Tent camping near Navajo Dam offers numerous dispersed sites across Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service lands. The region sits at approximately 6,000 feet elevation with the surrounding terrain ranging from high desert scrubland to pinyon-juniper woodland. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while winter brings freezing conditions, often closing access roads above 7,000 feet between November and April.
What to do
Fish the San Juan River: Prime fishing spots below Navajo Dam provide world-class trout fishing year-round. At Lower Piedra River Camp, campers appreciate the water access: "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."
Explore hiking trails: Simon Canyon and surrounding areas offer moderate hiking trails through diverse terrain. The Kenny Flats Dispersed Camping area provides convenient access to nearby trails with "beautiful open field and pine trees" according to one camper who noted the location is "right off the hwy, the road has deep ruts but was manageable."
Experience clothing-optional camping: For those seeking alternative camping experiences, Nakation Getaway offers a clothing-optional tent camping environment with amenities including drinking water, showers, and toilet facilities not commonly found at dispersed sites in the region.
What campers like
Accessible water features: Many tent campers at Navajo Dam prioritize riverside locations. One visitor at Bay City Campground noted: "The creek adds lovely background noise. Service is good enough you can text your family you made it without issue, but photos will be slow to send."
Off-season availability: Winter camping options remain available when higher elevation sites close. A camper at Cherry Creek Gravel Lot shared: "Only free place near Durango in the winter. We called and asked the BLM & Forest Service. Easy access, lots of space."
Pine forest settings: Wooded sites provide shade during hot summer months. A Capote Campground visitor described: "Turned out to be a beautiful site, spacious, needled sites, surrounded by lodge pole pines. There are many comfortable tent sites, and water and power hookups at several RV sites."
What you should know
Road closures affect access: Many forest roads close seasonally. A Bay City camper reported in April: "Road is closed as of today, think it opens in May." Similarly, at Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp, a visitor noted: "Road is currently closed. Assuming through March like most others in the area."
Wildlife encounters: Cattle grazing occurs throughout the region. One Forest Road 316 camper warned: "Only con is there were a whole bunch of cows, making noise allllllll night long. If you can deal with that, then it's a great spot!"
Road conditions vary: Unmaintained access roads require careful navigation. A Cherry Creek visitor cautioned: "Getting up there was not possible in my Travato. I've got some Falken Wildpeaks so traction was not so much the issue as the uneven path up."
Tips for camping with families
Group camping options: For organized family outings, structured group sites provide convenience. Navajo Lake Relax Wild-u-can offers a unique setup where "Group Camp offers the perfect setup for groups with 4 separate sites so each tent has their own space. They provide the tents so don't worry about packing them!"
Assess campsite accessibility: When tent camping with children near Navajo Dam, check road conditions before arrival. A Forest Road 316 camper advised: "This road can accommodate all kinds of camping. We didn't have to drive very far to find a good spot."
Consider noise factors: Highway proximity affects some sites. At Cherry Creek, a camper mentioned: "You can hear the highway, but it's not much. Just ambient background noise."
Tips from RVers
Identify suitable pullouts: RVers should locate sites with adequate turning space. A visitor to Forest Road 316 noted: "Tons of sites along the road, never too busy. Can definitely hear some road noise, but good place to set up for a night or two."
Check fees before arrival: Fee information may be inconsistent. At Lower Piedra River Camp, a camper warned: "On this app it said free but was $28 FYI there is camping a cross the river entrance is east of sign for the lower P camp ground."
Seasonal availability varies: Many dispersed tent camping areas near Navajo Dam remain accessible when developed sites close. Cherry Creek Gravel Lot provides options when "USFS access roads weren't open for the season yet," according to one visitor who found it "fine, especially when nothing else is available and you need a place to stop for a night."
