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Dispersed Camping near Purgatory, CO

92 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    San Juan National Forest land wraps around the Purgatory ski area corridor and puts dispersed camping in terrain that runs from open aspen parks to conifer-dense ridgelines depending on how far off the main roads you go. The Dyrt campers logging check-ins in this stretch note that the forest roads off US-550 between Durango and Silverton are the main dispersed access, with better flat sites requiring more distance from the highway. High-clearance vehicles reach the better spots. No water, no restrooms, no fees — making this one of the more accessible free dispersed camping corridors in southwest Colorado. No-reservation camping near Durango covers the broader dispersed network south of here, which runs higher traffic but has more access points reachable by standard vehicle.

    The 14-day stay limit applies across San Juan National Forest. Snow arrives early at the higher elevations in this corridor, and some access roads become impassable by October. San Juan National Forest dispersed sites cover the full forest-level dispersed picture if you want to range further than the Purgatory zone.

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    Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Purgatory (92)

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      1. Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping

      4.3(17)11mi from PurgatoryRVs, Tents

      "This spot is a little tough to find but can be worth it if you need a good free camp for the night. Located off Hwy 160, about 14 miles from Durango you will find BLM land."

      "You will see the blm sign. Gravel road, fire pits. We stayed in a camper van at one of the first spots and had 5g internet with AT&T. Can hear highway noise"

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      2. Madden Peak Road - Dispersed

      4.5(25)17mi from PurgatoryRVs, Tents

      "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."

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      3. Missionary Ridge Road

      4.0(6)8mi from PurgatoryTents

      "I just drove up in June of 2025 and it was a really nice dirt road and my two-wheel drive ProMaster had no trouble so not sure why the four-wheel drive ideas in the other comments If I'm like four or"

      "Had to head farther uphill to scout a good spot 4wd was best for and private"

      4. Bay City Campground

      4.4(5)13mi from PurgatoryTents

      "We are back in October. The river is more shallow and the air more crisp, yet still gives the feel of such a natural feel and sound. Private, cozy, and secluded. Only 25 minutes from Durango."

      5. Junction Creek Rd Dispersed

      4.0(2)5mi from PurgatoryRVs, Tents

      "We stayed at a site a couple down from this one but it wasn’t on the map so I thought I’d add it. This one has space for 2 vehicles. Road in is decent, fine for bigger rigs."

      6. Durfield Dispersed Camping

      3.8(4)11mi from PurgatoryRVs, Tents

      "Sites are very dusty which can be annoying..there is also a heard of cows that wonder around freely and poop. But overall a good easy spot to camp and be connected. No views tho."

      7. Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp

      4.5(11)19mi from PurgatoryTents

      "Dusty, dirt road but can be trouble in weather. TMO service was good. Quiet. Dark."

      "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."

      8. Cherry Creek Gravel Lot

      3.6(5)15mi from PurgatoryTents

      "Steep."

      "You can hear the highway, but it's not much. Just ambient background noise. I got a spot with shade all day, so that was awesome."

      9. Hermosa Park Road Dispersed

      4.8(12)23mi from PurgatoryTents

      "Drive on million dollar HWY - read reviews below. Do not take the weird route it tried to take you to. Made it in a 2WD camper van. You’ll be fine just take it slow."

      "Dispersed camping, no amenities, but beautiful location. Little streams running nearby, wildlife viewing, the drive up the slope is beautiful as well"

      10. Durfield BLM Boondocking

      2.5(2)11mi from PurgatoryRVs, Tents
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    Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Purgatory, CO

    233 Photos of 92 Purgatory Campgrounds

    Dispersed Camping Reviews near Purgatory, CO

    423 Reviews of 92 Purgatory 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.

    • Paulina B.
      Dec. 15, 2024

      Blue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed

      Remote Wilderness

      Blue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed Camping, located near Mount Sneffels in Colorado, offers an incredibly remote and breathtaking camping experience. If you're looking to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in pristine wilderness, this spot is ideal. The campsites are dispersed along the trailhead, offering peace and solitude with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and alpine lakes.

      The beauty of this dispersed camping area is its complete immersion in nature. With no designated campsites or amenities, you get to choose your own perfect spot in the forest, whether it’s near the rushing creek or with views of the towering mountains. This is truly a wilderness experience, so you’ll need to be fully self-sufficient—bring your own water, food, and a solid plan for waste disposal.

      The Blue Lakes Trailhead offers some of Colorado’s most scenic hiking, including access to the famous Blue Lakes and a challenging ascent of Mount Sneffels. The hike itself rewards adventurers with awe-inspiring views of alpine lakes, wildflowers, and rugged mountain terrain. It’s perfect for those seeking an immersive backcountry experience.

      One downside of this dispersed camping is that the road leading to the trailhead is rough, so it’s best suited for high-clearance vehicles, and be prepared for the possibility of unpredictable weather, as storms can roll in quickly in the mountains.

      Overall, Blue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed Camping is an incredible option for experienced campers looking to enjoy the wild beauty of Colorado’s high country. It’s remote, peaceful, and surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in the state.

    • 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.

    • Glen T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 1, 2025

      Portland Road Dispersed

      Beautiful and secluded

      Beautiful and secluded but a rough drive. Most definitely need a high clearance vehicle. We weren't able to make it to the top because there is a wash out in one area we could not clear with our 4Runner. But we did find an amazing spot anyway.

    Guide to Purgatory

    Several dispersed camping areas exist in the vicinity of Purgatory, Colorado, with most sites situated along forest service and BLM roads. Missionary Ridge Road offers numerous primitive sites with varying accessibility - the dirt road is navigable by 2WD vehicles, though some campers recommend 4WD for accessing higher elevation spots. Junction Creek Road provides limited but scenic dispersed camping, with sites located up to 8 miles from the main road. Both areas have established pull-offs with existing fire rings but no amenities.

    The BLM land near Bayfield/Durango (sometimes referenced as Durfield) provides additional dispersed camping opportunities approximately 14 miles from Durango off Highway 160. "The coordinates are spot on, but Apple/google maps won't take you to the right way. When leaving Durango, stay on 160 until mile marker 97 and the turn off is on the right soon after," notes one camper. These sites are accessible for most vehicles when dry, though the dirt roads can become rutted. All dispersed sites in the region lack facilities - no toilets, water, or trash service - and seasonal closures apply to some areas, with Durfield Dispersed Camping closed December through April.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Purgatory?

    Dispersed camping in the Purgatory area typically follows standard Forest Service regulations. Most sites have a 14-day stay limit, as seen at Anvil Dispersed Campground along South Mineral Creek. Sites are free but offer minimal amenities - usually just fire pits at established locations. At Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area, there's a 7-day camping limit with designated tent sites and a vault toilet, but no dumpsters or water. Vehicle restrictions apply in many areas; some locations prohibit travel trailers. Always practice Leave No Trace principles, use existing fire rings where available, and be prepared for self-contained camping without facilities. Fire bans are common during dry seasons, so check current restrictions before your trip.

    Where can I find dispersed camping near Purgatory, Colorado?

    Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Purgatory. Hermosa Creek Trailhead - Dispersed Camping offers beautiful creekside sites, though it can get crowded during holidays. For more remote options, Blue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed near Mount Sneffels provides breathtaking wilderness camping. Other nearby options include South Mineral Creek, Lizard Head Pass, and Last Dollar Road, which offer free camping with varying degrees of accessibility. If you're visiting in winter, Cherry Creek Gravel Lot provides one of the few free winter camping options near Durango. Most sites require high-clearance vehicles, especially for accessing the more remote and scenic locations.

    Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Purgatory, CO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Purgatory, CO is Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping with a 4.3-star rating from 17 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Purgatory, CO?

    TheDyrt.com has all 92 dispersed camping locations near Purgatory, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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