Best Tent Camping near Somerset, CO
Dispersed tent camping opportunities surround Somerset, Colorado in the Gunnison National Forest, with popular sites including Horse Ranch Park along Paonia Road. Tent campers access these primitive areas via Forest Service roads, finding established sites with fire rings but minimal other amenities. Black Canyon offers tent sites on BLM land approximately 5 miles from the North Rim of Black Canyon National Park, providing a base for exploration without developed facilities.
Most tent sites in the Somerset area lack potable water, requiring campers to bring sufficient supplies or filter from nearby streams. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans possible during dry periods. Vault toilets are rare at dispersed sites, though some designated campgrounds like Portal provide basic facilities. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing remote tent sites, particularly after rain when forest roads may become rutted or washed out. Many backcountry tent camping areas implement a 14-day stay limit, though enforcement is minimal in more remote zones.
Walk-in tent sites near Somerset offer solitude and scenic views, particularly those positioned along Lost Lake and surrounding water features. The tent-only campsites at Crater Lake require a 2-mile hike but reward backpackers with exceptional mountain views and wildlife sightings. Four Pass Loop provides challenging backcountry tent camping with established sites at various points along the trail system. According to one visitor, "Lost Lake was right across the road from where we camped. Found a beautiful spot with a great view!" Tent campers frequently encounter wildlife including mountain goats, mule deer, and occasionally moose or foxes, particularly at higher elevations or near water sources.
