New camping restrictions for Colorado lake near Wilson Group of 14ers goes into effect

The “designated dispersed” camping system was established to limit resource damage, improve user experiences

A new dispersed camping restriction has gone into effect in the Navajo Lake Basin in southwestern Colorado, a location nestled between the three 14ers of the Wilson Group in the San Miguel Mountains.

The new (“designated dispersed” camping system for the Navajo Lake Basin went into effect Monday, June 29 per an update to the Lizard Head Wilderness Forest Order from the San Juan National Forest and Grand Mesa, and Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests (GMUG) agencies.

According to the forest service, the area historically allowed dispersed camping, but under the new plan, nine designated dispersed campsites are now available for camping within the Navajo Lake Basin in Lizard Head Wilderness.

The forest service said the change “aims to improve wilderness experiences and protect critical watershed resources in this area.”

Rules to know from the new order

• Designated dispersed sites are (free) first-come, first-served and are clearly marked.
• Visitors should avoid busy weekends and have a “plan B” in case they find all campsites full upon arrival.
• The nearest camping is at other established dispersed sites near the Kilpacker Trail Junction, 2.3 miles south of the lake.
• The new camping restrictions apply only to campsites within Navajo Basin.
• Camping outside of these designated dispersed sites is not allowed in Navajo Basin.

The forest service said signs will be posted at the Navajo Lake and Kilpacker trailheads as well as the Rock of Ages, Wilson Mesa, and Lizard Head trailheads. The forest service did not say fully explain what a “plan B” would be other than directing campers to camp at the Kilpacker Trail Junction, even perhaps hike up and camp in the Kilpacker Basin on the south slopes of El Diente Peak.

The forest service said it needed to implement the new order to address several concerns in the Navajo Lake Basin area.

Measures taken to address concerns included prohibiting campfires in the late 1990s, restoring compacted campsite areas, and implementing a forest order — renewed in 2021 — prohibiting camping within 100 feet of the lake, streams and wetlands except in pre-existing sites.

The forest service’s decision was made following a public feedback process earlier this year.

According to the forest service, the sites were identified by an interdisciplinary team during fall 2024 and were chosen for their durability, minimal visibility and compliance with wilderness and Forest Plan standards.

“Recent monitoring by wilderness specialists shows that campsite size and number continue to increase despite these efforts,” the forest service said. “This trend impacts the area’s wilderness character, reduces opportunities for solitude, and creates concerns for soil, water, and vegetation health.”

The forest service did not mention

Navajo Lake Basin is home to the headwaters of the West Fork of the Dolores River, which according to the forest service, is an important water source for nearby communities and native fish species. Over the last several decades, Forest Service staff have worked to minimize recreation impacts in the basin.

For more information, the forest service asks people to contact the Dolores Ranger District Trails, Wilderness and Dispersed Recreation Program Manager Christopher Bouton at 970-882-6831 or email at: (christopher.bouton@usda.gov), or Norwood Ranger District Recreation Staff Officer Krystina Smith, 970-327-4261 ext. 4345 or email at: (krystina.smith@usda.gov).