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Best Dispersed Camping near Gardner, CO

176 Reviews

Several free backcountry camping areas surround the Great Sand Dunes National Park region near Gardner, Colorado. BLM Mount Blanca Road dispersed sites offer drive-in camping suitable for tents and RVs, with easy access and high clearance requirements. Great Sand Dunes Dispersed camping provides similar accommodations with no facilities but allows pets and campfires when restrictions aren't in place. Sacred White Shell Mountain offers free camping with alcohol permitted and accommodations for larger vehicles.

Medano Pass Primitive Road provides a challenging but rewarding off-grid camping experience. The route requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles, with one camper noting, "Definitely need 4 wheel drive and decently high clearance. Rocky and steep at parts, it was pretty damn rough." The 12-mile route from the park takes approximately four hours to navigate. Sites feature bear boxes due to frequent wildlife encounters, and backcountry permits are required for camping along sections within the national park and preserve. South Colony Basin offers additional backcountry camping accessed via rough roads, providing isolation and mountain views for those properly equipped.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Gardner, Colorado (36)

    1. Sacred White Shell Mountain

    54 Reviews
    Blanca, CO
    30 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "We spent two nights here, in our camper van, while visiting the national park. It’s proximity is so great."

    2. Medano Pass Primitive Road — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve

    9 Reviews
    Crestone, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 378-6395

    "Medano Pass is the route it's believed that Pike took into the San Luis Valley, and is one of the only primitive roads accessing the valley."

    "Definitely need 4 wheel drive and decently high clearance. I only saw Jeeps, 4 runners, and trucks. Rocky and steep at parts, it was pretty damn rough."

    3. The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    9 Reviews
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 378-6395

    "Backcountry dispersed camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park offers an unforgettable and truly unique wilderness experience."

    "It's tent camping only, and no pets are allowed in the back country dunes. You also need to pack everything you need in with you and leave no trace."

    4. Huerfano State Wildlife Area

    1 Review
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, CO
    13 miles

    5. Great Sand Dunes Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Blanca, CO
    28 miles

    "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."

    "Not much shade, you will be exposed to the sun and any rain. Saw some sedans there but I don't know that I would attempt it. 4WD want necessary but I recommend something with a little clearance."

    6. BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Blanca, CO
    28 miles
    Website

    "Not far from Great Sand Dunes national Park & Zapata Falls, this free dispersed campsite, as well as others along unpaved Mount Blanca Road, provide wonderful views."

    "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."

    7. Ophir Creek Road

    1 Review
    Beulah, CO
    19 miles

    "It’s an easy drive from Westcliff. Too easy. I expected crowds of out of state tourists and maybe a few locals."

    8. Wiley Gulch

    Be the first to review!
    Gardner, CO
    7 miles

    9. BLM Near Great Sand Dunes Hwy 150

    7 Reviews
    Blanca, CO
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 852-7074

    "Not sure what part the other reviewer stayed at, but the approach trial was a little hectic and I was glad to have a high clearance 4x4."

    "This was a lovely spot , no one around and a large turnaround spot with plenty of space for our 20ft trailer ."

    10. South Colony Basin

    2 Reviews
    Crestone, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "To get to the campground you must first brave the road to the trailhead. If you have a 4x4 truck/SUV the road is achievable but very rough."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Gardner, CO

196 Photos of 36 Gardner Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Gardner, CO

176 Reviews of 36 Gardner Campgrounds

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • Jason L.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Aliza N.
    May. 19, 2022

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    Super close to Great Sand Dunes

    We spent two nights here, in our camper van, while visiting the national park. It’s proximity is so great. The area is easy to find, big and open and nearly all up the very upper parts are navigable by a regular car. There are some upper parts that could require 4WD and high clearance. Our only complaints were how dusty is was and that there really were no trees so potentially not much privacy depending whom is camping around you. If you don’t have a bathroom….this could also be an issue. Not much in the way of tree cover if you are going in the wilderness.
    We chose sites on the north side of the area, closer to the park and it seemed more private.

  • Izzy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2022

    Penrose Common Rec Site

    Delightful af

    Road in is rough, but manageable with a high clearance vehicle. Plenty of space to spread out. Popular with those ATV things. Pit toilet, no trash. Not many trees, but a great view of the surrounding area. T-mobile service was good enough to get some work and school done. Close enough to groceries and other stores. Love this spot.

  • Jason L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2019

    Home Mountain Reservoir SWA - Dispersed Campsites

    Beautiful mountain lake

    Only a few miles from Ft. Garland, Mountain Home Reservoir is another Colorado State Wildlife Area, but no signs saying an SWA permit is needed to camp there so not sure if you need one or not, we have it so we forgot to check. We have also bought land to build on three miles from the lake, we love this area.

    There are two sides to camp on, one side has toilets, vault style, but it's more crowded on that side and less room to camp. The other side takes a little drive, but is much more open and has the mountains behind you and the lake in front of you. It gets busy on weekends, but weekdays are pretty quiet.

    The water is cold, but you could swim in August if you really want to, not too cold at all. Boats are allowed, and there boat ramps on both sides of the lake from what we could see, didn't inspect the ramps, but know one works because there was a pontoon boat on the lake one day.

    The weather changes by the minute it seems, and storms move over the area pretty quickly. If you don't like the weather wait five minutes, it'll change, and I'm not exaggerating. Still mostly nice weather, and normally sunny.

    This is a beautiful camping area, again this is a no hook up area so pack in what you need and leave no trace. Try to camp near one of the already made fire pits, makes it easier on you and they discourage building new fire pits. If you don't want a fire then you can camp anywhere you aren't blocking a road.

    Truly beautiful place to camp, you can stay 14 days in a 45 day period. RV dump and fill stations are nearby in Ft.Garland, and it's only about thirty minutes to Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Zapata Falls. Smith Reservoir is also nearby and that's another SWA we reviewed, check that one out.

  • Elias M.
    Jan. 23, 2025

    Penrose BLM sites

    Beautiful views of the mountains and the town

    These are blm campsites. There are pit toilets right when you cross into blm land and a sign that explains that you have to camp in designated areas. Like most blm locations there is a 14 day max.

    We got our 19 foot travel trailer into a spot with icy conditions, but the road does get quite a bit rougher if you keep going in. Great T-Mobile and Verizon service (2+ bars of 5g)

  • Jason L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2019

    Medano Pass Primitive Road — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve

    4 wheel drive required

    Medano Pass is the route it's believed that Pike took into the San Luis Valley, and is one of the only primitive roads accessing the valley. The road starts in the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and runs over the mountain and exits on RT 69, or if you want an easy up and hard way down the mountain start off RT 69 and go to the dunes. From 69 to the top of the pass takes about an hour, and you only need high clearance 4 wheel drive for the last two miles of the 12 mile journey to the top. That's not the route we took.

    We started at Point of No Return in the Great Sand Dunes National Park, don't worry there are plenty of places to turn back if you get nervous. There's DEEP sand throughout the first six miles, I aired down to 50 from 65, LOL. I figured I'd make it on 35's 12.5" wide, but I can definitely see where as the Sand ets softer I would have gone down to the recommended 20psi. If your going over the mountain have an air compressor to fill your tires when you get to the rocks. There's air at the ampitheater parking lot at the National Park, but no air on RT 69 until you get to a gas station at least twenty miles away.

    We made it no issues, buy squeezing a super crew cab, F 250 through was TIGHT! It was FUN though, and my God the place is breathtaking!

    Campsites start about five miles in and are spread all the way to the top of Medano Pass. This is National Preserve land, and it is primitive camping. There are fire pits and bear boxes, use the bear boxes as bear encounters are frequent. The sites are clearly marked, and nice size. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TAKE A TRAILER, if you do you won't make it, I promise you that.

    The Park, Preserve, and Forrest boundaries are clearly marked. To camp along the Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Preserve area of the road you must have a permit, free at the visitor center. I suggest reservations. After the Preserve it is a National Forrest and its first come first serve primitive camping only. You can stay for up to 14 days, as with most National land.

    The 12 mile trip up from the Park takes about 4 hours, yes it's that rough. AND you will stop alot to take in the amazing views.

    Even if you don't camp, take the drive, it's worth it. You will need high clearance 4 wheel drive, all wheel drive will not cut it here.

  • Jason L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2019

    The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    Get lost in the desert dunes

    Absolutely beautiful Sand dunes in the mountains, it actually smells like an ocean beach and makes you feel like your on another world. The Dunes are 30 square miles and you can camp anywhere in them with a free permit available at the visitor center, just have to hike in past the first ridge aka the day use area. It's tent camping only, and no pets are allowed in the back country dunes. You also need to pack everything you need in with you and leave no trace. The winds blow often and hard, moving enough Sand to cover you tracks in minutes. The views of the sky and stars are absolutely mesmerizing, one of the most beautiful Sand fields in the world. The creek that runs through the day use area can fluctuate in size daily, it wasn't high when we were there, but it was still flowing half way through the day use area. A must see destination if your in the San Luis Valley.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 20, 2023

    BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed

    San Luis Valley View

    Not far from Great Sand Dunes national Park & Zapata Falls, this free dispersed campsite, as well as others along unpaved Mount Blanca Road, provide wonderful views. One side are mountains, and the other San Luis Valley. This particular dispersed site is just off the rocky road as one starts to climb the slope toward the mountains. Mount Blanca Road starts out very easy with no obstacles & washouts, but becomes bumpy and, at some places, technical, as one drives up the slope. The road has washouts and large rocks on it. The site itself was not level, but we managed okay with our campervan. The site is very close to the road; other campers, overlanders & hikers greeting you as they pass by. This site, as well as others along the road, are wide open. There were a few clumps of junipers where we were able to hide our toilet setup. The site was a short pull-thru with a rock fire ring and a small area to set up a tent. Separation between dispersed sites is really good, giving one some privacy. The site was clean. 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. Except for an occasional ATV passing by, it was quiet. Enjoy our stay; would not hesitate to camp here again.

Guide to Gardner

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Gardner, Colorado, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of stunning landscapes and unique camping experiences.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Gardner, Colorado

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Great Sand Dunes Dispersed, where the best sites fill up quickly.
  • Be prepared for rough terrain; many areas, such as Medano Pass Primitive Road, require high clearance vehicles or 4WD to navigate safely.
  • Bring plenty of water and supplies, as many dispersed sites, including South Colony Basin, lack amenities like drinking water and restrooms.

Dispersed campers should check out Medano Pass

  • Medano Pass offers a thrilling 4x4 trail experience with scenic views and multiple creek crossings, making it a favorite among adventurous campers.
  • The area features numerous established campsites that provide a bit of shelter and shade, perfect for those looking to escape the sun while enjoying the outdoors.
  • Keep in mind that this location is not suitable for pets, so plan accordingly if you're traveling with furry friends.

Stunning landscapes at The Dunefield for dispersed campers

  • The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park is renowned for its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the iconic sand dunes, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
  • This area requires a permit for camping, so be sure to secure one ahead of time to enjoy the unique landscape without any hassle.
  • Hiking in this region is a rewarding experience, especially during sunset when the dunes come alive with vibrant colors, providing a perfect backdrop for photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is dispersed camping allowed near Gardner, MT?

Near Gardner, MT, several BLM areas offer free dispersed camping options. Sacred White Shell Mountain provides numerous dispersed sites along the dirt road leading to Blanca Peak, with a 14-day stay limit within a 45-day period. The area offers excellent proximity to attractions and plenty of space to spread out. Another option is BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed, which features dispersed sites just off the rocky road with stunning views of mountains on one side and the San Luis Valley on the other. Both locations are free but require following standard dispersed camping protocols like packing out trash and practicing Leave No Trace principles.

Is Gardner dispersed camping accessible for RVs and trailers?

RV and trailer accessibility varies significantly among dispersed camping areas near Gardner. Penrose Common Rec Site is accessible with high-clearance vehicles, offering plenty of space to spread out, though the access road is rough. Home Mountain Reservoir SWA provides dispersed sites just a few miles from Fort Garland and can accommodate some RVs. Road conditions are the primary limiting factor - most dispersed areas require navigating unpaved, sometimes rocky roads. Smaller trailers (under 20 feet) generally have more options than larger RVs. Many sites become more challenging or inaccessible during wet or winter conditions. Always scout ahead if possible or research current road conditions before attempting access with larger vehicles.

What are the rules for dispersed camping outside Yellowstone near Gardner?

Dispersed camping rules outside Yellowstone near Gardner typically include a 14-day maximum stay limit within a 45-day period on BLM lands. At The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park, you need a free permit available at the visitor center and must camp beyond the first ridge of dunes. For Penrose BLM sites, camping is restricted to designated areas only, as indicated by signage at the entrance. Standard dispersed camping regulations apply across all sites: pack out all trash, use existing fire rings when possible, maintain at least 100 feet distance from water sources, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Some areas may have seasonal closures or fire restrictions depending on conditions.

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