Best Campgrounds near Ophir, CO
Dispersed camping areas near Ophir, Colorado provide a variety of mountainous accommodations within the San Juan Mountains region. Alta Lakes Campground, situated at approximately 11,100 feet elevation, offers 20 designated dispersed sites around alpine lakes about 10 miles from Telluride. The surrounding area includes developed options like Molas Lake Park & Campground near Silverton with 62 sites and the Matterhorn Campground in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, though many dispersed sites have limitations for larger vehicles.
Road conditions significantly impact camping access throughout the region, with many sites requiring high-clearance 4WD vehicles. The Alta Lakes area features a particularly challenging access road that takes 20-40 minutes to navigate even with appropriate vehicles. Most camping areas operate seasonally from mid-May through September or early October due to high elevation weather patterns. Summers bring mild temperatures while nighttime conditions remain cool year-round. Winter access becomes nearly impossible at most sites due to snow accumulation. Campground availability varies widely, with developed sites accepting reservations while dispersed areas operate on a first-come basis. As one visitor noted, "Sites fill by about noon every day of the week and all sites are walk-in."
Campers frequently mention the spectacular mountain views and alpine lake settings as primary attractions in the area. Alta Lakes in particular receives consistent praise for its scenic value despite access challenges. Several visitors highlighted the fishing opportunities in local lakes, with reports of plentiful fish activity, especially at dawn. While the elevation creates dramatic scenery, it also demands proper preparation. Many reviews indicate that proximity to Telluride makes these sites popular despite difficult access, leading to weekend crowding. A review mentioned that "I got there around 4pm on a Wednesday and there was still quite a few sites to choose from," suggesting mid-week visits offer better site selection. Most dispersed areas have minimal facilities—typically only portable toilets—requiring visitors to pack in water and pack out waste.
