Best Dispersed Camping near Purgatory, CO
Several free dispersed camping areas surround the Purgatory, Colorado region on public lands. Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping provides accessible sites directly off Highway 160 near mile marker 97, with multiple established spots containing rock fire pits. The dirt roads are generally navigable with 2WD vehicles in dry conditions, though some deeper sites may require 4WD. Junction Creek Road Dispersed offers more remote options, with sites spread along approximately 8 miles of road, though campers note "this is truly an amazing spot, problem is there is only one spot and at over 8 miles from the road."
Missionary Ridge Road features numerous dispersed sites with varying accessibility. One camper noted, "4x4 required, but there's tons of camping along missionary ridge road. Beautiful alpine creek-side sites galore." However, another visitor clarified, "I just drove up in June and it was a really nice dirt road and my two-wheel drive ProMaster had no trouble." Most sites lack amenities - no toilets, trash service, or water available. All sites follow standard dispersed camping regulations: pack in/pack out, maintain distance from water sources, and observe seasonal fire restrictions. Several areas close seasonally, with Durfield Dispersed Camping noted as closed December through April.