Dispersed camping areas and established campgrounds surround Telluride at elevations ranging from 8,000 to 11,500 feet, creating distinct temperature and weather patterns throughout the camping season. Many camping locations near Telluride require navigating on dirt Forest Service roads with changing conditions based on recent weather and snowmelt. Telluride camping opportunities typically open in late May, though higher elevation sites may remain snowy into June.
What to do
Hiking to mountain lakes: At Matterhorn Campground, campers can access nearby trails to alpine lakes. "One of the campground's standout features is its proximity to the Uncompahgre Wilderness and nearby trails, such as the iconic Ice Lake Basin or Blue Lakes hikes," notes Paulina B. who stayed there in 2024.
Fishing in stocked lakes: The Molas Lake Park & Campground offers fishing opportunities right from camp. A 2021 visitor mentioned, "This camp ground really has it all. Lake, hiking, mountains, stars! Must make reservations. This camp ground has a little shop as well with some essentials and firewood ect."
Exploring ghost towns: Near Alta Lakes Campground, visitors can discover abandoned mining structures. One camper shared, "The ghost town comes before the campground and we did attempt to go to the campground but in one spot we couldn't see what was on the other side of our hood of our truck and chose to turn around...You can't explore any of the buildings, at least not legally, but you can see them and experience what used to be."
Using free gondola transportation: When camping at sites like Matterhorn, you can access Telluride via the free gondola. As Josh L. mentioned, the campground offers "Great place to stay with hot showers and awesome views. Close to the free gondola in Mountain village as well."
What campers like
Creekside camping: At Kendall Camping Area near Silverton, many sites sit along Mineral Creek. A recent visitor noted, "We were able to get a site right on Mineral Creek, and found ourselves within a great community of people, many of them 'Jeep' owners who make the mountain roads nearly every day."
Mountain views: The Last Dollar Road dispersed camping area provides some of the most panoramic vistas near Telluride. As one camper put it, "Amazing views and good cell service. There 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."
Town proximity: The Telluride Town Park Campground allows campers to walk directly into downtown. A visitor mentioned, "This campground rocks. Helpful staff, amazing views of the mountains, and 5 minute walk to the Telluride shops, restaurants and galleries. Bathrooms and showers are super nice and have hot water."
Hot showers: Some established campgrounds in the area offer shower facilities, highly valued after days of outdoor activities. At Matterhorn Campground, one visitor highlighted "Great location! Showers a big plus. Sites vary from private to not so much, shaded to sunny and small to larger."
What you should know
Weather changes quickly: At high elevations, Telluride camping conditions can shift rapidly. A camper at Molas Lake noted, "Only thing that caught me up was the campsite is over 10,000 feet, weather can change quickly and it got cold during the night."
Access road conditions: Many campgrounds require driving on dirt roads with varying conditions. For Alta Lakes, one visitor warned, "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 cell service: Most camping areas have spotty or no cell coverage. Last Dollar Road is an exception, with one camper noting, "I had good cell service too (working remotely)."
Toilet availability varies: Facilities range from none at some dispersed sites to flush toilets at developed campgrounds. At Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area, "There is one vault toilet, bring your own tp. Its not the prettiest vault but it works."
Tips for camping with families
Fishing ponds for kids: Some campgrounds feature easy fishing access for children. At Telluride Town Park, a visitor mentioned, "The nearby park has a kids fishing pond with a sign that says you can rent gear, but we didn't have time to use it."
Swimming opportunities: Alta Lakes offers swimming during summer months. One camper described it as "One of those classic colorado vistas, with outdoors feel, safe swimming for children and all round good times."
Gondola rides: When camping near Telluride with kids, the free gondola provides entertainment. A Telluride Town Park camper shared, "The access to town and the ability to let the teenagers have some freedom wandering town and taking the gondola to Mountain Village was more than worth it."
Wildlife viewing: Many camping areas provide opportunities to see local animals. At Kendall Camping Area, a visitor reported, "Saw Moose in the creek, very cool!! Bathroom was unlocked a couple days after I got there and it was well maintained and clean."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites can't accommodate larger RVs. At Last Dollar Road, a camper with a truck and trailer noted, "We made the mistake of coming from the east end of Last Dollar Road with a stock F150 and a backpack camper. We made to the campsites but only because my husband is an expert!"
Hookup availability: Only a few campgrounds offer electric, water, or sewer connections. At Matterhorn Campground, "Some of the campsites here are appealing because they have power outlets for RV's although many of those sites don't have much shade or privacy."
Level sites: Finding level parking can be challenging in this mountainous terrain. At Alta Lakes, one visitor mentioned, "This campsite fills up quite quickly. We arrived relatively early, but were unable to find a site and it was just as well because we would have been hard pressed to find level ground for our overland tents."
Reservation requirements: For RVs, securing a spot at established campgrounds is recommended. At Molas Lake, a visitor advised, "This camp ground has a great location and if you are lucky enough to get a lakefront site, the view is wonderful!"
