Best Dispersed Camping near Placerville, CO
Dispersed camping around Placerville, Colorado occurs primarily along forest service roads that lead into the San Juan Mountains, with free sites available on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Last Dollar Road offers multiple primitive camping areas, while other dispersed options include Alta Lakes, Priest Lake, and Lizard Head Pass. These undeveloped sites typically have minimal or no facilities and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The surrounding terrain provides access to high alpine environments with views of mountain peaks, forests, and nearby natural features.
Access roads to dispersed camping areas near Placerville frequently require high-clearance vehicles and sometimes 4WD capability. Many reviews indicate rough, rocky roads with potential washouts, particularly on Last Dollar Road and the route to Alta Lakes. Most sites have standard 14-day camping limits and fire regulations vary seasonally. The majority of dispersed sites lack amenities like drinking water, toilets, or trash services. "The road to get to the site is rough. You need 4x4 and high clearance vehicle and good tires," noted one camper regarding Alta Lakes. Another mentioned that Last Dollar Road "took us over an hour for I believe 10 miles on very rough road in a Subaru Outback."
Camping in this region rewards visitors with exceptional mountain views and access to alpine environments. Many sites sit at elevations above 10,000 feet, offering expansive vistas and cooler summer temperatures. Campsites on Last Dollar Road provide panoramic mountain views, though one review mentioned "all sites were blocked by large RVs and campers, no privacy for tent camping." Several dispersed areas become crowded during peak summer months and holiday weekends. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the region, with campers reporting deer, moose, and occasional bear encounters. Cell service varies significantly, with better connectivity reported on higher elevation sites like Last Dollar Road where one camper noted "good cell service too (working remotely)."
