Best Dispersed Camping near Navajo Dam, NM
Looking for dispersed camping near Navajo Dam? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Navajo Dam, NM (26)
1. Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping
Bayfield, Colorado15 Reviews•25 Photos•265 SavesThe 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)
2. Angel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping
Blanco, New Mexico6 Reviews•26 Photos•90 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
4. Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
Mancos, Colorado23 Reviews•56 Photos•616 SavesDispersed 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
5. Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area
Nageezi, New Mexico10 Reviews•51 Photos•244 SavesThe Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is a rolling landscape of badlands which offers some of the most unusual scenery found in the Four Corners Region. Time and natural elements have etched a fantasy world of strange rock formations made of interbedded sandstone, shale, mudstone, coal, and silt. The weathering of the sandstone forms hoodoos - weathered rock in the form of pinnacles, spires, cap rocks, and other unusual forms. Fossils occur in this sedimentary landform. Translated from the Navajo language, Bisti (Bis-tie) means "a large area of shale hills." De-Na-Zin (Deh-nah-zin) takes its name from the Navajo words for "cranes". Because of the climate, most of the visits occur in the late spring/early summer and in the fall. Since this is a Wilderness Area, it is closed to motorized vehicles and mechanical forms of transportation (mountain bikes included). Also prohibited are campfires, collecting fossils or petrified wood, climbing on delicate geologic features, traveling in groups of more than eight people, and trespassing on adjacent tribal lands. Permits are required for uses such as grazing, scientific research, and commercial guiding. Though these trailheads are off regularly maintained roads, they are not paved. County Road 7500 can become extremely slick and impassible when wet. Conditions of roads can change at any time due to weather. Drivers should avoid dirt roads during rain or snow. Drivers should be cautious of wash-out following rain or snowmelt. Though camping in the Wilderness is a rewarding experience, there are no water sources. Visitors must carry all the water they will need for the duration of the trip.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
7. Dispersed Campsite Near Brown Springs
Farmington, New Mexico1 Review•12 Photos•13 SavesDispersed camping is permitted within the Glade Run Recreation Area. Both developed sites and dispersed camping require a permit within Glade Run Recreation Area.
- Pets
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
8. Simon Canyon Trailhead Basecamp
Be the first to review!Navajo Dam, New Mexico•10 Saves- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
9. Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp
Mancos, Colorado6 Reviews•3 Photos•48 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
10. Lower Piedra River Camp
Chimney Rock, Colorado1 Review•4 Photos•53 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Navajo Dam
74 Reviews of 26 Navajo Dam Campgrounds
Paulina B.
Ranger
Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
Scenic and Secluded
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.
Erik F.
Scout
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.Scout
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.
Alice S.
Legend
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!
Kaltra B.ScoutBayfield/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
- Patricia N.Ranger
Angel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping
Breathtaking views
Traveling to Colorado from Albuquerque NM and this was a perfect place to camp. Arrived early Friday afternoon and got the only spot left our 26' toy hauler would fit in.
If you get there later in the afternoon on a weekend you will have a hard time finding a place in the official camping spots but you can disperse camp if the camp ground area is full.
We had good cell service with Verizon. It was cold for us but we had a nice fire to keep us warm.
Emil J.ScoutBayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping
Good spot
Was great
- BBrian C.Scout
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.
- Jacob D.
GuideForest 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.
- DDaniel K.
TravelerNew 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!
Heather M.ScoutBayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping
Quiet but popular spot
Camped here a few weeks ago on our cross-country trek from Utah back to the east coast. Easy to find but as others noted use the coordinates. There is signage for BLM land right as you pull up.
We got to our spot a little before sunset but noticed that most spots were filled (late july, midweek) so keep that in mind.
Overall a nice spot, bug free for the most part and accessible with a stock truck.
- NNathan M.Guide
Junction Creek Rd Dispersed
Nice spot
We stayed at a site a couple down from this one but it wasn’t on the map so I thought I’d add it. This one has space for 2 vehicles. Road in is decent, fine for bigger rigs. From the trailhead at the point to Quinn creek there are 4 spots. None were occupied when we went, probably more the further down you go
Ben H.Guide
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.
Texas Roving RangerGuideAngel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping
Tranquil, secluded and scenic boondocking sites
Just arrived at Angel Peak dispersed campground near Bloomfield NM. It's Monday July 9th 2024. We stayed one night. The gravel road from HWY 550 is in good shape. Only one other camper in the entire area. This is completely dry camping. No potable water nor electricity. However, each site has a fire ring, picnic table and shade shelter. Everything is very tidy. Only a small bit of litter in the fire ring. Clean vault toilet nearby. Strong 5G TMobile cell signal.
- MMatt T.Scout
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.Guide
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.
Roger W.Legend
Dispersed Campsite Near Brown Springs
Interesting Terrain & OHV Area
OHV trails are all over. I am not a OHV guy, but looks to be OHV haven. Flat and hilly areas for lots of fun. I’d stay away during heavy rain.
Austin L.Traveler
Lambert Dispersed Campsite
Lambert Dispersed Camp was AWESOME
Right after you pass the Columbine Basin and before you go up to Kennebec trailhead off to the right (after you pass your first stream) is this awesome campsite. It features a wide meadow in the open with rivers and streams beside it. One site is big enough for groups. It’s the last place you could camp before going to the trailhead. Unmarked but clearly visible.
- cchadScout
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.
- TTara S.Scout
Cherry Creek Gravel Lot
Just fine for a night
Fine, especially when nothing else is available and you need a place to stop for a night. USFS access roads weren’t open for the season yet.
Jacob C.ScoutForest Road 316 Roadside Camp
Closed
Road is currently closed. Assuming through March like most others in the area.
Andrew K.GuideAngel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping
Amazing
Sights were incredible from site, easy to find. Woke up to amazing views.
- TTracy T.Guide
Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp
October
This was an easy spot and any kind of vehicle can get here. Lots of room, not much to look at in the fall,as far as, right around, but the views are amazing king distance and at night the stars are amazing. I didn’t hear any cows, it was quiet at night
- TTracy T.Guide
Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
October Week
I stayed about 5.5 miles up, the road is bumpy, but not horrible. I didn’t see many cars come up, maybe 1 a day. There’s a couple of trails you can do while here. . I used AllTrails..(I know people say things, but coming from someone who hiked and found trails Pre-apps, I find it amazing, even when it glitches sometimes. I saw deer around sunset and birds through the day.
David M.ScoutAngel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping
Nice views.
Went for the eclipse arrived here late. Sleeping in the prius so was easy to find a spot. Washboard road but managed without issue. Service is available though not the best coverage I was able to stream.
Jennifer H.GuideBayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping
Beautiful views, correct coordinates
The coordinates are spot on, but Apple/google maps won’t take you to the right way. When leaving Durango, instead of turning right onto 225A to 510, stay on 160 until mile marker 97 and the turn off is on the right soon after the mile marker. There were a few other campers there and some tent spots. You might want 4WD for some of the spots but others you can get to with 2WD. There were already fire circles set up and the views were great!
- FFreddy K.Scout
Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping
Do not map to these coordinates
The coordinates listed here are wrong. It will navigate you to. A residential area with no access to BLM land. Instead, search for Durfield dispersed camping nearby and it will take you to the correct place.
Guide to Navajo Dam
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Navajo Dam, New Mexico, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Navajo Dam, New Mexico
- Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially on weekends, as popular areas like Angel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping can fill up quickly.
- Be prepared for a lack of amenities; many sites, including Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area, do not offer drinking water or electric hookups, so bring your own supplies.
- Respect the environment by packing out all trash, as some areas, like Dispersed Campsite Near Brown Springs, have no trash collection services.
Dispersed campers should check out Angel Peak NM Badlands
- This location offers breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a favorite among campers who enjoy scenic landscapes.
- The area is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure at Angel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping.
- Campers have reported good cell service, which can be a bonus for those needing to stay connected while enjoying the great outdoors.
Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area for dispersed campers
- Known for its unique geological formations, Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area provides a magical backdrop for exploration and photography.
- The area is well-reviewed for its clean facilities, including restrooms, which enhance the camping experience despite the lack of other amenities.
- Visitors can enjoy hiking and exploring the surreal landscapes, making it a must-visit for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Navajo Dam, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Navajo Dam, NM is Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping with a 4.3-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Navajo Dam, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 dispersed camping locations near Navajo Dam, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.