Tent campsites near Telluride, Colorado spread across the national forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land at elevations ranging from 9,000 to 12,500 feet. The camping season runs approximately from late May through September, with snow possible even in summer months. Road closures frequently affect access to higher campsites early in the season.
What to do
Hiking from camp: Several camping areas provide direct trail access for day hikes. At Angel Creek Campground, campers enjoy nearby trail options. "Perfect little spot last minute... wished we were closer to the water but it was still awesome," notes one visitor.
Ghost town exploration: The abandoned mining structures near some campsites offer historical interest. At Alta Lakes Campground, you can explore mining history. "The ghost town comes before 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," one camper explains.
Fishing opportunities: Several alpine lakes near Telluride campgrounds provide fishing, though success varies. "We could see tiny fish jumping in the lake but none swimming. Fished for a while with no luck at all... we caught one fish. A super small brook trout, very pretty and very feisty," reports a camper at Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area.
What campers like
Alpine lake swimming: During summer months, some of the alpine lakes warm enough for swimming. A camper at Alta Lakes noted, "One of those classic colorado vistas, with outdoors feel, safe swimming for children and all round good times."
Star viewing: The high elevation and distance from city lights make for exceptional night sky viewing. A Priest Lake camper shared: "The stars were BEAUTIFUL! This is a great spot for stargazers too."
Forest campsites: Many sites offer wooded settings providing privacy and shade. "There are two abandoned cabins that were pretty cool to check out... Exploring was fun and watching the ducks and geese and the occasional deer, it was pretty cool," notes a Priest Lake visitor.
Creek-side spots: Several camping areas feature riverside sites with natural water sounds. At Red Mountain Creek, "We had a great time! The creek and its sound is beautiful. The view of the mountains are awesome too."
What you should know
Early arrival crucial: Competition for limited sites intensifies during peak season. "This campsite fills up quite quickly. We arrived relatively early, but were unable to find a site," reports one Alta Lakes visitor.
Food storage requirements: Bear activity demands proper precautions in this region. "Bears (and moose) are extremely active in this area, so it is especially important to store food in bear canisters and tie up properly," warns a camper at Priest Lake.
Weather variability: Temperature swings can be dramatic even in summer. "When we were there there was a lot of wind so we were at the top of the valley and the wind would just rush up and you could hear it coming. Then our tents would suck in and puff out. It was insane," explains an Alta Lakes camper.
Vehicle recommendations: Many roads deteriorate during and after wet weather. A visitor to Last Dollar Road noted: "Road to get here was pretty rough. Definitely need 4x4. Narrow dirt road that takes you up the mountain has dispersed spots."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots: For families with children, lakes offer safe recreation options. "Classic colorado vistas, with outdoors feel, safe swimming for children," reports a visitor to Alta Lakes.
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites provide opportunities to observe wildlife safely. A Priest Lake camper shared: "Exploring was fun and watching the ducks and geese and the occasional deer, it was pretty cool."
Road difficulty considerations: Plan extra travel time when camping with children due to rough access roads. "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," reported an Alta Lakes visitor about the access road.
Timing for site selection: With limited facilities, finding a suitable family site requires planning. At Hermosa Park Road Dispersed, "Arrive early to find a spot" advises one camper, as "Very busy on a Friday-Sunday."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many dispersed areas have uneven terrain requiring preparation. At Fall Creek Camping, a camper noted: "We found the area suited our 18 foot travel trailer. Was a little tricky getting it level but was manageable."
Size limitations: Many campsites can't accommodate larger RVs. "Small area of uneven ground. Not good for large campers," warns a Fall Creek visitor.
Road clearance requirements: High-clearance vehicles are essential for many camping areas. "Make sure you enter from CO 52 then turn right onto 20A, if you enter 20A near the Silverton Lakes RV resort you will climb for a couple miles on a 4X4 trail with switchbacks," advises a camper.
Dispersed site selection: For RVs, finding suitable pull-offs requires attention. "Lots of big pull offs for dispersed camping. There is also a decommissioned forest service campsite on the north side about halfway in with tables and fire rings still," notes a Hermosa Park Road camper.
