Best Tent Camping near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests
Tent campsites across the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests provide a mix of established and dispersed camping options in Colorado's western wilderness. Alta Lakes Campground offers dispersed tent camping near Telluride with basic amenities like picnic tables and vault toilets. Black Canyon provides more primitive tent sites with access to fire rings and spectacular views, situated approximately 5 miles from the North Rim of Black Canyon National Park.
High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many backcountry tent camping areas, particularly after rainfall when dirt roads become rutted and challenging. Campgrounds like Big Dominguez feature narrow access roads with water crossings that may require 4WD capabilities. Most primitive tent sites lack potable water sources, with campers needing to pack in all necessary supplies. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, and many areas operate seasonally, closing during winter due to snow. Vault toilets are available at some locations like Peach Valley OHV Recreation Area, though supplies like toilet paper are not consistently stocked.
The tent camping experience offers remarkable seclusion and dark skies for stargazing. Sites near Telluride provide quick access to high-altitude hiking trails while maintaining distance from more developed areas. Camping at higher elevations delivers cooler temperatures during summer heat but requires proper cold-weather gear for spring and fall nights when temperatures drop significantly. Areas along Last Dollar Road offer heavily wooded sites providing natural privacy screens between neighboring campers. A review from a Black Canyon camper noted, "We stayed here 3 days and never saw or heard another person. It's only 5 miles from the North Rim of Black Canyon National Park." Most backcountry tent sites feature uneven terrain requiring careful tent placement, with campers recommending flat sleeping pads for comfort on the rocky ground common throughout the region.
