La Plata City Dispersed Area Campground
Closed — The campground is currently inaccessible for winter. La Plata County closes the gate on County Road 124 by December 15th annually, blocking vehicle access until spring when conditions allow reopening.
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.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect the public health and safety in the Rocky Mountain Region. This Order is supplemental to and does not rescind or replace those restrictions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A, or any Forest Supervisor Order issued under 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart B.
Cave Closure and Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.
Falls Creek Closure Area, Camping, and Motor Vehicle Travel Restrictions
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R.
Dolores River Restoration Project Closure Order
The Dolores Ranger District has issued a Forest Closure Order for Dolores River Restoration Project located on "The Beach" for the construction of instream structures and bank improvements.
West Fork Road and Bridge Closure Order
The Pagosa Ranger District's West Fork Bridge is closed by Forest Order due to damage during the October 2025 flood events. Forest Road 648 (West Fork) is closed at location identified by this order.
Multiple roads and trails damaged by flooding on SJNF
In early October, severe flooding events created ongoing safety and access concerns for Forest users on the Columbine and Pagosa Ranger Districts of the San Juan National Forest.
Lemon Reservoir Restrictions
The following act is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and waters on the Columbine Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest:
Cascade Flume Safety Closure
Area closure: The purpose of this Order is for public health and safety during the Cascade Tacoma Flume repair. The recent failure of the flume resulted in infrastructure damage and a landslide that has destabilized the Described Area.
McPhee Reservoir Prohibitions
The following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and waters on the Dolores Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest:
Mancos/Dolores Camping Restrictions
The following are prohibited on the National Forest System Lands on the Mancos-Dolores Ranger District, San Juan National Forest.
Forest Orders
Visit our Forest Order page for a list of all the current Forest Orders: Closures, Fire Restrictions, and Camping, Occupancy, and Use Restrictions.
About
La Plata City Dispersed Area is a free, primitive camping area located approximately eight miles up La Plata Canyon in the San Juan National Forest, west of Durango. As a dispersed site, it offers a more rustic camping experience with minimal facilities—just a single vault toilet and no potable water, trash service, or hookups. The area is accessed via County Road 124, which becomes gravel and mixed dirt beyond the first few paved miles. Campers should come prepared to be self-sufficient, bringing adequate water supplies and planning to pack out all trash. The standard Forest Service 14-day camping limit applies, after which campers must relocate at least two miles away. The canyon provides a forested mountain setting with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring the surrounding national forest lands. Winter access is restricted, as the county closes the La Plata Canyon gate around mid-December each year, typically by December 15th, making the area inaccessible to most visitors until spring when snow melts and the gate reopens. The area has experienced management challenges in recent years due to violations of camping regulations.
Directions
From Durango, travel 12 miles west on U.S. Highway 160. Turn north on County Road 124 (La Plata Canyon Road) at Hesperus. The campground is located approximately 8 miles up County Road 124 on a washboard gravel road. The approach to the campsite from the road is steep, uneven, and rocky; high-clearance vehicles are recommended.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| 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 | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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