Dispersed camping near Alma, Colorado offers several camping opportunities at elevations ranging from 9,800 to 11,500 feet. Camping seasons typically run from late May through early October due to high-elevation weather conditions. Many areas require specific vehicle capabilities, with accessibility varying significantly between established campgrounds and dispersed sites throughout the Pike National Forest.
What to do
Hike the ancient trees trail: At Fourmile Campground, campers can access the Limber Grove Trail just across the road from the campsite. "It's about 3 miles in and out and you will walk through a really beautiful grove of ancient trees," notes one visitor about this moderate hiking option.
Mountain climbing preparation: Camp at Kite Lake (11,000+ feet) as a staging area for multiple fourteener attempts. "At the base of three different 14ers, camping along the road by the river if you can't stay at the lake. This site has a fee, toilet, no water on site, but there is water from lake a river," reports one visitor who appreciated the location for summit preparation.
Mountain biking trails: The area surrounding Peak One Campground provides multiple biking opportunities. "Right on the perimeter trail (6-mile dirt) and also the Dillon Reservoir loop (18-mile paved)," notes a camper about the convenient access to both dirt and paved cycling routes from this location.
What campers like
Strategic locations for fourteener attempts: The positioning of Hoosier Pass Dispersed Camping makes it ideal for multiple peak attempts. "Decent amount of sites, really convenient from highway and pretty well located to get to DeCaLiBron, Quandry, Breckenridge etc," explains one camper who appreciated the strategic location.
Diverse camping environments: Camping spots around Alma range from densely forested to open alpine terrain. "Nice and secluded with several small lakes and hiking trails nearby," writes one camper about Horseshoe Campground, while another mentions: "The dirt road to access these sites could use a repave so expect slow speeds to get there."
Water features: Many campsites offer proximity to streams or lakes. "Short walk from the site to the pit toilets and the trailhead for the Windy Point and Ridge trails," notes a camper at Prospector Campground, while another adds: "Our site had a small path right to the beach."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many camping areas require careful driving. "The dirt road in is fine for SUVs, small cars could probably make it fine if taken carefully," explains a camper about the access to dispersed areas between established campgrounds. For McCullough Gulch Designated Dispersed Camping, "The road to sites 8-10 gets tricky in a few spaces but we were able to make it up and down with an AWD SUV."
Weather preparation: High-elevation camping means significant temperature swings. "Temps were high 70s in the evenings and low 40s at night in mid July so prepare with layers," advises one McCullough Gulch camper. Even summer camping requires warm gear.
Reservation planning: Established campgrounds fill quickly. "Book in advance, sites get locked in 6 mos in advance, for good reason!" warns a Baby Doe Campground visitor, highlighting the popularity of the area's developed sites.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for amenities: Choose established campgrounds when traveling with children. "This was an unplanned visit, and a surprisingly good one. One of the quietest and cleanest campgrounds I've been to," notes a visitor to Peak One, adding that there are "many sites with views of Lake Dillon, and easy access to the water from all sites."
Activity options: Select locations with built-in recreational possibilities. "This is a very family friendly campground! Sites are kind of close together, but you are beside the lake! And some spots have trail access to the lake, so bring your water toys!" advises a camper about the accessibility of water recreation.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many camping areas offer chances to see local animals. "We did see a young moose on the way in!" reports one camper who stayed between Fourmile and Horseshoe campgrounds, providing natural educational opportunities for children.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many dispersed camping areas have limited turning space. "We're in a van, and while some spots would have been great, not all would work for our van," explains a visitor to Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping, indicating the need for careful site selection based on vehicle size.
Leveling challenges: The mountain terrain creates uneven parking areas. "Even with our lifted AWD van, there were sites we didn't want to drive up to," notes a visitor to McCullough Gulch, emphasizing the importance of scouting sites before committing to a location with larger vehicles.
RV-friendly services: Some established campgrounds offer more RV amenities. "We stayed in the C loop and had plenty of trees around my site," mentions a visitor at Peak One, while another notes: "It is a pull-through site that comfortably fit our 29' Class C, Tow Dolly, and Towed Vehicle with room to spare."
