Best Dispersed Camping near Dolores, CO

Dispersed camping near Dolores, Colorado centers around several BLM-managed areas, with notable options including Mesa Verde National Park Boundary, Chutes and Ladders, and Madden Peak Road. These primitive sites typically feature fire rings and accommodate both tent and RV camping without hookups or facilities. Most locations permit camping for the standard 14-day limit on public lands, with sites available year-round at many locations. The region includes multiple free camping zones within reasonable driving distance of Mesa Verde National Park, Hesperus, and surrounding attractions.

Access roads to dispersed sites vary significantly in quality and difficulty. Many areas require high-clearance vehicles, with some locations like Madden Peak Road becoming increasingly rugged as you travel deeper into the forest. Most sites lack amenities entirely - no drinking water, toilets, trash service, or hookups of any kind. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, though fires are generally permitted in established rings when conditions allow. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with some areas offering surprisingly good connectivity while others remain completely off-grid.

The dispersed camping areas around Dolores provide excellent access to outdoor recreation while maintaining a remote, primitive experience. Sites near Mesa Verde National Park Boundary offer views of monuments and relatively easy access, while more secluded options can be found along Forest Road 316. Campers seeking privacy should consider traveling further up access roads where sites become more separated. A reviewer of Madden Peak Road noted, "Very secluded and convenient. Found a great spot with view about 4.0 miles up. The spots get way more secluded and separated as you go up the road." Another camper described the Mesa Verde Boundary area as a "hidden gem" with "secluded dry camping spots with great views of the monuments."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Dolores, Colorado (71)

    1. Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)

    31 Reviews
    Mesa Verde National Park, CO
    9 miles

    "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."

    2. BLM across from Mesa Verde

    18 Reviews
    Mesa Verde National Park, CO
    9 miles
    Website

    "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."

    3. Chutes and Ladders Dipsersed

    16 Reviews
    Mesa Verde National Park, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 882-7296

    "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."

    4. CR 34 Dispersed Campground

    10 Reviews
    Mesa Verde National Park, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 882-7296

    "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"

    5. Madden Peak Road - Dispersed

    24 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    20 miles
    Website

    "Could do it in a non 4wd non high clearance, but wouldn’t recommend beyond the 4.5 mark."

    "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."

    6. Boggy Draw 1

    1 Review
    Dolores, CO
    3 miles

    7. Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp

    11 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    19 miles

    "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"

    8. Sand Canyon

    3 Reviews
    Cortez, CO
    18 miles

    "Would recommend pretty good, high clearance vehicle. Would be dicey in rain"

    "There are many sites in both directions along the edge of the mesa.

    Here mid-May."

    9. Crystal Creek Creekside Camp

    1 Review
    Mancos, CO
    15 miles

    "There were many dispersed sites along this road. We came in on a Saturday and stayed one night. During the day there were some mountain bikes and side by sides but over all quiet."

    10. Spruce Mill Road - Dispersed Campsite

    1 Review
    Mancos, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 247-4874

    "The beginning of the road is gravel but close to the campground is rocky and sandy. 4x4 is a must. It may be impassable when wet.. no facility at all.

    Overall, great area!"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Dolores, CO

311 Reviews of 71 Dolores Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2021

    Lizard Head Pass Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed up on the pass

    When 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.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2022

    Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    Small tight - NO TTs or Big RVs

    Small rough road FREE dispersed area. 7 day camping limit. Lake is a pothole weedy area not really good for floating IMO..go to the public access at the much larger Trout Lake. Nine designated campsites are all walk in tent sites. One small vault toilet, no dumpsters or water. NO TTs allowed as NO turnaround. No big RVs either. Access road is rough rocky.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2021

    Hermosa Creek Trailhead - Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful & Packed

    This 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.

  • Whitney J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2021

    Last Dollar Road

    Amazing views and good cell service

    There is not a ton of campsites once you get up here. But there are a handful that have absolutely amazing views . Some of the best in Colorado. I had good cell service too (working remotely). There are some larger dispersed campgrounds near the top trailhead that are more in the woods. Road from Ridgeway was well maintained but definitely a little rocky getting closer to the top of the road. Road gets washed out in the rain so heads up. But just go slow if you’re in a lower clearance vehicle and you’ll be fine if it’s dry.

    https://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-hidden-gem-last-dollar-road

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 5, 2025

    Cherry Creek Gravel Lot

    Easy & Free

    Only 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.

  • S
    Aug. 29, 2020

    Last Dollar Road

    Full of RVs

    A site with amazing views that were all blocked by large RVs and campers, no privacy for tent camping or between sites, it was also very crowded by early morning. 4WD and high clearance is needed to continue on Last Dollar Rd if you’re hoping to find more dispersed camping up the mountain.

  • T
    Aug. 6, 2020

    Lizard Head Pass Dispersed Camping

    Amazing views with a no frills campsite

    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

  • R
    Oct. 30, 2020

    Last Dollar Road

    Beautiful but rough

    As another reviewer stated, I would not recommend coming from Route 62. It took us over an hour for I believe 10 miles on very rough road in a Subaru Outback. It was beautiful but there was miles of ranches and private properties before you got to campsites.


Guide to Dolores

Dispersed camping near Dolores, Colorado offers sites across elevations ranging from 6,400 to 8,500 feet throughout San Juan National Forest and BLM land. The region typically experiences moderate summer temperatures between 75-85°F during peak camping season from May through September, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. Access roads remain open year-round at lower elevations, while higher areas often close seasonally due to snow.

What to do

Hiking at Sand Canyon: Access the trailhead from dispersed sites at Sand Canyon for day hikes through ancient cliff dwellings. "Beautiful views, good cell reception. Could hear neighbors but people were quiet and respectful. Also lots of bats flying around!!" notes a recent camper.

Mountain biking access: Sites along Forest Road 316 at Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp connect to extensive trail networks. "This road can accommodate all kinds of camping. We didn't have to drive very far to find a good spot. Where we camped could fit all size rigs," reports one visitor who enjoyed the surrounding trails.

Wildlife viewing: Boggy Draw and Crystal Creek areas provide opportunities for deer and elk spotting, especially at dawn and dusk. A camper at Crystal Creek Creekside Camp noted, "There were many dispersed sites along this road... We were able to find a spot with a great view! There were also several hiking trails near, if you wanted to stay a couple nights and do some hiking."

What campers like

Weather patterns: The area experiences predictable afternoon storms in summer months but typically clear mornings and evenings. At Mesa Verde National Park Boundary, a camper mentioned, "Road is typical blm rocky dirt road. I think a 2wd car could probally do it. No issue for suv or van. Verizon signal is okay, weak but can surf and watch videos."

Evening skies: Minimal light pollution provides exceptional stargazing opportunities from most sites. A reviewer of BLM across from Mesa Verde shared, "Clearly designated sites. Road is bumpy but not bad. Beautiful sunset views."

Seasonal closures: Lower elevation sites open earlier in spring. "This place is closed Dec-April due to it being considered elk habitat. Also fairly muddy," notes a camper about BLM land across from Mesa Verde, providing important timing information.

What you should know

Road conditions: Most access roads deteriorate with elevation gain and after rainfall. A visitor to Chutes and Ladders Dispersed explained, "We ended up raining overnight. We're from Minnesota so I had no idea the mud was going to be so horrible. My shoes were caked. The tent ended up super muddy. We were slipping and sliding on the road."

Site availability: Weekends from June through August see higher competition for prime spots. "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," noted a camper at Forest Road 316.

Navigation challenges: Several sites have confusing access points. "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!" warned one camper about Chutes and Ladders.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection: Look for spots with natural shade and distance from cliff edges. At Madden Peak Road - Dispersed, "The spots get way more secluded and separated as you go up the road. Could do it in a non 4wd non high clearance, but wouldn't recommend beyond the 4.5 mark."

Water planning: Pack 1-2 gallons per person per day as no water sources exist at sites. A camper at Spruce Mill Road noted, "You can camp right under a rock formation here. It's great! The campground is about 1 mile off 191. The beginning of the road is gravel but close to the campground is rocky and sandy. 4x4 is a must. It may be impassable when wet.. no facility at all."

Seasonal wildlife: Keep food secure in hard containers, especially during summer months. "I am actually writing this review from a place higher up the mountain, and I did see a bear this morning! It walked away when I opened my trunk, but it looked like it was walking over to check out my camp," reported a camper at Madden Peak Road.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Many sites accommodate smaller rigs under 30 feet. A review of Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land) cautioned, "The only reason I give this place a 3 is because of the close proximity to Mesa Verde NP. This stay is only for high clearance vehicles and small RV's. Deep drain ditches between service road and sites. All sites are extremely uneven."

Leveling challenges: Bring extra leveling blocks for uneven terrain. "The views are amazing here. Not all the sites are level, and this place can get a bit muddy if it rains, which it did for us. Established stone fireplace rings on all sites," shared a camper at Chutes and Ladders.

Cell service: Variable connectivity affects work-from-road capabilities. "Stayed here for two nights. Tons of sites along the road, never too busy. Can definitely hear some road noise, but good place to set up for a night or two," mentioned a visitor at Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Dolores, Colorado?

Dispersed camping near Dolores typically follows standard Forest Service and BLM regulations. Most areas enforce a 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period, as seen at Anvil Dispersed Campground along South Mineral Creek. At Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area, a stricter 7-day limit applies. Camping is restricted to designated sites only at many locations. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry periods. Always use established fire rings when fires are permitted. Pack out all trash as most dispersed sites lack waste facilities. Some areas prohibit certain vehicles - for example, travel trailers aren't allowed at Priest Lake. Always check current regulations with the local Forest Service or BLM office before your trip.

Where can I find dispersed camping areas near Dolores, Colorado?

Several excellent dispersed camping areas surround Dolores. Lizard Head Pass Dispersed Camping offers stunning mountain views about 11 miles from Telluride with sites suitable for tents and trailers. When arriving, check both the initial area to your right and the left turn onto Galloping Goose Trailhead road for more secluded spots. Another option is BLM across from Mesa Verde, providing convenient free camping near the national park. Other notable dispersed camping areas in the region include Forest Road 316, CR 34 Dispersed Campground, and areas along South Mineral Creek. Most of these sites are accessible via standard vehicles, though some remote locations may require high clearance or 4WD.

What amenities or facilities are available at dispersed camping sites near Dolores?

Dispersed camping sites near Dolores offer minimal amenities, as is typical with dispersed camping. Hermosa Creek Trailhead - Dispersed Camping features beautiful creek-side spots but no formal facilities. Last Dollar Road provides spectacular views and decent cell service for remote workers, but no amenities. Some areas like Anvil Dispersed Campground provide vault toilets and scattered picnic tables, while others have established fire rings. Most sites are dry camping with no hookups, potable water, or garbage services. For basic needs, Priest Lake has a single vault toilet for its nine designated tent sites. Plan to be self-sufficient by bringing water, packing out trash, and having portable toiletries. Proximity to natural features (creeks, lakes, trails) is the primary amenity at these rustic sites.