Lake City is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Colorado camping has to offer. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Lake City. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
"Stopped at the first spot available just to the west of Lake City. The site was large and had plenty of space to accommodate several vehicles and tents."
"Nothing here just great dry camping so be prepared. There is lots of room to spread out or if you have a small pop-up or tent, you can find many places to hide away from everyone."
"It’s right off the highway and be very busy! Despite being a little isolated. If you have nowhere else to go, here is a spot, however, you might be out of luck on finding a spot"
"This is on a old two track FS dirt road just off hwy #149. Incredible views of the Cebolla Creek valley. Several nice flat camps in the Aspen coves."
"Beautiful and secluded but a rough drive. Most definitely need a high clearance vehicle."
"Absolutely need high clearance 4wd. Torn up road from side by sides but worth the stretch."
"Perfect lake views, snow capped mountain tops, and wildflowers for days."
"You need 4x4 and high clearance vehicle and good tires."
"Spaces were tight and very close to others. A bit noisy with the ATVs and motorcycles all around, but not too bad."
"Easy spot to find came in around 7pm. Stayed right on the creek. Is a bit noisy and dusty as people do ride atvs here. We did have someone about 30 feet from us. Stayed on july 4th weekend"
"This was my first time using Dyrt and accessing BLM/public land. The campgrounds at Black Canyon OTG were packed and hotels in the area were outrageously priced (2-star hotel for $200)."
"Nestled right on the access road to Black Canyon of The Gunnison NP, camps did not require a ton of dirt driving to access."
"Some of the best in Colorado. I had good cell service too (working remotely). There are some larger dispersed campgrounds near the top trailhead that are more in the woods."
"It took us over an hour for I believe 10 miles on very rough road in a Subaru Outback. It was beautiful but there was miles of ranches and private properties before you got to campsites."
RangerThis BLM at San Juan National Forest is gorgeous! (Se pics) the spots are kinda leveled, the road to get there is a dirt road but not that bad (I have a converted sprinter full of sh$&@$ and I did it great) it is primitive so no hook ups, restrooms nor trash cans, so PLEASE Leave no Trace! Everything was super clean so I guess people is finally getting it. Te river passes right next to you and the views are amazing! There are a few trails next (like the Rainbow trail). Awesome place to stargaze!
LegendDispersed camping along the South Mineral Creek. This is dry camping with a vault toilet- no hook ups. This is popular with RV’ers and OHV’ers as it is free. The limit is the usual fourteen days. Some “sites” have fire pits, and there are a few picnic tables scattered about. There are a few sites right on the water. Further back in at some larger sites that could accommodate small rvs. The plus is the free camping right on the “river”. The minus is that the road to the forest service campground and the Ice Lake trailhead is very close, very busy, and very dusty.
LegendWhen you first pull in you will see several dispersed sites up and to your right. These are nice, but they fill up quickly. Instead, take a left onto Galloping Goose Trailhead road and pick one of the sites that back up to trees and have gray Mountain View’s. Be careful though as further down the road it becomes private property with no camping. Also, watch for winds if you want a fire. This is dispersed, so no toilet (tho there is one across the highway at the entrance) and no picnic tables. Fire rings made of stacked rocks mark sites. Also, be bear aware and keep your food inside your locked car.
LegendSmall rough road FREE dispersed area. 7 day camping limit. Lake is a pothole weedy area not really good for floating IMO..go to the public access at the much larger Trout Lake. Nine designated campsites are all walk in tent sites. One small vault toilet, no dumpsters or water. NO TTs allowed as NO turnaround. No big RVs either. Access road is rough rocky.
TravelerThis is a beautiful area and many camp sites at the bottom by the creek. However during 4th of July it was packed. We went up the mountain and found a beautiful pond to camp next to. There was no one that far up there. Bring bug spray there are so many mosquitos in this area! Must have a high clearance & 4 wheel drive vehicle to access the top of the mountain.
ScoutThere is not a ton of campsites once you get up here. But there are a handful that have absolutely amazing views . Some of the best in Colorado. I had good cell service too (working remotely). There are some larger dispersed campgrounds near the top trailhead that are more in the woods. Road from Ridgeway was well maintained but definitely a little rocky getting closer to the top of the road. Road gets washed out in the rain so heads up. But just go slow if you’re in a lower clearance vehicle and you’ll be fine if it’s dry.
https://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-hidden-gem-last-dollar-road
RangerBlue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed Camping, located near Mount Sneffels in Colorado, offers an incredibly remote and breathtaking camping experience. If you're looking to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in pristine wilderness, this spot is ideal. The campsites are dispersed along the trailhead, offering peace and solitude with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and alpine lakes.
The beauty of this dispersed camping area is its complete immersion in nature. With no designated campsites or amenities, you get to choose your own perfect spot in the forest, whether it’s near the rushing creek or with views of the towering mountains. This is truly a wilderness experience, so you’ll need to be fully self-sufficient—bring your own water, food, and a solid plan for waste disposal.
The Blue Lakes Trailhead offers some of Colorado’s most scenic hiking, including access to the famous Blue Lakes and a challenging ascent of Mount Sneffels. The hike itself rewards adventurers with awe-inspiring views of alpine lakes, wildflowers, and rugged mountain terrain. It’s perfect for those seeking an immersive backcountry experience.
One downside of this dispersed camping is that the road leading to the trailhead is rough, so it’s best suited for high-clearance vehicles, and be prepared for the possibility of unpredictable weather, as storms can roll in quickly in the mountains.
Overall, Blue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed Camping is an incredible option for experienced campers looking to enjoy the wild beauty of Colorado’s high country. It’s remote, peaceful, and surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in the state.
ScoutA site with amazing views that were all blocked by large RVs and campers, no privacy for tent camping or between sites, it was also very crowded by early morning. 4WD and high clearance is needed to continue on Last Dollar Rd if you’re hoping to find more dispersed camping up the mountain.
ScoutBeautiful and secluded but a rough drive. Most definitely need a high clearance vehicle. We weren't able to make it to the top because there is a wash out in one area we could not clear with our 4Runner. But we did find an amazing spot anyway.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Lake City, Colorado, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping near Lake City, Colorado?
Lake City offers numerous dispersed camping options in the surrounding San Juan National Forest and BLM lands. West Fork Dispersed provides gorgeous primitive sites on a dirt road accessible even with larger vehicles like converted vans. For stunning mountain views, check out FSR #689 Dispersed, located on a two-track Forest Service road off Highway 149 with flat camping spots in aspen groves overlooking the Cebolla Creek valley. Other options include Spring Creek Pass Corrals, Engineer Pass Camp, and various sites along forest roads. Most dispersed areas require you to follow Leave No Trace principles as they typically lack facilities like restrooms, water, and trash service.
Where is Lake San Cristobal dispersed camping located?
Lake San Cristobal dispersed camping is located near Lake City in the heart of Colorado's San Juan Mountains. While specific Lake San Cristobal dispersed sites aren't detailed in reviews, nearby options include Blue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed camping near Mount Sneffels, which offers remote sites with breathtaking views. Last Dollar Road also provides dispersed camping with stunning mountain vistas, though sites are limited and 4WD with high clearance is recommended. For Lake San Cristobal specifically, look for pull-offs along the lake shore, but be aware that many areas may be private property, so verify you're on public land before setting up camp.
Is free camping available around Lake City, Colorado?
Yes, free camping is widely available around Lake City. Box Factory Park offers stunning free sites at the base of Mt. Sneffels wilderness, though high clearance vehicles are recommended once you enter the national forest. Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area provides free camping with a 7-day limit and includes seven designated walk-in tent sites and a vault toilet. Additional free options include Ironton Park Dispersed, Upper Mill Creek, and various forest service roads throughout the area. Remember that free dispersed sites typically have no amenities, so come prepared with water, waste disposal plans, and follow Leave No Trace principles.
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