La Plata City Dispersed Area Campground
Open for camping in designated sites only. County Road 124 is open following repairs from October 2025 flooding. A winter gate closes the road December 15 through May. Fire danger is currently rated high. Camping outside designated areas is prohibited through December 31, 2027.
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 9 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
ESFGJT A strong low pressure system off the Pacific Coast will begin to draw in tropical moisture associated with Topical Storm Rachel this weekend. This strong southerly fetch will draw anomalously high moisture content across the Desert Southwest and into eastern Utah and western Colorado. The chance for widespread precipitation increases Saturday evening into Sunday. Total precipitation forecasts range from 1 to 3 inches across high terrain, with highest amounts favoring the Uintas, Tavaputs and the Southwest San Juan mountains. Embedded thunderstorms are also possible Sunday afternoon, increasing the threat for flash flooding across vulnerable terrain. While confidence in location and rainfall rates remain low at this time, the potential for rapidly rising rivers, streams, normally dry arroyos and slot canyons are possible Sunday through Monday. Please follow the evolving forecast, especially if your plans including recreating or commuting across eastern Utah and western Colorado Sunday onward. Also, keep in mind weather potential above your location and upstream, particularly for those who reside below sensitive terrain like recent burn scars.
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
La Plata City Dispersed Area is one of five designated dispersed camping areas in La Plata Canyon, alongside Darby, Bay City, Miners Cabin, and Madden Creek. Located in the historic La Plata mining district of San Juan National Forest, this primitive camping area offers free camping with basic facilities in a scenic mountain setting near the La Plata River. As a designated dispersed area rather than a developed campground, La Plata City provides rustic camping with vault toilets and USFS-provided metal fire grates, but no potable water. Campers must bring their own water supply and follow Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all trash and digging catholes for human waste at least 100 feet from water sources. Camping in La Plata Canyon is restricted to designated areas only under a Forest Order effective through December 31, 2027. The maximum stay is 16 days, after which campers must relocate at least 5 road miles away. Access is via County Road 124 from Hesperus, which becomes increasingly rugged beyond the National Forest boundary, requiring high clearance vehicles.
Directions
From Durango, drive 12 miles west on US Highway 160 to Hesperus. Turn north onto County Road 124 and continue approximately 5-8 miles. The road is paved initially but turns to gravel at the National Forest boundary and becomes rough 4WD terrain. High clearance vehicles recommended.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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 | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!