Dispersed camping opportunities around Ophir, Colorado sit at elevations exceeding 9,000 feet with seasonal weather that can change rapidly. The San Juan Mountains provide a rugged backdrop for campers seeking both established sites and primitive camping. Summer temperatures typically reach the 70s during the day but often dip into the 30s overnight, even in July and August.
What to Do
Explore historic ghost towns: Alta Lakes Campground offers proximity to abandoned mining structures. "This place is amazing. You will want a high clearance vehicle, we took our F350 up. 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. The ghost town comes before the campground," shares Melissa K.
Fish alpine lakes: Molas Lake Park & Campground provides stocked fishing opportunities. "Primitive camping, some campsites were closer to the lake than others. Access to bathrooms and showers near the small general store at the entrance. Fire pits available, along with a picnic table," notes Laura P. about this pet-friendly location.
Hike mountain trails: The Telluride Town Park Campground connects to several local routes. "Located inside the town park with jaw dropping views. Campsites are covered with tree bark, lots of shade and trees," reports Mariana E. The nearby Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area offers "little walking paths around the Priest Lakes that are very short and easy, plus another trail that I didn't check out. The stars were BEAUTIFUL! This is a great spot for stargazers too," adds Kelsey I.
What Campers Like
Dark night skies: Dispersed camping at higher elevations provides exceptional stargazing. "The views are spectacular, the sites large and level with good amenities, and the management friendly and helpful," says Sarah W. about Little Molas Lake Campground, one of several dog friendly campgrounds near Ophir.
Creek-side locations: Kendall Camping Area provides free sites along flowing water. "We pulled in around 8:30 PM. There were many campers, big and small, as well as tents. The 'parking area' has some rocks and is a bit and uneven. We have a 33ft 5th wheel camper. We had to go slow to not scrap our jacks. Found a spot along the creek," explains Sarah L.
Access to small towns: The Matterhorn Campground sits near Telluride. "Nice small campground outside Telluride on Hwy. 145. Very clean. Hosts were very friendly. The Aspens were gold," notes John D., highlighting the fall colors that attract many visitors to pet-accommodating sites near Ophir.
What You Should Know
High altitude impacts: Campsites around Ophir sit at elevations where nights get cold and weather shifts quickly. "We've been wanting to check out this campground for a couple years but never seem to make reservations in time. Finally secured our first weekend in early June. It was the perfect getaway from our in-home quarantine and just an hour and a half away," reports Casey C. about Molas Lake Park.
Road conditions vary significantly: Amphitheater Campground remains accessible despite rugged surroundings. "Great campground that feels like you are remote when Ouray is just down the road. Camp Attendant was friendly and helpful and the camp was clean and orderly. Our spot was level and had everything we needed," says Jennifer S.
Wildlife concerns: Bear activity requires proper food storage. "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 or RV pumps. Bears (and moose) are extremely active in this area, so it is especially important to store food in bear canisters and tie up properly," warns Christina A. about Priest Lake.
Tips for Camping with Families
Search for kid-friendly fishing spots: Little Molas Lake offers accessible shore fishing. "This was a great place to camp! Did some great hiking and saw some wildlife. The spots are not too close to each other and bathrooms are close. Didn't fish but I saw some big ones being caught, including by an osprey!" shares Nicholas V.
Consider town-adjacent options: Telluride Town Park balances wilderness with conveniences for families with pets. "Super convenient location literally in downtown Telluride. I was a bit unsure staying here because I typically prefer staying in secluded camping locations. This place had a really fun and unique vibe, felt more like an outdoor hostel than a campground," explains Isabelle K.
Prepare for elevation: Young campers may need time to adjust to altitude at most Ophir-area campgrounds. "Quiet site 12000 feet or so in the San Juan national forest. Stayed for 2 nights without a reservation seems to be a first come first serve style campground," notes Diego R. about Little Molas Lake.
Tips from RVers
Limited leveling options: Last Dollar Road requires preparation. "Nice spot off the road to boondock, with great views both directions. We pulled in on a Thursday afternoon and didn't have any problems finding a good spot (make sure you have your levelers packed!) But it did get VERY crowded on Friday night," advises Shannon S.
Generator altitude adjustments: High elevations affect equipment performance. "This was a nice retreat for us. It is a very popular place on the weekend, but during the week it is much quieter. Elevation is about 10,300 and posed a problem for our generator that caused severe spark-plug fouling. But, re-jetting the carburetor from a #61 to #58 solved the problem," explains RaD_Travels about Little Molas Lake.
Early arrival recommended: Pet-friendly dispersed sites fill quickly around Ophir. "We stumbled upon this campsite through Dyrt. We left on a 10 day honeymoon to the mountains with no real plans. This was our first time to the Silverton area and this spot was perfect for us to spend two nights. The spot we camped at was the first one when you pull in. This spot would be great for large campers," shares Jess and Jess S. about Little Molas Lake.
