Dispersed camping sites surround Durango, Colorado at elevations ranging from 6,500 to 9,000 feet across the San Juan National Forest. Public lands accessible via forest roads provide tent campsites with varying degrees of seclusion and amenities. Weather conditions change rapidly in this mountainous region, with summer thunderstorms common in afternoons and temperatures dropping significantly at night even during warm months.
What to do
Fishing at riverside spots: Tent campers can access fishing areas along the Dolores River from Roche Gulch near Delores River, where reviews note "Fish were JUMPING so get your fly rods ready!" The site is just a "4-minute hike to the Delores River for fishing" according to campers who stayed there.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple tent camping areas around Durango offer wildlife observation opportunities. At Hermosa Park Road Dispersed camping, visitors report seeing diverse wildlife with one camper noting, "Full of wildlife, Bear, elk, fox and the marmot highway." Early morning and dusk provide the best viewing times.
Star gazing: The minimal light pollution at higher elevation tent sites creates excellent stargazing conditions. Campers at Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area report "The stars were BEAUTIFUL! This is a great spot for stargazers too." Clear nights away from Durango city lights offer the best viewing.
Explore ghost towns: Some tent campsites near Durango provide access to historic mining structures. At Alta Lakes Campground, "You'll pass an abandoned mining town and continue of the road for a while before you reach the lake." Another reviewer mentions "There are two abandoned cabins that were pretty cool to check out" at Priest Lake.
What campers like
Accessibility from Durango: Many tent camping spots offer proximity to town while still providing forest seclusion. One reviewer mentioned Hermosa Park Road Dispersed has "a lot of dipsersed camping spots all along Hermosa Park Rd north of Durango" with sites that are "far from one another so you feel like you have the mountain to yourself."
Temperature relief: Higher elevation tent sites provide cooler temperatures during summer months. A camper at Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area shared: "Considering where we live it's HOT, this was a nice cool retreat." Most sites above 8,000 feet stay 10-15 degrees cooler than Durango.
Stream-adjacent sites: Campers frequently mention the appeal of creekside tent camping. At Hermosa Park Road Dispersed, "Almost all are directly on a creek" according to reviews, while another camper noted their spot "was right near a stream and had good shade during the day."
Varied terrain options: The diverse landscape around Durango offers tent campers choices between forested and open sites. At Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp, "Towards the top the landscape changes from piñon pine to an aspen grove so you really get a few different options to fit what you're looking for."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to tent camping areas ranges from passenger car friendly to high-clearance 4WD only. At Old lime creek road beaver bond, "The road gets rougher past the cabins, and 4x4 and high clearance would help you out." Always check recent road conditions before departing.
Seasonal closures affect access: Many forest roads leading to tent sites close during winter and spring. A reviewer at Forest Road 316 noted "Road is currently closed. Assuming through March like most others in the area." Contact the San Juan National Forest office for current road status.
Wind exposure varies by location: Some tent camping areas experience significant wind, especially at higher elevations. Alta Lakes campers reported "When we were there there was a lot of wind so we were at the top of the valley and the wind would just rush up and you could hear it coming. Then our tents would suck in and puff out."
Busier on weekends: Popular tent campsites fill quickly, particularly Friday and Saturday. At Hermosa Park Road Dispersed, reviewers advise "Very busy on a Friday-Sunday. Arrive early to find a spot." Midweek arrivals increase your chances of securing preferred sites.
Tips for camping with families
Lake access for children: Families with kids appreciate tent sites near shallow water features. At Priest Lake, "The kids enjoyed being able to fish though with little supervision since the lake is really quite shallow and it's very close to the sites."
Shorter hikes for beginners: Tent campsites with nearby shorter trails work well for families. Priest Lake offers "little walking paths around the Priest Lakes that are very short and easy" according to reviews, making them manageable for younger children.
Weather preparedness: Mountain conditions change rapidly, requiring extra clothing layers for children. A camper at Bay City Campground mentions "We camped in early May... it's beautiful!" but adds that spring camping requires warm clothing as nighttime temperatures drop significantly.
Vault toilet availability: Some dispersed areas provide basic toilet facilities helpful for families. At Priest Lake, "Having the vault toilet is a nice perk for a dispersed camping site" though campers advise to "bring your own tp" as supplies aren't maintained regularly.
Tips from RVers
Size-appropriate sites: Different tent camping areas accommodate various vehicle sizes. Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp receives praise as a "Good spot for bigger campers!" where "Big spaces easy access for larger campers" make setup simpler. One camper noted, "This road can accommodate all kinds of camping. We didn't have to drive very far to find a good spot."
Alternative winter options: When higher elevation sites close, Cherry Creek Gravel Lot serves as a year-round option. A reviewer confirmed it's the "Only free place near Durango in the winter. We called and asked the BLM & Forest Service."
Road surface challenges: RVers mention specific access issues at certain tent camping locations. At Cherry Creek Gravel Lot, one camper with a camper van reported "Getting up there was not possible in my Travato (in my opinion). I've got some Falken Wildpeaks so traction was not so much the issue as the uneven path up."
