Dispersed camping near Gardner, Colorado provides extensive backcountry options in the San Luis Valley. The camping areas sit at elevations between 7,500-9,000 feet, creating dramatic temperature variations with summer days reaching 85°F while nights can drop below 45°F. Most sites require vehicles with moderate to high clearance due to rough access roads and sandy terrain conditions.
What to Do
Hiking mountain peaks: From Sacred White Shell Mountain campsites, you can access Blanca Peak hiking trails. "The camping areas are very easy to find and are directly off Lake Como Road which is off Hwy 150. There is a BLM sign at the turn to the right," notes one camper. Hiking options range from beginner trails to advanced summit attempts.
Photography opportunities: The Dunefield offers unique landscape photography. "We hiked in around 5/5:30pm at the end of the heat and were set up eating dinner around 8pm. Took a lot of breaks hiking in and went through a lot of water," explains a camper. Morning and evening golden hours provide dramatic lighting on the dunes.
Wildlife observation: Dispersed areas frequently host wildlife encounters. "We stayed two nights. No wild life except a lizard my kids found," reports one camper at Sacred White Shell Mountain. Morning hours (5-9am) are optimal for wildlife viewing, particularly near water sources.
What Campers Like
Isolation from crowds: South Colony Basin provides true backcountry seclusion. "Once to the campgrounds, you will find spots scattered all around the lakes and in the trees. Some areas before the lake have metal fire rings set up but for the most part you will find rock rings," explains a visitor. Weekday camping offers maximum solitude.
Dark skies for stargazing: The lack of light pollution creates exceptional astronomy viewing. "Dark skies there. You can see the Milky Way with the naked eye," notes a Sacred White Shell Mountain visitor. Summer nights provide peak viewing hours between 10pm-2am.
Natural water features: Several sites offer stream access. At BLM Near Great Sand Dunes Hwy 150, "We parked up by a little stream in an E350 RV. Ground a bit bumpy, but drivable if you go slow," shares one camper. Water sources typically run strongest in spring through early summer.
What You Should Know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Roads deteriorate quickly beyond initial access points. "I think any size rig would be fine to travel to the first three camping areas. Each camping area could probably fit 3-5 rigs and some tenters without being on top of each other," notes a camper about Sacred White Shell Mountain. Lower sections often accommodate standard vehicles while upper sections require 4WD.
Wind and weather challenges: BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed experiences significant weather variations. "We stayed in the first pull out to the left of the road. Watch the entry off CO 150 as it is very narrow. No hookups but no fee. All was well until the wind came up suddenly and we were in a brief windstorm with sand all in our trailer," shares one visitor. Evening storms are common in summer months.
Insect preparation: Multiple sites report significant insect activity. "A TON of flies! Lots of bug spray and loose clothing to avoid those pesky biting flies," warns a Mt. Blanca visitor. Bug pressure peaks during mid-day hours, especially in warmer months.
Tips for Camping with Families
Arrival timing: For optimal site selection with children, early arrival is crucial. "We showed up around 6 pm. The road does get pretty rough eventually, and we didn't trust our minivan going through the 'unmaintained' section," explains a Great Sand Dunes Dispersed camper. Sites with established fire rings typically fill before noon on weekends.
Safety considerations: Desert environments present specific hazards. "Cactuses everywhere too so wear your shoes," advises a Mt. Blanca visitor. Sunscreen with SPF 50+ is essential even during spring and fall camping seasons.
Water requirements: No developed water sources exist at these sites. "In total we brought about a gallon of water each, and by the time we hiked out the next morning we were down to the last couple of ounces," notes a Dunefield camper. Plan for 1-2 gallons per person per day depending on activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV camping requires careful location planning. "The first ones are quite flat, then it's more complicated. It's close to the dirt road but there are not many people that use it," explains a visitor to BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed. Most accessible sites are located within the first mile of access roads.
Leveling challenges: Uneven terrain affects setup time and comfort. "Good road but very (and I mean very) primitive. We were very difficult to level our smallish travel trailer and perhaps that is the problem. We were one of very few travel trailers on this road," reports a camper at Great Sand Dunes Dispersed. Bringing extra leveling blocks is recommended for all RV camping.
