Lake Como Road Dispersed Colorado

Yes, Lake Como Road dispersed camping is free to use. This area follows typical Bureau of Land Management (BLM) dispersed camping regulations, which allow for free camping up to 14 days in a 28-day period. No permits or reservations are required, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for overnight stays. As with all dispersed camping areas, pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Lake Como Road dispersed camping is approximately 35-40 miles from Great Sand Dunes National Park. The drive typically takes about 45-50 minutes, making it a viable option for those looking to visit the park without staying directly at the more crowded park campgrounds. The route between the two locations offers scenic views of the San Luis Valley and Sangre de Cristo Mountains, adding to the overall experience. This distance makes it possible to use Lake Como Road as a base camp for day trips to explore the unique sand dunes landscape.

Lake Como Road dispersed camping is located in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado, near the town of Blanca. It sits at the base of the impressive Blanca Peak in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. The dispersed camping area extends along Forest Road 970 (Lake Como Road) that leads toward Blanca Peak. This remote location offers scenic mountain views and serves as a gateway to various hiking trails and four-wheel drive adventures in the area.

Lake Como Road starts as a relatively easy dirt/gravel road near the entrance but progressively becomes more challenging. The first mile or two are typically accessible by most vehicles, making the lower sections ideal for dispersed camping. Beyond these initial areas, the road becomes significantly rougher with rocky sections that require high-clearance 4WD vehicles. Many campers choose to set up at the lower sections where the road is more manageable, especially for overnight stays. During and after wet weather, conditions can deteriorate quickly, so check weather forecasts before planning your trip.