Best Campgrounds near Placerville, CO

The San Juan Mountains surrounding Placerville, Colorado feature a diverse range of camping options within a short drive of town. Caddis Flats, located along a scenic road between Norwood and Ridgway, offers both developed sites with picnic tables and more secluded riverside spots with fire rings. Free dispersed camping can be found along Last Dollar Road, while more developed options exist at Telluride Town Park Campground and Ouray KOA. The region's camping landscape spans from primitive forest sites to full-service RV parks, with elevations typically ranging from 7,000 to 9,500 feet. Most campgrounds remain open from May through September, though some higher elevation sites have shorter seasons.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with some dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. As one camper noted, "Caddis Flats is nice and spacious, with river access and close to Placerville if you need something. I had 2-3 bars of Verizon LTE at the campground, but ironically none in town." Summer temperatures remain moderate due to the elevation, though afternoon thunderstorms are common from July through August. Fire restrictions are frequently implemented during dry periods, and bear activity necessitates proper food storage. Many campgrounds lack trash facilities, requiring visitors to pack out all waste. Cell service is spotty throughout the region but surprisingly available at certain campgrounds.

Mountain views and water access rank as top priorities among campers visiting the area. The sound of rushing water is frequently mentioned in reviews, with one visitor describing "the rumbling of the river" as "quite nice" at Caddis Flats. Stargazing opportunities receive high marks, with minimal light pollution at sites farther from towns. Traffic noise affects some campgrounds near highways, though it typically diminishes after midnight. Wildlife sightings are common, with bears occasionally spotted near camping areas. Vault toilets at primitive sites are generally well-maintained, though amenities vary widely between established campgrounds and dispersed areas. The region's dramatic scenery and proximity to outdoor recreation make it a popular destination despite limited facilities at many sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Placerville, Colorado (276)

    1. Last Dollar Road

    28 Reviews
    Placerville, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 874-6600

    "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."

    "We drove in from ouray side and took the long 40 min dirt road and I will say, the road was rough.. we made it just fine in my hyundai tuscan but I will say, I was sh*ting myself driving it!"

    2. Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

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

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

    "The off road trail it get to Alta lakes took us about 40-50 minutes in my boyfriends F-150. The views were amazing so neither of us really minded."

    3. Telluride Town Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Telluride, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 728-2173

    "The campground is bordered on one side by the San Juan River and by the park on the other side, making a tight but nice campground."

    "It's right next to the town and is used a lot for Telluride's summer festivals. Its more than a campground it is also where a lot of town events are held and also has sports venues."

    4. Sunshine Campground

    19 Reviews
    Telluride, CO
    13 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "In pursuit of the perfect campground in Colorado, Telluride has so many to choose from it makes it near impossible to select just one."

    5. Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area

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

    "Had a wonderful stay right next to the lake. Woke up to the sounds of birds. Sites include RV/van sites (2?) and at least six tent only sites. Each night only one other site was occupied."

    "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. Woods Lake Campground

    10 Reviews
    Placerville, CO
    9 miles
    Website

    "Steps away from Woods Lake and the trails!"

    "We found site 12 open and it was a nice roomy site with a long drive leading down to our picnic table, and beyond that there was a tent pad."

    7. Caddis Flats

    8 Reviews
    Placerville, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 240-5300

    "Campground Review Caddis flats is located not too far from Placerville, and a short distance farther in the opposite direction from Norwood."

    "Nice and spacious, river access, close to Placerville if you need something. Functional picnic tables and fire pits. Absolutely stunning views."

    8. Matterhorn — Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre And Gunnison National Forest

    16 Reviews
    Ophir, CO
    15 miles
    +1 (970) 249-4552

    $26 - $40 / night

    "Matterhorn Campground, located near Telluride and nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, offers an excellent balance of comfort and outdoor adventure."

    "We were happy to have hot showers as we were on day 4&5 of our camping across Colorado honeymoon and it had rained nights 1-4. There were two camp hosts both of the ladies were nice."

    9. Amphitheater Campground

    32 Reviews
    Ouray, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 537-8888

    $28 / night

    "the sites are full, or snag a hotel near 550 when we don't want to chance a night on a slope."

    "Site was clean, easy to access and close to restroom. Great views all around and super close to Ouray and surrounding hiking trails."

    10. Ouray KOA

    25 Reviews
    Ouray, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 325-4736

    "This campground will be rated as a Basecamp — grounds that offer a comfortable home base that you’re happy to return to after a day of exploring the surrounding area."

    "The best thing about this park was the location. It is located close to Ouray and many activities in the area."

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Recent Reviews near Placerville, CO

1492 Reviews of 276 Placerville Campgrounds


  • Hillary B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Matterhorn — Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre And Gunnison National Forest

    Quick comfortable stay

    We stayed here between Telluride Town Park and Ridgway State Park. Main attraction was the fact that it had full hookups so we could reset and dump our tanks. It turned out to be quiet and beautiful, even though the sites are quite close together.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    Beautiful spot, accessible by 2WD

    Beautiful campground, very quiet. Up a dirt road but passable with a 2WD (in Oct, no snow). The shorter route in is via the trout lake entrance- less time on dirt road. Toilet block was locked when we were there (but there’s a vault toilet up at Trout Lake).

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

    Amazing

    One of the best dispersed campsites. The road leading to the site could be rough for low clearance vehicles, but my Tacoma had no problems. The views from my site were amazing. I will definitely be returning.

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Ouray Riverside Resort

    Close to town but noisy

    We normally like to stay in campgrounds or disperse camp but as we are in October in Colorado, a lot of the campgrounds were closed so we chose this RV campground. It is super close to town and has a lovely path (loop almost 2 miles) by the river. The RV park is so noisy :( So much come and go through the park which is gravel so it’s noisy, also close to the hwy which is non stop. Sadly not really relaxing to sit outside. All spots are super close and not private.

  • A
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Red Mountain Creek

    Great spot

    We have a stock rav4. We were able to get to it easily. Gorgeous scenery. Very quiet. Loved the trees and the water running by.

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Haviland Lake Campground

    Quiet and private spots, some with lake view

    Right off the main road, lots of spots to choose from. Most were « first come first serve » for us. Bring cash to pay the fee. The winter rate (starting Oct) is $30. Spots are level and spacious and lots of trees to add privacy. Not too much to do but perfect for relaxing.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Junction Creek Campground

    Excellent Campground! 10/10

    One of the nicest BLM campgrounds I have stayed in. Spacious sites, super clean vault toilets, and even has electrical hookups, which is partially why I decided to stay here since I needed to top off my batteries. T electrical was shut off due to the government shut down, but was still the same price, so that sucks, but that’s not the fault of the host. Still an excellent campground.

  • Katharina J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Dry Creek Ditch Camp off Forest Road 90

    Good for a night

    The space directly after the hairpin turn was taken so I stayed further up directly off the road, space for 2 or 3. Some traffic, but quiet at night. Exposed to wind, some trash & a firering made out of stones.

  • Ken B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Missionary Ridge Road

    Missionary Ridge Road

    The road up is fine for 2wd but holy crap it’s twisty! I have a full size pu and you definitely wouldn’t want to take anything bigger. We grabbed the second site up so not sure what’s beyond. 1-3 bars for Verizon.


Guide to Placerville

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Placerville, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Placerville, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 276 campgrounds and RV parks near Placerville, CO and 97 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Placerville, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Placerville, CO is Last Dollar Road with a 4.4-star rating from 28 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Placerville, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 97 free dispersed camping spots near Placerville, CO.

What parks are near Placerville, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Placerville, CO that allow camping, notably Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests and San Juan National Forest.