I'm headed to Durango next week and have lodging covered including a couple nights camping at a USFS campground. But I've always been interested in dispersed camping. I've got the gear, LNT experience, and comfort level to survive a night without campground amenities, but don't really know how to find a good spot.

Any good places to go to find some data on good areas? I presume driving down a road is one option, but I was hoping to be a bit more targeted so we can get in, set up, enjoy the day, etc.

I know I'm cutting out the adventurous part most like but I'm trying to make this approachable for those that are with me.

Drive in or hike in?

Do you know which NF unit you want to be in? If so which one?

I have used an app called The Dyrt before to find dispersed areas people recommend with pics. Free but to be isefiul
For dispersed It costs $35/yr. But saved the time you talk about.

Otherwise.

If driving the first step is get a hold of the current Motor Vehicle Use Map - paper or electronic - and it shows where you can do dispersed is allowed. Legally you are supposed to carry one but I've never been checked. Electronic is available for free on Avenza app. Find the roads that have the gray dots along side them.

Here is the SJNF NE of Durango off US 550. For example - all along Forest Road 682 - dispersed is allowed.




One thing I watch for in CO or any bear country is game trails , claw mark on trees, scat, etc. have found a perfect place before and then realized active bear activity was going right through it. Nope time to find another place.



If you want a campfire, 1) check restrictions 2) look for a dispersed one with an already existing ring.

Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests - Camping & Cabins - Dispersed Camping (usda.gov)

San Juan National Forest - Camping & Cabins - Dispersed Camping (usda.gov)

There is a lot of discussion of the various areas on Reddit and reviews on places like AllTrails.

Wow -thank you. The map explanation and illustration will be very helpful.

I'm driving in to the site and open to anywhere within an hours access of durango or Bayfield. Preferably north and/or east of Durango.
I'll dig into this and see what I can find.

Greener Acres said:

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I know I'm cutting out the adventurous part most like but I'm trying to make this approachable for those that are with me.

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The fact that you can't reserve a spot usually means there's a bit of adventure no matter how well you plan it. We've dispersed camped in our van in Colorado and northern New Mexico several times over the last 4 years and have always found a spot, but not always the spot we were hoping for. I'm usually one that likes to plan everything out, but it's kind of refreshing to just go with the flow and see how things pan out. In general, the farther you are from city amenities, and the closer you are to the middle of the week - the more likely you are to get the spot you want.

Some really nice areas to camp off of Lime Creek Road between Durango and Silverton. That would be my recommendation having been up there quite a bit.

Freecampsites.net and iOverlander app are what we primarily utilize for dispersed camping.

I also will look at forest roads on Google maps, use satellite view and see if you can see evidence of camping (fire rings, travel trailers, etc).

We camped last year on Missionary Ridge Road north of Durango. There's a few smaller pull offs near the bottom, but more expansive sites further up. We were up near the top around 10,000 ft elevation. Got into the 30s at night in middle of July. Just be aware of that.

Text me at (720) 425-6138 and I'll send you a pin drop for an area behind purgatory ski report that's pretty nice

Last summer I read something about a dispersed camping area on the other side of the highway from the entrance to Mesa Verde NP. I know I'm not being very helpful, but of you are interested in that area, you might dig around to see what you can find - north side of the highway.

It's called Chutes and Ladders. Stayed there this spring for around 10 days while doing some mtn bike rides. Small place but great for Mesa Verde, Dolores etc.