Dispersed camping dominates the high-elevation landscape surrounding Hesperus, Colorado, sitting at approximately 8,100 feet in elevation. The region features a mix of pine forests and open meadows with dramatic temperature swings between day and night, even in summer months. Access roads to most camping areas typically remain snow-packed until late April or early May, with seasonal closures common during winter months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Near Roche Gulch near Delores River, campers can access prime fishing spots with minimal hiking. The river provides active fishing, with one visitor noting, "Fish were JUMPING so get your fly rods ready!" Most successful anglers use fly fishing techniques with smaller dry flies that mimic local hatches.
Hiking to abandoned structures: Around Alta Lakes Campground, visitors can explore the remains of a historic mining operation. A camper shared, "Check out Alta ghost town (abandoned mining town), which used to serve Gold King Mine." The hike to these structures requires no special equipment, though sturdy shoes are recommended for walking on uneven terrain.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning hours provide the best wildlife spotting opportunities throughout the region. One visitor to Cherry Creek Gravel Lot mentioned, "Beautiful views, flora and fauna," while another reported "Elk views" from their campsite. Bringing binoculars helps with distant wildlife observation, particularly in meadow areas.
What campers like
Varied terrain: The region offers distinct ecosystems within short driving distances. At Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp, a camper observed, "Towards the top the landscape changes from piñon pine to an aspen grove so you really get a few different options to fit what you're looking for." These elevation changes provide camping options in different forest types.
Stargazing conditions: The area's minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing opportunities. A camper at Forest Road 316 noted, "at night the stars are amazing," while another mentioned the "amazing king distance" views. Nights can drop below 45°F even in summer, requiring warm clothing for comfortable stargazing.
Water access: Many campsites feature streams or small lakes nearby. At Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area, "There are little walking paths around the Priest Lakes that are very short and easy," according to one visitor. These water features provide both recreational opportunities and natural soundscapes for camping.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many camping areas require careful driving and appropriate vehicles. At Cherry Creek Gravel Lot, one camper reported, "Getting up there was not possible in my Travato. I've got some Falken Wildpeaks so traction was not so much the issue as the uneven path up." Another noted the area has "Big rocks. Steep" terrain requiring cautious navigation.
Seasonal closures: Winter weather typically closes many camping roads from November through April. A visitor to Forest Road 316 found "Road is currently closed. Assuming through March like most others in the area," while another campground had signage indicating "Road is closed as of today, think it opens in May."
Livestock presence: Some camping areas sit within active grazing lands. In Hermosa Park Road Dispersed camping area, "most of the area is an open grazing area for cattle. Cows=poop. Lots of it," according to one camper. This requires careful site selection and food storage practices.
Tips for camping with families
Low-difficulty hiking options: For families with young children, several areas offer simple trails. At Priest Lake, "There are little walking paths around the Priest Lakes that are very short and easy, plus another trail that I didn't check out." These paths typically remain suitable for all ages and abilities.
Safe water play: Several campgrounds provide shallow water access ideal for supervised children. One camper described Priest Lake as having "fishing with little supervision since the lake is really quite shallow and it's very close to the sites." Water temperatures remain cold year-round, so brief wading rather than swimming works best for most children.
Group camping layouts: For multi-family trips, certain areas provide better group accommodations. A camper at Roche Gulch reported, "lots of room, and many secluded spots," while another noted there are "larger spots" in certain sections, providing space for families traveling together.
Tips from RVers
Turning radius considerations: Several dispersed areas have limited space for maneuvering larger vehicles. At Old lime creek road beaver bond, "Smaller RVs can pull off at South entrance to the road" while larger vehicles may struggle with the tight turns and limited pull-through options.
Generator policies: Most dispersed camping areas near Hesperus maintain strict generator policies or prohibit them entirely. At Hermosa Park Road, one camper noted the area provides "remote site stayed for two nights in mid June" conditions where generator noise would disturb neighbors, suggesting solar or battery power alternatives.
Stabilization needs: The uneven terrain requires additional leveling equipment. A camper at Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp shared, "This road can accommodate all kinds of camping. We didn't have to drive very far to find a good spot. Where we camped could fit all size rigs," but noted that leveling was still required for comfort in most locations.
