Dispersed camping near Colorado City, Colorado offers many options between 6,500-11,000 feet elevation across the rugged eastern slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The area experiences dramatic temperature shifts, with summer days reaching 90°F but nights dropping to the 40s even in July. Most sites require proper waste management as pit toilets are sparse, typically limited to designated Wildlife Management Areas.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: South Colony Basin provides access to multiple alpine lakes and three 14,000-foot peaks, though reaching the trailhead requires significant effort. "From the upper trail head, it was about a 4 mile hike to the campground near the lower lake. If you cant make the drive, add 2.5 miles each way to that total," notes one South Colony Basin visitor.
Night sky photography: The lack of light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. Locations like Mt. Blanca Road offer unobstructed views of constellations. "I saw constellations that I had only heard about... I think I preferred the cows," reports a camper at BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed, who also warns to "watch your step! Lots of cacti."
Off-road adventures: The region features numerous challenging 4x4 routes that double as access to remote campsites. "A couple of friends embarked on an overland trip in Colorado's high country. Medano Pass Primitive Road is a wellknown 4x4 trail near the Great Sand Dunes National Park near Alamosa, Colorado," shares a Medano Pass visitor, adding it has "numerous Medano Creek Crossings, Significant scenic sights, plenty of camping, soft sand wheeling, and is rated as Moderate."
What campers like
Mountain-valley contrast: The dramatic landscape transitions from high peaks to valley floor. At Great Sand Dunes Dispersed camping, "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," according to one Great Sand Dunes Dispersed camper who appreciated the location's versatility.
Streamside sites: Several areas offer camping alongside flowing water. The North Fork Purgatiore River area provides a peaceful auditory experience: "Words can't begin to describe this place. Simply beautiful, peaceful, and one with nature. We stayed right next to the river. We sat by the fire and just enjoyed the sounds of the river," writes one North Fork Purgatiore River visitor.
Solitude opportunities: Many sites offer exceptional privacy despite their free access. "We went all the way to Creek number 6 and the road really got narrow and rough for our Tacoma 4x4 with no place to turn around... The moonrise was beautiful, and the next morning our view with clear skies was gorgeous with the temperature of 59°," notes a Medano Pass visitor about the reward for venturing deeper into dispersed areas.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Several camping areas require permits or licenses. "You need a backcountry permit to camp at Medano Pass road. Signs indicate this before you enter the road and again a few hundred yards down the road," advises a Medano Pass Primitive Road reviewer.
Water quality concerns: Some water bodies in the region have contamination issues. "This is a great dispersed camping spot with outhouses around the lake for convenience, well kept and clean! DO NOT let kids or dogs in water, as there is a level red warning for toxic algae!!" warns a Lake Deweese visitor.
Variable road conditions: Access roads frequently deteriorate with elevation gain. "We came from the north end of the pass along the 559 and found several unmarked, established campsites along the road before reaching the actual pass... Both the ascent and descent through the pass had some washed out, rocky moguls, and light stream crossings on the way out to the dunes," reports a Medano Pass camper.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection timing: Arriving early improves your chances of securing the best spots. "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 in the morning so sites opened up fairly quickly," advises a visitor to BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed.
Protection essentials: Bring appropriate gear for insects and sun. "There are A TON of flies! Lots of bug spray and loose clothing to avoid those pesky biting flies... Our pups loved the large open spaces but beware of cacti and tiny burrs," notes the same Mt. Blanca Rd. visitor.
Weather preparation: Pack for significant temperature fluctuations. "The temperature almost went down to freezing at night in early June, so be prepared with layers for both hot and cold desert conditions," advises a Great Sand Dunes Dispersed camper.
Tips from RVers
Site approach assessment: Take time to evaluate campsites before committing. "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," shares a Great Sand Dunes Dispersed RVer.
Road surface navigation: Different vehicle types have distinct capabilities on the rough roads. "The road does get pretty rough eventually, and we didn't trust our minivan going through the 'unmaintained' section, we turned around and were able to find a connecting side road that had plenty of open space out there. When entering the road initially, the side road would be about half way up to your left," advises a Great Sand Dunes Dispersed visitor with practical detour information.
Self-containment requirements: Most free camping near Colorado City requires complete self-sufficiency. "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," reports a Mt. Blanca Rd. camper.
