Best Dispersed Camping near Dove Creek, CO

This 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.

Dispersed camping in one of the 15 established camp spots. Not a whole lot of shade but really close to everything.

We saw this BLM land on the way to the House of Fire trail came back and passed through to check it out. Flat area with some large trees very open area and since it was weekend there were several families with Atv’s. Very dusty when dry. There were tent campers and rv’s some fire rings. This campground would be about a quarter mile once you pass through The Comb off of 95 about 10 miles north of Blanding on the left. This would be great for group camping.

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.

I 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!

This area is an informal dispersed camping areas. No signage noting this is an official campground. Large dispersed spots suitable for large TTs. Second dispersed camping pod in is best. Just after second camping pod area there is a steep wash dip that will restrict TYs and RVs. No toilets, no water no tables, no fire rings. No cell signal. Two track roads up and down Comb Wash away from the camping area are risky sandy so be prepared.

Area is closed for wildlife management. There are no dispersed camping sites available near Mesa Verde until June-ish

Great 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.

Nice large area, lots of spur roads going to many dispersed camps. Roads have clay so some low spots can be mud holes after rains. Area is at 8850 elv, seems popular for hunting in the fall so be aware from Sept on. Vegetation is mostly oak brush and scattered pine trees and aspen. Cell signal on T-Mobile was almost useless for downloads. This area has a paved road all the way from Monticello, about 8 miles back to town. No toilets, no dumpsters and no water. Two developed FS CGs are close by but seems to have an aggressive approach to dispersed campers using the dumpsters.

Stayed 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.

This is a dispersed camping area within Bears Ears National Monument. There are a few designated spots, as well as just open flat spaces where you can set up camp.  The first few spots are accessible by any vehicle, just watch the soft sandy road after a rain. 

We found a spot close to the main road and didn't have a problem in our 26ft class c.

Further back you'll find more sites, but you'll have to cross a wash and the sites will likely need a 4wd & high clearance vehicle.

No cell service. 

No amenities other than vault toilets. No garbage service.  Area was nice and clean, hopefully it stays that way.

Some of the sites have picnic tables and a metal fire ring, but some have nothing other than a stone fire ring to mark the spot. 

No fee.

Beautiful area, nice hiking and walking available in this whole area.

We 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.

Great camping spot! Super close to Mesa Verde National Park! And it's freeeee! The road to get the the sites is rutted out so you do need some clearance! We have a subaru impreza and it was fine! No amentinites.. Spots are numbered. We stayed in 4!