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, New Mexico (27)
1. Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping
15 Reviews•25 Photos•271 SavesBayfield, ColoradoThe 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
6 Reviews•26 Photos•95 SavesBlanco, New Mexico- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
3. Alien Run Trailhead Basecamp
3 Reviews•9 Photos•14 SavesAztec, New Mexico- Pets
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
4. Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
23 Reviews•56 Photos•621 SavesMancos, ColoradoDispersed 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
10 Reviews•51 Photos•249 SavesNageezi, New MexicoThe 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
1 Review•12 Photos•13 SavesFarmington, New MexicoDispersed 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!•10 SavesNavajo Dam, New Mexico- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
9. Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp
6 Reviews•3 Photos•50 SavesMancos, Colorado- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
10. Fossett Gulch Rd Dispersed
1 ReviewChimney Rock, Colorado- Pets
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews near Navajo Dam, New Mexico
77 Reviews of 27 Navajo Dam Campgrounds
Tanachy B.
Traveler
Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping
BLM Durango Camp
Good free dispersed camping.
Anthony P.
LegendBayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping
not much but free
This spot is a little tough to find but can be worth it if you need a good free camp for the night. Located off Hwy 160, about 14 miles from Durango you will find BLM land. After crossing a cattle guard and a building you will then enter into BLM land and can camp wherever you need. There are about 10 spots already created with rock fire pits but that is about it here. It is very dispersed and there are no facilities.
We stayed out here during the off season and had no problem getting a spot but during the high season it can get pretty busy here. The views are just OK, you are treated to an over view of the plains. You may also have some visitors in the night, Cattle. We had many of them around us all night and we even heard a pack of coyotes in the distance.
Overall good spot not far from town. Free really helps.
- FFreddy K.
ScoutBayfield/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.
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.
- Anahi B.
Guide
Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area
Great place to camp
This is a free campground with bathrooms near by. There is also some more dispersed camping in the BLM areas, but 4x4 is recommended to reach them. There is no visitors office and the landmarks/features are not marked on the trail map.
This is a great place to stay.
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.
Jennifer M.Guide
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping
Backcountry adventure
We had the goal of exploring New Mexico back country and Bisti, which we did! The Dyrt directions to the trailhead here are perfect. There were a few folks camping at the parking lot and there is a relatively clean pit toilet there though bring TP. We drove past the lot and got over a ditch no problem with our Tacoma. Past the second lot there is dispersed camping. We picked a great spot on the left. Nearby our spot 100 yards were very cool rock formations. We hiked in the badlands and found some neat formations and petrified wood though nothing like the beautiful photos published online. It was still worth it for the unique experience. We did a 6 mile out/back hike with 2 dogs. Flat but hot and windy at times. Some of the wind got intense at our camp spot. All in all this is a worthwhile experience if you like getting off the beaten path and exploring something different. We drove from here to Alien Throne. GPS was spotty but got us there and we had on/off service in Bisti.
- 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.
- BBfreeScout
Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
Easy spot
Easy to get to spot with dispersed camping. Road is easily accessed with a low clearance car (Jetta in my case). Added bonus is good Verizon coverage.
Michael N.GuideMadden Peak Road - Dispersed
Fantastic camping site
This camping site offered great peace, quiet and comfort. The sites are far enough from the main road to feel at peace. The site offered a great escape and is highly recommended for the the dispersed camping type.
JPMC A.GuideMadden Peak Road - Dispersed
Nice, convenient, easy
This was our first time using dispersed camping and it was so easy. Easy location just outside Durango. Large spaces. The road was fine. Very quiet. The views are limited by the trees around. There were plenty of campers around but we had no trouble finding a spot.
Jeanie P.GuideMadden Peak Road - Dispersed
Quiet, convenient, and beautiful
Stayed here 1 night in early June. Super easy access to dispersed camping, dirt road that is well maintained, no problem for 2wd and spaces large enough to accommodate big rigs. The camping starts about a half mile up the road. Most sites are just right off the road but there are some short dead end roads that offer a little more privacy off the main drag. Lots of trees that help with noise and block sites from each other. We got in at 5pm on a Thursday and all the spots along the first mile were taken but were able to find several good open sites. Good reception with Verizon.
Chris C.GuideMadden Peak Road - Dispersed
Great dispersed camping
Very private primitive camping. Find a place in the first couple miles before the road starts to incline if you have an RV. Tents can go higher.
- 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.
Lyds F.TravelerMadden Peak Road - Dispersed
Free camping near Mesa Verde
There are lots of spaces on this road and we stayed here two nights while visiting Mesa Verde NP. The gps coordinated lead you a couple miles down the road. The first available spot was only 0.6 miles in. We stayed here the first night. The second night we went a little further, passed some taken spots and stopped 1.3 miles in. So there is lots of available space!! Saw two large rigs. Not far from Durango either so a good location for boondocking or a base camp for Mesa Verde. Pleasant tree cover with some peaks to look at.
Jordyn M.TravelerBisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area
Remote and cool hiking
This free campground positioned us well to beat the heat and hike through the badlands first thing in the morning! Pit toilets available next to the parking lot as well as a pavilion area with tables.
A handful of dispersed sites were available once in the BLM boundaries as well as plenty of space in the trailhead parking lot to spend the night.
The hike to the various features of the badlands are not marked, however good GPS signal allowed us to plug in coordinates to follow during the hike. Land forms looked like they should be from a different planet!
Sofia A.RangerMadden Peak Road - Dispersed
Nice and clean
Very nice BLM (Free), pretty leveled, easy acces and easy out. Most of the spots are big and can be shared with more than 2 RVs while keeping distance and privacy. I’m a solo female VanLifer and I felt secure, unlike the other BLM (BLM National Park Boundary) 10 miles back.
- 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.
- Angie A.Ranger
Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping
Nice place to stop!
Some areas are rough yet our Bronco and Bushwhacker conquered it. Keep driving until you find a spot. Private and secluded. Fire pits at most spots. Great sky view. Very dispersed so pack in and pack out.
- AAndrew B.Guide
Piedra Sheep Creek Corral Dispersed
Beautiful, with options
Not a ton of dispersed campsites but the one at the corral is super great! Huge area. Plenty of hiking, and somewhat near to the creek. Which is pretty big!
There is a vault toilet at the trailhead
- JJillianGuide
Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area
Great free spot to stay for bisti
I was pretty confused getting here, google and Apple Maps seemed to struggle with me coming from Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah trailhead. It kept trying to take me down a road covered in cattle that led to de-na-zin parking lot. Finally found my way here by using online instructions from the blm website instead of using the pin. Once there it was really nice though. Plenty of stars and a bathroom to use, which is always appreciated at a free spot.
- CCaden D.Scout
Madden Peak Road - Dispersed
Beautiful, secluded camping
Beautiful area, open space, and fire rings. Great cell service, and tons of free campsites.
Jeni N.GuideMadden Peak Road - Dispersed
Definitely worth driving a little further
We arrived to the area with plenty of time to explore our options. We decided to drive further up the mountain, gaining some elevation but it was much more secluded. The dirt road wasn’t terrible, just needed to be careful because the road is skinny and sometimes rocky. We snagged a tiny spot which is all that we needed for our tent and an area to make food. There was also some walking paths behind our campsite which helped us get to know the vegetation and animals in the area.
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
Karen B.GuideBisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area
So cool!
Bisti was magical and I’m so glad I got to experience before we move out of New Mexico. We got to do a bunch of exploring and then headed straight off the “trail” to make dinner in our camper.
We stayed here on a Thursday night and shared the parking lot with a handful of other campers. The bathrooms were clean and well stocked with TP.
We were not able to have a campfire but did witness a magical sunset. This area is such a gem!
there is no trash collection out here. Please pack it out!
Taylor S.GuideMadden Peak Road - Dispersed
Great Spot
This was a great location with lots of available camping areas right off of the highway. There where a lot of cattle in the area, however once I pulled into my camp site they vacated and left the camp site alone.
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.
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 27 dispersed camping locations near Navajo Dam, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring