Miner's Cabin Dispersed Area Campground
La Plata County Road 124 typically remains gated closed from December through May for winter conditions. Once the seasonal gate opens, the dispersed area is accessible for free camping. Fire restrictions are in effect through December 31, 2027, permitting fires only in Forest Service-provided metal fire grates.
Fire Weather Watch issued June 30 at 6:08PM MDT until July 2 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels, which is in effect from noon to 8 PM MDT Wednesday. * AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 295 Southwest Colorado Upper East Forecast Area. * TIMING...For the Red Flag Warning, from noon to 8 PM MDT Wednesday. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Thursday afternoon through Thursday evening. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...7 to 12 percent. * IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning.
Red Flag Warning issued June 30 at 6:08PM MDT until July 1 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels, which is in effect from noon to 8 PM MDT Wednesday. * AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 295 Southwest Colorado Upper East Forecast Area. * TIMING...For the Red Flag Warning, from noon to 8 PM MDT Wednesday. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Thursday afternoon through Thursday evening. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...7 to 12 percent. * IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning.
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
Miner's Cabin Dispersed Area is a designated primitive camping zone in La Plata Canyon, approximately 6 miles north of Highway 160 via County Road 124 (La Plata Canyon Road) near Hesperus, Colorado. The site sits within the San Juan National Forest at roughly 9,000 feet elevation, surrounded by rugged mountain terrain and historic mining remnants that give the area its name. As a designated dispersed camping area, Miner's Cabin offers a rustic backcountry experience with minimal amenities. A vault toilet is provided, but there is no potable water, trash service, or other developed facilities. Campers must be self-sufficient, bringing their own water and packing out all garbage. The site accommodates tent camping and smaller RVs, though road conditions and site configuration favor high-clearance vehicles. Camping is free with a 16-day stay limit. Campfires are only permitted in Forest Service-provided metal fire grates due to area-wide fire restrictions in effect through December 31, 2027. La Plata County maintains a seasonal gate that closes the road from December through May, limiting winter access to non-motorized recreation.
Directions
From Durango, travel 12 miles west on US Highway 160. Turn north onto County Road 124 (La Plata Canyon Road) at Hesperus. Continue approximately 6 miles on the gravel road; Miner's Cabin Dispersed Area is signed on the right.
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 | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 884-2512 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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