Dispersed camping opportunities surround Almont, Colorado, with options ranging from primitive riverside spots to high-elevation mountain sites. The area sits at the convergence of the East and Taylor Rivers at 8,000 feet elevation and serves as a gateway to multiple wilderness areas within Gunnison National Forest. Summer temperatures typically range from mid-70s during the day to low-40s at night, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Fishing at multiple elevations: Access prime trout fishing spots along Taylor Canyon or at higher elevations. At Road 240 - Dispersed, campers appreciate the combination of camping and fishing: "We were lucky enough to end up right along the river. If you keep driving down the road, you will end up at a stunning alpine lake basin that offers plenty of hiking."
Waterfall exploration: Several campsites offer natural water features nearby. One camper at Road 240 - Dispersed noted, "As soon as the road gets super rocky, you'll go up a short hill that curves right and the campsite is on the right before you take a left up another hill... The waterfall was awesome to camp by. Flowing well in early June."
Mountain biking on established trails: Several tent campsites near Almont provide direct access to mountain biking routes. A visitor to Campfire Ranch on the Taylor shared, "The mountain biking trails are legit! We even had time to go into town, Crested Butte, and hang out for a few hours before heading back to camp."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer more separation than established campgrounds. At Road 240 - Dispersed, one reviewer explained, "The road has plenty of camping spots all the way up to the lake. Most spots are wooded and offer plenty of shade."
High-elevation views: The mountain camping options provide scenic vistas. A visitor to Portal Campground shared: "I hesitated to write a review because I don't want too many people to flock here! This is a terrific campground, and although you aren't backcountry camping, it feels more removed than many typical car camping locations."
Cold mountain water sources: Many campsites feature natural water features. A camper at Portal Campground described: "It's a beautiful location on the Grizzly Reservoir with beautiful views, and a pretty creek runs behind some of the camp spots."
What you should know
Road conditions to remote sites: Many dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. At Road 240 - Dispersed, a camper warned: "believe the reviews when they say the road to get to these campsites are ROCKY. i was able to get there in my hyundai santa fe but got nervous a couple of times."
Limited cell service: Most camping options near Almont have minimal connectivity. A visitor to Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch noted: "There is no Cellular service at this Campground. They have Wi-Fi, but I cannot attest to its strength or reliability; I use Starlink."
Temperature fluctuations: The mountain climate brings significant day-to-night changes. A Road 240 - Dispersed camper mentioned: "got cold at night but it was to be expected. access to a lot of hiking and if you continue driving up the rocky road, you'll get to billings lake which was gorgeous."
Seasonal access limitations: High elevation roads may remain closed into late spring. One camper reported about Road 240 - Dispersed: "Tried to reach the site but got only to the road bifurcation where is a ramp. Local informed us it is closed due to snow, yet to be melted. This was on April 10."
Tips for camping with families
Select established campgrounds for easier logistics: Families may prefer sites with basic facilities. A visitor to Granite Tent Campground shared: "Nice camping area for tents near the river. Close to the highway," which provides convenience for families needing frequent access to town.
Consider recreational amenities: Some campgrounds offer family-friendly facilities. A Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch visitor described: "We had such a relaxing stay at Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch! One of the major highlights for us was the amazing pool setup—both indoor and outdoor pools were clean, well-maintained, and perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring."
Look for fishing opportunities close to camp: Several sites allow fishing without driving. A camper at Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch noted: "They do have access to a longer dirt road some take an atv back to a small lake I took my mountain bike on but not being used to 7,000 feet I was sucking air but got to some great views without having to drive anywhere."
Tips from RVers
Check access road details: Many forest roads have restrictions or challenges. A Portal Campground visitor warned: "You take the turn to Lincoln Creek Campground, and instead of going into that campground, you drive 6 miles on a dirt road to get to Portal Campground... CAUTION: high clearance vehicles recommended for Lincoln Creek Road."
Scout ahead at dispersed sites: Backing up or turning around can be difficult on forest roads. A camper at Road 240 - Dispersed advised: "DO NOT bring your trailer past the 3rd spot up the road after the bridge. And do not drive up that section to the 3rd if it is already taken (scout ahead here, trust me). You won't be able to turn around and the road gets worse with no where to turn around and no spots."
Research bridge restrictions: Construction may limit RV access. A Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch visitor cautioned: "Montrose is an hour away. However, Hwy 50 is down to one lane once in the morning and once in the evening due to bridge repairs. You cannot pull a trailer across the bridge at any times. Towing, you are required to use County Road 26 detour."
