If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Nucla, look no further. Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.
Please note that 4wd may be necessary.
In areas closed to the use of vehicles off forest roads, where developed parking sites are not provided, and where not otherwise prohibited, direct access to a suitable parking site within 300 feet of the road is permitted. Such travel must not damage the land or streams. Please select your route carefully, and do not cut live timber. Off road travel should be limited to when the ground is dry. The public is encouraged to camp in locations where others have previously camped and utilized existing routes to those camp areas. Campers are required to leave a clean camp, not to damage vegetation or pollute streams and lakes on the National Forest and implement “Leave No Trace” practices
Finding a site to camp and enjoy dispersed recreation activities in remote areas or in relative solitude has become a popular form of camping throughout the Forest. At some more popular areas,toilet facilities may be provided. Contact the local Forest Service office for current information and refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for each forest (Grand Mesa, Gunnison, and Uncompahgre National Forests). Dispersed camping is permitted in most areas of the Forest. Some caution should be used in selecting a site because of intermingled private lands within the National Forest. Recreation maps are available at all local Forest Service offices. Personnel at each office can answer questions on specific sites. Unlike developed campgrounds which are designed and maintained to protect the vegetation, soils, and natural setting, camping in undeveloped areas require more from the camper to help keep the site in the condition in which it was found. Dispersed camping must not occur within 100 feet of water sources (rivers, streams, ponds, or wetlands) or within 100 feet of any road or system trail. In some areas, dispersed camping is restricted to specific sites, contact the local Forest Service office for current information. Campsites can be occupied for no more than 14 days, then the site must be moved at least 3 miles away. Camping is also limited to a total of 28 days in a 60 day period.
Alta Lakes is a popular dispersed camping area that offers fishing and camping in a spectacular alpine setting. There are 20 designated campsites that are completely undeveloped. The access road to the area is narrow and rough, requiring a high clearance vehicle. Trailers and RV's are not reccomended.
11 Miles south of Moab, free dispersed sites along Yellow Circle Road. BLM signage designates the area within which you can camp. Many RVs and tent sites. Good for 2wd.
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads.
Ranger
Blue 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.
Guide
Flat space, but crowded (already a bunch of RVs, vans and even a semi). Unfortunately, when we found a spot the fire pit was filled with glass beer bottles and trash and the whole area smelled gross. Also, pretty shady and not ideal for solar. We didn’t stay
Scout
It is a little bit of a maze of roads, some are gonna need vehicles with higher clearance, careful not to commit too much on a road if you're unsure about your vehicle's offroading capability. If you get to a site, most have room for 1/2 vehicles and tents. Beautiful trees, each spot feels pretty secluded from others. Plenty of downed trees for firewood if fire danger is low. Will definitely come back.
Traveler
Long dirt road with tons of large pull offs. Many group site areas near the bottom were full. I drove a bit further up and pulled into a small dirt cul de sac and set up my tent. Made it up in my 2WD sedan, but it was bone dry. Lots of exposed rocks in the road, so drove slowly. Good spot near Moab after hiking in Arches!
Traveler
Found this spot and was very happy with the setup. Like other reviews, the highway noise was a bit loud but nothing too crazy, especially really late. There were other campers spread out nicely, you wouldn’t even know they were there. The road is a bit iffy so snagging a spot at the front would be best if you don’t have 4WD (my Nissan car struggled, we had to back up & turn around). Overall great spot for tent camping! Remember to leave no trace 🫶🏼🏕️🌎
Guide
Some of the roads were really rutted out, but we were lucky and everything was dry so we were able to get thru in my forester. There are some spots at the beginning of the property but there are more if you follow the dirt road back another two miles or so. Beautiful views, quiet and secluded. We did find a few deer legs left behind, so keep an eye out for Mountain Lion
Scout
The off road trail it get to Alta lakes took us about 40-50 minutes in my boyfriends F-150. The views were amazing so neither of us really minded. We enjoyed our 1 night stay and did not struggle to find a spot
Guide
We arrived at a Saturday around 3 pm and still had many opportunities to find a place. Lovley place to stay. As a toilet. I can recomment to stay there in fall.
TravelerVisited the first week of October 2024. Had beautiful weather, no bugs and few campers. Sites are dirt so I can see it be being messy when wet. Only few sites at entrance for larger campers. We got into with a Bean teardrop np.
GuideThe area for camping is surrounded by hills & mountains so its actually pretty quiet even though its not terribly far off the road. You also cant see the road because of the hills. There were a few other people there but not too busy, close to Moab which was great as it allowed us to get to arches in the morning before the 7AM cutoff for timed entry.
TravelerStayed one night on the way to Colorado. Super easy to find right off the highway and plenty of spots. I was the only one there when I stayed. Highway noise isn’t too much of an issue but I did have some loud and strong winds all night.
Traveler
Made camp here for 1 night traveling west. Many sites available both by the highway and down in the canyon. Canyon road was in good shape and even the largest RV could go down it. Sites were pretty level. No toilets, etc.
TravelerI was going to head 11 miles down the road but decided I’d rather have WiFi. It was a good call. Just past Labor Day, there were three of us last night about 1/2 mile off the main drag. Enough places to pull off though you can still hear some main road traffic.
The area was clean except one site with broken glass. Clear skies with great stargazing.
No amenities here whatsoever but that’s just fine. Comes with the free price.
Traveler
Easy access. The views are spectacular in every direction. Fire ring available. Be prepared for lots of sun and a bit of wind coming off the peaks behind you. Staying here in early September, no one here at all. Amazing.
GuideAmazing views and a heck of a ride in describe this place well. We came on Labor Day weekend and somehow managed a spot at the campsites; only 20 available sites at the lakes so get there early.
ScoutVery close to Black Canyon park, nice private spots, road was a little gutted out but the corolla made it through no problem 🤟. some coyotes howling at night and my site was pretty close to the road
Traveler
I took the upper road from 62 and yes, it was a bit rocky, but I read that the other way from Telluride was rutted out as well. It's only 3mi of true 4x4 road to get up to the bluff. I was in a Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 and pulling a 13' off road trailer. Nothing too crazy but caution if it has been raining.
If you stay at the coordinates it has an amazing view. A thunderstorm did roll in over night with 50mph winds so that wasn't much fun. I left the next morning incase the dirt roads got too muddy.
I saw multiple people coming from both ways with 4x4 vehicles so it can't be too bad. AT&T service was good
ScoutThe road to get to the site is rough. You need 4x4 and high clearance vehicle and good tires. I saw a sedan with a flat tire trying to make its way up.. while the campground had stunning views and a nice fire pit, most sites didn’t have a flat spot for a tent or multiple tents.
With that being said, if rain is in the forecast, your site will flood. We were site 6 and our tent was underwater. Same with the site next to us and across from us and the fire pit was a cauldron of water.
TravelerBeautiful views. Secluded. Good cell service.
Traveler
This place is beautiful, quiet & secluded. Had the place to myself absolutely beautiful. I have a sedan & made it up fine but drove very slow. It’s a very Long bumpy dirt road. No cell service.
Guide
The site I chose fit my needs. It was a place to spend the night close to Montrose. Hot during the day. Not a lot of shade. Very dusty. Could potentially be a problem when wet. Deep ruts showed that vehicles do travel the trails when muddy. A lot of broken glass at site. Morning and evening the site worked well to shade from the sun but quickly heated up as the sun rose. There were several site options and they were well spread out but the area seems to be an OHV trail system more than anything.
TravelerNestled right on the access road to Black Canyon of The Gunnison NP, camps did not require a ton of dirt driving to access. Camp sites are neatly nestled into the trees to provide a decent level of privacy, the trees also provide protection from the wind. Given that this land is adjacent to a National Park, be aware that less than friendly wildlife can be in the area. Overall the campground was easy to access, there was not trash any where in eyesight. I was also able to locate a camp site at 9:30p on a Saturday without much issue.
Guide
Heavily wooded site about 30-40 yards off Last Dollar Road. Unable to see the road and traffic from back site. This road has two camping locations. Very private. Quiet and not a lot of traffic. The reasons for not five stars are the ground is sloped and the fire pits are not very established. The area can accommodate several off road or 4x4 vehicles.
GuideDrove to the end of Jones Draw. Large fire pit already established. The site I chose was large enough to handle two jeeps and two large tents. I felt there was adequate separation between sites. The trail had few spots with deep ruts, but very manageable when dry. The location of this dispersed camping area was about a mile from the entrance to Black Canyon, which made it ideal for getting into the park first thing in the morning. Only stayed for one night, but was not displeased. Met my expectations.
RangerThis was a really nice stay that was very close to Black Canyon National Park. The first few spots were easy to get to but the ones farther back you have to take a fairly rutted up road, other than that it was very nice
TravelerMan, we love these blm lands in colorado!!
GuideThis place is easily accessible off 650 Road. Has a smooth dirt road and a short scenic drive along a shelf road. Highly recommend for a night or two of camping. When we were here for one night in late June, winds were strong.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Nucla, Colorado, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots that cater to different preferences, from scenic views to secluded retreats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Nucla, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Nucla, CO is Last Dollar Road with a 4.5-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Nucla, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 53 dispersed camping locations near Nucla, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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