard vehicles. Just remember to pack in what you need and pack out your trash to keep this beautiful area pristine.

For those eager to explore, the surrounding wilderness offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and enjoying the natural landscape. Just be sure to double-check your navigation, as some campers have pointed out that the coordinates can be misleading. With its breathtaking scenery and tranquil atmosphere, Bayfield/Durango is a solid choice for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

The Durango Special Recreation Management Area is comprised of isolated parcels of Public Lands surrounding Durango Colorado. Durango SRMA includes five discontinuous units that encompass 6,300 acres of land adjoining the town of Durango offering a wide range of recreational activities with plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails. Mountain bikes can be rented at shops in town.

Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Bayfield, CO has a lot to offer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Bayfield is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Bayfield, CO. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Bayfield

The Best Camping Near Bayfield, Colorado

This spot is a little tough to find but can be worth it if you need a good free camp for the night. Located off Hwy 160, about 14 miles from Durango you will find BLM land. After crossing a cattle guard and a building you will then enter into BLM land and can camp wherever you need. There are about 10 spots already created with rock fire pits but that is about it here. It is very dispersed and there are no facilities. 

  

We stayed out here during the off season and had no problem getting a spot but during the high season it can get pretty busy here. The views are just OK, you are treated to an over view of the plains. You may also have some visitors in the night, Cattle. We had many of them around us all night and we even heard a pack of coyotes in the distance. 

  

Overall good spot not far from town. Free really helps.

not much but free

there are spots up front i stayed at a spot on one of the road forks towards the end
use these coordinates 

36350–36498 US-160
Bayfield, CO
United States

beautiful stay

Turn at 37.2266762, -107.6950140 from the highway (google maps doesn't show the road, but it's visible on satellite view). 



Nice spot, but kinda confusing to get to

The gate was closed from Dec 1- April 30. Looked like it would have been a nice spot. 


Would have been nice

The previous comments where right. Just look at satellite view on google maps and you can see the road that leads down here. Roads are dirt and would probably be hard to get further back after a rain but easy to drive my van back when it was dry

Solid spot 

BLM Durango Camp

There is no overnight parking, and it is on the private property of done very angry people. There is no where to camp, and if you make the drive out there, you will have to do a lot of driving until you can find a spot. Don’t go here!!!!!!!!


DO NOT GO HERE 

I have a 2WD low-clearance sedan and was able to navigate the dirt roads just fine by taking it slow. There are like 4 or 5 spots off of the main road with all the pump jacks &amp; well pads and like 3 additional sites off of a side road that you can turn left onto just past a hill on the left. Rutted out in some parts along the side road but still navigable. Even along the side road you could still hear the pump jacks sometimes so I imagine they’re louder on the main road. Mostly private and far from other sites, and the weather was fabulous. Arrived around 8pm on the weekend after July 4th and snagged the last empty spot.

Solid dispersed camping

Some areas are rough yet our Bronco and Bushwhacker conquered it. Keep driving until you find a spot. Private and secluded. Fire pits at most spots. Great sky view. Very dispersed so pack in and pack out. 

Nice place to stop!

The coordinates listed here are wrong. It will navigate you to. A residential area with no access to BLM land. Instead, search for Durfield  dispersed camping nearby and it will take you to the correct place. 

Do not map to these coordinates 

The coordinates are spot on, but Apple/google maps won’t take you to the right way. When leaving Durango, instead of turning right onto 225A to 510, stay on 160 until mile marker 97 and the turn off is on the right soon after the mile marker. There were a few other campers there and some tent spots. You might want 4WD for some of the spots but others you can get to with 2WD. There were already fire circles set up and the views were great!

Beautiful views, correct coordinates 

Camped here a few weeks ago on our cross-country trek from Utah back to the east coast. Easy to find but as others noted use the coordinates. There is signage for BLM land right as you pull up. 

We got to our spot a little before sunset but noticed that most spots were filled (late july, midweek) so keep that in mind. 

Overall a nice spot, bug free for the most part and accessible with a stock truck.

Quiet but popular spot 

Good spot

Going east from Durango, you make a right turn on silver hills road. You will see the blm sign. Gravel road, fire pits. We stayed in a camper van at one of the first spots and had 5g internet with AT&amp;T. Can hear highway noise 

Next to highway, 5g connection 

The site is literally right off of hwy 160. If your gps tries to send you through residential areas or on county roads don’t listen to it. 

There are quite a few available spots and most are pretty big. Roads can be a bit rough the farther back you go but it’s got large easy to access spots close to the front. It’s pretty busy but still plenty of room for everyone to have their own space.

Phone and internet connection is excellent!

Really Convenient Location

We were able to find this spot easily off the road. Spots are very spread out and not a lot of them that we passed but there’s a couple literally on the road that we stayed at

Easy location 

The series about 18 minutes south west of Durango. Relatively convenient for access to the town and activities in the area. The main road into the area is very easy navigable by any vehicle. Some of the side roads get significantly tougher. The sites in the middle tend to be better because they’re away from the highway and some sort of pumping station further on. The rhythmic sound of that pumping station can be maddening. We camps just beyond that and though we could hear it, our site was spacious and relatively quiet.

Photos of Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping

Real photos from real campers