If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, look no further. Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, including photos, reviews, and tips. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve's most popular destinations.
Welcome to Sacred White Shell Mountain, a fantastic dispersed camping area near Mosca, Colorado. This spot is a hidden treasure for those looking to get close to nature without the frills of an established campground. It's just a short drive from the entrance of Great Sand Dunes National Park, making it a perfect base camp for exploring the dunes.
Sacred White Shell Mountain offers a rugged, natural setting with plenty of space to spread out. The area is known for its stunning sunsets and incredible stargazing opportunities. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way stretching across the sky. The views of the surrounding mountains and plains are breathtaking, and the sunsets are something you won't want to miss.
Visitors have noted that there are plenty of spots available, even on busy holiday weekends. The terrain is a mix of rocky roads and more accessible areas, so whether you're in a big rig or a smaller vehicle, you'll find a suitable spot. Some areas are more exposed to the elements, so be prepared for occasional strong winds.
One of the standout features of this area is its proximity to Zapata Falls, a quick and easy hike that offers a refreshing break from the summer heat. Pets are welcome here, and you'll often see fellow campers with their furry friends. Fires are allowed, so you can enjoy a cozy campfire under the stars, but remember to bring your own firewood as none is provided.
While there are no amenities like toilets, showers, or drinking water, the natural beauty and tranquility more than make up for it. Just be sure to pack out all your trash and leave the area as pristine as you found it. If you're looking for a peaceful, scenic spot to camp near Great Sand Dunes National Park, Sacred White Shell Mountain is a fantastic choice.
Explore any part of the 30 square mile dunefield you wish; there are no designated trails in the sand. A dunes-accessible wheelchair is available for free loan at the Visitor Center. Summer air temperatures are pleasant at this high elevation, but during afternoon hours the sand surface can reach 150F degrees, and dangerous thunderstorms can develop. Plan to hike the dunes in early morning or evening to avoid heat exhaustion, burned feet, or fatal lightning strikes.
Roadside camping is permitted at 21 campsites in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve beginning 5.2 miles from where the road begins near Pi__on Flats Campground. These designated sites are free of charge and first-come, first-served. All 21 sites fill on summer weekends. Passable only in the warmer months and only with high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles. This road crosses areas of deep sand, traverses Medano Creek nine times, and passes through excellent habitat for bighorn sheep.
BLM off grid camping - please remember to Leave No Trace in this area. Thank you.
This is an irrigation reservoir that's stocked throughout the summer with trout. Camping and restrooms are available. NOTE: Reservoir is open to ice fishing during the winter.
Interactive Map: https://ndismaps.nrel.colostate.edu/index.html?app=FishingAtlas&keyword=fspot&value=262
Fishing Coldwater lake
Recreation Camping, Boating
Facilities Boat Ramp, Restrooms
Restrictions Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds visitors to check current hunting, fishing and land use regulations when planning to visit a State Wildlife Area. Refer to the Recreational Lands Brochure, as well as the Fishing and Hunting Regulation Brochures located on the Regulations Brochures Page. State Wildlife Area visitors can also find rules and regulations information in Chapter 9 Regulations.
South Colony Basin and the surrounding 14,000-foot peaks offer a broad range of recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, fishing and hunting. This diversity of activities, combined with the natural beauty of the basin and the rough but passable access provided by the road, has made South Colony Basin the most popular destination in the Sangre de Cristo Range. Trailhead register data indicate 3,500 to 4,500 persons (7,000 to 9,000 visitor days) visit the small (1500 acre) upper basin at the head of the South Colony drainage during the summer season. Since 1996, the Forest Service has worked in partnership with Rocky Mountain Field Institute, Colorado Fourteeners Initiative, Colorado Outward Bound, and other educational and environmental service organizations to reconstruct trails and climbing routes within the basin, stabilize eroding alpine slopes (caused by user-created trails), inventory and restore undesirable campsites and social trails. To date, nearly $1,000,000 (of mostly non-federal funds) and 40,000 volunteer hours have been spent restoring long-term recreational impacts, rebuilding the lower road, constructing trailhead facilities and creating sustainable summit trails in South Colony Basin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve is Sacred White Shell Mountain with a 4.6-star rating from 49 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve?
TheDyrt.com has all 36 dispersed camping locations near Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, with real photos and reviews from campers.
