Best Dispersed Camping near City of Creede, CO

The San Juan Mountains surrounding Creede, Colorado feature predominantly dispersed camping options on national forest land, with sites like Shallow Creek and Forest Road 504.1C offering primitive experiences at elevations between 8,000-10,000 feet. Located in the Rio Grande National Forest, these areas provide both tent and RV camping opportunities with minimal amenities. Most dispersed sites near Creede are situated along forest service roads, creek beds, and mountain meadows, creating a network of free camping options within 30 minutes of town. The region's mining history and alpine setting create a distinctive backdrop for outdoor recreation.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with many sites requiring high-clearance vehicles to access. As one camper noted about nearby FSR #689 Dispersed: "This is on an old two track FS dirt road just off Highway #149. Incredible views of the Cebolla Creek valley with several nice flat camps in the Aspen coves." Most dispersed sites lack drinking water, restrooms, and trash facilities, requiring complete self-sufficiency. The camping season typically runs from late May through October, with snow lingering at higher elevations into June. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most sites, though some locations closer to town may receive intermittent signals.

Riverside camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the region. Many campers report excellent stargazing opportunities and wildlife viewing, particularly at dawn and dusk when deer and other animals are active. "The river passes right next to you and the views are amazing," reported one visitor to West Fork Dispersed. While most sites are primitive, some feature established fire rings, though seasonal fire restrictions are common during dry periods. Weekday arrivals are recommended during summer months when competition for prime spots increases. The 14-day stay limit is standard throughout the national forest, and rangers periodically patrol popular areas to ensure compliance with regulations and proper waste disposal.

Best Dispersed Sites Near City of Creede, Colorado (77)

    1. Forest Road 504.1C

    3 Reviews
    City of Creede, CO
    1 mile

    "The access from 504-1C was a moderately steep with a tight squeeze halfway up. Outstanding views of Creede and the long valley towards Lake City."

    "Many dispersed camping spots for rv trailers. Great views and close to the mountain town of Creede."

    2. Creede, CO Overlook

    1 Review
    City of Creede, CO
    1 mile

    "I saw a large 5th wheel and a class A near the beginning. The last spot occupied was a capable Toyota 4Runner. Our 2-wheel drive made it to the top of the bald. 2bar for Verizon."

    3. Shallow Creek

    2 Reviews
    City of Creede, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 657-3321

    "Highway 149 > Miner's Creek Rd > Left on 508 > Left on Shallow Creek Road to end

    I got my 25ft Travel Trailer there with no issue. "

    5. West Fork Dispersed

    19 Reviews
    Pagosa Springs, CO
    29 miles
    Website

    "This BLM at San Juan National Forest is gorgeous!"

    "There is currently a fire ban in place."

    7. FSR #689 Dispersed

    1 Review
    Lake City, CO
    15 miles

    "This is on a old two track FS dirt road just off hwy #149. Incredible views of the Cebolla Creek valley. Several nice flat camps in the Aspen coves."

    8. Forest Road 614

    3 Reviews
    South Fork, CO
    20 miles

    "Fully dispersed, no trash/water/toilets."

    "We stayed for a few hours to solar charge. This is a great area that’s near a few private ranches. The app mentioned a steep incline but we managed no issues with a 04 Toyota sienna FWD"

    9. Upper Mill Creek

    1 Review
    Lake City, CO
    18 miles

    10. FS Road 631/633

    8 Reviews
    Pagosa Springs, CO
    30 miles

    "There are NO facilities so be prepared. Clean up your trash and please don’t take glass bottles. There is also reservoir where several guys were ice fishing."

    "Road wasn’t pretty well packed down so you could access with 2WD if needed. There are ranches nearby so you may hear some cattle but it was a great spot to be off the grid."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near City of Creede, CO

202 Reviews of 77 City of Creede 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.

  • Peter C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2024

    Trail Creek Dispersed Camping

    Meadows and views

    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!

  • 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.

  • 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 .

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 15, 2024

    Blue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed

    Remote Wilderness

    Blue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed Camping, located near Mount Sneffels in Colorado, offers an incredibly remote and breathtaking camping experience. If you're looking to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in pristine wilderness, this spot is ideal. The campsites are dispersed along the trailhead, offering peace and solitude with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and alpine lakes.

    The beauty of this dispersed camping area is its complete immersion in nature. With no designated campsites or amenities, you get to choose your own perfect spot in the forest, whether it’s near the rushing creek or with views of the towering mountains. This is truly a wilderness experience, so you’ll need to be fully self-sufficient—bring your own water, food, and a solid plan for waste disposal.

    The Blue Lakes Trailhead offers some of Colorado’s most scenic hiking, including access to the famous Blue Lakes and a challenging ascent of Mount Sneffels. The hike itself rewards adventurers with awe-inspiring views of alpine lakes, wildflowers, and rugged mountain terrain. It’s perfect for those seeking an immersive backcountry experience.

    One downside of this dispersed camping is that the road leading to the trailhead is rough, so it’s best suited for high-clearance vehicles, and be prepared for the possibility of unpredictable weather, as storms can roll in quickly in the mountains.

    Overall, Blue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed Camping is an incredible option for experienced campers looking to enjoy the wild beauty of Colorado’s high country. It’s remote, peaceful, and surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in the state.

  • Glen T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2025

    Portland Road Dispersed

    Beautiful and secluded

    Beautiful and secluded but a rough drive. Most definitely need a high clearance vehicle. We weren't able to make it to the top because there is a wash out in one area we could not clear with our 4Runner. But we did find an amazing spot anyway.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2022

    Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

    Awesome Rock Formations

    AT&T 5G off and on 2 bars. Fire metal rings, pit toilets in few areas. No water, no garbage (might be garbage at entrance?). Roads spread throughout, pretty rough in some areas. Plenty of places here, views are pretty cool. Lots of hiking, biking trails. Rock formations are the star of the show. Dog friendly. 14 day limit. Town not too far maybe 5 miles for supplies. Creek near town. Not too bad for 5-14 days.


Guide to City of Creede

Dispersed camping near City of Creede, Colorado ranges primarily across elevations of 8,000-10,000 feet in the Rio Grande National Forest, where summer high temperatures typically reach 65-75°F with nighttime lows dropping to 40-50°F. The region experiences frequent afternoon thunderstorms from July through early September, creating unpredictable weather patterns that campers should prepare for with proper rain gear and shelter systems.

What to do

Hike to waterfalls: From FS Road 631/633 campsites, access the Piedra River Falls via nearby trails. "From there, hiked along the adjoining irrigation ditch to Piedra River Falls trailhead for breathtaking views of the multi-tiered waterfalls," notes camper Sonny C. The trail follows an irrigation canal before reaching the falls viewpoint.

Mountain stargazing: Clear mountain air at high elevation creates exceptional night sky viewing conditions. Richard M. at Forest Road 614 observed "Beautiful views and starry nights" from this isolated site. Position yourself away from Creede's minimal light pollution for best viewing results.

Wildlife observation: Dawn and dusk offer prime wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for deer, elk, and various bird species. "We've seen lots of birds and even 2 wild pheasants!" reports Jennifer L. about her stay at FS Road 633. Keep food properly stored as bears frequent the area - "We did have a bear at the campsite about 15 min after dusk."

What campers like

Riverside relaxation: Several dispersed sites offer direct water access for cooling off during summer heat. At West Fork Dispersed, Trevor P. found "The river was a bit nippy but very refreshing with a pleasant background noise." These waterside sites provide natural white noise for sleeping.

Private mountain settings: Many sites offer seclusion despite proximity to town. At Upper Mill Creek, tj notes the "Open space far away from access road where you'll hear the nearby creek. Relaxing private space." Most dispersed sites retain privacy even during peak summer months.

Panoramic viewpoints: Several camping areas provide expansive valley views unique to this region. At Forest Road 504.1C, John H. discovered "We took FR504-1D to the top of the hill and it was really worth the effort. Wide open area with room for 4 to 6 camps... Outstanding views of Creede and the long valley towards Lake City."

What you should know

Access challenges: Many sites require careful navigation on rough forest roads. At Spring Creek Pass Corrals, Greg L. found "a rough rocky two track goes up on the left of the Corrals. One spot to right of Corrals is ok for TTs or RBs but the rest of the area is better suited to the overlander crowd."

Weather preparedness: Mountain storms develop quickly, and wind can be problematic in exposed areas. Nora S. at Forest Road 614 warns, "Only thing is because there is absolutely no trees or anything, the wind goes a little wild so beware!"

Insect management: Mosquitoes can be particularly troublesome near water sources during summer months. At West Fork Dispersed, Cheyanne G. cautions, "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 we turned around and left."

Tips for camping with families

Stream exploration: Children enjoy wading and exploring shallow creek areas. Markayla W. found at FS Road 631/633 they "were able to set up by a stream with a nice fire ring" which provides natural entertainment for younger campers.

Site selection timing: Arrive mid-week when possible to secure prime family-friendly spots with flat terrain. Larry E. at Creede, CO Overlook observed "Arrived on a Sunday with several campsite choices. Positioned trailer to optimize views."

Wildlife safety: Teach children proper food storage and wildlife awareness. Jennifer L. notes from personal experience: "We did have a bear at the campsite about 15 min after dusk. We were already in the RTT and he moved along pretty quickly. Just a reminder to have bear bags and everything put up."

Tips from RVers

Size-appropriate site selection: Many dispersed areas have limitations for larger rigs. PJ M. at Shallow Creek advises "I got my 25ft Travel Trailer there with no issue. Road is a little tight when it turns at Sawmill Gulch and has a decent incline, but definitely doable. Significantly larger rigs should scout it first."

Leveling challenges: Mountain sites often require leveling blocks or other solutions. Many campers recommend carrying extra leveling equipment as most sites feature uneven terrain with slopes or depressions.

Road condition scouting: Forest service roads deteriorate throughout the season, especially after rain. Fernando C. at Forest Road 614 notes "The app mentioned a steep incline but we managed no issues with a 04 Toyota sienna FWD." When possible, unhitch at lower elevations to scout routes before committing with larger trailers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping areas near Creede, Colorado?

The San Juan National Forest offers excellent dispersed camping options near Creede. West Fork Dispersed is particularly scenic with somewhat level spots accessible via dirt roads that most vehicles can navigate. For those seeking riverside camping, Del Norte Dispersed Camping provides beautiful sites along a river with great hiking trails nearby. While some roads to dispersed sites can be bumpy or rutted, many are accessible with standard vehicles. Additional options include Forest Road areas near Cebolla Creek valley and various BLM lands surrounding Creede. Most dispersed sites in this region offer stunning mountain views and good privacy, though they lack amenities like restrooms or trash service.

Is free camping available near Creede, Colorado?

Yes, free camping is abundant near Creede, Colorado. FSR #689 Dispersed offers completely free camping with incredible views of the Cebolla Creek valley in flat Aspen coves. The sites are primitive with no amenities but provide pure Colorado wilderness camping. Trail Creek Dispersed Camping in the Conejos river valley is another excellent free option with multiple meadow camping areas. Most dispersed sites on national forest and BLM lands around Creede follow the standard 14-day stay limit. While these free sites lack amenities like hookups, water, and trash service, they offer unparalleled access to nature and scenic beauty without cost.

What regulations should I know about for dispersed camping around Creede?

When dispersed camping around Creede, always follow Leave No Trace principles—pack out all trash as there are no disposal services. East Fork San Juan River and similar areas are completely primitive with no restrooms, electricity, water, or trash service. Most dispersed sites enforce a 14-day maximum stay within a 30-day period. Camp in established sites only (look for fire rings) and keep vehicles on designated roads and parking areas. Campfires may be restricted seasonally—check current fire bans before your trip. Portland Road Dispersed and other remote areas require high-clearance vehicles, so know your vehicle's capabilities. Camping is prohibited in day-use areas, trailheads not designated for camping, and within 100 feet of water sources. Cell service is typically unavailable, so plan accordingly.