Best Dispersed Camping near San Juan National Forest in Colorado

Planning a dispersed camping trip near San Juan National Forest? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near San Juan National Forest, CO (82)

    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

    1. Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

    38 Reviews
    147 Photos
    2001 Saves
    Ophir, Colorado

    Alta Lakes is a popular dispersed camping area that offers fishing and camping in a spectacular alpine setting. There are 20 designated campsites that are completely undeveloped. The access road to the area is narrow and rough, requiring a high clearance vehicle. Trailers and RV's are not reccomended.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Madden Peak Road - Dispersed

    2. Madden Peak Road - Dispersed

    22 Reviews
    42 Photos
    615 Saves
    Mancos, Colorado

    Dispersed camping along Forest Service Road 316

    San Juan National Forest encompasses about 1.8 million acres in the southwestern corner of Colorado. From high-desert mesas to alpine peaks, these federal lands are managed for multiple uses and visitors are asked to respect each other and the natural resources. The San Juan National Forest Headquarters is located in Durango, Colorado, with district offices in Bayfield, Dolores and Pagosa Springs.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    3. Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    21 Reviews
    89 Photos
    1072 Saves
    Ophir, Colorado

    Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermosa Park Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermosa Park Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermosa Park Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermosa Park Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermosa Park Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermosa Park Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM across from Mesa Verde
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM across from Mesa Verde
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM across from Mesa Verde
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM across from Mesa Verde
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM across from Mesa Verde
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM across from Mesa Verde
    Camper-submitted photo from Last Dollar Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Last Dollar Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Last Dollar Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Last Dollar Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Last Dollar Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Last Dollar Road

    7. Last Dollar Road

    21 Reviews
    35 Photos
    1169 Saves
    Placerville, Colorado

    Please note that 4wd may be necessary.

    In areas closed to the use of vehicles off forest roads, where developed parking sites are not provided, and where not otherwise prohibited, direct access to a suitable parking site within 300 feet of the road is permitted. Such travel must not damage the land or streams. Please select your route carefully, and do not cut live timber. Off road travel should be limited to when the ground is dry. The public is encouraged to camp in locations where others have previously camped and utilized existing routes to those camp areas. Campers are required to leave a clean camp, not to damage vegetation or pollute streams and lakes on the National Forest and implement “Leave No Trace” practices

    Finding a site to camp and enjoy dispersed recreation activities in remote areas or in relative solitude has become a popular form of camping throughout the Forest. At some more popular areas,toilet facilities may be provided. Contact the local Forest Service office for current information and refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for each forest (Grand Mesa, Gunnison, and Uncompahgre National Forests). Dispersed camping is permitted in most areas of the Forest. Some caution should be used in selecting a site because of intermingled private lands within the National Forest. Recreation maps are available at all local Forest Service offices. Personnel at each office can answer questions on specific sites. Unlike developed campgrounds which are designed and maintained to protect the vegetation, soils, and natural setting, camping in undeveloped areas require more from the camper to help keep the site in the condition in which it was found. Dispersed camping must not occur within 100 feet of water sources (rivers, streams, ponds, or wetlands) or within 100 feet of any road or system trail. In some areas, dispersed camping is restricted to specific sites, contact the local Forest Service office for current information. Campsites can be occupied for no more than 14 days, then the site must be moved at least 3 miles away. Camping is also limited to a total of 28 days in a 60 day period.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping

    8. Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    25 Photos
    263 Saves
    Bayfield, Colorado

    The Durango Special Recreation Management Area is comprised of isolated parcels of Public Lands surrounding Durango Colorado. Durango SRMA includes five discontinuous units that encompass 6,300 acres of land adjoining the town of Durango offering a wide range of recreational activities with plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails. Mountain bikes can be rented at shops in town.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Lizard Head Pass Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Lizard Head Pass Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Lizard Head Pass Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Lizard Head Pass Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Lizard Head Pass Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Lizard Head Pass Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermosa Creek Trailhead - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermosa Creek Trailhead - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermosa Creek Trailhead - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermosa Creek Trailhead - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermosa Creek Trailhead - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermosa Creek Trailhead - Dispersed Camping
Showing results 1-10 of 82 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in San Juan National Forest

286 Reviews of 82 San Juan National Forest Campgrounds


  • Shannon E W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chutes and Ladders Dipsersed
    Nov. 5, 2024

    Chutes and Ladders Dipsersed

    Pleasant stay

    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.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Golden Horn Dispersed
    Oct. 24, 2024

    Golden Horn Dispersed

    Perfect for Solitude and Views

    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.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Silverton 20A - Dispersed
    Oct. 23, 2024

    Silverton 20A - Dispersed

    Secluded, quiet, great views

    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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)

    Beautiful spot to camp when visiting Mesa Verde

    17 spots all pretty spaced out, filled up around 5pm on Sunday October 12 (but this could be due to the Indigenous Peoples day being tomorrow).

    The surrounding landscape is beautiful.

    We didn’t find the road too bad in our Ram Promaster, but we have a pretty high clearance.

  • Erik F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from New Jack Road
    Oct. 11, 2024

    New Jack Road

    numerous campsites

    area is pretty rocky so i would be careful with a ground tent. We stayed in our van and it was great.

  • taren C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Creek Gravel Lot
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Cherry Creek Gravel Lot

    Beautiful views, flora and fauna

    Beautiful place! It's pretty easy to get into, there are more secluded places up the hill a ways but it gets kinda rough. 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. There was one night an inconsiderate person parked his company truck and camper as close to me as was possible with wide open space all over and ran his generator. Luckily he was gone the next day.

  • Erika R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Oct. 10, 2024

    Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

    LONG dirt road, but worth it

    The off road trail it get to Alta lakes took us about 40-50 minutes in my boyfriends F-150. The views were amazing so neither of us really minded. We enjoyed our 1 night stay and did not struggle to find a spot

  • Tamara T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area
    Oct. 6, 2024

    Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    For free and nice view

    We arrived at a Saturday around 3 pm and still had many opportunities to find a place. Lovley place to stay. As a toilet. I can recomment to stay there in fall.

  • Alice S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 2, 2024

    Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping

    Really Convenient Location

    The site is literally right off of hwy 160. If your gps tries to send you through residential areas or on county roads don’t listen to it.

    There are quite a few available spots and most are pretty big. Roads can be a bit rough the farther back you go but it’s got large easy to access spots close to the front. It’s pretty busy but still plenty of room for everyone to have their own space.

    Phone and internet connection is excellent!

  • Mark B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)

    Narrow, rough, steep service road

    The only reason I give this place a 3 is because of the close proximity to Mesa Verde NP. This stay is only for high clearance vehicles and small RV's. Deep drain ditches between service road and sites. All sites are extremely uneven. Also the road and sites have sharp crushed shale stone. I have a 35 foot 5th RV and was way too big for this place. But by the grace of God I managed to back into site 12. How the use planks to shore up the ditches so I could get in without bottoming out. I will not return.

  • Kaltra B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping

    Next to highway, 5g connection

    Going east from Durango, you make a right turn on silver hills road. 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

  • Amy K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Golden Horn Dispersed
    Sep. 9, 2024

    Golden Horn Dispersed

    Amazing views and fairly secluded area

    Loved this spot! Many spots along the road. Wildlife viewings were great. Starlink works amazing. 10/10

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp

    Decent spot that did the trick

    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. There’s a bit of traffic on the road but nothing out of the ordinary.

  • Gayle T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sultan Dispersed
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Sultan Dispersed

    Accessible but secluded

    This site is easily accessed from the highway; I think even sedans could get to the first few sites if they went slowly. Sites 1-5 are close enough to the highway to get some road noise, but have good tree cover and great views of Grand Turk Mountain! The sites further in are more sheltered from road noise. Beautiful area to camp!

  • Gayle T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Mountain Creek
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Red Mountain Creek

    Handy spot, but very noisy and dusty

    This site is very accessible and has tons of spots. It also seems to be the closest place to legally disperse camp south of Ouray. However, there's a ton of road noise from both the highway and the unpaved roads used to access campsites. Conditions were also very dusty from traffic on the unpaved roads. Lastly, it's tough to find private areas to pee that are also a safe distance away from the creek. Nice views, though!

  • Jacob D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

    Gorgeous Lakes

    Amazing views and a heck of a ride in describe this place well. We came on Labor Day weekend and somehow managed a spot at the campsites; only 20 available sites at the lakes so get there early.

  • Jacob D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp
    Aug. 31, 2024

    Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp

    Great Spot - Not Very Wild

    Awesome spot, TONS of places to pitch a tent or park a camper.

    That being said - lots of generators, moderate views, cars driving by often.

  • Cas M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Canyon
    Aug. 31, 2024

    Sand Canyon

    Great views

    Beautiful views, good cell reception. Could hear neighbors but people were quiet and respectful. Also lots of bats flying around!!

  • Sonny C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FS Road 631/633
    Aug. 26, 2024

    FS Road 631/633

    Excellent Dispersed Camping Site at end of FS Road 633

    Drove to end of FS 633 to find an unoccupied clean, dispersed campsite with plenty of room. From there, hiked along the adjoining irrigation ditch to Piedra River Falls trailhead for breathtaking views of the multi-tiered waterfalls.

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Last Dollar Road
    Aug. 22, 2024

    Last Dollar Road

    Minimal campground

    I took the upper road from 62 and yes, it was a bit rocky, but I read that the other way from Telluride was rutted out as well.  It's only 3mi of true 4x4 road to get up to the bluff. I was in a Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 and pulling a 13' off road trailer. Nothing too crazy but caution if it has been raining.

    If you stay at the coordinates it has an amazing view. A thunderstorm did roll in over night with 50mph winds so that wasn't much fun. I left the next morning incase the dirt roads got too muddy.

    I saw multiple people coming from both ways with 4x4 vehicles so it can't be too bad.  AT&T service was good

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from New Jack Road
    Aug. 18, 2024

    New Jack Road

    Long road, lots of choices!

    Down a dirt road, you get to where you make a turn, and immediately you’ll start seeing unimproved site. The better sites appear to be closest to that turn, but if you keep driving you’ll find plenty of sites not within earshot of anyone else.

    One think I noticed with ATT service you’ll get 2, sometimes 3 bars by my location (below). As I drove the road I was seeing mostly 1-2 bars.

    Bring your own everything and enjoy the peaceful and quiet!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

    Gorgeous spot; rough road; flooded when rained

    The road to get to the site is rough. You need 4x4 and high clearance vehicle and good tires. I saw a sedan with a flat tire trying to make its way up.. while the campground had stunning views and a nice fire pit, most sites didn’t have a flat spot for a tent or multiple tents.

    With that being said, if rain is in the forecast, your site will flood. We were site 6 and our tent was underwater. Same with the site next to us and across from us and the fire pit was a cauldron of water.



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near San Juan National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near San Juan National Forest is Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed) with a 4.4-star rating from 38 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near San Juan National Forest?

    TheDyrt.com has all 82 dispersed camping locations near San Juan National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.