Dispersed camping areas near Blanca, Colorado offer free primitive options for self-sufficient travelers at elevations ranging from 7,500 to 9,000 feet. The high desert environment experiences significant temperature fluctuations, often dropping 30-40 degrees from daytime highs to nighttime lows, even in summer months. Roads to primitive camping sites vary from well-maintained dirt roads to technical 4WD trails with seasonal washouts.
What to do
Visit nearby attractions: The Great Sand Dunes National Park lies approximately 12-15 miles from most dispersed camping areas. A camper at Lake Como Road Dispersed Colorado noted, "The spots below were plenty big enough. Easy to find about a quarter mile up a dirt road. The view was spectacular. Got a little cold."
Hiking options: Multiple trails start directly from camping areas or within short driving distance. At BLM Near Great Sand Dunes Hwy 150, one reviewer mentioned, "Beautiful spot with amazing views. Not sure what part the other reviewer stayed at, but the approach trial was a little hectic and I was glad to have a high clearance 4x4. Beautiful stream right next to the sites and plenty of fire pits."
Wildlife watching: The area supports diverse wildlife including elk herds and mountain lions. A camper at Home Mountain Reservoir SWA reported, "This is a beautiful area, the lake is gorgeous and on the way in we saw a huge herd of elk which was awesome."
Fishing opportunities: Several reservoirs offer good trout fishing within 30-45 minutes of primitive camping sites. One visitor noted, "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."
What campers like
Solitude and privacy: Many dispersed sites provide isolation from other campers. A visitor at Great Sand Dunes Dispersed shared, "We kept driving until we found a spot that was both uphill and private, which definitely requires a vehicle with some height to it like an SUV rather than a sedan. The road to the third and farthest site became too rocky for some cars and horses to continue on, but my AWD SUV did great."
Cell coverage: Surprisingly good connectivity exists at most sites. One reviewer at Sacred White Shell Mountain commented, "When you pull in drive about a mile down the road past the helicopter pad and you will start seeing sites on the left and right with fire pits. Beautiful views and good Verizon cell service."
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. A camper remarked, "I saw constellations that I had only heard about. Our next door neighbors were dumb and loud, and didn't know where to point their flashlights. I think I preferred the cows."
Multiple site options: Different road sections offer variety based on vehicle capabilities. A reviewer observed, "Smooth dirt road with large spots and smaller spots right off the road. Perfect for when all the other nearby campgrounds are full, but make sure you get there before sunset because it will fill up."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access deteriorates at higher elevations. A camper at BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed advised, "Convenient location about 25 minutes from Great Sand Dunes NP. Several large sites at lower elevation, flat and large enough for an RV or two. Road is graded through the lower portion. As you get higher, the road gets rockier and narrower with some washouts. If you don't have high clearance scout it out before attempting."
Bug issues: Biting insects can be problematic, especially in warmer months. One visitor warned, "Bugs are the worst here than anywhere I've been so lots of bug spray! Cactuses everywhere too so wear your shoes."
Wind exposure: Few trees means limited wind protection. A camper noted, "We stayed in the first pull out to the left of the road. Watch the entry off CO 150 as it is very narrow. No hookups but no fee. All was well until the wind came up suddenly and we were in a brief windstorm with sand all in our trailer."
Weekend crowds: Popular sites fill quickly on weekends. A visitor recommended, "This campsite is very popular, I would definitely recommend arriving early morning time to secure a spot. We got in fairly late in the night from Texas and had to drive in a ways. Many people left early morning so sites opened up fairly quickly."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose lower elevation sites for easier access with children. A camper at Mountain Home Reservoir SWA - Dispersed Campsites shared, "Very private, beautiful scenery. Tons of spots available but hardly anyone was there. We stayed two nights. No wild life except a lizard my kids found. Saved for future reference."
Temperature preparation: Pack extra layers even in summer. One visitor noted, "It dipped down to upper forties so bring an extra blanket. And it was windy af."
Hazard awareness: Watch for natural dangers in the desert environment. A reviewer cautioned, "Watch your step! Lots of cacti. Lots of space which is good, because lots of people seemed to know about it."
Water planning: No natural water sources exist at many sites, requiring full water supplies. A camper advised, "No amenities at all so pack in and out. The area is about 20-25 minutes to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. We were able to get potable water there at the dump station."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many sites require blocking equipment. An RVer reported, "We selected this location because it got so many great reviews. I don't expect perfection in dispersed locations but, I was pretty disappointed in the quality of the established areas. They were very difficult to level our smallish travel trailer and perhaps that is the problem."
Site timing: Arrive early to secure suitable RV spots. One camper suggested, "We arrived after dark and there were still plenty of spots. It was easy to find and the roads were in good conditions. This place had a lot of campers but the sites were very spread out."
RV size considerations: Larger rigs should stick to lower elevation sites. A reviewer observed, "I think any size rig would be fine to travel to the first three camping areas. Each camping area could probably fit 3-5 rigs and some tenters without being on top of each other."
Dust protection: Prepare for windblown dust entering RVs. One camper mentioned, "There are no trees or any obstructions on any of the pullouts. Perfect for solar, but also no protection from wind and blowing sand. It was windy several times when we were there, and it will blow sand and dust in the RV."
