Dispersed camping near Rico, Colorado offers sites at 8,800-9,800 feet elevation across the San Juan National Forest. This mountainous region experiences dramatic temperature drops after sunset, with nighttime temperatures frequently dipping below 45°F even in July and August. Forest Road 316 provides numerous roadside camping options with established fire rings within a 15-minute drive from Rico.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed) provides access to multiple alpine lakes at high elevation. "You can hike up over the ridge onto Telluride ski area, and hike down into town of Telluride this way if you're feeling up for a long walk. Great views of Palmyra and some backcountry ski terrain!" according to one visitor.
Explore ghost towns: The Alta Lakes area contains preserved mining structures dating to the early 1900s. "The ghost town comes before the campground and we did attempt to go to the campground but in one spot we couldn't see what was on the other side of our hood of our truck and chose to turn around," reports a camper who stayed behind the partially standing brothel.
Stream fishing: Several camping areas offer fishing opportunities in nearby streams. At Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area, "We could see tiny fish jumping in the lake but none swimming. Fished for a while with no luck at all... put a wet fly on, a little young bug looking thing, and we got a bite. We switched to a smaller dry fly to mimic what was hatching and we caught one fish."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Campsites throughout the Rico area offer opportunities to see native wildlife. One camper at Hermosa Park Road Dispersed noted, "Full of wildlife, Bear, elk, fox and the marmot highway. Very busy on a Friday-Sunday. Arrive early to find a spot."
Cooler temperatures: The high elevation provides relief from summer heat. "It got pretty chilly at night and rained most of the days," reported an Alta Lakes camper, while another mentioned, "It's up pretty high so make sure you're ready for a cold night!"
Stargazing: Clear mountain skies provide exceptional night viewing. A camper at Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area shared, "The stars were BEAUTIFUL! This is a great spot for stargazers too."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas require high-clearance vehicles. At Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp, "This road can accommodate all kinds of camping. We didn't have to drive very far to find a good spot. Where we camped could fit all size rigs."
Water availability: Natural water sources require treatment before consumption. "There was a bit of snow" reported one Alta Lakes visitor in June, while another camper noted, "Water was only available at the lake in August so come prepared."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly. "We were there during monsoon season so it was raining when we got there and it started raining again at 11 the next day," one camper reported from Priest Lake.
Campsite competition: "Very busy on a Friday-Sunday. Arrive early to find a spot," advises a Hermosa Park Road visitor. Another notes, "This campsite fills up quite quickly. We arrived relatively early, but were unable to find a site."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Fall Creek Camping provides access to cooling water during hot summer days. As one Alta Lakes camper noted about a nearby location, "One of those classic colorado vistas, with outdoors feel, safe swimming for children and all round good times."
Wildlife education: Bring wildlife identification guides to engage children. "Plenty of leftover wood in the pits (which I always appreciate) and plenty of space between sites. There are little walking paths around the Priest Lakes that are very short and easy," notes a camper.
Shelter preparation: Rain showers occur frequently in afternoon hours. "It was raining when we pulled in but still, just a dirty field with limited spots and only 1 level area," reported a Fall Creek camper, emphasizing the need for proper rain gear and shelter.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Most dispersed sites near Rico require leveling blocks. At Angel Creek Campground, a visitor noted, "Not the flattest of parking spots if using a rooftop tent or car camping without anything to level with."
Site selection timing: Arrive early to secure appropriate space. "We stayed for a long weekend to go see Telluride and the surrounding area. The directions led us to the campground, would be easy to miss otherwise. We found the area suited our 18 foot travel trailer. Was a little tricky getting it level but was manageable," reported a Fall Creek camper.
Road navigation: Some forest roads narrow considerably at higher elevations. "The road to Alta can get rough after heavy rain and at the end of the season," noted one camper, while another stated, "We took our F350 up. The initial road was a little stressful for us as it is wide enough just for us but we got up."
