Dispersed camping sites near Telluride offer alternatives to Town Park Campground, with Alta Lakes situated at 11,200 feet elevation providing primitive sites around alpine lakes. The San Juan Mountains create dramatic temperature variations where summer days can reach 80°F while nights often drop below 40°F. Most dispersed areas remain open from late May through October, depending on snowpack conditions.
What to do
Fishing at accessible lakes: At Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area, campers can fish without traveling far. "We walked down to the lake where we saw some fish!" mentions Leah W., though catch rates vary. The shallow water makes it safe for children to try fishing with minimal supervision.
Explore ghost town history: Alta Lakes Campground provides access to mining history. "The ghost town comes before the campground and we did attempt to go to the campground... You can't explore any of the buildings, at least not legally, but you can see them and experience what used to be," shares Melissa K., describing the historic structures still standing near the camping area.
Wildlife watching opportunities: Morning and evening hours bring wildlife to water sources at many campgrounds. At Amphitheater Campground, visitors report regular sightings: "had deer in my camp site," notes Christopher K., highlighting the natural encounters possible when camping quietly.
What campers like
Morning temperatures: Tent campers appreciate the cool mornings even during summer months. "Even at the end of July it got really chilly up on top of the mountain but I would highly recommend it," Beth W. mentions about Alta Lakes, where the elevation creates comfortable sleeping temperatures throughout the summer.
Stream-side camping spots: Several campgrounds feature water access directly from sites. At Kendall Camping Area, "We parked right along the mineral creek! We had site #28, which was right against the river and plenty large enough," explains Matt B., describing the calming effect of falling asleep to the sound of flowing water.
Off-peak accessibility: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Telluride offer better availability during weekdays or shoulder seasons. "We arrived around 7pm on a Tuesday night / Wednesday night and it was not crowded," David mentions about Last Dollar Road, contrasting with the festival-season crowding described in the existing information.
What you should know
Road conditions for accessing sites: High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended for most dispersed camping areas. "The road up is a bit rough. We managed it barely in all wheel drive vehicles but did get stuck for a bit at one point when we had to stop for someone on their way down," Paul H. warns about Alta Lakes, emphasizing the importance of appropriate vehicles.
Seasonal facility limitations: Toilet facilities at many campgrounds close during certain periods. "Bathroom was unlocked a couple days after I got there and it was well maintained and clean," notes Templeton B. at Kendall Camping Area, indicating unpredictable availability of facilities.
Weather preparedness: Mountain conditions change rapidly. "I was there during monsoon season so it was raining when we got there and it started raining again at 11 the next day," reports Melissa K., highlighting the need for waterproof gear and proper tent setup regardless of the forecast.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly fishing opportunities: Molas Lake Park & Campground offers stocked fishing that children can enjoy. "They stocked it with hundreds of trout that you can also eat if you'd like. Our neighbors caught a few and gave us want to try," Casey C. shares, making it ideal for introducing children to fishing.
Accessible short hikes: Dog-friendly trails suitable for families connect to several campgrounds. "The Colorado Trail runs through the campground and whether you do a quick toddler hike to the waterfall or a much longer hike down to the river there is just so much to do here," Casey C. explains about Molas Lake, highlighting options for various age groups.
Swimming options: Some high-altitude lakes warm enough for summer swimming. "One of those classic colorado vistas, with outdoors feel, safe swimming for children and all round good times," notes Scot E. about Alta Lakes, providing a refreshing activity after hiking.
Tips from RVers
Hookup options near town: Matterhorn Campground provides electrical options rare in the area. "Some sites even offer electric hookups, making it a great option for RV travelers," Paulina B. explains, noting the convenience compared to dispersed sites.
Dump station locations: Plan your water management carefully. "We stayed here between Telluride Town Park and Ridgway State Park. Main attraction was the fact that it had full hookups so we could reset and dump our tanks," Hillary B. shares about Matterhorn, highlighting the practical need to schedule dumps between stays at primitive sites.
Cell service variability: Working remotely requires strategic site selection. "I had good cell service too (working remotely)," Whitney J. notes about Last Dollar Road, while others report spotty connections at most campgrounds, suggesting campers test signals before settling at a site if connectivity matters.
