Tent camping near Cascade, Colorado places campers in the San Juan Mountain region at elevations typically exceeding 9,000 feet where summer temperatures average 70-75°F during the day and 40-45°F at night. The mountainous terrain features numerous alpine lakes surrounded by mixed conifer forests primarily composed of spruce, fir, and aspen stands. Forest roads accessing most sites remain closed until late May or early June depending on snowmelt conditions.
What to do
Hiking to abandoned mining structures: Explore historic mining remnants near Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed) where an old ghost town provides glimpses into the area's mining past. A camper shared: "The ghost town comes before the campground and we did attempt to go to the campground but in one spot we couldn't see what was on the other side of our hood of our truck and chose to turn around... Regardless, we camped behind the brothel, which is one of the only buildings still fully standing."
Lake fishing for brook trout: Cast for small but active brook trout in the high alpine lakes, particularly early morning or evening hours when fish are most active. One visitor to Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area noted: "We switched to a smaller dry fly to mimic what was hatching and we caught one fish. A super small brook trout, very pretty and very feisty so that was fun."
Wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk: Set up quietly near meadow edges to spot elk, deer, and occasional fox activity. At Hermosa Park Road Dispersed, a camper reported: "Beautiful view overlooking the valley. This spot was about 4 miles down Hermosa Park Rd. Full of wildlife, Bear, elk, fox and the marmot highway."
What campers like
Stream-adjacent campsites: Many campers prefer spots next to moving water for both convenience and ambiance. A visitor to Roche Gulch near Delores River mentioned: "Amazing off highway camping with beautiful creek. Fish were JUMPING so get your fly rods ready!"
Night sky visibility: The high elevation and minimal light pollution create exceptional stargazing conditions during clear nights. One camper at Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area shared: "The stars were BEAUTIFUL! This is a great spot for stargazers too."
Morning temperature inversions: Early risers often experience fog-filled valleys below while camping sites remain in clear sunshine. At Hermosa Park Road Dispersed, a camper noted: "Literally gorgeous views. Drive on million dollar HWY... Do not take the weird route it tried to take you to. Made it in a 2WD camper van. You'll be fine just take it slow."
What you should know
Road conditions vary drastically: Many sites require high-clearance vehicles despite some online reports suggesting otherwise. A camper at Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed) advised: "The road up is a bit rough. We managed it barely in all wheel drive vehicles but did get stuck for a bit at one point when we had to stop for someone on their way down."
Early arrival essential during peak season: Most dispersed sites fill by mid-morning Friday through Sunday during summer months. At Hermosa Park Road Dispersed, one camper warned: "Very busy on a Friday-Sunday. Arrive early to find a spot."
Weather changes rapidly: Prepare for afternoon thunderstorms even during clear mornings, and temperatures that can drop 30-40 degrees after sunset. A visitor to Silverton 20A - Dispersed shared: "Definitely need 4 wheel drive to get up to sites, had to build our own fire pit but that was ok! The views were phenomenal."
Tips for camping with families
Shallow water access for kids: Several lakes offer gradually sloping shorelines ideal for supervised children's play. At Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area, a camper noted: "The kids enjoyed being able to fish though with little supervision since the lake is really quite shallow and it's very close to the sites."
Ghost town exploration opportunities: Historical structures provide educational experiences for school-aged children when visited responsibly. A camper at Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed) shared: "You can't explore any of the buildings, at least not legally, but you can see them and experience what used to be. It's all dispersed camping so you can camp anywhere really."
Bear safety planning: The area has active bear populations requiring proper food storage and waste management. As one camper at Hermosa Park Road Dispersed warned: "Only gripe, careful of mice! We had a little critter somehow hop into the truck overnight. Be smart with your trash and food."
Tips from RVers
Small trailers only: Most dispersed areas can only accommodate compact trailers or vans under 20 feet. At Bear Camp - Dispersed, a visitor noted: "Ideal for truck/car camping or maybe very small campers like a tear drop or other."
Level site scarcity: Finding adequately level parking for RVs requires early arrival and scouting. A camper at Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed) reported: "We would have been hard pressed to find level ground for our overland tents without putting blocks on the ground. It's a beautiful place with amazing spots for ground tents."
Water crossing assessment: Several access roads include water crossings that vary seasonally. An RVer visiting Hermosa Park Road Dispersed shared: "Little streams running nearby, wildlife viewing, the drive up the slope is beautiful as well."
