Rustic camping near Pagosa Springs, Colorado provides access to the southern San Juan Mountains at elevations ranging from 7,000-8,500 feet. Summer visitors typically experience daytime temperatures in the 70s-80s with cooler mountain nights dropping into the 40s-50s. Most dispersed sites throughout the national forest land require traveling unpaved forest service roads that become increasingly rutted after rainfall or snowmelt.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Hike to Piedra River Falls from FS Road 631/633 where campers can follow an irrigation ditch to reach breathtaking multi-tiered waterfalls. "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.
River activities: Cool off in the East Fork of the San Juan River during hot summer days. The shallow waters near East Fork San Juan River Dispersed Camping are perfect for tubing and wading. "Our kids tubed down the creek," reports Kelly, who camped near the trailhead bridge.
Stargazing: Take advantage of minimal light pollution at higher elevation sites like those along Buckles Lake Road. The clear mountain air and distance from town create ideal conditions for night sky viewing. "Elk and deer and nothing but peace. Not a soul around us for miles," writes Aly E. about her secluded stargazing experience.
What campers like
River sound: Many campers specifically mention the relaxing background noise of flowing water. At West Fork Dispersed, John M. reports, "Got a spot right on the river and it was amazing... the river is a perfect source of white noise at night."
Wildlife encounters: Free-range cattle frequently visit campsites throughout the area, creating unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Near Del Norte Dispersed Camping, Michael S. notes, "There are several sections to this road... despite the rain sites aren't too muddy for our campervan."
Trail accessibility: The proximity to hiking trails makes these sites perfect for multi-day backpacking trips. Rachel H. appreciates West Fork Dispersed because "The trailhead to Rainbow hot springs is at the end of the road, so it was the perfect place to stay before backpacking out there the next day."
What you should know
High elevation challenges: Most sites sit at 8,000+ feet elevation, which means colder nights even in summer. Pack accordingly with warm sleeping gear. At East Fork San Juan River, one camper reports, "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."
Insect management: Mosquitoes can be particularly aggressive near river sites during summer evenings. Trevor P. at West Fork Dispersed found that despite bugs, "The river was a bit nippy but very refreshing with a pleasant background noise. We put up hammocks, started a nice fire... and enjoyed."
Road conditions vary by season: Spring snowmelt and summer thunderstorms can quickly change forest road conditions. Sebastian notes about New Jack Road: "We only saw a few campers and the road goes 7 miles back... Road isn't bad and we didn't need 4WD."
Strict fire regulations: Always check current fire restrictions before your trip as they change frequently during dry periods. Greg M. found at Turkey Springs that "We had no trouble finding available spots out here on weekend nights... It rained quite a bit during the nights but never got muddy enough to get stuck anywhere."
Tips for camping with families
Best family-friendly spots: Look for sites with easy water access and level ground. At Turkey Springs, Emma T. reports, "We had no trouble finding available spots out here on weekend nights, tons of open spaces to choose from. It rained quite a bit during the nights but never got muddy enough to get stuck anywhere."
Kid-friendly activities: Several dispersed areas feature shallow stream sections perfect for water play. Kelly found at East Fork San Juan River that "There are 20+ campsites along FR667. Some can accommodate RVs, some only tents... Our kids tubed down the creek."
Wildlife encounters: Turn cattle visits into educational opportunities. "We had some surprise cow guests stop by in the morning!" says Emma T. about her family's experience at Turkey Springs dispersed camping area.
Tips from RVers
Best RV access points: RVs should favor sites closer to main forest roads where turning around is easier. At Buckles Lake Rd, Karen B. notes, "Road up to the spots is a bit windy but we were able to get our 17' TT up no problem."
Level site hunting: Arrive early to secure the limited level sites suitable for larger rigs. "Several of the sites are pull through so easy to come in with a trailer," Jeff P. explains about the Buckles Lake Road camping area at 8,300 feet elevation.
Water management: With no hookups available, plan to bring all water needed for your stay. Mark H. at Turkey Springs advises, "Roads in are gravel and dirt, easy for most RVs. FS 923 off of Turkey Springs rd. Has several sites with fire rings. No other accommodations. Sites are pretty level and in the forest."
