Dispersed camping near Rio Grande National Forest offers primitive tent sites along various forest roads and trails. At elevations between 8,000-10,000 feet, campers experience dramatic temperature swings even in summer months. Many sites require high-clearance vehicles to access, with road conditions deteriorating after rain or snowmelt.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Areas near Poage Lake Primitive Campsite provide excellent locations for spotting wildlife and fishing. "The lake is secluded and pristine and surrounded by old growth forest. It is an excellent place for fly fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout," notes camper Troy W.
Stargazing sessions: The remote location offers exceptional dark sky viewing with minimal light pollution. At Stunner Campground, one camper reported, "Were there during the Perseids meteor shower and the clear dark sky was perfect for viewing."
Hiking access: Most dispersed sites connect to trail networks. Near Forest Road 37, hikers can access multiple trails leading into higher elevations. The area remains "nice and quiet" with "spots spread out" according to camper Cheyanne G.
What campers like
Complete solitude: Many campers mention the exceptional quiet. At Ventana Arch Dispersed Camp, one visitor noted, "This is the quietest campsite I've ever been to. Literally zero sounds, not even bugs! Great for peaceful getaway."
Accessibility to town: Despite the remote feeling, several sites provide quick access to nearby communities. Forest Road 37 campsites are "about 15 min to Pagosa" according to a reviewer, making supply runs convenient.
Space between sites: Dispersed areas typically offer generous spacing. At Stunner Campground, a camper observed, "Lots of space between the sites as well... CG has a private dispersed feel to it but each site has nice fire rings with grates, a large table."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to many sites requires careful driving. At Ventana Arch Dispersed Camp, a camper mentioned, "Road a little rough but nothing an Outback can't handle."
Limited facilities mean complete preparation: No services exist at most sites. At Poage Lake, campers are advised, "There are no services nor amenities at this campsite, so Leave No Trace principles should be applied... There are no towns nor stores near the campsite, so be sure to pick up any supplies you may need."
Local wildlife interactions: Cattle grazing occurs throughout the forest. At Turkey Creek Road sites, one camper experienced "the herd of cattle that roamed the road and surrounding meadows. Kind of cool until they started mooing incessantly at 6am."
Tips for camping with families
Pick established sites with amenities: For families, choosing sites with basic facilities helps. Stunner Campground offers "nice fire rings with grates, a large table and the bathroom was nice and clean especially for a CG without a host."
Consider insect conditions: Bug activity varies by location and season. One camper at Stunner noted, "There were tons of bugs that did not give a darn about our multiple citronella candles or campfire smoke. They were very obnoxious."
Select meadow sites for play space: Look for camping spots with natural open areas. At Turkey Creek Road, campers enjoy "Great views across the river gorge to a meadow on the opposite side of the valley" providing space for children to explore safely.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. At Pass Creek Road Dispersed Camping, a camper noted, "Road in is smooth, right off of HWY 160. Most sites are spaced out with plenty of privacy, some sites are more open with great solar opportunities."
Consider cellular connectivity: Cell service varies dramatically throughout the forest. Pass Creek Road campsites offer "Excellent T-mobile service. 5G closer to 160, very strong LTE throughout," which helps those needing to stay connected.
Plan for dust and traffic: Forest roads can get busy during peak seasons. One camper at Pass Creek Road experienced "A little local road traffic with dust from ATV haulers" and "Heavy ATV use on weekends," suggesting mid-week visits for quieter stays.
