Dispersed camping areas near San Luis, Colorado sit at elevations ranging from 7,500 to 11,000 feet, creating distinct camping conditions throughout the year. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F during daytime with nighttime drops to 40-50°F, while autumn brings freezing nights by late September. Winter access becomes limited to four-wheel drive vehicles on most unpaved roads from November through April.
What to do
Fishing at Mountain Home Reservoir: The lake provides excellent trout fishing opportunities with clear water where fish are easily visible. "Great trout fishing and beautiful views," notes Jacob K. about Home Mountain Reservoir SWA - Dispersed Campsites.
Hike to Zapata Falls: Located near the Great Sand Dunes, this short trail leads to a hidden waterfall inside a mountain crevice. "Use caution on the road up to the falls as it is extremely rough," warns Jacob K. about Zapata Falls Campground. The trail is about 1 mile round trip.
Wildlife viewing: The area provides opportunities to observe various wildlife including wild horses. "We woke up to wild horses close to us. Great spot," shares Tom T. about his stay at Wild Horse Mountain View. Many campers report seeing horses drinking at nearby water sources in early mornings.
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution allows for exceptional night sky viewing. "Dark skies there. You can see the Milky Way with the naked eye," reports Meandering Life after visiting Sacred White Shell Mountain. Bring red-light headlamps to preserve night vision.
What campers like
Mountain views: The surrounding mountain ranges create dramatic backdrops for campsites. "The weather changes by the minute it seems, and storms move over the area pretty quickly. If you don't like the weather wait five minutes, it'll change," explains Jason L. about Home Mountain Reservoir SWA - Dispersed Campsites.
Solitude during weekdays: Most camping areas experience significant differences in visitation patterns. "We went on tuesday and wednesday and i had no camping neighbors but there were still a few people around the lake," reports Linnell B. about Mountain Home Reservoir.
Off-road accessibility: The area features numerous access points for off-road enthusiasts. "Smooth dirt road with large spots and smaller spots right off the road. Perfect for when all the other nearby campgrounds are full," describes Inka K. about Sacred White Shell Mountain.
Pet-friendly environment: Most sites welcome dogs without strict restrictions. "My kids get so excited when they see the horses come down to drink water. We even spotted a foal. The stars are awesome and so clear at night," shares Laura V. about Wild Horse Mountain View, a pet-friendly location.
What you should know
Wind conditions: The valley geography creates frequent strong winds. "It was windy and tree coverage was limited but we found an awesome spot for the weekend towards the end of the road," mentions Maggie M. about Home Mountain Reservoir.
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality. "Don't trust directions via Dyrt + Google Maps," warns Blair S. about finding Mountain Home Reservoir. For Sanchez Stabilization Reservoir, a reviewer notes "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."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed areas have minimal amenities. "No cell phone service. No water, toilets, bring your own food and water and disconnect from the internet. Pack up all your trash and take it with you," advises Nick C. about Blue Lake Campground.
Weather variability: The high elevation creates rapidly changing conditions. At Purgatoire Campground, Jeff T. reports: "We visited in the height of mud season and it made leveling our rig a little tricky as the levelling blocks kept sinking in the soft Dyrt under the weight of our wheels, but we eventually figured it out. There was snow on the ground and snow flurries during our visit."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds: Families may prefer sites with more amenities. "Lots to explore on foot and we hit the Great Sand Dunes National Park about 45 minutes away on our last day out here," suggests Maggie M. about the family-friendly options.
Watch for wildlife opportunities: Children often enjoy animal sightings. "We did not see the moose but caught glimpses of the goats, weasels and a beaver in the water," shares Nick C. about the Blue Lake area.
Pack for temperature swings: The significant day-to-night temperature differences require planning. "It was definitely cold and windy at night," reports Macy N., highlighting the need for proper sleeping equipment for children at Blue Lake.
Consider camping near water features: Kids enjoy playing near water sources. At Sanchez Stabilization Reservoir, lake access provides recreation opportunities, though Jacob T. notes: "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."
Tips from RVers
Level sites are limited: Finding suitable parking requires early arrival. "Our rig is 28' long, and if the place had been more crowded we may have had trouble finding a spot long enough for us," shares Jeff T. about Purgatoire Campground.
Watch road clearance: Many access roads present challenges for larger vehicles. "We drove a Kia Soul (FWD) and were fine but I had a coworker damage the front end of her low car on potholes out there," warns Tonya B. about Blue Lake Campground.
Fire restrictions vary: Check current rules before arrival. "Be sure to check Summit County's website before heading out there regarding their fire restrictions," advises Tonya B. about Blue Lake Campground.
Prepare for limited hookups: Most sites near San Luis lack services. "No hookups but no fee. All was well until the wind came up suddenly and we were in a brief windstorm with sand all in our trailer," reports David W. about Sacred White Shell Mountain.
