Best Dispersed Camping near Chimney Rock, CO

Found a great dispersed campsite near Silverton Co. Golden Horn dispersed camping area is located about 5 miles from Silverton Co.  This camping area is at 9600' elevation.   Head north on HWY 550 out of Silverton and turn onto FSR 585 along South Mineral Creek, There are several boondocking sites packed into this 5 mile stretch. This time of year (July), many are occupied and full. We arrived on a Thursday morning to find only one space available at this dispersed campground. Sites are covered in river rock. Nothing is level, so bring the right gear to manage that if it's important to you. There is a vault toilet, bring your own tp. Generators hum all day and deep into the night. T-Mobile 5G/4G somewhat available.    Access to several trails are nearby. Recommend off-road capable vehicle to get to Rico-Silverton trailhead.

Excellent official dispersed camping area in the Conejos river valley. Entrance is marked with a USFS sign. Very large area for camping spread across multiple meadows. Access is a dirt road in poor condition, high clearance recommended but 4WD is only necessary in wet conditions. Fantastic views of the river valley and surrounding mountains. The area itself is perched on a dry hill well above the river, do not plan to walk or drive down to the river at this location. Very clean and trash-free, help keep it that way!

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. This area is big rig accessible, with relatively flat camping spots, though the access roads can be bumpy at times . Campfires are allowed, making it a cozy spot for evenings under the stars.

The location offers stunning views of the La Plata Mountains and the surrounding wilderness, providing a serene backdrop for your stay. For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby hiking options include the Madden Peak Trail, which spans 4.5 miles and can be extended to summit Parrot Peak and Gibbs Peak. It's an ideal choice for campers who enjoy combining relaxation with outdoor adventure​.

Lots of big pull offs for dispersed camping. There is also a decommissioned forest service campsite on the north side about halfway in with tables and fire rings still. Creek was a bit high but not bad.

Dispersed camping next to the creek(Anvil camp sites are on the other side of the creek). This is really pretty but REALLY close to the VERY dusty forest service road. But, it’s not too far from another designated dispersed area  (Kendall) with vault toilets. The coolest little rabbits are running all over this site with white feet. Great views and the creek is nice and loud.

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!

Road closed to dispersed camping is closed

Dispersed camping, no amenities, but beautiful location. Little streams running nearby, wildlife viewing, the drive up the slope is beautiful as well

Easy to get to spot with dispersed camping. Road is easily accessed with a low clearance car (Jetta in my case). Added bonus is good Verizon coverage.

This camping site offered great peace, quiet and comfort. The sites are far enough from the main road to feel at peace. The site offered a great escape and is highly recommended for the the dispersed camping type.

Great spot! Lots of dispersed camping along the river. Fishing, hiking and swimming all right there. Great views of the Mountains. The star gazing at night was amazing. Great to see everyone packing out there trash. One of the cleaner and quieter camp areas I’ve been too in a while.

This was our first time using dispersed camping and it was so easy. Easy location just outside Durango. Large spaces. The road was fine. Very quiet. The views are limited by the trees around. There were plenty of campers around but we had no trouble finding a spot.

This site is not for those who need amenities. But for those who come prepared with whatever they need, it is a great spot to camp close to Pagosa Springs, CO in the national forest.

Very private primitive camping. Find a place in the first couple miles before the road starts to incline if you have an RV. Tents can go higher.

There are several established camping spots along the first mile or so of this road, heading south from Turkey Springs Road. Plenty of room for travel trailers or tents. There was almost no vehicle traffic past our camp site, so it was nice and quiet. There’s a ton of hiking and mountain biking trails in close proximity.

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.

Pulled the teardrop into a site almost all the way down the road (a spot at very end was already taken).  Tons of privacy though we are right on the road so the little bit of traffic that did drive past - folks camping nearby or looking to boondock - we'd wave and say hi.  Biggest surprise was all the cows that would go up & down the road throughout the day. Free rang'in the mountain. So cute but a bit loud.  They apparently loved my partner's guitar playing as you can see in the pic.  They loved it so much they stayed the whole night and next day.  Did smell a bit but then again, after a few days, I guess we probably did too. :)   We'd stay here again. (No hike down to water - need to be at very end of road to get even close. This was just a homebase; we unhitched and drove to other sites for hikes & fishing)