Top Free Dispersed Camping near San Luis, CO

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near San Luis, look no further. Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near San Luis, CO (31)

Showing results 1-10 of 31 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In San Luis

109 Reviews of 31 San Luis Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed
    Oct. 13, 2024

    BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed

    Great Spot

    Was able to find a really nice open spot with amazing views of the mountains. Was big and spacious enough for me and my friend to camp in our vans. No one around for miles!

  • Levi S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    Easy free camping

    Got here on a Saturday night in September and found a spot right away. It had been raining for awhile too. No issue on the road with a kia sorento.

  • Melissa J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping

    Absolutely Gorgeous

    There are so many campsites to choose from, all along the Hondo Rio. It's peaceful and quiet. We brought our four dogs and 13 year old. There's so much to do to keep them busy. The dogs love the river and to run through it. No one really bothers anyone. There are toilets at some of the sites. Very clean. We had storms while camping. At least six rock/mud slides on the road. I don't know who, but someone managed to clean it all up in record time. We've had a great time, even with the rain and hail. We will definitely come back.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    Wide Open Spaces

    Not much tree cover at a lot of these spots. Great location to be close enough to the dunes.

    Was pretty windy and sandy while we were there

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Great Sand Dunes Dispersed
    Aug. 22, 2024

    Great Sand Dunes Dispersed

    Good spot if you get there early

    There’s plenty of spots off the main road, but seems like you need to get there early. We showed up around 6 pm. The road does get pretty rough eventually, and we didn’t trust our minivan going through the “unmaintained” section, we turned around and were able to find a connecting side road that had plenty of open space out there. When entering the road initially, the side road would be about half way up to your left. Pretty close to Great Sand Dunes National Park, so we were happy with this location! Nice mountain view.

  • Erika L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mallette Creek North
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Mallette Creek North

    Peaceful

    Even with a couple and a new born up the hill I never heard them from our campervan! Serene surroundings and even and beautiful place to camp during a thunderstorm!

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed
    Jul. 28, 2024

    BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed

    Quick Stop

    Quick and easy to find. Area was easily accessible. A great option for those on a budget and attempting to avoid paying fees for one night stays. Nice views of the valley and mountain behind. Sites were not the most level going up the mountainside and a bit rocky. Would stay there again!

  • Laneha E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Near Great Sand Dunes Hwy 150
    Jul. 27, 2024

    BLM Near Great Sand Dunes Hwy 150

    Beautiful views & Isolated

    This place is good for those who have clearance and a 4WD. Road can be rough but pretty much all pickups are good. Don’t need a jeep. If it rains, you could get in trouble. The views are beautiful. Especially higher up. Some spots, I didn’t find tons of spots. I was the only one here on a Friday night last week if July 🤷🏼‍♀️. Or if there were others I didn’t know it. You get cover of some trees quicker than the sacred mountain location farther south on same road. You have to open a gate to get in. I would recommend it, and will probably be back at some point.

  • Morgan E.
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed
    Jul. 23, 2024

    BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed

    Dispersed Mountain Views !

    This campsite is very popular, I would definitely recommend arriving early morning time to secure a spot. 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. The road is graded and then turns into a rocky road that is manageable in a crossover for a ways then high clearance will be needed. There was a small flooded portion that is next to the helipad but we just drove up onto the helipad to get around it as to not risk getting stuck. There are plenty of sites available and even a circle drive in the front of the road if you don’t feel like venturing in during the night. There are A TON of flies! Lots of bug spray and loose clothing to avoid those pesky biting flies. We had a beautiful view of the mountain and Great Sand dunes is a short 20 minutes away. Our pups loved the large open spaces but beware of cacti and tiny burrs.

  • Jacob T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sanchez Stabilization Reservoir
    Jun. 29, 2024

    Sanchez Stabilization Reservoir

    A nice place!

    The scenery was beautiful, but very windy at times. Also the person that stayed before me left a lot of trash in the fire pit, so we cleaned that up before the campfire. It’s also loud with the 18 wheelers driving down the main road. If you’re camping in a van or camper shell, it’s probably not a big deal. If you roof top tent camp or regular tent camping, it gets loud.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Near Great Sand Dunes Hwy 150
    Jun. 26, 2024

    BLM Near Great Sand Dunes Hwy 150

    Beautiful Spot

    A very short drive off the road, open and close the gate to get in. We parked up by a little stream in an E350 RV. Ground a bit bumpy, but drivable if you go slow. Cell signal okay, 5G 4bars AT&T but about 1-3 Mbps. Amazing wide open Mountain View’s. Many many bitey bugs!

  • Stephanie D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    Great spot!

    This was a long dirt road with lots of sites all the way up the hill. Most sites are big enough for several campers. Sites are flat and it is very quiet. Gorgeous views!

  • Greg M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed
    Jun. 20, 2024

    BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed

    Happy we ended up here

    We ended up here by mistake, thinking we were at the Sacred White shell BLM. Glad we did though. Great views of The Twin Peaks and Blanca Peak. Lots of flat open space down low. We stopped as the road steepened and set up in a big spot that was close to the road. No complaints considering we got here an hour before dark. Views for miles here!

  • Angel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    The best dispersed camping spot near Great Sand Dunes

    We had the best view of the sunset and the sunrise... Stargazing was epic! It is crowded and we were lucky to get a spot on top at 12midnight... Campfire is allowed but definetely bring your own campfire wood... The weather was perfect in late May... Will definitely come back!

  • Matthew Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Near Great Sand Dunes Hwy 150
    Jun. 16, 2024

    BLM Near Great Sand Dunes Hwy 150

    Campsite near Great Sand Dunes

    Beautiful spot with amazing views. Not sure what part the other reviewer stayed at, but the approach trial was a little hectic and I was glad to have a high clearance 4x4. Beautiful stream right next to the sites and plenty of fire pits.

  • Wild Berries B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Tres Piedras Camp
    Jun. 5, 2024

    Tres Piedras Camp

    On the way out from Mesa Verde NP

    We found this place randomly. Seen all the road exits of the Carson National Forest on our way to Taos we said “let’s give it a try!” And we found apparently a fairly popular place. It may be due to available internet connection (which we greatly enjoyed it after weeks!) or just a lower altitude spot that may help with physical activity and weather temps. At any rate, easy and short access to the camp sites via gravel sandy road, some with fire rings and camp tables, leveled grounds for trailers and lots of pine trees for privacy. There are signs for trailheads and pretty rock formations that will need to be explored next time. We stayed a night and enjoyed it to the fullest. Highly recommended, especially as nights get nice and chill (vs. hot day temps) for good sleep.

  • Lindsay P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sacred White Shell Mountain
    May. 28, 2024

    Sacred White Shell Mountain

    Perfect spot near GSD NP

    Tent camping - there were plenty of spots on a holiday weekend. Just 25 mins or so from the entrance of Great Sand Dunes National Park.

  • DL M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sanchez Stabilization Reservoir
    May. 23, 2024

    Sanchez Stabilization Reservoir

    Lakeside dispersed camping

    Clean washrooms. Cement picnic tables. About 4 nice camping sites around the lake. Quiet windy. The van is rocking around. Hold onto your car doors when you open them. Two bar LTE mobile service.

  • Clément S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed
    May. 5, 2024

    BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed

    Good spot near Great Sand Dunes NP

    Several spots on this dirt road. The first ones are quite flat, then it's more complicated. It's close to the dirt road but there are not many people that use it

  • Mikaela S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Home Mountain Reservoir SWA - Dispersed Campsites
    Apr. 21, 2024

    Home Mountain Reservoir SWA - Dispersed Campsites

    Beautiful Spot

    We found this place as a last resort after being unable to find good free spots near the dunes. Ended up being private and beautiful! After doing some research, I found an article saying a state fishing or hunting license was interchangeable for a Swa permit. Still not confirmed, but we didn’t have any problems. It was fairly windy at night but the wind was better during the day. There is a bit of trash throughout the area surrounding the reservoir and our dog got into something that made her sick, so I recommend keeping a close eye on your dogs here, especially dogs that like to get into things they shouldn’t.



Guide to San Luis

Camping near San Luis, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a base for exploring nearby attractions, there are plenty of options to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking to waterfalls: Check out the short hike to the falls at Zapata Falls Campground. One camper mentioned, "You can also hike further up to the lake," making it a great spot for those who love to explore.
  • Sand Dunes adventures: The Great Sand Dunes Oasis is just a short drive away. A visitor noted, "The location can’t be beat! Views are incredible!" Perfect for a day of fun in the sand.
  • Fishing and wildlife watching: At Cimarron Campground, you can enjoy fishing and see wildlife. One camper shared, "We watched several herds of Elk down in the valley on one of our hikes."

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the breathtaking scenery. A review from Sacred White Shell Mountain said, "What a fantastic stop!! You don't get this at KOA!!"
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Blue Lake Campground mentioned, "There are hikes nearby, including Quandry Peak, a local 14er," highlighting the peaceful surroundings.
  • Friendly hosts: Campers appreciate the welcoming atmosphere. One review for Rabbit Hole Ranch noted, "The only interactions we had outside our own party were with the amazing doggies!!!"

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Many campgrounds, like Mosca Campground, have basic facilities. A camper pointed out, "There were no signs about any limit to your stay," indicating a more rustic experience.
  • Reservations recommended: Some sites, such as Zapata Falls Campground, require online reservations. One camper mentioned, "You do have to reserve online now in advance."
  • Wildlife precautions: Be aware of wildlife, especially bears. A visitor at Zapata Falls Campground appreciated the "bear locker" at their site, emphasizing the importance of safety.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities like clean bathrooms and picnic tables. A review for Great Sand Dunes Oasis mentioned, "The showers were amazing at this place."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a mix of activities for everyone. One camper at Alamosa KOA said, "If you want a quieter site however be sure to request something AWAY from the playground!"
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Keep everyone happy with easy-to-reach snacks. A visitor at Rabbit Hole Ranch noted, "Loved the dogs and the location was close to the sand dunes," suggesting a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Mosca Campground warned, "A lot of RVs like to peep on tent campers and make snide comments."
  • Look for full hookups: Campgrounds like Great Sand Dunes Oasis offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. One camper mentioned, "The campground parking area is just that. It’s a place to park for the night, with full hook ups."
  • Be prepared for dirt roads: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor at Cimarron Campground noted, "It is a long way down a dirt road but well worth the drive to be remote."

Camping near San Luis, Colorado, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near San Luis, CO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near San Luis, CO is Great Sand Dunes Dispersed with a 4.2-star rating from 10 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near San Luis, CO?

    TheDyrt.com has all 31 dispersed camping locations near San Luis, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.