Dispersed camping sites near Chromo, Colorado sit within the Rio Grande National Forest at elevations ranging from 7,500 to 9,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 45°F at night to 80°F during the day with frequent afternoon thunderstorms from July through September. Free camping near Chromo provides access to the Continental Divide Trail and multiple river systems for fishing and recreation.
What to do
Fishing access points: East Fork San Juan River offers excellent fishing opportunities with multiple access points along Forest Road 667. A camper noted, "There are several spots on the water with 2 large areas that have multiple fire rings within them" and "the sounds of raging water put me sound to sleep."
Trail exploration: West Fork Dispersed serves as a trailhead for Rainbow Hot Springs. One camper mentioned, "Got a spot right on the river and it was amazing. The road in was in good shape with no major bumps or holes, 2WD will work fine."
Wildlife viewing: Bring binoculars to spot elk, deer, and smaller mammals. At Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area, "At sunrise or sunset you are very likely to see elk maybe even a whole herd and other wildlife."
Photography: Mountain landscapes and river valleys provide natural photo opportunities. A visitor to Forest Road 37 reported, "Cows peacefully grazing we will definitely be staying here again. It's about 15 min to Pagosa."
What campers like
River proximity: East Fork San Juan River sites are particularly popular for their water access. One camper shared, "We found a spot about 4.5-5 miles in. And was right on the river with lots of privacy. The area is nice and quiet overall."
Seclusion options: Forest Road 37 offers quieter alternatives to more popular sites. A camper reported, "It was mostly quiet. The cows come by once in awhile to say hi. Easy to get to. 1st spot on the left with firepit."
Stargazing conditions: Dark skies make star viewing exceptional. A camper at Del Norte Dispersed said, "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."
Waterfall access: Multiple waterfalls are accessible from camping areas. One camper noted, "There are 20+ campsites along FR667. Some can accommodate RVs, some only tents. 2 waterfalls are close, Pagosa Springs is 30ish mins away. Our kids tubed down the creek."
What you should know
Seasonal conditions: Early spring access may be limited by snowmelt. A camper attempting to reach Del Norte in March reported, "I got about 2-300 yards into the dirt road before the snowmelt caused everything to turn into mud."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic in certain areas, particularly near water. A West Fork visitor warned, "Do you like mosquitos come here and enjoy the feast that come when the sun starts to set! We stayed here before and forgot how bad it was."
Fire restrictions: Check current fire regulations before arrival. At Buckles Lake Rd, a camper noted, "Spent one night at a campsite just off of the roadway. So serene and peaceful with beautiful views. Roads in were gravel and in good shape."
Cell service limitations: Most sites have minimal or no connectivity. At FS Road 662, a camper reported, "Zero facilities. Bring it in, bring it out. The drive up was dusty, some corrugations on the road. No cell service. No 4WD required in the summer."
Road conditions: Forest roads deteriorate after rain. A camper at Kenny Flats shared, "The road has deep ruts but was manageable in my little van, just had to take it slow. I pulled into the second site I found and I haven't seen anyone else all night or day."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water play: Several sites allow safe water activities. One camper at East Fork San Juan River mentioned, "Waterfalls, atv trails for miles some novice some very experienced trails, hiking, creeks, fishing. Hands down my favorite CO spot. With kids or wanting some beauty this is hands down the best!"
Educational wildlife opportunities: Early morning wildlife viewing can be ideal for children. Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area features "wonderful views of the mountains and a good road and trail for hiking and biking and horseback riding. There are creeks, small ponds, maybe a lake deeper in."
Site selection for safety: Choose sites away from steep river banks. A camper at Forest Road 24 advised, "Grate spot on the river. No cell service. Someone has left trash."
Multi-activity locations: Look for sites with diverse recreation options. Del Norte Dispersed campers reported, "It was ana amazing experience with lots of dispersed campsites as you drive past the campground. The campsite we stayed at was well kept and pretty secluded from other people."
Tips from RVers
Suitable road access: Forest Road 663 provides better RV access than some alternatives. A camper shared, "We only saw a few campers and the road goes 7 miles back. Road isn't bad and we didn't need 4WD."
Level site locations: Buckles Lake Road offers flatter terrain for larger vehicles. A visitor observed, "Forest Service road, well maintained. I stopped at about 8300 feet. Several of the sites are pull through so easy to come in with a trailer."
Turn-around availability: Confirm adequate turn space before driving down narrow roads. At Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area, a camper mentioned, "There is nice hiking and gorgeous views. There is a bunch of level parking and setup was a breeze. Lots of space to park our rig!"
Clearance requirements: High-clearance vehicles perform better on many forest roads. A camper at East Fork San Juan warned, "The spot can be sketchy if you have a shorter clearance since there are two rocky drops that you can be avoided with a good approach."
