Home Mountain Reservoir SWA - Dispersed Campsites, near Fort Garland, Colorado, is a stunning spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the frills of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a mix of beautiful mountain views and a serene lake, making it a perfect backdrop for camping, fishing, or just soaking up the scenery.

The location is known for its spaciousness, with plenty of spots to set up camp away from the crowds. Many visitors have praised the privacy and tranquility, especially if you venture further up the road for a more secluded experience. As one camper noted, “There are tons of little pull-off areas that you can set up camp and are far enough away from other people that you feel safe but private.”

While the amenities are minimal—no drinking water, electric hookups, or trash services—this is part of the charm for those seeking a true back-to-nature experience. Campers have enjoyed the freedom to have campfires and bring their pets along, although it's wise to keep an eye on your furry friends, as some have encountered issues with trash in the area.

For those looking to explore, the nearby Great Sand Dunes National Park and Zapata Falls are just a short drive away, offering additional outdoor adventures. Whether you're fishing in the lake or hiking the surrounding trails, Home Mountain Reservoir provides a peaceful escape for anyone ready to unplug and enjoy the great outdoors.

This is an irrigation reservoir that's stocked throughout the summer with trout. Camping and restrooms are available.
NOTE: Reservoir is open to ice fishing during the winter.

Interactive Map: https://ndismaps.nrel.colostate.edu/index.html?app=FishingAtlas&keyword=fspot&value=262

 Fishing
 Coldwater lake

 Recreation
 Camping, Boating

 Facilities
 Boat Ramp, Restrooms

 Restrictions
 Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds visitors to check current hunting, fishing and land use regulations when planning to visit a State Wildlife Area. Refer to the Recreational Lands Brochure, as well as the Fishing and Hunting Regulation Brochures located on the Regulations Brochures Page. State Wildlife Area visitors can also find rules and regulations information in Chapter 9 Regulations.​

Home Mountain Reservoir SWA - Dispersed Campsites

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Home Mountain Reservoir, outside of Fort Garland, CO. Its located just off off Highway160 about 4 hours from Denver.

If you are looking for peace and quiet, but a town near by just incase you are forgetful as I usually am, then this is the place for you!

Free place to camp next to the reservoir with fire rimgs provided. Only issue is that other campers forget to pack out what they pack in!!

Quiet Camp with Gorgeous Mounatin Views!

Really loved this spot. It was windy and tree coverage was limited but we found an awesome spot for the weekend towards the end of the road. There’s lot to explore on foot and we hit the Great Sand Dunes National Park about 45 minutes away on our last day out here. The water, hiking, breathtaking views, and wide expanse to post up camp was great. Next time will bring a 4 wheeler. PSA: pack it out, it was heartbreakingly prevalent here. 

Waterfront, mountain drop, dispersed campgroud

This is a beautiful area, the lake is gorgeous and on the way in we saw a huge herd of elk which was awesome. However not long after we set up some rowdy locals decided to do donuts on the beach in their truck, some playing loud music. Thankfully they left but it wasn’t the peaceful evening we were hoping for. There are two sides of the lake  to camp on. One side had pit toilets but it was more crowded with lots of people on ATV’s there are tons of trails you can see where they go all over that side. On the other side of the lake there are no toilets and not as many ATV trails.
It’s a great free place to camp but it may not be the quiet peaceful place you’re looking for if the wrong crowd is here at the same time.

It would be a great place but...

Only a few miles from Ft. Garland, Mountain Home Reservoir is another Colorado State Wildlife Area, but no signs saying an SWA permit is needed to camp there so not sure if you need one or not, we have it so we forgot to check.  We have also bought land to build on three miles from the lake, we love this area.  

There are two sides to camp on, one side has toilets, vault style, but it's more crowded on that side and less room to camp.  The other side takes a little drive, but is much more open and has the mountains behind you and the lake in front of you.  It gets busy on weekends, but weekdays are pretty quiet.

The water is cold, but you could swim in August if you really want to, not too cold at all.  Boats are allowed, and there boat ramps on both sides of the lake from what we could see, didn't inspect the ramps, but know one works because there was a pontoon boat on the lake one day.  

The weather changes by the minute it seems, and storms move over the area pretty quickly.  If you don't like the weather wait five minutes, it'll change, and I'm not exaggerating.  Still mostly nice weather, and normally sunny.  

This is a beautiful camping area, again this is a no hook up area so pack in what you need and leave no trace.  Try to camp near one of the already made fire pits, makes it easier on you and they discourage building new fire pits.  If you don't want a fire then you can camp anywhere you aren't blocking a road. 

Truly beautiful place to camp, you can stay 14 days in a 45 day period.  RV dump and fill stations are nearby in Ft.Garland, and it's only about thirty minutes to Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Zapata Falls.  Smith Reservoir is also nearby and that's another SWA we reviewed, check that one out.



Beautiful mountain lake

We camped at our property a few miles from here but came here to fish and it was amazing great trout fishing and beautiful views. 

Beautiful great fishing 

I’m sure there is beautiful camping in the area because it’s gorgeous out here, but after having to camp high up on an extremely rocky trail, I learned 2 lessons:

1. Don’t enter at night
2. Don’t trust directions via Dyrt + Google Maps

Don’t trust Dyrt directions

This was a perfect spot with great views and plenty of camp sites to choose from. Bathrooms were close by. Only bad thing was there was a little trash but not bad. Limited cell service. Easy dirt road access 

Perfect free camping spot with views 

We arrived here on a Sunday and neighbors around us left and it was nice and peaceful.  
A couple guys pulling a boat out said they were catching fish.

Pulling a 21’ trailer on a maintained dirt road.  Apparent evidence of flash flooding along side of the road but didn’t seem to effect a very packed main part.  Drove in through large acre residential properties.


Watched a dark storm circle around us but no rain.  

Small beautiful lake surrounded by mountains!  We’re used to cold water lakes and took a dunk and it was pleasant. Disappointed to see some trash along the beach area.

We came in on Icehouse road and it took us right to the north end camping area where there is a boat ramp.  We’ll have to explore how to get to the other side of the lake as there doesn’t appear a way to drive around the lake from the north side.

Yes Zapata Falls and the Great Sand Dunes fairly close; used our Senior lifetime park pass.  
Ft Garland 5 miles.  

Weren’t sure if this was just an overnighter but will stay a day or two more!

Great weekday camping

Ok. First off this is Sunday Aug 1st,2021. The road in says private property. The directions using ice house rd are accurate from the north side. Here’s the problem.  I have screen grabs from the official state of CO website.  One reads that this is no longer an SWA and the other reads that it is an SWA. i uploaded a pic. 

The camping area is packed dirt with odd roads - paths probably created by OHVs and jeep /4x4 trucks.  Homemade rock lined fire rings. 

Only come in daylight as others recommend.  We had 2 different OHVs ride through our campsite.  Most seem to be locals that have fun riding the perimeter of the lake. We are camped about 600yards, yes 600 yards (nice) away from others.  Not big rig friendly on the north side. You need high ground clearance campers and truck in many areas.  This place is best suited to small campers and tents.  

It is so beautiful and free.  When we drove in the sun was high and the lake appeared emerald.  I would NOT drop my trailer and leave my possessions alone / unsupervised.  A couple of joy riders took interest in our solar panels and setup.  Just saying 

Confusing CO state information 

Got here late and there were many other RVs/ campers there but plenty of space. We went up further the 2nd night which I highly recommend. There are tons of little pull off areas that you can set up camp and are far enough away from other people that you feel safe but private. The views are unbeatable surrounded my mountains and hills just a short drive to the dunes! 

Great dispersed campsite. Amazing views!

We found this place as a last resort after being unable to find good free spots near the dunes. Ended up being private and beautiful!
After doing some research, I found an article saying a state fishing or hunting license was interchangeable for a Swa permit. Still not confirmed, but we didn’t have any problems.
It was fairly windy at night but the wind was better during the day.
There is a bit of trash throughout the area surrounding the reservoir and our dog got into something that made her sick, so I recommend keeping a close eye on your dogs here, especially dogs that like to get into things they shouldn’t. 

Photos of Home Mountain Reservoir SWA - Dispersed Campsites

Real photos from real campers