Best Dispersed Camping near Rico, CO
The San Juan Mountains surrounding Rico, Colorado feature predominantly dispersed camping options on Forest Service and BLM lands, with sites ranging from high alpine settings to riverside locations. Popular areas include Lizard Head Pass Dispersed Camping about 10 miles from Rico, offering mountain views at elevations above 10,000 feet, and several sites along the Dolores River corridor. Camping options near Rico primarily consist of primitive sites with minimal or no facilities, though some areas like Alta Lakes Campground provide basic amenities such as vault toilets. The region's camping landscape is characterized by rugged terrain and remote locations that reward visitors with scenic vistas and relative solitude.
High-clearance 4WD vehicles are essential for accessing many camping areas near Rico, with numerous campers reporting challenging road conditions. According to one visitor at Last Dollar Road, "The road gets washed out in the rain so heads up. But just go slow if you're in a lower clearance vehicle and you'll be fine if it's dry." Most dispersed sites enforce a 14-day stay limit and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The camping season typically runs from late May through October, though exact dates vary with elevation and snowmelt. Summer thunderstorms are common in July and August, with potential for flash flooding in low-lying areas. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, though some higher elevation sites report adequate coverage.
Mountain views consistently rank as the top feature in camper reviews, with stargazing opportunities frequently mentioned as exceptional. One camper at Lizard Head Pass noted, "Beautiful views at 10k+ feet. Fires are allowed in the fire rings as long as you stay at a previously disturbed spot." Sites near water sources like the Dolores River and mountain lakes fill quickly during summer weekends. Privacy varies significantly between locations, with some visitors reporting crowding issues at popular spots during peak season. Wildlife encounters, including bears, are common enough that proper food storage is essential. Campers seeking more solitude often venture further up forest roads, where one visitor reported, "The spots get way more secluded and separated as you go up the road."
