Best Dispersed Camping near Blanca, CO
Multiple dispersed camping areas surround the Great Sand Dunes National Park near Blanca, Colorado. Sacred White Shell Mountain provides free primitive sites approximately 15-20 minutes south of the national park, offering expansive views of Blanca Peak and the surrounding mountain ranges. The area features flat, open terrain with progressively more technical roads as you ascend the mountain. BLM Mt. Blanca Road and Lake Como Road also offer free dispersed campsites accessible to both tents and RVs.
The dispersed areas accommodate various camping setups from large RVs to tent camping, though privacy can be limited due to the open landscape with minimal tree cover. Sites closer to the road are more accessible for larger vehicles, while upper mountain sites may require 4WD and high clearance. A review noted, "Roads get progressively more technical as you ascend. Some roads marked on the map have washed out making them impassible." Wind can be significant in this high desert environment, especially during evening hours. Most primitive sites include established fire rings where fires are permitted, though no facilities, water, trash service, or toilets are available within these backcountry camping areas.