Bay City Campground
The road to Bay City (CR 124) is seasonally gated from December through May, restricting vehicle access during winter months. When the gate is open, dispersed camping is permitted in designated areas only per a Forest Service order effective through December 31, 2027.
Red Flag Warning issued July 1 at 12:34PM MDT until July 1 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has cancelled the Fire Weather Watch. * AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 295 Southwest Colorado Upper East Forecast Area. * TIMING...Until 8 PM MDT this evening. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...6 to 11 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
Weed Free Forage Products
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.
About
Bay City Campground is a designated dispersed camping area located in La Plata Canyon within the San Juan National Forest. As part of a Forest Service order effective through December 2027, camping in La Plata Canyon is restricted to designated areas only, with Bay City being one of five such dispersed areas alongside Darby, La Plata City, Miners Cabin, and Madden Creek. This is a primitive camping experience with no developed facilities. Campers must be entirely self-sufficient, bringing their own water and packing out all waste. Campfires are permitted only in metal fire grates provided by the Forest Service. The area offers access to the La Plata Mountains and nearby trails. Access is via La Plata County Road 124. La Plata County has installed a gate at the cattle guard that closes each December through May, limiting winter access to non-motorized recreation such as skiing, snowshoeing, and fat tire biking. The road was repaired following flooding in October 2025.
Directions
From Hesperus, head west on US Highway 160 for approximately 2 miles. Turn north onto La Plata County Road 124 and follow it into La Plata Canyon. Bay City is one of the designated dispersed camping areas along this road.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 884-2512 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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