Join the fun near Arboles. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Arboles is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Colorado camping adventure.
"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."
"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&T. Can hear highway noise"
"We followed the USFS road for about 1/2 mile up the hill. Found a nice spot and backed in for the night. No AT&T coverage so we had no distractions."
"The pull-off was flat and about 150ft from highway 160. There was a gate near our spot that was closed, presumably for the winter. Although we could hear road traffic it didn't keep us awake."
"Others you might require four-wheel drive."
"Down a dirt road, you get to where you make a turn, and immediately you’ll start seeing unimproved site."
"Despite the rain sites aren’t too muddy for our campervan. Dirt load leading in little bumpy but easy to drive. We stayed about half mile short of the coordinates. Barely any Verizon service."
"Nice quiet area outside of Pagosa Springs. Lots of flat spaces, road is bumpy with some potholes, but not bad at all for BLM. 1-2 bars of Verizon LTE depending on where you are."
"Lots of fun biking nearby!"
"Flat, very clean pit toilets, picnic tables with shade and a great trail. 100%!"
"It’s a gravel parking lot with a shelter and bathroom. The road is ok. You do have to straddle some ruts but nothing a low to the ground car can’t handle. It looks like it would be slick when muddy"
"This BLM at San Juan National Forest is gorgeous!"
"There is currently a fire ban in place."
RangerThis BLM at San Juan National Forest is gorgeous! (Se pics) the spots are kinda leveled, the road to get there is a dirt road but not that bad (I have a converted sprinter full of sh$&@$ and I did it great) it is primitive so no hook ups, restrooms nor trash cans, so PLEASE Leave no Trace! Everything was super clean so I guess people is finally getting it. Te river passes right next to you and the views are amazing! There are a few trails next (like the Rainbow trail). Awesome place to stargaze!
LegendWe had no problem getting to these sites with our Chevy camper van. Road is bumpy and rutted but nothing your average passenger car couldn’t get to (IMO). There are about 4-5 sites right at this pin for Del Norte dispersed. Most were filled when we got here on a Tuesday afternoon in May. They were also pretty close together and not too private. We continued on for prob less than a mile and there were LOTS of private, beautiful sites right on the river, starting just after the coal creek trailhead turn off. So so beautiful and peaceful. We camped right after the Coal Creek Trailhead turn off and it was one of the best sites in our opinion. You could continue about another mile beyond that and find lots of sites. You will then come to a “high clearance vehicle” needed sign and the road does get a bit more rough but not considerably and we felt it was still very passable in a car. Another mile beyond the high clearance sign you come to an East Fork Ranch sign denoting private property for the next five miles, so prob best to find your spot before here. River was cold and rushing with snow melt but lovely to camp by! We would for sure come back again.
GuideIt’s not the best dirt road getting in but I was able to make it quite a ways up in my Nissan Altima. The sites are scattered along the road that follows the river. Beautiful views and great trails to hike. I found a spot that was a peninsula, surrounded by the river. Very primitive camping. No facilities, so bring water and be prepared to take your trash out with you.
GuideGreat boondocking sites about 45minues from Pagosa Springs. These sites are completely primitive. No restroom facilities, electricity, potable water or trash service. No cell service. Its worth it, so plan accordingly.
Follow US160E about 10 miles, turn right onto USFS 667. Pass by the entrance to East Fork Campground and continue on the forest service road. This is where the road becomes fairly rough. Dispersed sites begin about 2 miles further. Most sites are clustered together in pockets near the river.
We arrived early in the day and found a great site near a vertical rock face. Campsite was at 8000'. We stayed a week and only saw other campers on the weekend. The weather was perfect with day time temps in the 70s and overnight temps in the 50s. Ideal hiking and fishing conditions.
The forest road gets busy with Jeeps and UTvs during the day on weekends. Our site was far enough away from the road that we weren't bothered.
Access to several trails, beautiful valley views and waterfalls nearby .
GuideOnly free place near Durango in the winter. We called and asked the BLM & Forest Service. Easy access, lots of space. Bumpy access road and highway noise.
ScoutThere 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!!!!!!!!
LegendThis 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.
ScoutGoing 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&T. Can hear highway noise
GuideNot much to add to the other reviews. Found a great spot with view about 4.0 miles up. The spots get way more secluded and separated as you go up the road. Could do it in a non 4wd non high clearance, but wouldn’t recommend beyond the 4.5 mark.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Arboles, Colorado, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for campers looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Arboles, CO is Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping with a 4.3-star rating from 15 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 44 dispersed camping locations near Arboles, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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