Best Tent Camping near Ophir, CO
Several dispersed tent camping areas surround Ophir, Colorado, with Alta Lakes Campground being among the most popular in the San Juan Mountains. The area sits at approximately 11,100 feet elevation and features alpine lakes surrounded by mountain views. Red Mountain Creek and Priest Lake offer additional tent camping options in the region, all situated on Forest Service land with varying levels of established facilities. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservation systems in place.
Access to tent sites requires high-clearance vehicles in most cases, with many reviews emphasizing the necessity of 4WD. Alta Lakes Campground has approximately 20 designated tent sites with fire rings and nearby portable toilets, though no drinking water is available. The road to Alta Lakes is particularly rough, with numerous sites reporting challenging conditions even for experienced off-road drivers. Tent campers must bring all necessary supplies, including water, and practice strict pack-in, pack-out principles. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, and weather can change rapidly at these elevations.
Most tent campsites offer exceptional views of surrounding mountains and alpine lakes. A visitor commented, "The lake was beautiful and the sunset hits it so hard it glows," highlighting the scenic rewards after the difficult access. Camping areas fill quickly, especially on weekends, with most sites occupied by noon. The terrain at many sites is uneven, with one camper noting the "ground was not level" and they "kept sliding toward the front of the tent at night." Early mornings often showcase calm, glassy water on the lakes, with trout visible near the surface. Though sites can be close together in the established areas, more isolated backcountry tent camping can be found by hiking farther from the main access roads.
