The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Ouray, CO

1,227 Reviews

Dispersed tent camping options surround Ouray, Colorado, with several primitive tent campgrounds nestled in the San Juan Mountains. Alta Lakes Campground offers tent-only sites at high elevation, while Angel Creek Campground provides established tent campsites just outside Ouray. Red Mountain Creek features dispersed tent camping areas with drive-in and walk-in access. Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area, located near Telluride, offers designated tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables.

Most tent campsites require campers to bring their own water, as drinking water is rarely available at primitive sites. Angel Creek Campground provides vault toilets that are generally well-maintained, while dispersed areas like Red Mountain Creek have no toilet facilities. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing Alta Lakes Campground, with several reviews noting the rough road conditions. Fire rings are available at most established tent camping areas, though seasonal fire bans may apply during dry periods. Bear boxes are present at some Angel Creek sites, making food storage safer for tent campers. A visitor commented, "Angel Creek outside Ouray has primitive camping with vault toilets that seem well maintained. Sites are well spaced."

Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for exploring nearby hiking trails and mountain passes. The tent-only sites at Priest Lake offer more privacy than typical campgrounds, with several walk-in tent sites situated away from parking areas. During summer weekends, tent campgrounds fill quickly, particularly those closest to Ouray. Alta Lakes provides stunning alpine views from tent sites positioned near the water. The higher elevation tent camping areas offer cooler temperatures during hot summer months but may experience afternoon thunderstorms. A recent review noted, "Small tight FREE dispersed area with nine designated campsites that are all walk-in tent sites. One small vault toilet, no dumpsters or water." Road noise can affect tent campsites near highways, particularly at Red Mountain Creek, where the unpaved access roads also create dust.

Map showing campgrounds near Ouray, ColoradoExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Ouray, Colorado (53)

    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."

    "Beautiful views of surrounding mountains and Alta lakes as well as access to the ghost town of Alta."

    2. Angel Creek Campground

    13 Reviews
    Ouray, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 240-5300

    "Nice little campground with large bear boxes for food storage. I felt it's at a good location to venture off each day from."

    "Primitive camping right outside outside Ouray Colorado. Imogene pass trail ends at the campground entrance. Trail into campground is a little rough but that's primitive camping."

    3. Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area

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

    "We had plenty of room on our site to set up camp around the picnic table and fire ring. 

    We snagged the last site with a picnic table and fire ring around 10AM on a Friday morning."

    "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."

    4. Red Mountain Creek

    7 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."

    "Easy spot to find came in around 7pm. Stayed right on the creek. Is a bit noisy and dusty as people do ride atvs here. We did have someone about 30 feet from us. Stayed on july 4th weekend"

    5. Silver Lake

    2 Reviews
    Telluride, CO
    10 miles
    Website

    "This campground is ideal: close to town, backcountry seclusion. The hike is steep, but manageable."

    6. Silverton 20A - Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Silverton, CO
    14 miles
    Website

    "Make sure you enter from CO 52 then turn right onto 20A, if you enter 20A near the Silverton Lakes RV resort you will climb for a couple miles on a 4X4 trail with switchbacks and see nothing but private"

    "Definitely need 4 wheel drive to get up to sites, had to build our own fire pit but that was ok! The views were phenomenal."

    7. Arastra Creek

    1 Review
    Silverton, CO
    15 miles

    "Site has fire ring and parking. Not for trailers or camper."

    8. Bear Camp - Dispersed

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

    "Once up the hill you will find three somewhat unlevel sites that are close to one another. We camped here two nights and both nights there was only one other vehicle."

    9. Last Dollar Road

    1 Review
    Placerville, CO
    15 miles

    "This road is hard to turn around on, or let others pass. This spot was the furthest we ended up going. This is a secluded area with no bathroom, campground, electric, or water."

    10. Sultan Dispersed

    1 Review
    Silverton, CO
    16 miles

    "Came here on a Friday around 3pm for Labor Day Weekend after trying to go to two other spots on the same road but those were pretty packed."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 53 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Ouray Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Ouray, CO

78 Photos of 53 Ouray Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Ouray, CO

1227 Reviews of 53 Ouray Campgrounds

  • Matthew K.
    Aug. 3, 2020

    Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    Secluded and Beautiful

    This was a great site for our group of 3 couples. We had plenty of room on our site to set up camp around the picnic table and fire ring. 

    We snagged the last site with a picnic table and fire ring around 10AM on a Friday morning. Throughout the weekend more people showed up and there seemed to be a bit more space to camp throughout. 

    The sites vary from right out in the open to being completely tree covered. Ours was right near a stream and had good shade during the day. 

    There's nothing but a vault toilet here so be sure to bring lots of water. If you're in need of a shower, head down to Trout Lake for a quick dip.

  • Carol A.
    Sep. 23, 2021

    Sunshine Campground

    Pretty spot close to Telluride!

    Sunshine is a first come-first serve campground with 15 sites. There are several sites with beautiful views and full sun, but those were taken when we arrived. We stayed in site #8 which was quite lovely, tucked in the aspen trees with a picnic table and fire ring. The small pond behind our site was dried up, probably due to the ongoing drought. There is a short viewing trail just off site #9 that provided spectacular views of the mountains. We set up a couple of chairs on the trail and watched the fabulous sunset. The vault toilets were closed and the sign said they’d be closed through the ‘22 season. Portable toilets were provided in their place. The camp hosts, Don & Linda were super helpful by providing us with info about the adjacent bike trails and a short cut to get to Telluride. The campground was very quiet and while we heard some road traffic when we first arrived we never heard any during the night. I got 2 bars of AT&T cell service, enough to stream a movie on my iPad!

    Camp fees are $20/day or $10/day with a Senior America the Beautiful Pass. We’ll definitely stay at this gem again!

  • Patricia O.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2018

    Woods Lake Campground

    Good camping in Carson Pass area

    Nice campground if you can get a spot, we've stayed at several different sites. The hosts are nice and will let you know the best one available. No running water or electricity or anything fancy. It's quiet, the stars are amazing, and there are good hikes in the area. Downsides are that it fills up fast (I think just 25 sites) and there can be a lot of mosquitoes. Bears may wander through too.

    Vault toilets, bear boxes, picnic table, fire ring.

    You can walk to the lake from the campground.

  • Heather P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 17, 2018

    Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground — Ridgway State Park

    Great campground if you flyfish

    The walk to the river was short and there even is a parking area for those who are not camping but want to fish.

    Sites were well maintained, restroom and showers were as well.

    Picnic tables, fire ring and grill at all sites. Deer wandered around freely and was an extremely restful night.

    They offer pull in sites or walk in tent sites. I chose a pull in even though I was tent camping. Had to check out a few sites to be sure there was level/cactus free spot to pitch the tent.

  • Glenna L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2020

    Gunnison National Forest Soap Creek Campground

    Spacious and Secluded

    We arrived at Soap Creek Campground around noon on a Friday in mid-July and found several wonderful sites to choose from. We selected site 8 as it was fairly close to the restroom, had decent shade, and large enough to accommodate our large tent and two vehicles...with room enough to spare to play washers! Vault toilets only, but they were very clean...host normally sells firewood, but they were out, however they did allow us to gather our own. No water at this time as it is spring fed and was low. Mostly surrounded by tent campers, but a few RV's made it down the narrow, windy and bumpy dirt road to the campground...but for the most part they kept their generators off (no electricity at this campground) during quiet hours. We were able to walk to the creek and what a view! Would definitely recommend and can't wait to go back!

  • Sarah M.
    Sep. 24, 2021

    Mill Creek

    Peaceful In gorgeous setting

    Nestled in pine trees alongside the lake fork of the Gunnison river. Most sites have tons of privacy. All have picnic tables and bear boxes. First-come first-serve. Very clean vault toilet restrooms. Camped here solo and felt very safe. Great access to fishing, hiking, and ATV trails.

  • Becca C.
    Jun. 8, 2021

    East Portal Campground — Curecanti National Recreation Area

    Favorite Campsite

    We camped here in the canyon one night in September and it was the best experience. Beautiful scenery, great neighbors, clean toilets. There are only a few drive in campsites available, with several more hike in spots below. Bear boxes, fire rings (if there’s no burn ban), and picnic tables available, along with water and facilities.

  • Texas Roving Ranger
    Jul. 11, 2024

    Junction Creek Campground

    Quiet but busy campground

    Stayed 2 nights in July 2024. The campsites are well spaced apart with a variety of sizes for just about anyone except large Class As and long toy haulers. Most sites were occupied. You can reserve sites in advance. I would recommend booking at least a month out. Most sites were densely shaded. Not much option for solar. Quiet hours 10pm-6am. Generators allowed. Sites in the E loop have electricity. Restrooms were well maintained vault toilets. No showers anywhere in campground. Park host live on-site. Firewood for sale at host sites. Potable water is available. The gravel road leading to the campground is VERY rough wash-board. Secure your stuff and be ready for the bumpy ride.

  • Whitney L.
    Sep. 10, 2021

    North Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

    great views, drought year = yellow jackets

    This campground is on NPS land, so there is a fee ($16 in season+ water/$8 off season no water) that can be paid at the nearby ranger's station on the honor system. All 13 sites are in a single loop at the end of the road on the North Rim and are all first come first served. Pinyon and juniper offer shade and some visual privacy, however sites are all close so there is little audible privacy. Pets are OK if leashed. There are nice sized BearSaver boxes at each site, plus a fire ring and large picnic table. Vault toilets and potable water are both in the center of the camping loop, where you can also find other tables and lots of shade. Chasm trail begins near the end of the loop and there are great views of the canyon a short distance from all sites. Beware: drought year, so lots of yellow jackets - they swarm vehicles in search of water! Also, water is a limited resource brought in by truck to this canyon, don't be wasteful :)

Guide to Ouray

Nestled in the stunning San Juan Mountains, Ouray, Colorado, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking breathtaking views and adventure.

Tent campers should check out the scenic beauty of Alta Lakes Campground

  • The drive to Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed) features a long dirt road that rewards visitors with stunning lake views and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • This location is perfect for those who enjoy fishing and hiking, with ample opportunities to explore the surrounding wilderness.
  • Campers can enjoy campfires and the company of pets, making it a great spot for families and friends.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $10

  • Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area offers free camping with beautiful mountain views, making it an excellent budget-friendly option.
  • For a small fee of $10, Angel Creek Campground provides a well-maintained site with bear boxes for food storage and access to nearby trails.
  • Thistledown Campground also charges $10 per night and is conveniently located just outside of Ouray, offering easy access to local attractions.

Tent camping activities abound in the area

  • At Fall Creek Camping, visitors can enjoy a long weekend of hiking and exploring the nearby Telluride area.
  • The Bear Camp - Dispersed site is ideal for those seeking a more rugged experience, with opportunities for off-roading and wildlife viewing.
  • For a unique experience, Arastra Creek offers beautiful sites with fire rings, perfect for cozy evenings under the stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Thistledown Campground reviews like for tent camping near Ouray?

While specific Thistledown Campground reviews aren't available, tent campers near Ouray generally enjoy excellent experiences at surrounding campgrounds. Angel Creek Campground receives positive reviews for its primitive camping just outside Ouray, with campers appreciating the well-spaced sites, river sounds, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Similarly, Red Mountain Creek is noted as being very accessible with numerous spots and is one of the closest places to legally disperse camp south of Ouray, though some campers mention road noise from nearby highways.

What is the cost to tent camp at Thistledown Campground in Ouray?

While specific Thistledown Campground pricing isn't available, camping costs around Ouray vary. Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed) offers free dispersed camping with approximately 20 first-come, first-served sites. For those seeking alternatives, Miramonte Reservoir within Dan Noble State Wildlife Area is free to visit with a valid state hunting, fishing, or public land license. Most dispersed camping options near Ouray are free but typically have stay limits (often 7-14 days) and limited amenities compared to established campgrounds that may charge fees.

What amenities does Thistledown Campground in Ouray offer for tent campers?

While specific Thistledown information isn't available, tent campgrounds around Ouray typically offer basic amenities. Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area provides designated tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings, plus a vault toilet, though no water or dumpsters. Some sites in the area include Hermits Rest Boat-in Campsite, which offers tent sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet in a more secluded setting. For tent camping in Ouray, expect basic facilities with an emphasis on natural surroundings rather than extensive amenities.

Keep Exploring