Swale Lake (FR 374) in CO -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Colorado

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Swale Lake (FR 374) in CO

Rio Grande NF, Divide Ranger District
9,205 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
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A 7.4-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Rio Grande County, CO. The road serves Ribbon Mesa.

Rio Grande National Forest, Divide Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days. Camp at least 150 ft from water.

All 7.4 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (7.4 miles). Climbs 1,400 ft over 7.4 miles -- sustained grades near 12%, with pitches to 16%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~190 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 23 switchbacks.

Ribbon Mesa stands 1,669 ft above the site, 1.7 miles northeast. Lost Mine Creek runs 0.7 mi off. The nearest town, Del Norte, is 22 mi off.

September normals 39–64°F, 3.2″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Nearby Spots
Blanco River Group Campground in COCampground27.5miBlanco River Cg (FR 709) in CODispersed Camping27.7miConejos Campground in COCampground27.7miSpectacle Lake Campground in COCampground28.1miBlanco River (FR 656) in CODispersed Camping28.6mi
Fire restrictions

Set by Rio Grande National Forest, Divide Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.

fs.usda.gov
Sources checked August 2026Something wrong here?