Camp CO - Group Sites
Just off the paved forest road, a sprawling meadow full of spacious campsites. Likely good boondocking near Mancos.

Camp CO - La Plata Canyon Basecamp
Our primitive basecamp in San Juan National Forest, close to Hesperus, Colorado, and only a short drive from the city of Durango. Accessed via a short and easily-overlooked forest road spur. This campsite is easily accessed by any four-wheel drive vehicle. Larger vehicles may incur scratches, as there is some close vegetation along the two-track. There is a stone fire ring here nestled in some junipers. The area is a grassy pasture with low vegetation all around, offering some shade and protection from the elements. Excellent view of the sky for satellite connectivity, good cell service, and lovely view of the mountains to the north. The entrance to La Plata Canyon is a very short distance away, and is a great place for outdoor recreation, hiking, camping, and touring. There is enough room for three vehicles at this basecamp, with ground tents. Privacy is generally good, but you will likely encounter one or two people a week during peak season, who are either exploring or looking for such a campsite. We’ve returned to this site in multiple occasions because it is clean and lovely, with great access to both the great outdoors and the city.

Camp CO - Mountain View
Idyllic primitive campsite on a hilltop with stone fire ring, phenomenal view of mountains, and nearby hiking and lakes.

Camp CO - Party Area
A spacious camping area off of a groomed forest road in a wooded setting. Seems convenient and popular for groups.

Camp CO - Popular Overlook
There is a dispersed campsite at this junction with a great view of the mountains to the east, but it appears to be prime real estate and is likely to be occupied often.

Camp CO - Serene Meadow
Primitive campsite with stone fire ring. Up at a high elevation, this grassy meadow is located along a rugged and scenic forest road spur. The road is rough but spacious, and four-wheel drive with good tires is required, but stock vehicles will suffice. Van friendly. No cell service. Tent friendly. Sprawling meadow flanked by trees. Although the setting is very serene and peaceful, there is not much of a view. Bad mosquitoes during my visit in July. Great for tent camping, and a great spot to camp with a group of people. No water nearby. Although the spot is not entirely unknown, it is remote enough that privacy is pretty good. There was a small stack of firewood during my visit. Saw a deer.

Camp CO - Spacious Aspens
Along a short forest road spur just off the main forest road, a secluded spacious camping area tucked away beyond sight.

Camp CO - Spacious Meadow
Just off of a groomed dirt road, this is a spacious camping area with a stone fire ring on a grassy hillside. Some trees to the northeast.

Camp CO - Twin Lakes
Charming but popular primitive campsite along a rugged forest road, overlooking two small lakes with mountains visible to the southeast.

Camp CO - Winding Woods
Very charming campsite along a primitive forest road with great views to the southwest.

Camp CO - Wooded Gnoll
A primitive backcountry campsite on a thinly wooded knoll with great views of valleys and mountains to the east.

Camp CO - Wooded Seclusion
Along a high elevation ridge at the end of a rugged forest road. Dispersed campsite offering great privacy and scenery.