Primitive camping near Norwood, Colorado offers unique options within Uncompahgre National Forest and adjacent BLM lands at elevations ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 feet. The area sits on the western edge of the San Juan Mountains, creating a transition zone between alpine forests and high desert terrain. Most dispersed sites near Norwood experience dramatic seasonal variations, with summer temperatures reaching 85°F during daytime and dropping to 45°F at night.
What to Do
Mountain biking at Thunder Trails: Thunder Road Dispersed Camping provides direct access to cross-country style mountain biking loops. "There aren't many places where you can camp in a cool pine tree forest, hop on your mtb or dirt bike, and ride right from camp. Thunder Trails are it!" notes one camper about Thunder Road Dispersed.
Fishing at nearby reservoirs: From Busted Arm Draw, anglers can access Miramonte Reservoir in under 20 minutes. Busted Arm Draw Dispersed offers "great boating and excellent fishing right down the road at Miramonte Reservoir (Dan Noble State Wildlife Area), as well as the San Miguel River," according to a reviewer.
Off-road exploration: The network of forest roads creates opportunities for day trips. "Busted Arm Draw is free and the designated campsites are dispersed, making each site quiet and private. Right off 44ZS (Lone Cone Road), there's easy access National Forest access to gravel and 4x4 roads that connect Norwood to Telluride, Rico, Dunton, Dolores, & Naturita."
What Campers Like
Designated sites with privacy: Unlike some dispersed areas, the camping spots in this region often have defined spaces. At Thunder Road Dispersed, "each site is designated and has a fire ring, super quiet and private, and the trails are fun cross country style loops."
Dark sky stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the area offers excellent night viewing. Busted Arm Draw campers note "the entire area sits at about 8,000 ft in ponderosa forest. Many of the sites have excellent views of the Lone Cone mountain. The area is a designated dark sky zone, the night sky and the stars will blow your mind!"
Scenic variety: The region transitions from forest to more open terrain. At Lizard Head Pass Dispersed Camping, visitors appreciate the "nice spot off the road to boondock, with great views both directions" and the ability to find "great pull offs" along connecting roads, according to one reviewer who noted they "pulled in on a Thursday afternoon and didn't have any problems finding a good spot."
What You Should Know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads range from well-maintained to challenging. For Lizard Head Pass Dispersed Camping, a camper warned "road is a touch rough watch dropping off the pavement with an RV" while another mentioned "road to get here was pretty rough. Definitely need 4x4."
Early arrival recommended: Popular spots fill quickly, especially during weekends and summer. "Get here early to snag a good spot. Only downfall is that it is busy with dirt bikes from sun up until sun down, but most are respectful!" notes one camper about Last Dollar Road.
Weather preparedness: Mountain conditions change rapidly with afternoon storms common in summer. One camper at Last Dollar Road shared "We camped here the first week of June and it was spectacular. The views were unreal!! Sadly it was pretty rainy that week but the storms were so cool to watch roll in, the clouds were basically our level."
Uneven terrain: Finding level ground can be challenging. At Fall Creek Camping, visitors report "We stayed here for a long weekend to go see Telluride and the surrounding area... Was a little tricky getting it level but was manageable. There are no marked sites, we just parked where there was room."
Tips for Camping with Families
Choose sites with natural features: Kids enjoy exploring forested areas. At Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area, "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. It's a pretty place with very scenic views."
Consider proximity to facilities: Some sites have vault toilets nearby. At Priest Lake, campers note "having the vault toilet is a nice perk for a dispersed camping site" though others caution "the restroom was long overdue for a service."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening offer chances to spot animals. One Priest Lake visitor mentioned "exploring was fun and watching the ducks and geese and the occasional deer, it was pretty cool."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all areas accommodate RVs. At Black Canyon Dispersed Camping, "nice area with lots of dispersed sites. Lots of good shade at the sites. Most have decent privacy from other sites. Not sure I'd take a trailer or rv down the side roads too far without scouting."
Prepare for limited amenities: No hookups or dump stations are available. At Lizard Head Pass, one RVer noted "not much level ground so bring things to get creative" while another mentioned "this is a no frills spot but we loved it. If your pulling a trailer this is perfect."
Consider approach angles: Some access points have challenging transitions. At Lizard Head Pass Dispersed Camping, campers advise "road is a touch rough watch dropping off the pavement with an RV" indicating the need to approach slowly and carefully.
