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.
"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"
"Sites are very dusty which can be annoying..there is also a heard of cows that wonder around freely and poop. But overall a good easy spot to camp and be connected. No views tho."
"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."
"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"
"Others you might require four-wheel drive."
"Could do it in a non 4wd non high clearance, but wouldn’t recommend beyond the 4.5 mark."
"Madden Peak dispersed camping is a fantastic option for those seeking a peaceful and scenic camping experience near Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez, and Durango."
"We stayed at a site a couple down from this one but it wasn’t on the map so I thought I’d add it. This one has space for 2 vehicles. Road in is decent, fine for bigger rigs."
"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."
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.
LegendDispersed camping along the South Mineral Creek. This is dry camping with a vault toilet- no hook ups. This is popular with RV’ers and OHV’ers as it is free. The limit is the usual fourteen days. Some “sites” have fire pits, and there are a few picnic tables scattered about. There are a few sites right on the water. Further back in at some larger sites that could accommodate small rvs. The plus is the free camping right on the “river”. The minus is that the road to the forest service campground and the Ice Lake trailhead is very close, very busy, and very dusty.
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.
LegendWhen you first pull in you will see several dispersed sites up and to your right. These are nice, but they fill up quickly. Instead, take a left onto Galloping Goose Trailhead road and pick one of the sites that back up to trees and have gray Mountain View’s. Be careful though as further down the road it becomes private property with no camping. Also, watch for winds if you want a fire. This is dispersed, so no toilet (tho there is one across the highway at the entrance) and no picnic tables. Fire rings made of stacked rocks mark sites. Also, be bear aware and keep your food inside your locked car.
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 .
LegendSmall rough road FREE dispersed area. 7 day camping limit. Lake is a pothole weedy area not really good for floating IMO..go to the public access at the much larger Trout Lake. Nine designated campsites are all walk in tent sites. One small vault toilet, no dumpsters or water. NO TTs allowed as NO turnaround. No big RVs either. Access road is rough rocky.
TravelerThis is a beautiful area and many camp sites at the bottom by the creek. However during 4th of July it was packed. We went up the mountain and found a beautiful pond to camp next to. There was no one that far up there. Bring bug spray there are so many mosquitos in this area! Must have a high clearance & 4 wheel drive vehicle to access the top of the mountain.
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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bayfield, Colorado, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping near Bayfield, Colorado?
Several dispersed camping options are available near Bayfield. The San Juan National Forest offers numerous sites, including West Fork Dispersed where you'll find somewhat level spots accessible via dirt roads that are manageable for most vehicles including larger rigs. For alternatives, check out Durfield Dispersed Camping which offers drive-in access and accommodates larger vehicles. Remember that dispersed camping in this area is primitive with no hookups, restrooms, or trash facilities, so come prepared to Leave No Trace. Most sites have a 14-day limit and may feature basic fire rings, but you'll need to bring everything else including water and waste disposal solutions.
How far is Bayfield from Pagosa Springs for a camping trip?
Bayfield is approximately 35 miles from Pagosa Springs, a drive that typically takes about 45 minutes along US Highway 160. For camping options between these locations, East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 offers excellent dispersed camping about 45 minutes from Pagosa Springs. These sites are completely primitive with no facilities or cell service, so plan accordingly. Another option is Del Norte Dispersed Camping, which features sites along a river with beautiful views and hiking trails. The road in can be bumpy but is generally accessible for most vehicles, making it a good midpoint option for exploring both Bayfield and Pagosa Springs.
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bayfield, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bayfield, CO is Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping with a 4.3-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bayfield, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 84 dispersed camping locations near Bayfield, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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