Dispersed camping near Weston, Colorado provides access to the unique topography of the eastern slope of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with elevations ranging from 7,500 to over 10,000 feet across various camping areas. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during days, dropping to 40-50°F at night, with consistent afternoon thunderstorms common from July through August. Free camping locations on public lands typically offer more tree cover at higher elevations while lower sites feature more open terrain.
What to do
Hiking from camp: Sacred White Shell Mountain offers direct access to mountain trails. "When I camp, I want some degree of privacy and silence. This place feels like a tailgating party. At no point did I not hear a generator. Friendly people, but no different than a state park, save for fees and amenities," reports a camper who stayed at Mallette Creek North, highlighting how the busier dispersed areas compare to developed campgrounds.
Fishing opportunities: Mountain Home Reservoir SWA provides shoreline fishing access within walking distance of camp. "We camped at our property a few miles from here but came here to fish and it was amazing great trout fishing and beautiful views," notes a camper at Home Mountain Reservoir SWA.
Star photography: The open terrain at many sites creates excellent night sky viewing. "I saw constellations that I had only heard about. Our next door neighbors were dumb and loud, and didn't know where to point their flashlights. I think I preferred the cows," writes a camper about their experience at BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed, indicating the occasional noise issues but excellent stargazing potential.
What campers like
Seasonal wildlife: "We did not drive up very far because it was getting late. So we did not make it up into the brush, maybe it is better further up. Lots of people, but it was quiet. People left trash, which we picked up. Lots of bugs on the ground and flying," reports a camper at Great Sand Dunes Dispersed camping area.
Morning solitude: When camping near Weston, early risers often have the best experience. "We stayed a week and half in late June 2019. The camping areas are very easy to find and are directly off Lake Como Road which is off Hwy 150 (main road that leads to Great Sand Dunes NP). There is a BLM sign at the turn to the right. The GPS coordinates will take you to the correct area."
Water features: "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," notes a visitor to Sanchez Stabilization Reservoir, one of the few free dispersed sites offering both lake access and basic facilities.
What you should know
Cell service reality: Most areas have usable cell service despite remote locations. "Verizon and T-Mobile service worked well. When the wind was forecasted to be 7mph with 15mph gusts, it was enough to cancel the noise from a group of campers a few spots down. It's a generally quiet area, so with the except of that group, you could only notice other campers if they walked, biked, or drove past the spot."
Fire regulations: Always check current fire restrictions before your trip. "The gate is not locked, just open it and you've got some great campsites in BLM land!" notes a visitor to BLM Near Great Sand Dunes Hwy 150, emphasizing the accessibility of these areas.
Temperature swings: "The temperature almost went down to freezing at night in early June, so be prepared with layers for both hot and cold desert conditions," reports a camper, highlighting the need for warm clothing even during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Best family sites: Choose lower elevation sites for easier access with children. "There are two sides to camp on, one side has toilets, vault style, but it's more crowded on that side and less room to camp. The other side takes a little drive, but is much more open and has the mountains behind you and the lake in front of you. It gets busy on weekends, but weekdays are pretty quiet."
Wildlife education: "In our camp spot we saw mountain blue birds, tiger beetles, circus beetles, hover flies, common flies, plateau fence lizards, snake holes, pocket mice, deer droppings, prickly pear cactus (we prepared grilled nopales), and pinyon pine trees," writes a camper, showcasing the educational opportunities for children.
Safety considerations: "Watch your step! Lots of cacti. Lots of space which is good, because lots of people seemed to know about it," warns a visitor about the prevalence of prickly pear cactus in camping areas.
Tips from RVers
Road navigation: "Convenient location about 25 minutes from Great Sand Dunes NP. Several large sites at lower elevation, flat and large enough for an RV or two. Road is graded through the lower portion. As you get higher, the road gets rockier and narrower with some washouts. If you don't have high clearance scout it out before attempting."
Leveling challenges: "We selected this location because it got so many great reviews. I don't expect perfection in dispersed locations but, I was pretty disappointed in the quality of the established areas. They were very difficult to level our smallish travel trailer and perhaps that is the problem. We were one of very few travel trailers on this road," writes a camper at North Fork Purgatiore River.
Supply planning: With no services available, plan carefully for water and waste management. "Beautiful river and lots of wildlife. Drive past the wildlife area sign that says no camping. That sign is only for the entranced area. On down the road you will see the entrance and pay station for the campgrounds. Gorgeous! Nice trail to hike as well."
