Best Dispersed Camping near Aguilar, CO

Dispersed camping near Aguilar, Colorado centers around several primitive sites within driving distance of town. North Fork Purgatiore River provides drive-in and walk-in access for tent and RV camping, with toilet facilities and a sanitary dump available. Home Mountain Reservoir SWA hosts multiple dispersed camping areas along its shoreline, requiring a state wildlife permit for overnight stays. Additional options include Mountain Home Reservoir South for tent camping and Huerfano State Wildlife Area, which accommodates both tent and RV campers with picnic tables and toilet facilities.

Access roads to most dispersed sites require careful navigation, particularly when approaching Home Mountain Reservoir where high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Many campers note that arriving during daylight hours is essential for safely locating suitable camping areas. State Wildlife Areas typically permit camping for up to 14 days within a 45-day period. Fire restrictions vary by location and season, with established fire rings available at some sites. No drinking water is available at any of these locations, requiring campers to bring their own supplies.

The dispersed camping areas provide mountain views and lakeside settings that attract visitors seeking natural surroundings. Home Mountain Reservoir features two distinct camping areas – one with vault toilets but more crowded conditions, and another more spacious section with mountain backdrops and lake views. Reviews indicate weekdays typically offer quieter experiences with fewer visitors. According to one visitor, "This is a beautiful 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." Wildlife sightings are common, with elk herds occasionally visible in the vicinity. Many sites show evidence of previous use with rock-lined fire rings, though some areas struggle with trash management.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Aguilar, Colorado (7)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Aguilar, CO

16 Photos of 7 Aguilar Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Aguilar, CO

23 Reviews of 7 Aguilar Campgrounds


  • Jason L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2019

    Home Mountain Reservoir SWA - Dispersed Campsites

    Beautiful mountain lake

    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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Home Mountain Reservoir SWA - Dispersed Campsites

    Confusing CO state information

    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

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 20, 2025

    North Fork Purgatiore River

    Real nice area

    Can’t ask for a better dispersed camping area. Don’t get confused by the state area, drive up the dirt Roy’s until you see Forest Service. There is an established campground at the end of the road with a pretty hike

    Dispersed area is free if you go to the developed area it’s $25 per night i believe

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2025

    Home Mountain Reservoir SWA - Dispersed Campsites

    Coordinates not correct

    The map location and coordinates are not correct. I was unable to find the spot. Likely supposed to be north of listed location. See dispersed sites just north.

  • J
    Jul. 15, 2021

    Home Mountain Reservoir SWA - Dispersed Campsites

    Perfect free camping spot with views

    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

  • S
    Jul. 26, 2021

    Home Mountain Reservoir SWA - Dispersed Campsites

    Great weekday camping

    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!

  • Christina S.
    Jun. 1, 2019

    Home Mountain Reservoir SWA - Dispersed Campsites

    It would be a great place but...

    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.

  • Linnell B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 20, 2025

    Home Mountain Reservoir SWA - Dispersed Campsites

    Gorgeous Weekday Camping

    I always read reviews before going camping, so like others have said - do not use the coordinates on the Dyrt. Just type in "Mountain Home Reservoir" to Apple Maps and its going to take you to Ice House Rd and then you just turn in.

    -stayed 1.5 nights and would have stayed the extra night but i forgot my gun ( 🤨🙄 ) and of course at 2 am i hear the "woman screaming" and it was more than likely a mountain lion. Next morning talking with another camper they saw big paw prints 😭

    -i could definitely see this getting super packed on any weekend so get there early. I went on tuesday and wednesday and i had no camping neighbors but there were still a few people around the lake!

    • the lake water wasnt terrible! Lots of day-fishers but i went out on my paddleboard with my dogs and it was lovely.

    • i feel like you usually hear about camping to the west of CO but man southern colorado was GORGEOUS! The spanish peaks are awesome.

    Would definitely go again. LOTS of trash and beer cans at my campsite though 🙄


Guide to Aguilar

Dispersed camping options near Aguilar, Colorado provide rustic alternatives to developed campgrounds. This southeastern Colorado region sits at elevations between 6,000-8,000 feet, creating variable weather conditions throughout camping seasons. Many sites require high-clearance vehicles, with dirt roads becoming particularly challenging after rainfall or during spring snowmelt periods.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Mountain Home Reservoir offers productive trout fishing in a scenic setting. "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," notes Maggie M. about Home Mountain Reservoir SWA - Dispersed Campsites.

Hiking nearby: The North Fork Purgatiore River area provides access to forest trails. According to Brittany M., "Beautiful area and site. There are multiple sites, and all seem to have been recently cleared and maintained. The specific site that is the coordinates on Dyrt is right next to the creek and a great spot." North Fork Purgatiore River offers hiking options along established trails.

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to spot elk herds and other wildlife. Kyle T. mentions that Huerfano State Wildlife Area is "wonderfully isolated" though he notes there's "not much to do nearby, but the campsite is beautiful."

What campers like

Lakeside camping: The shoreline positions at Mountain Home Reservoir provide direct water access. "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," reports Jacob K.

Creek-side spots: Several North Fork Purgatiore River sites offer water proximity. Julissa M. shares, "Words can't begin to describe this place. Simply beautiful, peaceful, and one with nature. We stayed right next to the river. We sat by the fire and just enjoyed the sounds of the river."

Weekday solitude: Less crowded experiences occur midweek at most sites. Linnell B. explains, "I could definitely see this getting super packed on any weekend so get there early. I went on Tuesday and Wednesday and I had no camping neighbors but there were still a few people around the lake!"

What you should know

Permit requirements: Colorado State Wildlife Areas require either a hunting or fishing license for overnight stays. "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," reports Mikaela S. about Home Mountain Reservoir SWA - Dispersed Campsites.

Navigation challenges: Several campgrounds have inaccurate coordinates in navigation apps. Charles B. warns, "The map location and coordinates are not correct. I was unable to find the spot. Likely supposed to be north of listed location."

Variable conditions: Weather can change rapidly at higher elevations. Jason L. observes, "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."

Tips for camping with families

Pet safety considerations: Watch pets closely in some areas. Mikaela S. cautions, "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."

Noise levels vary: Some areas experience local traffic or recreational vehicles. According to Mark about Mountain Home Reservoir, "We lived camping here on a cold night in April. Views were gorgeous, and there was plenty of space for our reactive pups to feel safe."

Arrival timing: Plan to arrive with plenty of daylight hours. Blair S. learned, "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."

Tips from RVers

Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality. Mark notes about North Fork Purgatiore River, "Little bumpy coming in but not bad. Really pretty getting here. Site is flat ish and fine for what it is."

RV dump options: Plan for waste management. Andreia H. explains, "North Fork Purgatiore River has beautiful river and lots of wildlife. Drive past the wildlife area sign that says no camping. That sign is only for the entranced area. On down the road you will see the entrance and pay station for the campgrounds."

Avoid confusion between paid and free areas: Some areas have adjacent paid campgrounds. Lansen C. clarifies, "Can't ask for a better dispersed camping area. Don't get confused by the state area, drive up the dirt Roy's until you see Forest Service. Dispersed area is free if you go to the developed area it's $25 per night i believe."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Aguilar, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Aguilar, CO is North Fork Purgatiore River with a 4-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Aguilar, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Aguilar, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.