Colorado's San Juans Dispersed Campsites

Colorado's San Juans Dispersed Campsites

For over fifteen years I've found solace each year in Colorado's San Juan mountains and never once have I paid a campsite fee. Some of the greatest dispersed campsites in the country are located in this area of the state, but the best spots are kept secret online. With this guide, you'll unveil a hidden sanctuary to greet each morning alongside tranquil rivers and witness breathtaking vistas of the majestic Rockies all with complete solitude. Perfect for photographers, hikers, campers, backpackers, overlanders, and more. **Note: Some of these campsites require high clearance and 4WD vehicles. Please research individual trails and roads before venturing to a location unprepared.
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Wright's Lake
@caseymac
4WD and high clearance required. Park where you can off the road to allow other traffic. I've always set up a tent near the lake. Remember to camp at least 200 ft away to follow LNT. Typically very quiet at night as no one is accessing the Sneffels trailhead. Could see some early morning traffic depending on the season. Expect quickly changing weather as this spot is about 12,000 feet. GPS: 37.99047, -107.78520
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Minnie Gulch
@caseymac
Not super flat, but plenty of leveling rocks. Private - Gulch road receives little traffic. Fire pit. Right by river. Room for 1-2 cars. GPS: 37.96640, -107.62693
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County Road 5
@caseymac
Small turnoff off the trail. Multiple firepits. GPS: 38.05797, -107.75270
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Matterhorn
@caseymac
Established campground. $26/night GPS: 37.84561, -107.88118
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Nellie Creek
@caseymac
High clearance and 4WD potentially needed, though I've seen some Subarus make it through here. Fire pit. Secluded. Very little road traffic if any. Room for 3 cars. No more. Small campsite for parking across the street. Plenty of trees for hanging things. Water accessible from the creek GPS: 38.04036, -107.40440
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Campsite
@caseymac
Small clearing. Do not venture past the gate GPS: 38.05276, -107.75014
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Wpt 9/29/17
@caseymac
Multiple fire pits. Room for 5 cars. Can be noisy by road. GPS: 38.17252, -107.55695
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South Fork Cement Creek
@caseymac
Small turnoff here with room to set up camp. GPS: 37.87767, -107.64487
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Photographer and adventurer from Boulder, Colorado.
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