Best Dispersed Camping near Ouray, CO

Dispersed camping areas near Ouray, Colorado provide primitive camping options on public lands with minimal to no facilities. Portland Road Dispersed offers tent sites overlooking Ouray with approximately 10-12 spots of varying sizes. According to reviews, this area requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles to access. Ironton Park Dispersed, located near Red Mountain Pass, features open camping areas suitable for both tents and RVs. Last Dollar Road, accessible from both Telluride and Ouray sides, offers spectacular mountain views but requires careful navigation on rough forest roads.

Most dispersed sites in the Ouray region have no drinking water, restrooms, or trash facilities. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire regulations vary seasonally; always use established fire rings when fires are permitted. Several campers noted that Portland Road is "beautiful and secluded but a rough drive," with one reviewer stating they "weren't able to make it to the top because there is a wash out in one area we could not clear with our 4Runner." Weather conditions can change rapidly at these high elevations, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer months.

The standard stay limit for dispersed camping is 14 days within a 30-day period. Cell service varies significantly by location; Portland Road maintains good connectivity despite its remote setting, while other areas have limited or no service. Wildlife encounters are possible; store food securely in vehicles. During peak summer months and holidays, arrive early to secure a site as popular areas fill quickly. Winter access is extremely limited or impossible for most dispersed sites due to snow closure of forest roads.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ouray, Colorado (78)

    1. Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

    39 Reviews
    Ophir, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 327-4261

    "Perfect lake views, snow capped mountain tops, and wildflowers for days."

    "20 spots to camp and first come first serve no reservations. Recommended to take a 4x4 vehicle up here."

    2. Ironton Park Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Ouray, CO
    7 miles
    Website

    "Nothing here just great dry camping so be prepared. There is lots of room to spread out or if you have a small pop-up or tent, you can find many places to hide away from everyone."

    "It’s right off the highway and be very busy! Despite being a little isolated. If you have nowhere else to go, here is a spot, however, you might be out of luck on finding a spot"

    3. Last Dollar Road

    23 Reviews
    Placerville, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 874-6600

    "There are multiple spots out in the open and some back in the trees or along the roads."

    "Some of the best in Colorado. I had good cell service too (working remotely). There are some larger dispersed campgrounds near the top trailhead that are more in the woods."

    4. Portland Road Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Ouray, CO
    1 mile

    "Beautiful and secluded but a rough drive. Most definitely need a high clearance vehicle."

    "Nice tent areas overlooking the small town of Ouray. Portland Rd is 4WD high clearance although we did see low clearance drivers take chances."

    5. Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    21 Reviews
    Ophir, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 874-6600

    "FF a year (Father's Day weekend), we stopped by to check capacity on a Saturday night at 6pm and found the opposite with only 4 of 6 tent sites taken and plenty of parking for small RV/van camping."

    "Pulled into this area late one evening on a fall camping trip across Colorado. Totally expected it to be full but there were a couple areas left to setup thankfully."

    6. Red Mountain Creek

    4 Reviews
    Ouray, CO
    7 miles

    "Spaces were tight and very close to others. A bit noisy with the ATVs and motorcycles all around, but not too bad."

    7. Blue Lake Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Ouray, CO
    7 miles
    Website

    "Plenty of spots before and at the trailhead. Beautiful spot near a creek."

    8. Golden Horn Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Silverton, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 247-4874

    "Dispersed sites on the way to Ice Lake(which is currently closed due to forest fire Devistation). These are kinda cool little sites, a bit rocky, with a vault toilet and nice stone fire rings."

    "Found a great dispersed campsite near Silverton Co. Golden Horn dispersed camping area is located about 5 miles from Silverton Co.  This camping area is at 9600' elevation.  "

    9. Brown Mountain Rd ( Flynt Overlook)

    1 Review
    Ouray, CO
    6 miles

    "Originally we were going to camp at Ironton Park Dispersed but it was very crowded already. We decided to venture further up the mountain via Brown Mountain Rd."

    10. Blue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed

    1 Review
    Ouray, CO
    6 miles

    "Blue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed Camping, located near Mount Sneffels in Colorado, offers an incredibly remote and breathtaking camping experience."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ouray, CO

278 Reviews of 78 Ouray Campgrounds



Guide to Ouray

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Ouray, Colorado, where stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures await. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Scenic Views and Adventure at Alta Lakes Campground

  • The drive to Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed) is an adventure in itself, featuring a long dirt road that rewards you with breathtaking views upon arrival.
  • With no reservations required, you can enjoy the freedom of choosing your spot among the limited sites available, making it perfect for spontaneous trips.
  • Be prepared for a rugged experience, as the road requires a high-clearance vehicle, but the stunning lakes and surrounding mountains make it worth the effort.

Wildlife Watching and Fishing at Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area

  • The Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area is known for its excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including deer and various bird species.
  • Anglers will appreciate the chance to catch brook trout in the nearby lake, making it a great spot for fishing enthusiasts.
  • This area offers a more secluded experience, allowing campers to enjoy the tranquility of nature while still being close to Telluride.

Thrilling Off-Roading and Camping at Last Dollar Road

  • For those seeking adventure, Last Dollar Road provides a thrilling off-road experience with rocky terrain that requires a 4x4 vehicle.
  • The scenic vistas along the road are breathtaking, making it a popular choice for photographers and nature lovers alike.
  • With several dispersed camping spots available, you can find a peaceful place to set up camp while enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ouray, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ouray, CO is Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed) with a 4.3-star rating from 39 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ouray, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 78 dispersed camping locations near Ouray, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.