Tent camping near Montrose, Colorado ranges from 5,800 feet in the valley to over 9,000 feet in the surrounding mountains, creating diverse camping climates within short distances. Summer temperatures often drop 30-40 degrees overnight at higher elevations, requiring campers to pack additional warm layers regardless of season. The area's varied topography offers both desert-like landscapes and dense forest settings for tent campers.
What to do
Fish alpine lakes: At Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area, campers can fish directly from shore with multiple techniques. One camper noted, "We could see tiny fish jumping in the lake... put a wet fly on, a little young bug looking thing, and we got a bite. We switched to a smaller dry fly to mimic what was hatching and we caught one fish."
Hike canyon trails: The Curecanti Creek Trail provides access to remote tent camping with significant elevation changes. According to a review for Curecanti Creek, "The trail from the top to the water is just under 2 miles... there is a 900 ft elevation change from top to bottom; the trail is steep."
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing from many Montrose area tent sites. A visitor to Alta Lakes noted, "The stars were BEAUTIFUL! This is a great spot for stargazers too."
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites offer chances to see deer, birds, and occasionally larger mammals. As one visitor to Priest Lake described, "Exploring was fun and watching the ducks and geese and the occasional deer, it was pretty cool."
What campers like
Solitude at BLM sites: The Black Canyon dispersed camping area offers exceptional isolation. A camper reported, "I 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."
Proximity to towns: Many tent sites provide wilderness experiences while remaining close to services. As one camper at Angel Creek Campground mentioned, "Great access to trails around the site and conveniently 10 minutes outside of downtown ouray!"
Unique tent accommodations: Some areas offer pre-set canvas tents. According to a visitor at 4R FREEDOM RANCH CAMPGROUND, "There are canvas tents with cots and wood stoves for the colder months. The stars are beyond compare and if you're a birder like me, you will have a magical time."
Riverside camping: Several tent sites sit directly alongside creeks and rivers. A camper at Angel Creek Campground mentioned, "Nice sized camp spots... moved from our original site to a different one closer to the beautiful sounding river."
What you should know
Vehicle considerations: Many tent camping areas require appropriate vehicles. A visitor to Alta Lakes Campground advised, "The road up is a bit rough. We managed it barely in all wheel drive vehicles but did get stuck for a bit at one point when we had to stop for someone on their way down."
Limited facilities: Most sites have minimal amenities. At Priest Lake, a camper noted, "This is a dispersed site—pack in/pack out (especially garbage; the nearest dumpster is in the town of Telluride). There is no running water, one outhouse, no service, no electrical outlets."
Seasonal closures: Access to many tent camping areas changes seasonally. A visitor to Black Canyon warned, "Signs say no camping 12/1-7/15."
Bear precautions: Wildlife management is essential when tent camping near Montrose. A Priest Lake camper advised, "Bears (and moose) are extremely active in this area, so it is especially important to store food in bear canisters and tie up properly."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds: For families with younger children, sites with basic amenities work best. At Angel Creek, a camper noted, "Nice campsite just outside of Ouray. $10 a night. Mostly tent sites. Picnic tables and flat boxed areas for the tents. Super clean bathrooms."
Consider water access: Sites near shallow water can provide entertainment for children. At Peach Valley OHV Recreation Area, one camper mentioned it's a "Great OHV spot. Four wheeler and dirt bike fun!"
Early arrival recommended: Family-friendly sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. At Priest Lake, a camper advised, "We arrived around 7pm on a Friday during Memorial Weekend and thought I'd be out of luck but it was barely half full!"
Pack for temperature swings: Montrose area tent camping often experiences dramatic temperature changes. A camper at 4R FREEDOM RANCH noted, "I do recommend you have AWD or 4WD if coming in a month that isn't summer. The gravel roads to get there are steep and have some big ruts."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for tents vs. RVs: While some sites accommodate both, tent campers often have more options. At Alta Lakes, a camper observed, "We would have been hard pressed to find level ground for our overland tents without putting blocks on the ground. It's a beautiful place with amazing spots for ground tents."
Limited hookups: Most tent camping areas near Montrose lack RV amenities. A camper at 4R FREEDOM RANCH mentioned, "It was really nice to have a trailer with running water for toilets and a shower after a long trip as well."
Road conditions: RVers should research routes carefully before attempting access to tent camping areas. A camper at Alta Lakes warned, "The initial road was a little stressful for us as it is wide enough just for us but we got up and once we hit the Ghost Town, we were in awe."
