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.
Flood Watch issued October 29 at 9:42PM MDT until November 2 at 11:00AM MST by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is 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 Sunday morning 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
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 29 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
ESFGJT Low pressure begins to dig southward from the PACNW on Friday, tapping into a fetch of Pacific moisture that will evolve into an atmospheric river streaming into the Desert Southwest this weekend. Showers and thunderstorms develop on Friday and Saturday across the region. Lighter rainfall totals Friday and Saturday will reflect, initially lower, moisture. However, a few thunderstorms could produce impactful downpours on saturated soils left over from last weekend's historic rainfall. Deeper moisture develops Saturday night and early Sunday. This is expected to produce heavier and more widespread rainfall across southeast UT and southwest CO Sunday and Monday, mostly below 10000 feet. While rivers are forecast to remain below action stage, a growing concern lies in the potential for runoff around saturated hillsides in the region. This could produce rock, mud, and debris flows onto roadways, as well as flash flood prone burn scars, washes, slot canyons, and arroyos. Early estimates predict an area of 1 to 2 inches of new rainfall for portions of southeast UT and southwest CO. This is a preliminary forecast that hinges on slight shifts in a strong moisture plume impacting the region. It also attempts to capture the most statistically likely outcome, despite stronger and weaker outlier predictions. Outdoor enthusiasts, motorists, and residents of recent flood impacted areas are encouraged to remain abreast of the developing forecast in the coming days.
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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