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.
Flood Watch issued October 30 at 3:02PM MDT until November 2 at 11:00AM MST by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of southwest Colorado, including the following areas, Animas River Basin, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River, San Juan River Basin and Southwest San Juan Mountains and southeast Utah, including the following areas, Canyonlands/Natural Bridges, La Sal and Abajo Mountains and Southeast Utah. * WHEN...From late Saturday night through Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, recently burned areas, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected across portions of southeast Utah and southwest Colorado from Sunday morning through Monday morning over soils that are still saturated from recent rainfall and flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Winter Storm Watch issued October 30 at 12:22PM MDT until November 2 at 12:00PM MST by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Heavy snow possible above 10,000 feet. Total snow accumulations between 10 to 15 inches with locally higher amounts possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Northwest San Juan Mountains and Southwest San Juan Mountains. * WHEN...From Sunday morning through noon Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.
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.
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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