9 Amazing Dispersed Camping Near Telluride, Colorado

Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by

Telluride, located west of the San Juan Mountains, is a historic mining town.

It is a beautiful area that has vast lands which are used for camping.

The vista is spectacular at 8750 feet above sea level. You will find a lot of camp spots here in case you are a traveler and you love to spend your time out in the wild or at night under the sky.

Colorado is one of the top camping states in the United States.

It offers everything from Rocky Mountain camping to Sand Dunes National Park camping in the southern Colorado Plains.

You will find a lot of camp spots near Telluride, Colorado if you know where to start.

Dispersed Camping Near Telluride, Colorado
Credit: Nomad Colorado

We have a list of all the important dispersed camping near Telluride which we will share in this article.

So here is the information about all the campsites that you can visit.

What are the Best Dispersed Camping Near Telluride, Colorado?

1. Alta Lakes Campground

Alta Lakes is a popular campsite with dispersed grounds in a picturesque alpine location for fishing and camping.

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It is one of the best spots to find near Telluride, Colorado.

There are approximately ten undeveloped primitive campgrounds.

The site’s route is a single-lane road, which is a badly maintained dirt road that demands a vehicle with plenty of ground clearance.

In order to get to this place, take the 145 State Highway 5 miles south of Telluride.

Then you have to turn east on Forest Route 623 (Alta Lakes Street) for about 3 miles of climbing.

You’ll pass through Alta’s ancient mineral ghost town on your way to the lake.

Here you can pick your favorite spot to camp. Camping is permitted around the lake too.

2. Fall Creek Recreation Site

Fall Creek Recreation site is one of the campground areas near Telluride that has magnificent views.

This gorgeous and restful camp is located less than 30 minutes from Telluride on easily paved roads.

There are fire pits and an enclosed picnic area, and the campsite is direct across from Fall Creek.

You will love camping here because there is some acreage available; the majority of it is small and only suited for tent campers.

The good thing is that there is a sizable area that can accommodate RVs and trailers.

It’s possible that only a few mobile services will be available. From this point, you are 15km away from Telluride, and you won’t get any water facility in the toilet here.

It is controlled by BLM, and you will find a moderate crowd here.

3. Lizard Head Pass

The Lizard Head Pass, about 25 minutes from Telluride, is a common spot for dispersed camping.

With good hiking trails and three 14-inch trails within easy reach, the Lizard Head Pass region is one of the most picturesque and mountainous areas in this section of Colorado.

A dozen plots of property in an open meadow with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains are available at this point for camping.

The gravel path leading to the road is a little bumpy, and larger cars or vehicles with little ground clearance may have difficulty.

You must also be aware that in this location, there is no cellphone service.

You can head straight to Telluride from here, which is 15km away.

Fortunately, you will also get a toilet here, but their wont is no water. You may get accompanied by a lot of crowd camping here.

4. Matterhorn Campground

The next option that you have is Matterhorn Camp.

It is a well-developed camp near Telluride, Colorado, off Colorado State Highway 145. About 45 feet is the maximum path length, and you will see that there are 28 campsites, four of which have access to a room with electricity and sewage.

You will get open sites in this area. The trees cover the majority of the camping ground’s perimeter.

The majority of the campsites have fantastic views, but the modest tents have breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps.

You will get facilities like picnic tables, stoves, and lampstands that are available at all of these locations.

Guests can use the showers at any time of day or night.

To find this place, you have to travel 3 miles west on Highway 145 from Telluride to reach the campsite. Turn left and proceed south for 13 kilometers.

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The position of this campground is on the freeway’s east side.

5. Priest Lake

Priest Lake Camp is a dispersed camping area near Telluride, CO.

Although the number of campsites in this area is limited to modest camps and pop-up tents, travelers from everywhere are welcome here.

On Lake Brest, only limited fishing is possible for a few campers.

You will find activities like Hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking on the Galloping Goose Trail.

There is a bathroom on the premises to accommodate all the travelers.

To find this campground, from Telluride, you have to travel eight miles south on State Highway 145, and before approaching the Matterhorn Camp, turn left on Forest Rd 628. This road links to State Highway 145, which takes you to the location.

6. Last Dollar Road

On either side of Last Dollar Road near Telluride, there are numerous dispersed camp areas.

You will be rewarded with views of the aspen trees and the summits of the famous Alps if you can trek to this gorgeous camp over rocky roads.

The views are worth looking at, and you would feel like you have never seen something like this.

The last dollar route links to the Alder Creek Route.

This is a strenuous climb that provides access to Mount Sneffel’s natural beauty.

A parking spot further down the road is available for everyone to keep their RVs parked. There is a toilet but no water option here, and Telluride is about 14 miles away from here.

You will find a medium-sized population on this spot.

7. Silver Pick Road

An option campsite which you can access is through the Silver Pick Road.

This camp is nothing more than a small dirt parking lot off of Highway 145. It is best for those who travel in their RVs.

There is enough room for many Class B or C vehicles, as well as RVs with tents. Silver Peak Camp is less than a half-hour drive from Telluride and may be reached by a variety of vehicles.

It’s directly on the San Miguel River, making it a lovely spot with easy water access.

The Rock of the Ages trailhead is nearby, as are many other fantastic hiking alternatives. You will reach Telluride from here by 10km of travel.

There is a toilet facility here but not clean water. You have to manage through river water.

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You may find a medium-sized population on this campground.

8. Sunshine Campground

Sunshine Camp is a 15-site cobblestone camp set in a deep aspen forest with a little mountain lake on a single path that can give you scenic views of the sunset and beautiful evenings.

35 feet is the maximum walkway length to this point. There are many locations that provide excellent views of the sun from this campground.

To find this area, travel 5 miles west on Highway 145 from Telluride to reach the camp, and if you travel 5 miles south on the left, the square is located on the right side of the street, directly across from the Alta Lake path. In this way, you would easily reach the spot.

9. Caddis Flats Campgrounds

The last dispersed camping near Telluride that we would like to suggest is the Caddis Flats.

This is a secure site, and it’s free by BLM, and there is also plenty of room for additional camping in the huge sandy area and neighboring trees.

It sits directly on the San Miguel River, and you can find a good site by the water if you camp in the parking lot. Excavators and trailers of various sizes can be accommodated in this area if it is not too busy.

Caddis Flats is located on CO 145, which makes it easy to get there but also contributes to daytime street noise.

It’s about 18 miles away from Telluride, but you will get a toilet and river water that might accommodate you during your stay.

A moderate population can be seen here.

Conclusion

This was a short guide on some of the dispersed camping near Telluride, Colorado.

We have found the best spots for your entertainment that will give you scenic views and picturesque spots to capture during your stay at the camps.

FAQ

Is Telluride RV friendly?

Telluride is RV-friendly but to some extent. It does not have any additional camps or amusement parks. It is illegal for anybody to camp or stay overnight in a city park, outdoors, or on other public property, or to stay in or in such areas outside of the opening hours of public access or use.

In Colorado, where can you go camping without a permit?

In the forest and land management regions, camping is permitted on occasion. In some desert areas and government forests, camping is permitted.

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About Ted Mosby

I am Ted Mosby from Cleveland, Ohio. I am a Freelance Architect. I live in New Jersey, USA right now and I take my RV every alternate weekend. I own a Forest River Berkshire XLT Diesel 45A Class A Motorhome. As I am a Freelancer I can work anywhere so most of my work is done inside my camper remotely.