Rio Grande National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Rio Grande National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Colorado camping adventure.
"This BLM at San Juan National Forest is gorgeous!"
"There is currently a fire ban in place."
"Fully dispersed, no trash/water/toilets."
"We stayed for a few hours to solar charge. This is a great area that’s near a few private ranches. The app mentioned a steep incline but we managed no issues with a 04 Toyota sienna FWD"
"We had no problem getting to these sites with our Chevy camper van. Road is bumpy and rutted but nothing your average passenger car couldn’t get to (IMO)."
"It’s not the best dirt road getting in but I was able to make it quite a ways up in my Nissan Altima. The sites are scattered along the road that follows the river."
"Picked a side two miles up the road near the campground. One of our favorite spots in the SW. Road in is smooth, right off of HWY 160. However, the road noise wasn’t bad."
"Several established dispersed camp sites nearby. Rock fire pit at this site doesn't appear to been used in awhile"
"This spot is pretty open with room for a small rv or tent camping. It's a short drive up to Poage Lake at the top of the mountain and also a short drive to Beaver Creek Reservoir down the mountain."
"Nice lake with a parking lot at the end the turn around at if you wish to take the road all the way to the end."
"I am not sure if I would stay much longer, the spots are pretty out in the open not much privacy. there was a couple of spots that are further away from others but most spots are near each other."
"Great boondocking sites about 45minues from Pagosa Springs. These sites are completely primitive. No restroom facilities, electricity, potable water or trash service. No cell service. "
"Waterfalls, atv trails for miles some novice some very experienced trails, hiking, creeks, fishing. Hands down my favorite CO spot. With kids or wanting some beauty this is hands down the best!"
"The road wasn’t rough just a normal dirt road
But this was so pretty and quiet."
"We didn't make it all the way to the arch because that "road" was mostly giant rocks and we were renting our campervan. We drove past that turn and found a spot at 10:30pm."
"4.5-5 mile hike in on the West Fork Trail in the Weminuche wilderness. Some ups and downs along the trail with some river crossings - great man made bridges."
"About a 5 mile backpack trail that leads you to the hot springs. They can be hard to find but it’s along side of the creek with rocks stacked around to make a pool which is the springs."
RangerThis BLM at San Juan National Forest is gorgeous! (Se pics) the spots are kinda leveled, the road to get there is a dirt road but not that bad (I have a converted sprinter full of sh$&@$ and I did it great) it is primitive so no hook ups, restrooms nor trash cans, so PLEASE Leave no Trace! Everything was super clean so I guess people is finally getting it. Te river passes right next to you and the views are amazing! There are a few trails next (like the Rainbow trail). Awesome place to stargaze!
LegendWe had no problem getting to these sites with our Chevy camper van. Road is bumpy and rutted but nothing your average passenger car couldn’t get to (IMO). There are about 4-5 sites right at this pin for Del Norte dispersed. Most were filled when we got here on a Tuesday afternoon in May. They were also pretty close together and not too private. We continued on for prob less than a mile and there were LOTS of private, beautiful sites right on the river, starting just after the coal creek trailhead turn off. So so beautiful and peaceful. We camped right after the Coal Creek Trailhead turn off and it was one of the best sites in our opinion. You could continue about another mile beyond that and find lots of sites. You will then come to a “high clearance vehicle” needed sign and the road does get a bit more rough but not considerably and we felt it was still very passable in a car. Another mile beyond the high clearance sign you come to an East Fork Ranch sign denoting private property for the next five miles, so prob best to find your spot before here. River was cold and rushing with snow melt but lovely to camp by! We would for sure come back again.
ScoutExcellent official dispersed camping area in the Conejos river valley. Entrance is marked with a USFS sign. Very large area for camping spread across multiple meadows. Access is a dirt road in poor condition, high clearance recommended but 4WD is only necessary in wet conditions. Fantastic views of the river valley and surrounding mountains. The area itself is perched on a dry hill well above the river, do not plan to walk or drive down to the river at this location. Very clean and trash-free, help keep it that way!
GuideIt’s not the best dirt road getting in but I was able to make it quite a ways up in my Nissan Altima. The sites are scattered along the road that follows the river. Beautiful views and great trails to hike. I found a spot that was a peninsula, surrounded by the river. Very primitive camping. No facilities, so bring water and be prepared to take your trash out with you.
GuideGreat boondocking sites about 45minues from Pagosa Springs. These sites are completely primitive. No restroom facilities, electricity, potable water or trash service. No cell service. Its worth it, so plan accordingly.
Follow US160E about 10 miles, turn right onto USFS 667. Pass by the entrance to East Fork Campground and continue on the forest service road. This is where the road becomes fairly rough. Dispersed sites begin about 2 miles further. Most sites are clustered together in pockets near the river.
We arrived early in the day and found a great site near a vertical rock face. Campsite was at 8000'. 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. Ideal hiking and fishing conditions.
The forest road gets busy with Jeeps and UTvs during the day on weekends. Our site was far enough away from the road that we weren't bothered.
Access to several trails, beautiful valley views and waterfalls nearby .
GuideThere’s only a handful of spots here. They are just down the road past the paid campground, which is also very nice for $24 and had plenty of open spots in August. I was able to snag a nice spot right by the river. There is currently a fire ban in place. (Small camping stoves only) 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.
ScoutNo water sources within walking distance. The lake is aways away. It's a pull off on the dirt road that's big enough to fit a small camper on the side of a cliff with high exposure. No cover for thunderstorms.
Traveler4.5-5 mile hike in on the West Fork Trail in the Weminuche wilderness. Some ups and downs along the trail with some river crossings - great man made bridges. Severa great camping spots along the trail closer to the hot springs, with access to 3 pools. Bring a water filter and access water from the San Juan River. Can get stormy in the afternoons so make sure to bring rain gear!
GuideHighway 149 > Miner's Creek Rd > Left on 508 > Left on Shallow Creek Road to end
I got my 25ft Travel Trailer there with no issue. Road is a little tight when it turns at Sawmill Gulch and has a decent incline, but definitely doable. Significantly larger rigs should scout it first.
Nice clearing alongside what I'm assuming is "Shallow Creek". Campfire ring already there next to a large evergreen. Road continues about 100 yards past site to trailhead where there is additional parking and places for tent camping. People do use that trailhead, so expect traffic driving by.
It's tucked away in a little valley, so decent protection from wind. If I recall, cell is limited, but great for Starlink. Also, while it feels remote, it's only about 10 min from Creede.
Dispersed camping near Rio Grande National Forest in Colorado offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Rio Grande National Forest is West Fork Dispersed with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 43 dispersed camping locations near Rio Grande National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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