Dispersed camping sites near Placerville, Colorado range from 7,000 to over 9,500 feet in elevation, offering diverse terrain across the western San Juan Mountains. Most sites remain accessible from late May through early October, with road conditions deteriorating rapidly after snowfall. Temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer months, with overnight lows in the 40s common during July and August.
What to do
Hiking from camp: Last Dollar Road offers easy access to multiple trail systems. "There are a lot of spots off the main road and some more hidden spots in the trees if your vehicle can handle a rough ride. Very pretty views, and popular sunset viewing area," notes Lilliana S. For a short but scenic hike, consider the path near Sunshine Campground. "Don't miss the little short hike near one of the camping spots," recommends Vanessa C.
Fishing opportunities: The San Miguel River provides fishing access at several points. At Caddis Flats, you'll find riverside spots with easy water access. "The river is right there in the campground and it is running pretty low right now, but still moving along quite nicely," reports one camper. Priest Lake offers additional fishing options, though some anglers note mixed results: "We could see tiny fish jumping in the lake but none swimming. Fished for a while with no luck at all."
Mountain biking: Woods Lake Campground connects to multiple trail systems. "Another perk to coming out, mountain biking. Well, for us it was a cross between road and mountain, we stuck to the roads but they were dirt and washboard and had some pretty big rocks. But it was a wild 10 miles from Woods lake down to HWY 145," shares Melissa K.
What campers like
Mountain vistas: Alta Lakes Campground delivers panoramic views at higher elevations. "The lake is beautifully blue with gray snow covered stunning peaks surrounding it," describes Madison G. This dispersed camping area requires preparation: "You'll pass an abandoned mining town and continue of the road for a while before you reach the lake. It took us about 30 mins to get up and down the mountain."
River sounds: Many campers value waterside sites for their natural soundscape. At Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area, "The sound of rushing water is a highlight. "I love this campground. It is only 15 minute drive from Telluride, but once you are there you are immersed in wilderness," says Patrick L.
Stargazing: Sites further from towns offer exceptional night sky viewing. "The stars were BEAUTIFUL! This is a great spot for stargazers too," reports Kelsey I. about Priest Lake. Last Dollar Road campers frequently mention excellent night viewing: "I stayed at a spot about .4 miles BEFORE this spot and it was amazing," notes David, who camped at a secluded site.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many sites requires appropriate vehicles. For Matterhorn Campground, "Road dirt and a bit potholy," notes Bill R. Last Dollar Road presents even greater challenges: "I have a truck that can pull 12,000lbs and my smallish travel trailer with water weighs 5500lbs. The roads are completely sketchy pulling a trailer," warns John H.
Campsite availability: Competition for sites varies by location and season. At Priest Lake, "We pulled in shortly after lunch on a Friday and it was already somewhat crowded but by bed time it was packed," reports one camper. For the best selection at popular sites, mid-week arrival is recommended.
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters are common throughout the region. "There was a bear in the campground—we didn't see it—but you're camping in the mountains so you should expect it," notes Mike H. who stayed at Sunshine Campground. Proper food storage is essential at all sites.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible water play: Telluride Town Park Campground offers safe water access for children. "The adjacent park has a kids fishing pond with a sign that says you can rent gear," shares Matt B. The campground provides modern amenities unusual for the area: "Bathrooms and showers are super nice and have hot water. A river/creek flows right next to the campground too which is lovely!"
Educational opportunities: The Alta Lakes area includes historical features that interest children. "You can check out Alta ghost town (abandoned mining town), which used to serve Gold King Mine," suggests Linds E. Several dispersed sites include abandoned structures that provide learning opportunities.
Weather preparation: Mountain conditions change rapidly, requiring extra preparation with children. "We went at the end of may and we ended up incredibly cold all night. As we were in the grand canyon a few nights before. Just BE AWARE that the weather in Colorado is unlike the weather anywhere else. It is bi polar," warns Carter W. who camped at Sunshine Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Woods Lake Campground accommodates various vehicle sizes. "Our site, #4, was narrow & deep; no problem for a camper van," notes Fred S. However, not all sites work equally well: "We are in a 25 ft class C RV. No one else was here so it was nice and cozy," reports an RVer at Caddis Flats.
Power options: Few dispersed sites offer hookups, making Matterhorn Campground valuable for those needing electricity. "28 sites total, 8 sites are full hookups. Most are reservation only," explains Greg L. "Best deal here for me was the non electric site with senior pass...$13 and free showers!"
Turnaround space: Some campgrounds have limited maneuvering room. At Caddis Flats, "You should be able to bring any size of RV into the campground and get out easily if people have followed the no parking in the turn around rule," advises one camper. This consideration is particularly important during busy periods when parking areas may become congested.
