The San Juan Mountains near Placerville offer diverse terrain for primitive camping at 9,000-10,000 feet elevation. During summer, daytime temperatures can reach 80°F but drop into the 40s overnight at higher elevations, requiring proper layering. Many dispersed sites require negotiating unmarked forest roads where conditions change rapidly after rain.
What to do
Fishing in alpine lakes: Alta Lakes Campground provides access to productive trout fishing waters. "The lake is amazing, people were fishing, although I didn't see anyone pulling out fish," notes one Alta Lakes visitor. Another camper recommends: "We brought our canoe so that we could try and catch lunch for the couple days we were there... we caught two rainbow trout and they were lunch both Saturday and Sunday."
Explore mining history: The area contains numerous historic sites from Colorado's mining era. "Check out Alta ghost town (abandoned mining town), which used to serve Gold King Mine," recommends a visitor. At Alta Lakes, "The ghost town comes before the campground... You can't explore any of the buildings, at least not legally, but you can see them and experience what used to be."
Creek-side relaxation: Many dispersed sites sit along flowing water. At Red Mountain Creek, one camper reports: "Camping right on the creek with a cool night breeze was amazing." The sound of rushing water provides natural white noise that masks other camping sounds.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Site configuration varies significantly throughout the region. A camper at Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area observed: "Having the vault toilet is a nice perk for a dispersed camping site, and the views are second to none!" Another noted: "Priest lake is by trout lake. Not far from telluride. We pulled in shortly after lunch on a Friday and it was already somewhat crowded but by bed time it was packed. But, from our site, we couldn't tell."
Easy town access: Many sites offer wilderness experience within reasonable distance to services. "Nice remote site stayed for two nights in mid june, make sure to download maps before you go as there is no cell service," advised one Hermosa Park Road camper. At Priest Lake, a visitor noted: "This might be the best spot near Telluride, we drove there in the middle of the night after a full moon & just randomly picked that campground."
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse animal populations. One Angel Creek camper reported: "Beautiful site with amazing spots for ground tents. Full of wildlife, Bear, elk, fox and the marmot highway." Morning and evening hours provide best viewing opportunities when animals are most active.
What you should know
Early arrival recommended: Competition for prime spots intensifies on weekends. At Alta Lakes, a visitor advised: "There were about 20 spots at the lake area it was a pretty location. There were a few spots open on a Thursday afternoon when we arrived. Seemed to fill up by Friday." Another camper experienced: "This campsite fills up quite quickly. We arrived relatively early, but were unable to find a site."
Toilet facilities vary: Most dispersed areas have minimal or no facilities. At Angel Creek Campground, a camper observed: "Nice sized camp spots. I was told the bathroom was gross so I didn't even try going in there after watching a bunch of people open the door and walk out without use." Always pack toilet paper, as supplies are unreliable.
Weather changes rapidly: Summer storms are common in the mountains. "When we were there there was a lot of wind so we were at the top of the valley and the wind would just rush up and you could hear it coming. Then our tents would suck in and puff out. It was insane. It got pretty chilly at night and rained most of the days," reported one Alta Lakes visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several alpine lakes offer summer swimming. An Alta Lakes camper noted: "One of those classic colorado vistas, with outdoors feel, safe swimming for children and all round good times." Water remains cold even in summer, so afternoon swimming works best.
Bear awareness: Teaching children proper food storage is essential for the best tent camping near Placerville, Colorado. "Bears are extremely active in this area, so it is especially important to store food in bear canisters and tie up properly," warns a Priest Lake visitor. Some campgrounds provide bear boxes while others require storing food in vehicles.
Limited level ground: Many sites require careful tent placement. At Fall Creek Camping, a visitor observed: "To be fair, it was raining when we pulled in but still, just a dirty field with limited spots and only 1 level area." Another camper added: "We found the area suited our 18 foot travel trailer. Was a little tricky getting it level but was manageable."
Tips from RVers
Road access challenges: High-clearance vehicles are necessary for many sites. One camper at Alta Lakes warned: "4WD recommended for the drive up - water crossings and some good ruts." At Priest Lake, visitors report better access: "We are pretty sure someone was living in the big one as there was a cot set up with a whole lot of clothes in the back room."
Length restrictions: Smaller RVs and campervans fare better than large rigs. "We camped here in a campervan and it was perfect! We arrived around 7pm and were able to find a place to park, but if you have a larger vehicle or need a spot for a tent, I'd try to arrive a bit earlier," advises a Priest Lake visitor.
