Best Dispersed Camping near Bayfield, CO

Dispersed camping is permitted on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land surrounding Bayfield, Colorado, with several established free camping zones including Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping, Durfield Dispersed Camping, and Fossett Gulch Road. These primitive sites are located along Highway 160 between Durango and Bayfield, with additional options extending toward Hesperus and along forest roads. The BLM land offers basic primitive camping with no services or facilities, making it suitable for self-sufficient campers prepared for backcountry conditions.

Access roads throughout the dispersed camping areas vary significantly in quality. Most sites require travel on dirt or gravel roads that may become difficult after rain. While some front areas are accessible with standard vehicles, many sites deeper in the forest require high-clearance vehicles or four-wheel drive. Several reviewers note that most maps applications provide incorrect directions to these sites. Seasonal closures affect some areas, with Durfield Dispersed Camping typically closed from December through April. Fire pits exist at most established sites, though fire restrictions may apply depending on conditions. No drinking water, toilets, or trash services are available at any of these primitive locations.

These dispersed sites appeal to campers seeking connectivity while enjoying primitive conditions. The Bayfield/Durango area provides excellent cell service, with several campers noting strong Verizon 5G coverage near Durfield Dispersed Camping. Most sites provide adequate space between campers despite being popular destinations. Wildlife encounters are common, with cattle sometimes wandering through camps. For accurate directions to Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping, visitors should note: "Turn at 37.2266762, -107.6950140 from the highway. 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."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Bayfield, Colorado (84)

    1. Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Bayfield, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 882-7296

    "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"

    2. Durfield Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Bayfield, CO
    5 miles

    "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."

    3. Fossett Gulch Rd Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Chimney Rock, CO
    10 miles

    "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."

    4. Durfield BLM Boondocking

    4 Reviews
    Bayfield, CO
    6 miles
    +1 (970) 882-7296

    5. Missionary Ridge Road

    6 Reviews
    Durango, CO
    17 miles

    "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"

    "Had to head farther uphill to scout a good spot 4wd was best for and private"

    6. Lower Piedra River Camp

    2 Reviews
    Chimney Rock, CO
    14 miles

    "Others you might require four-wheel drive."

    7. Sheep Creek Trailhead

    1 Review
    Chimney Rock, CO
    15 miles

    8. Madden Peak Road - Dispersed

    24 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    32 miles
    Website

    "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."

    9. Junction Creek Rd Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Purgatory, CO
    20 miles

    "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."

    10. New Jack Road

    6 Reviews
    Pagosa Springs, CO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 247-4874

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 84 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bayfield, CO

382 Reviews of 84 Bayfield Campgrounds


  • Sofia A.
    Oct. 6, 2020

    West Fork Dispersed

    Best so far

    This 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!

  • Aliza  N.
    May. 19, 2022

    Del Norte Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful private site right on the river

    We 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.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2018

    Anvil Dispersed Campground- ROAD CLOSED

    Dispersed camping next to the creek

    Dispersed 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.

  • N
    Sep. 5, 2020

    Del Norte Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful spot very dispersed

    It’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.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2021

    Lizard Head Pass Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed up on the pass

    When 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.

  • Texas Roving Ranger
    Jun. 20, 2024

    East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 - Dispersed Camping

    Boondocking near Pagosa Springs, Colorado

    Great 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 .

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2022

    Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    Small tight - NO TTs or Big RVs

    Small 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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2021

    Hermosa Creek Trailhead - Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful & Packed

    This 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.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 5, 2025

    Cherry Creek Gravel Lot

    Easy & Free

    Only 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.


Guide to Bayfield

Dispersed camping near Bayfield, Colorado offers primitive sites at elevations between 6,500-7,500 feet with sagebrush and pine forest terrain. Many sites experience significant temperature swings, dropping 30-40°F at night even during summer months. Rustic camping options range from easily accessible pull-offs to more remote forest road locations requiring higher clearance vehicles.

What to do

Hiking nearby trails: Several trails accessible from Missionary Ridge Road provide day hikes with mountain views. "Awesome spot definitely recommend getting there early. There are spots along the way in the corners there will be private land. Keep going nestled in the corners of the road are the spots," notes Joseph G.

Mountain biking: The New Jack Road area connects to numerous mountain biking trails. "There's a ton of hiking and mountain biking trails in close proximity," reports Chad, making it ideal for cyclists seeking rustic accommodations near trail networks.

Stargazing opportunities: Clear mountain nights provide excellent stargazing conditions. One camper at New Jack Road mentioned: "Super easy to find, travel, and stay. Loved the tall trees and beautiful wildflowers. Despite the rain sites aren't too muddy for our campervan."

Wildlife observation: Early mornings offer wildlife viewing opportunities. At Madden Peak Road, one camper encountered a bear: "I did see a bear this morning! It walked away when I opened my trunk, but it looked like it was walking over to check out my camp."

What campers like

Cell service reliability: Many dispersed sites maintain surprisingly good connectivity. "Solid dispersed camping" reports David B. about Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping, noting that "Even along the side road you could still hear the pump jacks sometimes."

Spacious campsites: The sites generally provide ample separation between campers. One visitor to Junction Creek Rd Dispersed shared: "This one has space for 2 vehicles. Road in is decent, fine for bigger rigs. From the trailhead at the point to Quinn creek there are 4 spots."

Established fire rings: Most primitive sites include basic stone fire rings. A camper at New Jack Road noted: "Big sites that are pretty flat with existing stone fireplace rings on all sites we saw. Only saw one person walking their dog and a couple of cars pass on the road. Very quiet, was a peaceful night."

Quick access to towns: The proximity to Bayfield and surrounding communities allows for supply runs. Nancy M. appreciated that New Jack Road offered a "Quick jump to Pagosa Springs" with "easy road in and plenty of opportunities for a private camping experience."

What you should know

Seasonal road closures: Winter access is limited at many sites. According to one visitor to Fossett Gulch Rd Dispersed: "We arrived in the dark and left in the dark in late December 2024. 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."

Cattle presence: Grazing cattle frequently move through camping areas. Anthony P. noted that at Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping, "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."

Road conditions vary: Road quality deteriorates with distance and weather. One camper described Fossett Gulch: "Dirt road is in very good shape. No cell signal. A couple quick pull off sites right inside the gate would be good for a quick sleep. The other sites are 10-15 minutes drive down the dirt road."

GPS reliability issues: Standard maps applications often provide incorrect directions. For Durfield Dispersed Camping, one camper warned: "No access to BLM if following directions based on coordinates listed. I'm unfamiliar with the area so I know no other way to access it."

Tips for camping with families

Choose front-country sites: The initial camping areas off main roads suit families better. At Durfield Dispersed Camping, one camper noted: "Roads are gravel but super easy. 2wd car no problem. Full verizon 5g uw, in many spots, the tower is a few 100 yards away."

Plan for noise considerations: Sites closer to highways experience traffic noise. Kaltra B. mentioned about Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping: "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&T. Can hear highway noise."

Scout sites during daylight: Arriving after dark makes site selection challenging. Heather M. advised: "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. We got to our spot a little before sunset but noticed that most spots were filled (late july, midweek) so keep that in mind."

Tips from RVers

Length restrictions matter: Larger RVs should stick to designated areas. Regarding Madden Peak Road, one camper shared: "Great location with multiple sites. The sites are spacious and clean, and there is cell reception. There are plenty of spots along the first mile or two of the road, and even on weekends I would always find a spot."

Site selection based on rig size: For larger vehicles, early sites work best. The camper continued: "When you start driving higher up towards Madden Peak, you'll find more spots, including some for bigger rigs, but there is usually really no need to go this far, unless you want more privacy."

Road conditions for RVs: Pay attention to recent reviews about road quality. Ken B. warned about Missionary Ridge Road: "The road up is fine for 2wd but holy crap it's twisty! I have a full size pu and you definitely wouldn't want to take anything bigger. We grabbed the second site up so not sure what's beyond. 1-3 bars for Verizon."

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 16 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.