Best Dispersed Camping near Capulin, CO

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Capulin? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Capulin, Colorado (51)

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Showing results 1-10 of 51 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Capulin, CO

172 Reviews of 51 Capulin Campgrounds


  • Hayley K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mike W.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument near Capulin, CO
    Feb. 14, 2020

    Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

    Quiet beauty

    Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is BLM land so it is all dispersed camping. You will need to make sure you aren't on someone's property or nearby any roads. There are plenty of turn offs. 

    This isn't a "get away" more like a stopover spot. I stopped here on my way back North to Colorado to see the bridge over the Rio Grande and so I wasn't so high up in elevation that I would freeze. 

    But if you can find a quiet place it is a beautiful dispersed spot where there is civilization nearby and toilets at local businesses  and picnic areas that you can use. See map on review. 

    Be careful roaming at night. The drop into the river is quite deep so offroading isn't just ill advised for keeping the flora and fauna safe…but you as well. 

    There are picnic ares around the monument too, just not established camping spots.

  • Mike W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Rachael R.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Great Sand Dunes Dispersed near Capulin, CO
    Dec. 6, 2022

    Great Sand Dunes Dispersed

    Great Sand Dunes Dispersed

    Unsuccessful in obtaining a campsite in Great Sand Dunes NP and discovered BLM land south of the park on Hwy 150, turn east between mile marker 3 & 4 at large sign indicating its ok to camp. Road goes a couple of miles for two wheel drive and further for 4WD. Numerous opportunities.

  • Jason L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Harry N.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Sacred White Shell Mountain near Capulin, CO
    Aug. 24, 2019

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    Boondocking in the sun

    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. 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.

  • Jennifer S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Harry N.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Sacred White Shell Mountain near Capulin, CO
    May. 22, 2022

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    Can't believe this is free

    Located about 15 miles south of Great Sand Dunes NP on well maintained BLM land. There are plenty of sites for every kind of camper. Loads of trails for horses, atv's, snowmobiling, and cross country skiing.

  • Vanessa C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Rachael R.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Great Sand Dunes Dispersed near Capulin, CO
    Jun. 6, 2023

    Great Sand Dunes Dispersed

    Gorgeous views & noise canceling winds

    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. 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.

    The camping spots in this site all have fire pits, edible prickly pear cactuses, and some shrubbery and trees for privacy. Verizon and T-Mobile service worked well. When the wind was forecasted to be 7mph with 15mph gusts, it was enough to cancel the noise from a group of campers a few spots down. It’s a generally quiet area, so with the except of that group, you could only notice other campers if they walked, biked, or drove past the spot.

    The views were phenomenal, and it was a 30 minute drive to the sand dunes. You could also check out Zapata Falls for the day with a short drive from this campsite.

    There are no amenities other than fire pits in designated spots here. There is open BLM land on either side where many RVers chose to park down the hill. You can also split away from the designated spots in the upper rocky area for extra seclusion and privacy, but considering the amount of cactus and tall grass, that may only be good for car camping.

    The temperature almost went down to freezing at night in early June, so be prepared with layers for both hot and cold desert conditions.

    In our camp spot we saw mountain blue birds, tiger beetles, circus beetles, hover flies, common flies, plateau fence lizards, snake holes, pocket mice, deer droppings, prickly pear cactus (we prepared grilled nopales), and pinyon pine trees.

  • Cole T.
    Harry N.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Sacred White Shell Mountain near Capulin, CO
    May. 4, 2021

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    Beautiful and FREE

    We stopped in here for the night after driving across the country and easily found a spot. For reference, It was around midnight on a Thursday night when we arrived. There are no facilities as this is BLM land, however don’t let that deter you from staying here if you’re on the way to great sand dunes.

  • Kyle T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2023

    Huerfano State Wildlife Area

    Removed, but not much else to do

    This is a wonderfully isolated, dispersed camping area. There are group sites and individual ones, scattered bathrooms, and a few picnic tables. Not much to do nearby, but the campsite is beautiful.

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    SwitchbackKids's photo of a dispersed camping area at The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park near Capulin, CO
    Dec. 15, 2024

    The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    Wild and Untamed

    Backcountry 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!

  • Ben R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Harry N.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Sacred White Shell Mountain near Capulin, CO
    Apr. 29, 2023

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    Great spot & excellent location

    The best part about this area, aside from the views & the sunsets, is the access to the sand dunes natl park. We completely stumbled upon this area and it turned out to be one of the coolest day trips we’ve ever had. Highly highly recommend checking out the sand dunes. If you go early enough they tend to waive the entrance fee. I recommend driving up into the bushes at the camping site for more privacy, but the road is very rocky. Try and do any bathroom stuff prior to staying because digging cat holes out here is tough. It even hailed on us briefly so watch out for crazy weather! Very cool BLM land!!

  • Peter C.
    Camper-submitted photo at Trail Creek Dispersed Camping near Capulin, CO
    May. 30, 2024

    Trail Creek Dispersed Camping

    Meadows and views

    Excellent official dispersed camping area in the Conejos river valley. Entrance is marked with a USFS sign. Very large area for camping spread across multiple meadows. Access is a dirt road in poor condition, high clearance recommended but 4WD is only necessary in wet conditions. Fantastic views of the river valley and surrounding mountains. The area itself is perched on a dry hill well above the river, do not plan to walk or drive down to the river at this location. Very clean and trash-free, help keep it that way!

  • Texas Roving Ranger The Dyrt PRO User
    gretchen's photo of a dispersed camping area at East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 - Dispersed Camping near Capulin, CO
    Jun. 20, 2024

    East Fork San Juan River, USFS Road 667 - Dispersed Camping

    Boondocking near Pagosa Springs, Colorado

    Great boondocking sites about 45minues from Pagosa Springs. These sites are completely primitive. No restroom facilities, electricity, potable water or trash service.  No cell service.  Its worth it, so plan accordingly. 

    Follow US160E about 10 miles, turn right onto USFS 667.  Pass by the entrance to East Fork Campground and continue on the forest service road.  This is where the road becomes fairly rough.  Dispersed sites begin about 2 miles further. Most sites are clustered together in pockets near the river.  

    We arrived early in the day and found a great site near a vertical rock face.  Campsite was at 8000'.    We stayed a week and only saw other campers on the weekend.  The weather was perfect with day time temps in the 70s and overnight temps in the 50s.  Ideal hiking and fishing conditions.  

    The forest road gets busy with Jeeps and UTvs during the day on weekends.  Our site was far enough away from the road that we weren't bothered. 

    Access to several trails, beautiful valley views and waterfalls nearby .

  • Joshua W.
    Harry N.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Sacred White Shell Mountain near Capulin, CO
    Mar. 20, 2022

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    Great campsite, very flat

    We and my buddies came here after being turned down from the Mosca campsite. The sites here are huge and are equipped with a fire pit. Our one main problem was that because the site was so flat, the wind could get pretty rough. Still able to build a solid fire with the help of a stone barrier. Definitely recommend for free camping

  • Sofia A.
    John M.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at West Fork Dispersed near Capulin, CO
    Oct. 6, 2020

    West Fork Dispersed

    Best so far

    This BLM at San Juan National Forest is gorgeous! (Se pics) the spots are kinda leveled, the road to get there is a dirt road but not that bad (I have a converted sprinter full of sh$&@$ and I did it great) it is primitive so no hook ups, restrooms nor trash cans, so PLEASE Leave no Trace! Everything was super clean so I guess people is finally getting it. Te river passes right next to you and the views are amazing! There are a few trails next (like the Rainbow trail). Awesome place to stargaze!

  • A
    Harry N.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Sacred White Shell Mountain near Capulin, CO
    May. 16, 2022

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    Lots of space and long views outside Great Sand Dunes NP

    A 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.

  • Griffen J.
    Harry N.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Sacred White Shell Mountain near Capulin, CO
    May. 27, 2022

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    Great Dispresed camping near the Great Sand Dune

    This dispersed camping is top notch. Nice sites with amazing views. A little windy but that’s to be expected near the dunes.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Harry N.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Sacred White Shell Mountain near Capulin, CO
    Aug. 19, 2023

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    Easy, lots of spot and close to Sand Dunes

    This is our first time dispersed camping and we like this! We were pretty nervous that we won’t find any spot, we got here at 5:30pm on 8/18 and there’s still plenty of spots left! Highly recommend.

  • M
    Michael W.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Del Norte Dispersed Camping near Capulin, CO
    Jun. 30, 2020

    Del Norte Dispersed Camping

    What more could you want

    Great spot! Lots of dispersed camping along the river. Fishing, hiking and swimming all right there. Great views of the Mountains. The star gazing at night was amazing. Great to see everyone packing out there trash. One of the cleaner and quieter camp areas I’ve been too in a while.

  • Lyds F.
    Harry N.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Sacred White Shell Mountain near Capulin, CO
    Jul. 1, 2022

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    Beautiful Free Camping

    Free camping only 15-20 mins away from great sand dunes national park. There were all sorts of campers utilizing this area—large rvs/buses, vans, roof top tents, tent campers. It is wide open so you can see other campers but lots of room to spread out so we still felt alone. The wind did pick up around 9pm and was absolutely crazy for a few hours. The best part is gorgeous views of Blanca peak and the STARS! Some of the most incredible I’ve ever seen.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo at FS Road 662 campsite near Capulin, CO
    Aug. 16, 2020

    FS Road 662 campsite

    Good primitive camp site

    This site is not for those who need amenities. But for those who come prepared with whatever they need, it is a great spot to camp close to Pagosa Springs, CO in the national forest.

  • Wild Berries B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo at Tres Piedras Camp near Capulin, CO
    Jun. 5, 2024

    Tres Piedras Camp

    On the way out from Mesa Verde NP

    We found this place randomly. Seen all the road exits of the Carson National Forest on our way to Taos we said “let’s give it a try!” And we found apparently a fairly popular place. It may be due to available internet connection (which we greatly enjoyed it after weeks!) or just a lower altitude spot that may help with physical activity and weather temps. At any rate, easy and short access to the camp sites via gravel sandy road, some with fire rings and camp tables, leveled grounds for trailers and lots of pine trees for privacy. There are signs for trailheads and pretty rock formations that will need to be explored next time. We stayed a night and enjoyed it to the fullest. Highly recommended, especially as nights get nice and chill (vs. hot day temps) for good sleep.

  • Conner The Dyrt PRO User
    Harry N.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Sacred White Shell Mountain near Capulin, CO
    Jan. 27, 2024

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    4 SEASON CAMPING - ALWAYS BUSY, ALWAYS HAS PLENTY OF SITES

    FYI in the spring summer is way more fun to sleep inside the sand dunes with a parking permit you buy at that lot. The hike up into the dunes is epic but yes this is free and last minute high capacity. Sand dunes camping has a 10 or 15 person per day

    The Dyrt has a weird seemingly inaccurate map however the road leading out to the dunes did in fact had a dirt road that branches right off towards the mountain.

    The Dyrt map says Mt Blanco road but Apple Maps says lake Como road. They both branch off highway 150. There is obvious signs of dispersed camping used ie firepit and a randomly left behind camping item

    The weather I was very skeptical about. thought i would have to book a hotel. Last time I went camping per review off of Idaho springs down Fall River road it was snowed in even tho the main road was fine. After I got through the very snowy and icy mountain pass from Walsenburg to for garland it became very dry and there was no more snow.

    This region in Colorado is fair weather all year long. With the exceptions of severe winds sometimes rarely

  • Adam K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Harry N.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Sacred White Shell Mountain near Capulin, CO
    Aug. 27, 2023

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    Close to Great Sand Dunes, easy and free

    It's basically a rocky road up the side of Mt. Blanco with lots of places to pull off and camp. Suitable for anything from the most rock-fearing to rock-ready. AT&T had a solid two+ bars. The sunset and lightning storms in the distance were breathtaking. Definitely a great choice for a night's boondocking if that's what you need.


Guide to Capulin

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Capulin, Colorado, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy stunning landscapes and a sense of solitude. This area offers a variety of options for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The Trail Creek Dispersed Camping area is known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, making it a favorite among campers seeking picturesque landscapes.
  • Located in the Conejos River Valley, Elk Creek Trail provides a spacious creekside setting, perfect for those who enjoy the soothing sounds of flowing water while camping.
  • For a unique experience, the Great Sand Dunes Dispersed area offers wide-open spaces and stunning views of the dunes, ideal for stargazing at night.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Capulin, Colorado

  • Arriving early is crucial, especially at popular spots like BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed, where securing a good site can be competitive during peak seasons.
  • Be prepared for rough roads; many areas, such as Sacred White Shell Mountain, require high-clearance vehicles to navigate the terrain safely.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles, especially in pristine locations like Sanchez Stabilization Reservoir, to help maintain the natural beauty of these dispersed camping areas.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Sacred White Shell Mountain

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Capulin, CO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Capulin, CO is Sacred White Shell Mountain with a 4.5-star rating from 53 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Capulin, CO?

    TheDyrt.com has all 51 dispersed camping locations near Capulin, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.