The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Cortez. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Cortez is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Colorado camping adventure.
"Great dispersed, free camping 5 minutes from mesa Verde, and 10 minutes from Cortez."
"These dispersed campsites were recommended to us and they did not disappoint! Secluded dry camping spots with great views of the monuments."
"This is a good free spot near Mesa Verde, but if it is closed check out the many BLM spots on road 316 off the highway, barely West of Target Tree Campground slightly East of Mancos."
"This campsite is right outside of Mesa Verde and is easy to locate. Campsites are located along a dirt road and they are clearly marked."
"Close to Hwy 160, so easy to access. Campsite access road ok, rutted abit in some places from prior mud which has since dried."
"Some are to steep for a camper, but perfect for truck or van camping. We got to our spot around 4pm and by the time we were set up and heading into town for stuff all the spots were taken."
"For iPhone users use google maps. Or it will take you to a dead end private road. This site is also two other names on here also! The chutes and ladder one and also the mesa verde dispersed!"
"Great view of the mesa, easy access, plenty of firewood on the ground, not crowded, and clean campsites"
"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."
"Could do it in a non 4wd non high clearance, but wouldn’t recommend beyond the 4.5 mark."
"There are many sites in both directions along the edge of the mesa.
Here mid-May."
"Also lots of bats flying around!!"
"We got to town late and our preferred spots were all taken, so we came here as a backup. The spots are all right off of the road and easy to get to. The views aren’t much, but they’re good spots."
"Big spaces easy access for larger campers very peaceful"
"Very remote area. Beautiful night sky. and peace. The entrance is a gate in a private land, drive about 1 mile to BLM land, mostly dirt roads."
"But to access this location you will need at the least HIGH CLEARANCE. I did it in my lifted f-350. This is just the end of the road. There are many options on the way up. Like probably around 50?"
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.
ScoutGreat dispersed, free camping 5 minutes from mesa Verde, and 10 minutes from Cortez.
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.
ScoutLodging isn’t always easy to find in the Telluride area especially if you find yourself passing through as we were but this is an absolutely amazing free camp spot 11 miles out of town. If you want a no frills but off the grid easy in and easy out spot fine for a tent or a trailer this place is an amazing option. Beautiful views at 10k+ feet. Fires are allowed in the fire rings as long as you stay at a previously disturbed spot you are good. There are toilets across the road at the trailhead. The road in is a bit rough but if you’ve got a high clearance vehicle you should be fine. If your pulling a trailer this is perfect. The night views are stellar. Like I said, this is a no frills spot but we loved it. I’ll probably stop here again if I’m in this area and thankful it is available and free. Had a great night here. Check it out
ScoutThere is no overnight parking, and it is on the private property of done very angry people. There is no where to camp, and if you make the drive out there, you will have to do a lot of driving until you can find a spot. Don’t go here!!!!!!!!
LegendNice area at the hwy summit. Great views, good solar and StarLink works great. No cell signal up here. Free dispersed, access road is a bit rough and the camping area has been defined (and reduced) by large boulders so folks have to camp closer then they may be used to for dispersed camping. Most spots are out in full sun but one site at top has tree cover. No toilets (except across the hwy at the summit TH parking and also a dumpster at TH!), However there is NO water, but scenery of surrounding peaks is awesome. Some hwy noise but goes away at night. Note the drop off from the hwy to the gravel access road will give some pause but just go slow if you are pulling a TT. Note there are more sites down the FS #626 gravel road around Trout Lake but most are side pull offs close to the road. Once you venture down #626 with a TT you are likely committed to drive the loop all way around Trout Lake to get back to HWY #145.
LegendThis 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. After crossing a cattle guard and a building you will then enter into BLM land and can camp wherever you need. There are about 10 spots already created with rock fire pits but that is about it here. It is very dispersed and there are no facilities.
We stayed out here during the off season and had no problem getting a spot but during the high season it can get pretty busy here. The views are just OK, you are treated to an over view of the plains. 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.
Overall good spot not far from town. Free really helps.
RangerMadden 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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cortez, Colorado, where nature meets tranquility. With stunning landscapes and a variety of sites, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cortez, CO is Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land) with a 4.6-star rating from 27 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 48 dispersed camping locations near Cortez, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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