Free Camping Collection
Dispersed Camping
Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping
About
National Forest
Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands
Dispersed camping at the base of Mount Shavano outside Salida, CO.
WARNING! Hikers descending from Tabequache should not descend into McCoy Gulch! This is a dangerous route and a number of climbers have been injured or killed.
Reservation Info
There are many dispersed camp sites located along Forest Road 252 or past the trailhead parking area on the left. Camp away from the stream and pack all trash out. No reservation required.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Ridge top
Cool chaparral area. Road kinda rocky, but manageable. Nice views of mountains all around. Heard elk bugling through the night.
Amazing Views and Site Selection
Had a great night here. Stayed close to the mountain so I had great shade but if you're after views I think you should stay close to the highway. There are tons of spots and privacy. I saw several sedans but I'd be hesitant if it were me.
Totally Free
BLM
FREE
Limit: 14 days
The Wildlife Management Area is named after Mt Shavano. A mountain that is considered a must do for mountain climbers. The WMA lies at the base of the mountain. If you travel very slow and steady you can camp in the WMA by following the road in. The road is very rocky, bumpy, and just a little steep in a couple of places if you are pulling a trailer. If you take the plunge there are so many sites to be had to include a fire ring. The backdrop of the mountains is just amazing. There are several sites right at the entrance but the best a a little further back. There is room for 30- 40 or more. Just depends on how close you want to be to others. Salida is a nice town to head to if you need supplies. The road is so rocky and bumpy we tried to get out as little as possible. We have good service with Verizon but not much with ATT. Nearest dump station is about 2 miles way at the Crossroads Visitor Center in Poncha Springs.
LNT
BTWYFI
- (17) View All
Location
Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping is located in Colorado
Directions
From Poncha Springs, travel west on Highway 50 for 2 miles to the junction of County Road 250 located on the right side of the highway. Turn right onto CR 250 and travel west for 4.5 miles to the boundary of Forest and BLM lands. At this point, the road forks. Take the left fork which continues at Forest Road 252. Stay on this road for approximately 3 miles to the trailhead. The Jenning Creek access located off of Forest Road 240 is permanently closed.
Coordinates
38.595571 N
106.199166 W