Looking for the best Cortez dispersed camping? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your Colorado camping adventure.
Dispersed camping along Forest Service Road 316
San Juan National Forest encompasses about 1.8 million acres in the southwestern corner of Colorado. From high-desert mesas to alpine peaks, these federal lands are managed for multiple uses and visitors are asked to respect each other and the natural resources. The San Juan National Forest Headquarters is located in Durango, Colorado, with district offices in Bayfield, Dolores and Pagosa Springs.
Traveler
Good free dispersed camping.
Scout
Great dispersed, free camping 5 minutes from mesa Verde, and 10 minutes from Cortez.
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.
ScoutThe coordinates listed here are wrong. It will navigate you to. A residential area with no access to BLM land. Instead, search for Durfield dispersed camping nearby and it will take you to the correct place.
Scout
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.
ScoutCamped 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. There is signage for BLM land right as you pull up.
We got to our spot a little before sunset but noticed that most spots were filled (late july, midweek) so keep that in mind.
Overall a nice spot, bug free for the most part and accessible with a stock truck.
GuideThis is BLM Land outside of Mesa Verde National Park. Has quite a few different sites that are all free and have fairly easy access to. The one downside (for us) was that it had just rained and the sites and road are clay which we ended up sinking into and getting stuck in. Luckily a few other campers nearby got up to watch the show and see us dig to get out (eventually they all helped push us out). There's a little road noise from the highway but it didn't bother us.
Each site has a little rock ringed fire pit and a flat area for a tent that we saw.
So if you want a free spot for up to 14 nights and want to check out Mesa Verde (highly recommend it), this is a pretty nice little spot.
Ranger
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.
Scout
Dispersed camping in one of the 15 established camp spots. Not a whole lot of shade but really close to everything.
TravelerThese dispersed campsites were recommended to us and they did not disappoint! Secluded dry camping spots with great views of the monuments.
Traveler
one of the best spots for me dispersed camping. lots of room, and many secluded spots, only a 4-minute hike to the Delores River for fishing.
Guide
All the way down Hermosa Park Road (578) it's beautiful. We probably saw upwards of 15 (Probably more) dispersed camping spots until you hit hermosa camping loup where a lot of people bike. We found a gem of a spot across from Sigs Creek (paid) camping area that has the sig creek running north to south and the Hermosa Creek running east to west. There was also an awesome small water fall next to camp you could get in. Litterally, we were surrounded by water on 3 sides. The water was about 6" to 1' deep with the occasional Colorado Brook trout showing up. With a license and barbless hooks you can catch and release.
Some spots can be close to others. But overall they are spaces far enough that nobody can be heard. Only can see them from a distance.
We had no cell service and we use t-mobile. The closest gas station is about 8-10 miles away incase you forget something, which we did. We stayed 3 days and 3 nights and had an amazing time.
Scout
Lodging 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
GuideI started my trip to Mesa Verde NP not quite sure where I was going to camp for the night. I entertained the idea of spending the night inside the park, at the sad, overpriced campground there. Once I discovered they wanted north of 40 bucks for a tent site, I moseyed my way down the hill to this sick little dispersed campground. You can't beat the price (free) and there were plenty of sites to choose from, even during Labor Day week.
I believe the BLM calls this site "Chutes & Ladders". There are 15 or 16 sites available, and unlike a lot of other dispersed camping I've come across, this doesn't seem to be a place where people come to party. It was quiet and there was a lot of space between sites. Plenty of room for trailers if that's your thing. Great place to spend the night!
Guide
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.
GuideArea is closed for wildlife management. There are no dispersed camping sites available near Mesa Verde until June-ish
TravelerDispersed camping, no amenities, but beautiful location. Little streams running nearby, wildlife viewing, the drive up the slope is beautiful as well
GuideAcross the main road entrance to Mesa Verda offers camping for all. Nice sites for RVs and tents. No hook ups. Dispersed camping at its best.
ScoutEasy 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.
GuideThis 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.
GuideGreat dispersed camping near Mesa Verde. Tons of marked sites along the road. The road gets a little rougher the further you go in. It’s about a 10min drive to Walmart. The only downside is the dust but that is to be expected.
GuideThis 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.
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.
GuideStayed here 1 night in early June. Super easy access to dispersed camping, dirt road that is well maintained, no problem for 2wd and spaces large enough to accommodate big rigs. The camping starts about a half mile up the road. Most sites are just right off the road but there are some short dead end roads that offer a little more privacy off the main drag. Lots of trees that help with noise and block sites from each other. We got in at 5pm on a Thursday and all the spots along the first mile were taken but were able to find several good open sites. Good reception with Verizon.
GuideVery 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.
GuideThis is a great dispersed camping option near Telluride. It’s an open grass area surrounded by trees and views of the mountains. There are no designated sites but there are a few fire rings and it is pretty easy to see where others have camped in the past. Access is right off the highway with a bit of a lumpy road but you really don’t notice the highway noise. There were tents, motor homes, trailers, etc. It can accommodate some small groups of tents but really only solo or maybe groups of two RV’s due to the changes in the elevation. There was a 40’ 5th wheel, a bike packer, and everything in between. There are a few tucked away sites if you are lucky enough to get one otherwise you will be more in the open but the views are still amazing. The trail head to Lizard head pass is across the highway and there is a vault toilet and dumpster there. Your only 20ish minutes to Telluride so it’s a great option if you plan to spend some time there.
GuideWe were lucky and found a spot, there are probably 10-15 camp spots in there and only one was available. Guess that’s the one downside of some of these blm spots. Also keep in mind these are pretty small spots, large rvs might not be able to make it in. Great views of Mesa verde and the temp was super nice. Would definitely come back here again.
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
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cortez, CO?
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 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cortez, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 47 dispersed camping locations near Cortez, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
