San Juan National Forest's Cross Mountain area holds this free dispersed camping area along CO-145, east of the Cross Mountain Trailhead. The access road is rough with deep potholes, and trailers should scout before committing. No cell signal. No designated sites, water, or trash facilities apply here, making it a functional overnight stop for self-sufficient campers. A vault toilet at Lizard Head Pass Dispersed Camping sits roughly 1.5 miles away on the highway. Lower sites work better for larger rigs; the upper road ends at a trailhead with no turnaround. High-clearance vehicles handle the terrain most reliably, and the 14-day stay limit applies throughout.
Description
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd766784.pdf
Look for an area that has already been impacted to avoid further damaging vegetation. Falling trees are always a hazard when traveling through the forest. Place tents and park vehicles in areas where they will not be hit if a tree falls. Regulations: • You may drive up to 300 feet off an open road to access a campsite unless otherwise signed, and if you can do so without causing damage to soils or vegetation. • Camp at least 100 feet from any source of water within wilderness areas. Check Wilderness regulations for site specific closures. • Any area signed as “No Camping” means just that. • MVUM’s (Motor Vehicle Use Maps) are also a good information source for stretches of roads on National Forests that allow dispersed camping from a vehicle. • Do not damage vegetation. Do not cut green trees, break off limbs, drive nails into or damage the bark of trees. • Do not level a site or dig trenches, rather pick a site with good drainage. • Do not cut live tress for any purpose including tent poles, hanging racks, and clearing ground. • Building permanent structures is prohibited. When you leave, dismantle all structures including game poles. Pack out all non-native materials. • Respect private landowners and don't trespass on private property.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCross Mtn is located in Colorado near Ophir
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
37.79571012743709 N
107.93560588359045 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- 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 Cross Mtn - East Fork Dispersed Camping needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 8 min from Farmington, NM
- 2 hrs 29 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 5 hrs 6 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 5 hrs 24 min from Pueblo, CO
