By:
Submission
Camping in areas that are outside of campgrounds is allowed per the regulations listed below. In heavily
used areas, dispersed campsites may be identified with signs and may have some facilities, such as in
the following locations:
• La Plata Canyon (12 miles west of Durango, right turn off Highway 160)
• South Mineral Road (2 miles north of Silverton, left turn off Highway 550)
Campsite Selection:
Look for an area that has already been impacted to avoid further damaging vegetation. Falling trees are
always a hazard when traveling through the forest. Place tents and park vehicles in areas where they will
not be hit if a tree falls.
Regulations:
• You may drive up to 300 feet off an open road to access a campsite unless otherwise signed,
and if you can do so without causing damage to soils or vegetation.
• Camp at least 100 feet from any source of water within wilderness areas. Check Wilderness
regulations for site specific closures.
• Any area signed as “No Camping” means just that.
• MVUM’s (Motor Vehicle Use Maps) are also a good information source for stretches of roads on
National Forests that allow dispersed camping from a vehicle.
• Do not damage vegetation. Do not cut green trees, break off limbs, drive nails into or damage
the bark of trees.
• Do not level a site or dig trenches, rather pick a site with good drainage.
• Do not cut live tress for any purpose including tent poles, hanging racks, and clearing ground.
• Building permanent structures is prohibited. When you leave, dismantle all structures including
game poles. Pack out all non-native materials.
• Respect private landowners and don't trespass on private property.
Store Food and Trash Properly:
It is in the best interest of all to protect bears and other critters from your food and garbage. Black bears
can do a lot of damage to your belongings, and if a bear is desensitized to humans by your behavior, it
may be destroyed.
• Never feed wildlife or encourage them to be unafraid of people.
• Keep and leave a clear campsite. Do not use your campfire ring as a trash can and do not burn
trash.
• Be "Bear Aware" and use smart food storage techniques in bear country. To be effective, food,
containers and packaging, cooking utensils, garbage, pet food and bird feeders must be stored in
a bear-resistant manner.
This place is beautiful creek side camping if you can get a spot. It's crowded here on a Thursday. This weekend I expect it be crazy. Close to Silverton.
Really cool spot right next to the river. Can hear the river all night and the views are spectacular
By far the best camping area I've ever been to in my travels, free and because of the snow and rain we had this year there is no burning ban. A must see when your coming through the area.
Sweet little piece of Heaven.
We setup our Airstream Basecamp right next to the creek.
We experienced all 4 seasons in the 2 days we camped there.
