Rye is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Rye, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Rye, CO. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
"It’s an easy drive from Westcliff. Too easy. I expected crowds of out of state tourists and maybe a few locals."
"This is BLM land that's free to camp on for up to 14 days every 45 days. The camp sites are just off a dirt road that leads to the trailhead for hiking to Blanca Peak."
"We spent two nights here, in our camper van, while visiting the national park. It’s proximity is so great."
"Medano Pass is the route it's believed that Pike took into the San Luis Valley, and is one of the only primitive roads accessing the valley."
"Definitely need 4 wheel drive and decently high clearance. I only saw Jeeps, 4 runners, and trucks. Rocky and steep at parts, it was pretty damn rough."
"Backcountry dispersed camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park offers an unforgettable and truly unique wilderness experience."
"It's tent camping only, and no pets are allowed in the back country dunes. You also need to pack everything you need in with you and leave no trace."
"This is dispersed camping. There are pit toilets but no other services or amenities."
"This is a great dispersed camping spot with outhouses around the lake for convenience, well kept and clean! DO NOT let kids or dogs in water, as there is a level red warning for toxic algae!!"
"Road in is rough, but manageable with a high clearance vehicle. Plenty of space to spread out. Popular with those ATV things. Pit toilet, no trash."
"There’s lots of trails in the area (OHV) but other than that, not much else to do. There is a clean vault toilet at the entrance, no trash services. Plenty of spots as you keep driving up the hill."
"There are three dispersed sites listed along this road with the first being flat and open, the second being slightly uphill and fairly open, and the third being higher uphill and far more private."
"Not much shade, you will be exposed to the sun and any rain. Saw some sedans there but I don't know that I would attempt it. 4WD want necessary but I recommend something with a little clearance."
"Not far from Great Sand Dunes national Park & Zapata Falls, this free dispersed campsite, as well as others along unpaved Mount Blanca Road, provide wonderful views."
"We got in fairly late in the night from Texas and had to drive in a ways. Many people left early in the morning so sites opened up fairly quickly."
RangerBackcountry dispersed camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park offers an unforgettable and truly unique wilderness experience. If you’re seeking solitude and raw, untamed landscapes, this is the perfect spot to pitch your tent. With no designated sites, you have the freedom to find your ideal spot beyond the busy dunes and under an expansive star-filled sky.
The journey begins with a hike deep into the park’s rugged terrain, where you’re surrounded by towering sand dunes, alpine forests, and sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The lack of light pollution makes stargazing an absolute highlight—this is one of the best places to witness the Milky Way.
Keep in mind, this is true backcountry camping: no facilities, no water sources, and you must pack out all waste. Permits are required, so be sure to plan ahead. The environment can be challenging, with extreme temperature swings and strong winds that shift the sand beneath your feet. Good preparation and Leave No Trace practices are a must.
The rewards are well worth the effort. From sunrise hikes to the serene sound of nothing but wind across the dunes, this camping experience immerses you in nature’s raw beauty like few others can. It’s an adventure you’ll carry with you long after you’ve left the dunes behind.
Highly recommend skipping the tent and sleeping under the stars!
GuideThis is BLM land that's free to camp on for up to 14 days every 45 days. The camp sites are just off a dirt road that leads to the trailhead for hiking to Blanca Peak. The road gets pretty rough the further up you get, but there are plenty of large camp sites on the way up the mountain, some you'd have to home to if you decide to go to Blanca Peak. It's a fairly busy place as off-road vehicles and horse back riding are popular here. Beautiful views of the San Luis Valley, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Mt. Blanca. Definitely worth checking out of you're in the area. No shade or amenities, so bring everything you need with you and as always, leave no trace.
LegendWe spent two nights here, in our camper van, while visiting the national park. It’s proximity is so great.
The area is easy to find, big and open and nearly all up the very upper parts are navigable by a regular car. There are some upper parts that could require 4WD and high clearance.
Our only complaints were how dusty is was and that there really were no trees so potentially not much privacy depending whom is camping around you. If you don’t have a bathroom….this could also be an issue. Not much in the way of tree cover if you are going in the wilderness.
We chose sites on the north side of the area, closer to the park and it seemed more private.
RangerRoad in is rough, but manageable with a high clearance vehicle. Plenty of space to spread out. Popular with those ATV things. Pit toilet, no trash. Not many trees, but a great view of the surrounding area. T-mobile service was good enough to get some work and school done. Close enough to groceries and other stores. Love this spot.
TravelerI’m a rooftop tent camper and the views are amazing but was hoping to be close to the water and isolated from other campers. Definitely was isolated and found one spot that worked out well for rooftop camper. Like 14 miles on dirt road, on the right, 20 feet before a sign that reads “leaving public land.” Had fire ring and more than enough room. About 20 yards away from creek. Quiet. No Att cell service but don’t expect anyone can get service in that canyon.
TravelerThese are blm campsites. There are pit toilets right when you cross into blm land and a sign that explains that you have to camp in designated areas. Like most blm locations there is a 14 day max.
We got our 19 foot travel trailer into a spot with icy conditions, but the road does get quite a bit rougher if you keep going in. Great T-Mobile and Verizon service (2+ bars of 5g)
GuideMedano Pass is the route it's believed that Pike took into the San Luis Valley, and is one of the only primitive roads accessing the valley. The road starts in the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and runs over the mountain and exits on RT 69, or if you want an easy up and hard way down the mountain start off RT 69 and go to the dunes. From 69 to the top of the pass takes about an hour, and you only need high clearance 4 wheel drive for the last two miles of the 12 mile journey to the top. That's not the route we took.
We started at Point of No Return in the Great Sand Dunes National Park, don't worry there are plenty of places to turn back if you get nervous. There's DEEP sand throughout the first six miles, I aired down to 50 from 65, LOL. I figured I'd make it on 35's 12.5" wide, but I can definitely see where as the Sand ets softer I would have gone down to the recommended 20psi. If your going over the mountain have an air compressor to fill your tires when you get to the rocks. There's air at the ampitheater parking lot at the National Park, but no air on RT 69 until you get to a gas station at least twenty miles away.
We made it no issues, buy squeezing a super crew cab, F 250 through was TIGHT! It was FUN though, and my God the place is breathtaking!
Campsites start about five miles in and are spread all the way to the top of Medano Pass. This is National Preserve land, and it is primitive camping. There are fire pits and bear boxes, use the bear boxes as bear encounters are frequent. The sites are clearly marked, and nice size. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TAKE A TRAILER, if you do you won't make it, I promise you that.
The Park, Preserve, and Forrest boundaries are clearly marked. To camp along the Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Preserve area of the road you must have a permit, free at the visitor center. I suggest reservations. After the Preserve it is a National Forrest and its first come first serve primitive camping only. You can stay for up to 14 days, as with most National land.
The 12 mile trip up from the Park takes about 4 hours, yes it's that rough. AND you will stop alot to take in the amazing views.
Even if you don't camp, take the drive, it's worth it. You will need high clearance 4 wheel drive, all wheel drive will not cut it here.
GuideAbsolutely beautiful Sand dunes in the mountains, it actually smells like an ocean beach and makes you feel like your on another world. The Dunes are 30 square miles and you can camp anywhere in them with a free permit available at the visitor center, just have to hike in past the first ridge aka the day use area. It's tent camping only, and no pets are allowed in the back country dunes. You also need to pack everything you need in with you and leave no trace. The winds blow often and hard, moving enough Sand to cover you tracks in minutes. The views of the sky and stars are absolutely mesmerizing, one of the most beautiful Sand fields in the world. The creek that runs through the day use area can fluctuate in size daily, it wasn't high when we were there, but it was still flowing half way through the day use area. A must see destination if your in the San Luis Valley.
LegendNot far from Great Sand Dunes national Park & Zapata Falls, this free dispersed campsite, as well as others along unpaved Mount Blanca Road, provide wonderful views. One side are mountains, and the other San Luis Valley. This particular dispersed site is just off the rocky road as one starts to climb the slope toward the mountains. Mount Blanca Road starts out very easy with no obstacles & washouts, but becomes bumpy and, at some places, technical, as one drives up the slope. The road has washouts and large rocks on it. The site itself was not level, but we managed okay with our campervan. The site is very close to the road; other campers, overlanders & hikers greeting you as they pass by. This site, as well as others along the road, are wide open. There were a few clumps of junipers where we were able to hide our toilet setup. The site was a short pull-thru with a rock fire ring and a small area to set up a tent. Separation between dispersed sites is really good, giving one some privacy. The site was clean. There are no amenities: no water, no electric, no shelter, no toilets. Pack it in, pack it out. We did have reasonable AT&T & T-Mobile service. It was windy & cool at night. Except for an occasional ATV passing by, it was quiet. Enjoy our stay; would not hesitate to camp here again.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Rye, Colorado, where nature's tranquility meets adventure. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best season for dispersed camping in the Rye, Colorado area?
Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the best conditions for dispersed camping around Rye, Colorado. Summer provides reliable access and comfortable temperatures, especially at higher elevations. Sacred White Shell Mountain is particularly beautiful during summer months, with spectacular mountain views and numerous large campsites along the dirt road. Fall brings stunning foliage and fewer crowds. Early spring and late fall can be enjoyable but prepare for colder nights. Winter camping is possible at Ophir Creek Road sites but requires winter gear and potentially 4WD vehicles due to snow and ice conditions on access roads.
Where can I find dispersed camping sites in Rye, Colorado?
The Rye area offers several excellent dispersed camping options. Phantom Canyon provides isolated spots with amazing views, located about 14 miles down a dirt road. High clearance vehicles are recommended. Another option is Penrose Common Rec Site, which features rough but manageable access with a high clearance vehicle, plenty of space to spread out, and pit toilets (no trash service). While these sites aren't directly in Rye, they're within reasonable driving distance and provide the authentic dispersed camping experience you're looking for. The surrounding San Isabel National Forest also offers numerous unmarked dispersed sites along forest service roads.
What are the regulations for dispersed camping near Rye, Colorado?
Dispersed camping near Rye follows standard public land regulations. At Penrose BLM sites, camping is limited to 14 consecutive days within a 45-day period, and you must use designated areas only. BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed and similar areas require campers to stay at least 100 feet from water sources and 150 feet from roads. Pack out all trash, practice Leave No Trace principles, and use existing fire rings where available. Fire bans are common during dry seasons. Most sites have no facilities beyond occasional pit toilets. Check current regulations with the local ranger district office, as rules may change seasonally, especially regarding fire restrictions.
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