Best Tent Camping near Placerville, CO
The San Juan Mountains surrounding Placerville, Colorado offer diverse tent camping options including both established campgrounds and dispersed sites at elevations of 9,000-10,000 feet. Popular tent camping areas include Alta Lakes Campground with designated sites around alpine lakes, and Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area, which provides more primitive accommodations. Several tent-friendly options extend from Telluride through Ouray, with the majority being first-come, first-served locations.
Many tent sites in the region feature uneven terrain requiring careful tent placement, with most offering basic fire rings but limited amenities. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing several campgrounds, particularly Alta Lakes where the rough access road includes water crossings and steep sections. Vault toilets are available at some locations including Priest Lake and Angel Creek, though campers should bring their own toilet paper as supplies often run out. Bear activity necessitates proper food storage, with some sites providing bear boxes while others require storing food in vehicles. A camper noted, "Each night only one other site was occupied. Views of surrounding mountains are beautiful."
Sites nestled among pine forests provide shade during summer months when temperatures typically reach the 80s during day and drop to the 50s at night. Early season campers may encounter snowmelt issues at higher elevations, while fall brings vibrant colors and cooler temperatures. Most tent areas sit near streams or lakes, offering both scenic value and practical water access for filtering. Despite proximity to popular mountain towns, many tent sites maintain a feeling of seclusion and wilderness character. One reviewer described their experience at Priest Lake as "secluded and beautiful" with sites that vary "from right out in the open to being completely tree covered."
