Dispersed tent camping options surround Arboles, Colorado, with several notable tent campsites in the San Juan National Forest. Turkey Creek Road provides multiple tent campsites along a 3-mile dirt road with established fire rings and expansive views across the river gorge. Kenny Flats Dispersed Camping offers primitive tent sites in an open field area with pine trees, while Forest Road 37 provides more remote walk-in tent locations with stone circle fireplaces.
Most primitive tent sites in this region lack basic amenities. Campers should bring all necessary water and supplies, as facilities are minimal or nonexistent. Fire restrictions commonly apply during summer months, particularly in drought conditions. Lower Piedra River Camp features tent sites along the river, though reviewers note there is a $28 fee despite some listings marking it as free. Sites on Turkey Creek Road may require high-clearance vehicles to access certain pull-offs, with tent pads situated on uneven terrain. Many locations have no cell service, with spotty Verizon coverage reported at some sites.
Tent campers generally find solitude even during peak seasons at these backcountry locations. Forest Road 37 tent sites offer a quiet experience approximately 15 minutes from Pagosa Springs, with cattle occasionally grazing nearby. The dispersed sites allow campers to immerse in natural settings without designated campground constraints. Kenny Flats provides relatively easy access for tent camping with some highway noise but sufficient privacy. According to one visitor, "It was nice and quiet, not a busy road. There are about 8 spots, some large enough to handle multiple tents, others more secluded."
"Turned out to be a beautiful site, spacious, needled sites, surrounded by lodge pole pines. There are many comfortable tents sites, and water and power hookups at several RV sites."
"The lake is nice seen eagle catch fish more than I did lol. The only problem is they are only open for the weekends I think Thursday thru Sunday. It would be great if they were open all the time."
"Others you might require four-wheel drive."
"Navajo Lake Group Camp offers the perfect setup for groups with 4 separate sites so each tent has their own space. They provide the tents so don't worry about packing them! "
from $100 / night
"There was a fire ring and a shade structure over a picknick area. "
"A long dirt road takes you winding up switchbacks into a beautiful mountain scenery."
"We didn’t drive too far in as there were a few decent dispersed pull outs within the first mile."
"Good options up the roads past the marker Plenty of wood around the spot I took
Roads in good shape when I was here, no problems in a sedan
Decent Verizon coverage
Spot I stayed at was 37.35608°"
"Just pulled in trying to beat the weather there could be more spots up the rd but I found this one! Really pretty drive in and real close to the springs in town about 13 min away"
"I just drove up in June of 2025 and it was a really nice dirt road and my two-wheel drive ProMaster had no trouble so not sure why the four-wheel drive ideas in the other comments If I'm like four or"
"4x4 required, but there's tons of camping along missionary ridge road. Beautiful alpine creek-side sites galore."
"Can definitely hear some road noise, but good place to set up for a night or two."
"Awesome spot, TONS of places to pitch a tent or park a camper. That being said - lots of generators, moderate views, cars driving by often."
RangerThis is a trail head into some backpacking trails. However, you could car camp here, there is no service nor any amenities here. It’s about 40 minutes away from the town of vallecito. This trail head is for emerald lakes, a 20 miles round trip hike.
RangerBeautiful spots all along the river. It’s a nice remote location, between Bayfield and Pagosa. As of 11/2026 the bridge from 160 West of the river is washed out. The road goads for a ways and eventually gets to a short hike to a hot spring.
RangerGood place for a quick stop. The road back isnt bad, basically its a big turn around. Big enough to accompany most. Decent cell cover an beautiful scenery.
GuidePlenty of spaces after you continue left!
GuideThis is a beautiful spot. Sites that accommodate larger campers are few. Be aware that the road in will be treacherous if it rains. There is also significant wash boarding. But the views are fabulous.
TravelerIt’s right on the dan Juan River
GuideJust pulled in trying to beat the weather there could be more spots up the rd but I found this one! Really pretty drive in and real close to the springs in town about 13 min away
TravelerCash or check only. Level gravel sites with hookup in the main section; a few dirt and less level sites with minimal or no hook ups down by river. Friendly and welcoming host. Cash or check only. Distant road noise; quiet otherwise. Aztec Ruins National Monument just down the street. Would stay here again.
ScoutSmall camp ground by the stream with metal fire rings.
Dispersed camping areas around Arboles, Colorado offer primitive sites throughout the San Juan National Forest at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 7,500 feet. Most accessible from May through October, these sites experience typical high desert climate conditions with dramatic temperature swings between day and night. During summer, afternoon thunderstorms frequently develop, creating potentially hazardous conditions for tent campers in exposed areas.
Fishing access points: The Lower Piedra River Camp provides streamside tent camping with convenient fishing access. "Great camping area, stayed here for just one night. There was plenty of camping areas along the river. About 8 spots," notes Ben H. about Lower Piedra River Camp.
Mountain biking: Forest Road 316 serves as an excellent base camp for mountain biking trails. "Awesome spot, TONS of places to pitch a tent or park a camper," reports Jacob D. about the Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp location.
Hot springs day trips: Sites along Turkey Creek Road provide convenient access to Pagosa Springs hot springs. Ryan T. states, "Easy drive up 160 from Pagosa. Pitched the tent in the afternoon and headed to town for a soak."
Privacy between sites: Forest Road 37 offers well-spaced campsites despite its accessibility. "Nice quiet spots we saw maybe 6 or so as we went further on the road back a ways thought at first there were only two or three spots but there are more if you continue down the road," shares Cheyanne G. about Forest Road 37.
Fall foliage viewing: The aspen groves near many sites transform during autumn. Ryan T. mentions about his Turkey Creek Road experience: "View is killer - we hit it at about peak color."
Star visibility: Minimal light pollution provides exceptional nighttime viewing. "Where we camped could fit all size rigs," mentions Karla R. about Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp, adding that the stars are remarkable from most sites in the area.
Road conditions vary seasonally: Many roads become impassable after rain. Heather H. notes about Kenny Flats: "The road has deep ruts but was manageable in my little van, just had to take it slow."
Wildlife encounters: Cattle grazing is common throughout the area. Ben H. writes about Forest Road 37: "The cows come by once in awhile to say hi."
Seasonal closures: Winter access is limited or prohibited. Jacob C. reports: "Road is currently closed. Assuming through March like most others in the area."
Easier access sites: Kenny Flats offers family-friendly tent camping without difficult access roads. "This spot is right off the hwy," mentions Heather H. about Kenny Flats Dispersed Camping, adding "just beautiful open field and pine trees."
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies dramatically by location. Juan David M. notes about Forest Road 37: "T-mobile works from here," which can be important for families needing to stay connected.
Noise factors: Highway proximity affects some sites more than others. Heather H. reports about Kenny Flats: "You can hear the hwy, but nothing disturbing or constant. Didn't bother me a bit."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Arboles, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Arboles, CO is Capote Campground with a 5.0-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Arboles, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Arboles, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
