Camping near San Juan National Forest, CO

Has other reviewers have stayed hit the bathrooms and laundry room are spotless. The service is great and the price is right.

After a handful of failed attempts at finding a BLM or NF campsite due to closed gates, we finally found this open RV park. This happy accident had the cleanest laundry and shower facility I've seen and we took advantage of it since we had it available to us. Another great surprise was the Mexican restaurant right next door: great food and house margaritas! Our night ended up better than expected.

Could not stay--pulled up and the sign on the closed gate says closed until April 30 for elk and deer winter range.

The perfect spot if you plan to visit Mesa Verde nearby. The road is a bit difficult for a RV, with a lot of holes but the sites are worth it. If you have a big RV I recommend you stay in the lower camp sites where you have plenty of space

Convenient RV Park. Clean bathrooms, good laundry room. Just a stop over for the night for us.

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.

This was our favorite site in our 10 day camping trip we did this summer. Camping right on the creek with a cool night breeze was amazing. It is a very busy spot but we found a spot on the creek for our RTT even pulling in late at night. It is a pretty large area so even lots of big RVs were here. 10/10

Flat, very clean pit toilets, picnic tables with shade and a great trail. 100%!

We spent a few nights here and will gladly go back!!! We were able to set up by a stream with a nice fire ring. There are NO facilities so be prepared. Clean up your trash and please don’t take glass bottles. There is also reservoir where several guys were ice fishing. They were at the day camping area where there were toilets. There are paid camping areas but they were all closed while we were there.

We arrived in the dark and left in the dark in late December 2024.  The pull-off was flat and about 150ft from highway 160.  There was a gate near our spot that was closed, presumably for the winter.  Although we could hear road traffic it didn't keep us awake. There was about 4" of snow on the road.

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.

Nestled just minutes above the charming mountain town of Ouray, Amphitheater Campground is a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Surrounded by the breathtaking San Juan Mountains, this campground offers stunning views, a peaceful atmosphere, and convenient access to hiking trails, hot springs, and the iconic Million Dollar Highway.

The campsites are well-spaced, offering a mix of shade and sun. Many sites provide spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valley below. The facilities are basic but well-maintained, with clean vault toilets and potable water. While there are no hookups for RVs, the campground’s rustic vibe is perfect for tent camping or smaller camper setups.

One of the highlights is its proximity to the Perimeter Trail, a scenic loop around Ouray, and other popular hikes like the Box Canyon Falls trail. You’re also a short drive from town, where you can enjoy the famous hot springs or grab a meal.

A word of caution: the road to the campground is steep and narrow, so it may not be ideal for large RVs. Be sure to plan for cool nights, as temperatures drop significantly due to the elevation.

Overall, Amphitheater Campground offers an unbeatable combination of solitude, accessibility, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re looking for a basecamp for outdoor adventures or simply a serene spot to relax, this campground delivers.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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. This area is big rig accessible, with relatively flat camping spots, though the access roads can be bumpy at times . Campfires are allowed, making it a cozy spot for evenings under the stars.

The location offers stunning views of the La Plata Mountains and the surrounding wilderness, providing a serene backdrop for your stay. For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby hiking options include the Madden Peak Trail, which spans 4.5 miles and can be extended to summit Parrot Peak and Gibbs Peak. It's an ideal choice for campers who enjoy combining relaxation with outdoor adventure​.

We stayed for 3 nights due to the convenience of Mesa Verde NP. The GPS coordinate on Google were spot on. The driveway was a little rough and can get very pitted with wet weather. We have a 38 foot 5th wheel that had plenty of clearance. We stayed in site 9. They do recommend 30ft and under but we got lucky there was an available site.

We had an amazing stay at Basecamp 550. The campground’s location is perfect, with easy access to Ouray, Montrose, Telluride, and other nearby areas. The amenities were excellent, including quarter-operated hot showers and laundry, restrooms, Wi-Fi, full hookups, and a clubhouse with coffee + tea, kitchen access, and a great workspace. Our site had a beautiful view and was right next to a ranch where cows would come right up to the fence. The communal fire pit was a nice touch, and the private, fenced-in setting made us feel safe and comfortable. They also offer glamping tents and casitas on the property. Highly recommend!

Great campground just 10 minutes from Silverton. Several spots are right next to a small stream, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The vault toilet helped us conserve water, and we used the public shower/bathroom in Silverton, which was very convenient. It's also close to many hiking trails, making it a great base for outdoor activities.

Definitely need 4 wheel drive to get up to sites, had to build our own fire pit but that was ok! The views were phenomenal.

Reasonable prices & open during the winter.

The lake is beautiful and a great trail network around the camp, good for trail running.