Little Molas Dispersed Campground
Closed — Closed for the season due to snow at high elevation. Typically accessible June through September depending on snowpack and road conditions. No reservations; first-come, first-served when open.
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
Little Molas Dispersed Campground sits at high elevation near Molas Pass in the San Juan National Forest, providing a primitive camping experience with stunning views of the San Juan Mountains. Located along US Highway 550, the San Juan Scenic Byway, this small informal camping area offers approximately 10 dispersed sites near Little Molas Lake. The campground serves as a popular access point for the Colorado Trail, where segments 24 and 25 begin, making it a favorite among hikers and thru-hikers. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations or fees. Campers can stay a maximum of 14 days. Facilities are minimal, consisting of vault toilets at the trailhead parking area. There is no potable water available, so visitors must bring their own. The area accommodates tents and RVs, with some sites suitable for livestock with hitching posts. Additional dispersed camping is available in the surrounding national forest if designated sites are occupied. Due to the high elevation location near Molas Pass, the campground is typically accessible only during summer months when snow has melted and roads are clear. The area is also used as a winter recreation area for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing when roads are accessible.
Directions
From Silverton, Colorado, drive south on U.S. Highway 550 for approximately 5 miles. Turn right onto the unpaved road leading to Little Molas Lake Campground, located about 1 mile off the highway.
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 | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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