Top Free Dispersed Camping near South Fork, CO

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to South Fork? We've got you covered. Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near South Fork, CO (41)

    Camper-submitted photo from West Fork Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from West Fork Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from West Fork Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from West Fork Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from West Fork Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from West Fork Dispersed

    1. West Fork Dispersed

    16 Reviews
    71 Photos
    565 Saves
    • Pets
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Del Norte Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Del Norte Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Del Norte Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Del Norte Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Del Norte Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Del Norte Dispersed Camping

    2. Del Norte Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    28 Photos
    579 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Arch Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Arch Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Arch Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Arch Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Arch Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Arch Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Creek Site 4
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Creek Site 4
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Creek Site 4
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Creek Site 4
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Creek Site 4

    4. Beaver Creek Site 4

    3 Reviews
    5 Photos
    59 Saves

    Dispersed sites do not have many of the same rules of a traditional campground which places a greater responsibility on the users to protect our natural resources.

    Camp at already used dispersed camping sites. Camp at least 150 feet from water sources. All vehicles must stay within 300 feet of the center line of a designated road. Pack out all of your trash and dispose of it properly. Dig a pit for your toilet needs at least 150 feet from water and cover the pit before you leave. Always dump sewage from trailers and motor homes at designated dump stations. Do not leave campfires unattended. Fires must be extinguished before you go to bed and before you leave. Drown, Stir, Feel! Check with the local Forest Service office for current fire restrictions. Motorized travel is allowed only on authorized roads and trails. Obtain a Motor Vehicle Use Map from any of the offices or online. Camping is limited to 14 days in any 30 day period on the Rio Grande National Forest. All hay must be certified weed free. A Rio Grande National Forest visitor map can be useful for information regarding the main roads, private land, trails, landmarks, and other features. Maps may be purchased at sjma.org/shop or at district offices.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Pass Creek Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Pass Creek Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Pass Creek Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Pass Creek Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Pass Creek Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Pass Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    6. Pass Creek Road Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    20 Photos
    123 Saves

    Setting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed on most of the Forest for a maximum of 14 days in any 30-day period. Check with the district office for detailed information. https://www.fs.usda.gov/contactus/riogrande/about-forest/contactus

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pass Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Pass Creek

    7. Pass Creek

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    5 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from FS Road 631/633
    Camper-submitted photo from FS Road 631/633
    Camper-submitted photo from FS Road 631/633
    Camper-submitted photo from FS Road 631/633
    Camper-submitted photo from FS Road 631/633
    Camper-submitted photo from FS Road 631/633

    8. FS Road 631/633

    6 Reviews
    19 Photos
    196 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Hot Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Hot Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Hot Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Hot Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Hot Springs
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Hot Springs

    9. Rainbow Hot Springs

    2 Reviews
    11 Photos
    181 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • No image available

      10. Hanson's Mill Dispersed

      1 Review
      10 Saves

      Open all year but normally snowed in from Dec 1 through May 15.

      Elevation: 10,800' This small, isolated dispersed (HORSE FRIENDLY) campground is located 16.8 miles east of Creede on Forest Road 600. Campers will find this to be a good vantage point for viewing vistas of distant mountains. There are 3 camping units at this site with picnic tables and fire rings. There is a vault-type toilet, but no water or refuse receptacles. A small stream can provide emergency drinking water only if it is treated or boiled. Trails and 4 WD roads are nearby, as well as fishing in East Bellows Creek. There is lots of room here to accommodate large groups (family reunions, etc.). This is a very Horse Friendly campground with plenty of nearby grazing and room for trucks/trailers. The 4x4 road takes off here for the Wheeler Geological Area attraction. East Bellows trail #790 goes into the Wilderness Area from here to Wheeler Geologic Area and is a foot or horse trail only, no motorized vehicles or mountain bikes allowed. Call 719-658-2556 for "real time" conditions. 14 DAY CAMPING LIMIT.

      • Dispersed
      • Toilets
    Showing results 1-10 of 41 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In South Fork

    71 Reviews of 41 South Fork Campgrounds


    • Rick T.
      Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Creek Site 4
      Oct. 18, 2024

      Beaver Creek Site 4

      Nice

      This spot is pretty open with room for a small rv or tent camping. Area Code 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.

    • 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.

    • Mark B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pass Creek
      Oct. 1, 2024

      Pass Creek

      Over night sleep stop.

      Stop here just for and sleep stop overnight. Road is well maintained. Several places to pull off the side of the road or actual sites too. We have a 35' 5th wheel and had no problems menivering the area. 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.

    • K
      Camper-submitted photo from East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 - Dispersed Camping
      Sep. 1, 2024

      East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 - Dispersed Camping

      Fun location

      There are 20+ campsites along FR667. Some can accommodate RVs, some only tents. We parked a popup at the 1st campsite past the bridge near the trailhead. 2 waterfalls are close, Pagosa Springs is 30ish mins away. Our kids tubed down the creek. Lots of ATV traffic, some bikes, but overall quiet.

    • 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.

    • Allen
      Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Creek Site 4
      Aug. 25, 2024

      Beaver Creek Site 4

      Cliff high exposure

      No 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.

    • 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!

    • Abby H.
      Camper-submitted photo from Del Norte Dispersed Camping
      Aug. 5, 2024

      Del Norte Dispersed Camping

      Incredible spot during the week

      Incredible spot, river is incredibly cold even in August. Most sites have river access: Wildlife is abundant. Air is cool. One of the most beautiful spots I’ve ever camped at. The only downside? The F’n ATVS. Disrespectful to other campers and stir up SO much dust, also just out right dangerous? Because of this the road is full of washboards. Folks out here apparently also do not care to pick up their trash or have any common curtesy of how to leave a campsite. Very unfortunate:( PSA: clean up your trash and pack out your used toilet paper…. 🤢 We stayed at 3 different sites. Sites get better the further along you go, road is rough but nothing a standard 4x4 vehicle can’t handle. (We have a Toyota Tacoma) There are hiking trails/ ATV trails too. We will definitely be back. Great spot during the week when there’s less traffic!

    • Ben H.
      Camper-submitted photo from Lower Piedra River Camp
      Jul. 24, 2024

      Lower Piedra River Camp

      Beautiful

      Great camping area, stayed here for just one night. There was plenty of camping areas along the river. About 8 spots. Some were large enough to handle RVs. Others you might require four-wheel drive.

    • Ben H.
      Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 37
      Jul. 18, 2024

      Forest Road 37

      Remote

      There only seemed to be about 2 camping spots. However there is area to just pull off and park. I stayed here 1 night no issues. There is no Verizon phone signal. Stayed at the first large pull off with a stone circle fireplace. It was nice and quite, not a busy road.

    • tThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Upper Mill Creek
      Jul. 7, 2024

      Upper Mill Creek

      Upper Mill Creek

      Open space far away from access road where you’ll hear the nearby creek. Relaxing private space.

    • Macy E.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pass Creek
      Jul. 3, 2024

      Pass Creek

      Roof top tent camping

      This place was perfect for a little one night stop. 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. No bugs, there was service, and saw quite a bit of wild life. It’s closer to the road so we could hear some traffic if it bothers you. roughly about 10 spots

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from New Jack Road
      Jul. 1, 2024

      New Jack Road

      Easy and beautiful

      Super easy to find, travel, and stay. Loved the tall trees and beautiful wildflowers. Despite the rain sites aren’t too muddy for our campervan. Dirt load leading in little bumpy but easy to drive. We stayed about half mile short of the coordinates. Barely any Verizon service. Fire rings, open space, nice fresh air, close to pagosa springs. Would stay again.

    • Greg M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from New Jack Road
      Jun. 21, 2024

      New Jack Road

      Remote, nice and quiet

      We rolled in about 5 pm on a Thursday and there were plenty of open sites. Big sites that are pretty flat with existing stone fireplace rings on all sites we saw. Only saw one person walking their dog and a couple of cars pass on the road. Very quiet, was a peaceful night.

    • g
      Camper-submitted photo from East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 - Dispersed Camping
      Jun. 8, 2024

      East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 - Dispersed Camping

      Lots of water wild life for all rigs and all size and aged familys

      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! We did camp passed the east fork campgrounds. All the way down to the beginning of the ranch road way you have plenty of dispersed tent areas and rv areas (no electric).

    • Chelle H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Del Norte Dispersed Camping
      Jun. 8, 2024

      Del Norte Dispersed Camping

      great place

      easy to get to right on the river. got the last spot late on memorial weekend. a lot of 4 wheelers but sidnt bother us! we stayed an extra couple days it was such a great spot!

    • QThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Trail Creek Dispersed Camping
      May. 30, 2024

      Trail Creek Dispersed Camping

      Great views

      This place can get busy during peak season. Roads are rough, go slow. Beautiful views. Pack in and pack out, no running water, and no bathrooms. One of our favorite places to stay.

    • Peter C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Trail Creek Dispersed Camping
      May. 30, 2024

      Trail Creek Dispersed Camping

      Meadows and views

      Excellent 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!

    • cThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from New Jack Road
      May. 3, 2024

      New Jack Road

      Peaceful location

      There are several established camping spots along the first mile or so of this road, heading south from Turkey Springs Road. Plenty of room for travel trailers or tents. There was almost no vehicle traffic past our camp site, so it was nice and quiet. There’s a ton of hiking and mountain biking trails in close proximity.

    • L
      Camper-submitted photo from Natural Arch Dispersed Site
      Nov. 11, 2023

      Natural Arch Dispersed Site

      Rough road, but gorgeous

      We were trying to find a place to sleep for the night and this worked, but the road was in really rough shape. We had to take it very slowly so it took about an hour to find an established site. 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. We woke up to the most amazing views! What a beautiful area, I wish we'd had more time to explore!



    Guide to South Fork

    Camping near South Fork, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

    What to do:

    • Fishing: The San Juan River is a popular spot for anglers. One camper mentioned, "The campgrounds are located on the San Juan River with good access for fishing," highlighting the ease of casting a line right from your campsite at Pagosa Riverside Campground.
    • Hiking: There are numerous trails in the area. A visitor at East Fork Campground shared, "The campground is extremely well maintained, has accessibility to vault toilets, very spacious campsites," making it a great base for exploring nearby trails.
    • Wildlife Watching: Campers often spot various wildlife. One reviewer at West Fork Dispersed noted, "Abundant chipmunks and hummingbirds," which adds to the natural experience.

    What campers like:

    • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-kept restrooms and showers. A review for Pagosa Riverside Campground stated, "The restrooms and showers are clean and well kept," which is a big plus for many.
    • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the welcoming atmosphere. One camper at East Fork Campground said, "The host was so nice... he was also kind about our needs," making the stay even more enjoyable.
    • Scenic Views: The beautiful surroundings are a highlight. A visitor at Turkey Creek Road remarked, "We had a great view, plenty of space and privacy," which is what many seek in a camping experience.

    What you should know:

    • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like East Fork Campground, do not have electric hookups or showers, so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
    • Bugs: Depending on the season, mosquitoes can be a nuisance. A camper at West Fork Dispersed mentioned, "It’s VERY buggy," so bringing bug spray is a good idea.
    • Road Conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A review for Del Norte Dispersed Camping noted, "The road is bumpy and rutted but nothing your average passenger car couldn’t get to," which is helpful to know for vehicle planning.

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. One camper at Woods & River RV Park mentioned, "Fun kids area with playground and treehouse with zip line," making it a great spot for families.
    • Spacious Campsites: Choose campgrounds that offer space between sites for privacy. A visitor at Pagosa Riverside Campground appreciated, "Enough space between campgrounds to have privacy."
    • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor toys. A camper at Turkey Creek Road suggested, "Great views... close enough to head to Pagosa for a soak," indicating nearby attractions for family fun.

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to confirm if the campground has electric hookups. A review for Woods & River RV Park noted, "Had full hookups," which is essential for RV travelers.
    • Space for Big Rigs: Look for campgrounds that are big rig friendly. One camper at East Fork Campground mentioned, "Almost every site is big and well spaced," which is a plus for larger vehicles.
    • Dump Stations: Ensure there's a sanitary dump station available. A visitor at Pagosa Riverside Campground appreciated the "dump station and general store," making it convenient for RVers.

    Camping near South Fork, Colorado, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. With beautiful landscapes and friendly campgrounds, it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near South Fork, CO?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near South Fork, CO is West Fork Dispersed with a 4.6-star rating from 16 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near South Fork, CO?

      TheDyrt.com has all 41 dispersed camping locations near South Fork, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.