Blanca, CO is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Blanca, CO. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed
9 min away
Wild Horse Mountain View
40 min away
"This is BLM land that's free to camp on for up to 14 days every 45 days. The camp sites are just off a dirt road that leads to the trailhead for hiking to Blanca Peak."
"We spent two nights here, in our camper van, while visiting the national park. It’s proximity is so great."
"There are three dispersed sites listed along this road with the first being flat and open, the second being slightly uphill and fairly open, and the third being higher uphill and far more private."
"BLM (dispersed) spot off Mt Blanca Rd, was quiet and peaceful. Was surprised how many other campers were enjoying nearby sites. Plenty of room to enjoy site without feeling crowded."
"Not far from Great Sand Dunes national Park & Zapata Falls, this free dispersed campsite, as well as others along unpaved Mount Blanca Road, provide wonderful views."
"We got in fairly late in the night from Texas and had to drive in a ways. Many people left early in the morning so sites opened up fairly quickly."
"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 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."
"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."
"This was a lovely spot , no one around and a large turnaround spot with plenty of space for our 20ft trailer ."
"Very easy access to several spots in the area. Can hike up the mountain."
"Wonderful views of multiple 14ers, and the sand dunes very close by."
"Views were gorgeous, and there was plenty of space for our reactive pups to feel safe."
"I walked up the road about three miles on the way to the lake because the beginning of the road was way to rough for my van with large rocks about 6 inch diameter. "
GuideThis is BLM land that's free to camp on for up to 14 days every 45 days. The camp sites are just off a dirt road that leads to the trailhead for hiking to Blanca Peak. The road gets pretty rough the further up you get, but there are plenty of large camp sites on the way up the mountain, some you'd have to home to if you decide to go to Blanca Peak. It's a fairly busy place as off-road vehicles and horse back riding are popular here. Beautiful views of the San Luis Valley, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Mt. Blanca. Definitely worth checking out of you're in the area. No shade or amenities, so bring everything you need with you and as always, leave no trace.
RangerBackcountry dispersed camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park offers an unforgettable and truly unique wilderness experience. If you’re seeking solitude and raw, untamed landscapes, this is the perfect spot to pitch your tent. With no designated sites, you have the freedom to find your ideal spot beyond the busy dunes and under an expansive star-filled sky.
The journey begins with a hike deep into the park’s rugged terrain, where you’re surrounded by towering sand dunes, alpine forests, and sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The lack of light pollution makes stargazing an absolute highlight—this is one of the best places to witness the Milky Way.
Keep in mind, this is true backcountry camping: no facilities, no water sources, and you must pack out all waste. Permits are required, so be sure to plan ahead. The environment can be challenging, with extreme temperature swings and strong winds that shift the sand beneath your feet. Good preparation and Leave No Trace practices are a must.
The rewards are well worth the effort. From sunrise hikes to the serene sound of nothing but wind across the dunes, this camping experience immerses you in nature’s raw beauty like few others can. It’s an adventure you’ll carry with you long after you’ve left the dunes behind.
Highly recommend skipping the tent and sleeping under the stars!
LegendWe spent two nights here, in our camper van, while visiting the national park. It’s proximity is so great.
The area is easy to find, big and open and nearly all up the very upper parts are navigable by a regular car. There are some upper parts that could require 4WD and high clearance.
Our only complaints were how dusty is was and that there really were no trees so potentially not much privacy depending whom is camping around you. If you don’t have a bathroom….this could also be an issue. Not much in the way of tree cover if you are going in the wilderness.
We chose sites on the north side of the area, closer to the park and it seemed more private.
GuideOnly 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.
LegendNot far from Great Sand Dunes national Park & Zapata Falls, this free dispersed campsite, as well as others along unpaved Mount Blanca Road, provide wonderful views. One side are mountains, and the other San Luis Valley. This particular dispersed site is just off the rocky road as one starts to climb the slope toward the mountains. Mount Blanca Road starts out very easy with no obstacles & washouts, but becomes bumpy and, at some places, technical, as one drives up the slope. The road has washouts and large rocks on it. The site itself was not level, but we managed okay with our campervan. The site is very close to the road; other campers, overlanders & hikers greeting you as they pass by. This site, as well as others along the road, are wide open. There were a few clumps of junipers where we were able to hide our toilet setup. The site was a short pull-thru with a rock fire ring and a small area to set up a tent. Separation between dispersed sites is really good, giving one some privacy. The site was clean. There are no amenities: no water, no electric, no shelter, no toilets. Pack it in, pack it out. We did have reasonable AT&T & T-Mobile service. It was windy & cool at night. Except for an occasional ATV passing by, it was quiet. Enjoy our stay; would not hesitate to camp here again.
GuideMedano Pass is the route it's believed that Pike took into the San Luis Valley, and is one of the only primitive roads accessing the valley. The road starts in the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and runs over the mountain and exits on RT 69, or if you want an easy up and hard way down the mountain start off RT 69 and go to the dunes. From 69 to the top of the pass takes about an hour, and you only need high clearance 4 wheel drive for the last two miles of the 12 mile journey to the top. That's not the route we took.
We started at Point of No Return in the Great Sand Dunes National Park, don't worry there are plenty of places to turn back if you get nervous. There's DEEP sand throughout the first six miles, I aired down to 50 from 65, LOL. I figured I'd make it on 35's 12.5" wide, but I can definitely see where as the Sand ets softer I would have gone down to the recommended 20psi. If your going over the mountain have an air compressor to fill your tires when you get to the rocks. There's air at the ampitheater parking lot at the National Park, but no air on RT 69 until you get to a gas station at least twenty miles away.
We made it no issues, buy squeezing a super crew cab, F 250 through was TIGHT! It was FUN though, and my God the place is breathtaking!
Campsites start about five miles in and are spread all the way to the top of Medano Pass. This is National Preserve land, and it is primitive camping. There are fire pits and bear boxes, use the bear boxes as bear encounters are frequent. The sites are clearly marked, and nice size. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TAKE A TRAILER, if you do you won't make it, I promise you that.
The Park, Preserve, and Forrest boundaries are clearly marked. To camp along the Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Preserve area of the road you must have a permit, free at the visitor center. I suggest reservations. After the Preserve it is a National Forrest and its first come first serve primitive camping only. You can stay for up to 14 days, as with most National land.
The 12 mile trip up from the Park takes about 4 hours, yes it's that rough. AND you will stop alot to take in the amazing views.
Even if you don't camp, take the drive, it's worth it. You will need high clearance 4 wheel drive, all wheel drive will not cut it here.
GuideAbsolutely beautiful Sand dunes in the mountains, it actually smells like an ocean beach and makes you feel like your on another world. The Dunes are 30 square miles and you can camp anywhere in them with a free permit available at the visitor center, just have to hike in past the first ridge aka the day use area. It's tent camping only, and no pets are allowed in the back country dunes. You also need to pack everything you need in with you and leave no trace. The winds blow often and hard, moving enough Sand to cover you tracks in minutes. The views of the sky and stars are absolutely mesmerizing, one of the most beautiful Sand fields in the world. The creek that runs through the day use area can fluctuate in size daily, it wasn't high when we were there, but it was still flowing half way through the day use area. A must see destination if your in the San Luis Valley.
GuideWe drove up the road for a while to find a higher up spot. High clearance is definitely needed, dirt road turns into curvy, rocky road with multiple spots on both sides. There were plenty of already made fire pits. The views are amazing and even though we saw several other people, we never heard them. There was a few 4wheelers and dirt bikes. All around great, free spot.
ScoutA lot of area for dispersed camping on the side of the mountain. Roads get progressively more technical as you ascend. Some roads marked on the map have washed out making them impassible. The sites at the bottom are pretty flat, but the ones farther up the mountain become pretty steep, 8% grades if the inclinometer in my truck is right. There is fresh water fill and a dump station at the NP - free with entry fee (or real free if you have a pass), a small store with gas priced competitively and restaurant. The nearest cell tower is in Blanca a few miles away. Verizon signal is pretty good.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Blanca, Colorado, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots that cater to different camping styles, from serene lakesides to expansive mountain views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is dispersed camping in Blanca, Colorado?
Dispersed camping is available in multiple locations around Blanca, Colorado. The BLM lands along BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed offer numerous sites with beautiful views of mountains on one side and the San Luis Valley on the other. These sites are situated not far from Great Sand Dunes National Park and Zapata Falls. Another option is Home Mountain Reservoir SWA - Dispersed Campsites, located just a few miles from Fort Garland. The area provides easy access for vehicles and is near water recreation opportunities. Both locations offer convenient access points for exploring the Blanca area while enjoying the freedom of dispersed camping.
Can you camp for free near Blanca Peak?
Yes, free camping is available near Blanca Peak on BLM land. Sacred White Shell Mountain offers free dispersed camping for up to 14 days within each 45-day period. The area features numerous sites along the dirt road that leads to the Blanca Peak trailhead. Many sites have established fire rings and provide spectacular mountain views with opportunities for stargazing. For a unique free camping experience, The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park allows backcountry camping with a free permit obtained from the visitor center. While not directly at the base of Blanca Peak, this option is in the vicinity and offers a distinctive wilderness experience among the dunes.
What are the road conditions to dispersed camping areas in Blanca?
Road conditions to dispersed camping areas in Blanca vary significantly depending on location and elevation. At Medano Pass Primitive Road, you'll encounter a challenging route that starts in Great Sand Dunes National Park and runs over the mountain. This primitive road requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles. Similarly, at Sacred White Shell Mountain Campground, the dirt roads become increasingly technical as you ascend. Lower sites are accessible via relatively flat terrain, but roads higher up feature 8% grades and rocky conditions. Some roads marked on maps have washed out, making them impassable. For most Blanca-area dispersed sites, high-clearance vehicles are recommended, and 4WD becomes necessary for accessing the more remote and elevated camping locations.
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