Tent camping near Walsenburg, Colorado offers backcountry solitude with elevations ranging from 6,200 feet in town to over 10,500 feet in nearby mountain camping areas. The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, with summer highs averaging 85°F and nighttime lows often dropping below 50°F even in July and August. Dispersed camping options typically require campers to be fully self-sufficient with no access to running water.
What to do
Stargazing after dark: Hummingbird Ranch provides exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "Hummingbird Ranch was the most beautiful site we stayed at during a 5,500 mile cross country adventure! Awesome views, beautiful sky, and complete freedom," shares Barbara F., who visited the area in 2023.
Hiking accessible trails: Davenport Campground offers direct access to nearby hiking trails from the campground. "Trail right off campgrounds is an easy, beautiful hike," notes Becki S., who found the combination of camping and trail access convenient for day exploration.
Wildlife viewing: Higher elevation sites provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. At Medano Lake Backpackers Camp, visitors report diverse animal encounters: "We saw all kinds of wildlife, including 2 bears. Be sure to hang your food a good distance away at night or when you aren't around! Woke up to deer, saw plenty of little marmots, the local beaver, and lots of trout in the lake!"
Desert camping experiences: For a unique adventure, backcountry camping at The Dunefield in Great Sand Dunes National Park offers solitude among the dunes. "The Dunefield was one of the most serene and unique camping experiences we have had. Once we crossed over the day use area, it was like being in another world. We didn't see another soul," reports a backcountry camper.
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Many campers appreciate the privacy at dispersed sites. At Great Sand Dunes Dispersed, one reviewer notes, "Coyotes in the distance and just miles of beautiful land and no people. This is the spot to go if you're going to the dunes!"
Clean facilities: Where available, well-maintained amenities get positive mentions. "Clean bathrooms. Site 2 where we stayed had a covered shelter with picnic table," writes Vanessa R. about Davenport Campground, highlighting the practical amenities that enhance the tent camping experience.
Convenient location: Proximity to attractions matters to tent campers. "This is only about 12 miles from the Great Sand Dunes National Park and also on the way to Crater Lake. There are several dispersed campsites," notes Amanda S. about Sacred White Shell Mountain Campground.
Affordable options: Budget-conscious tent campers appreciate reasonably priced options. One camper noted about Greenhorn Meadows Park: "Pulled in late to this quiet tidy little campground. It was very quiet and well kept. A very easy place to make a reservation and stay last minute!"
What you should know
Access requirements: Some sites require specific vehicles. At Medano Lake, "You must have a 4WD vehicle to access the trailhead either from the North or through Medano Pass from the Great Sand Dunes. You will not make it without 4WD."
Water limitations: Most tent camping areas have no water sources. At Greenhorn Meadows Park, "There's electric hook ups at your site; however the water is across the path and you need to port it to your rig."
Walk-in sites: Many tent sites require carrying gear from parking areas. At Davenport Campground, "The most inconvenient part was all sites are walk in, the nearest sites to where you park are 8 and 9. The creek right next to the campground is very peaceful."
Weather considerations: Temperature variations can be extreme. When tent camping at The Dunefield, one visitor advised, "Just the tent, no rain fly and using our sleeping bags as quilts was perfect in June."
Fire regulations: Fire rules vary by location and season. One camper at Great Sand Dunes Dispersed noted, "Some sites have rock fire rings, so was pleased," though regulations can change with fire danger levels.
Tips for camping with families
Look for shelter options: Some sites offer covered areas for weather protection. At Davenport Campground, "Site 9 has a shelter and is close to parking lot and toilet. Lot of fire wood available," according to Kevin Y., making it easier for families with small children.
Consider site spacing: Proximity to neighbors varies widely. At Davenport, "The sites are pretty close together, but we had no problem with our neighbors," notes one camper, though this could be an issue for families needing more privacy or space for active children.
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about animal encounters. The Dunefield camper advised, "Bugs come out at dusk so be ready with lots of spray and cover your limbs and bring good sunblock, you will get toasted," highlighting practical preparation needed when tent camping with kids in this region.
Plan for temperature swings: The significant day-to-night temperature changes require appropriate clothing and gear. For The Dunefield, campers suggest, "Bring a lot of water! Perfect temperature at this time of year, little wind."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for various rigs: Some dispersed areas accommodate larger vehicles. At Hummingbird Ranch, "Great place to spend a day or two. Easy access of interstate 25. Any size rig could get back here. Spectacular views!" reports Rocky T.
Leveling challenges: Terrain can make setup difficult even for smaller trailers. At Great Sand Dunes Dispersed, one RVer noted, "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."
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality. As one camper at Great Sand Dunes Dispersed stated, "The road does get pretty rough eventually, and we didn't trust our minivan going through the 'unmaintained' section, we turned around and were able to find a connecting side road."
Dump station fees: Be aware of additional costs. At Greenhorn Meadows Park, "It does not indicate anywhere in the pricing, but when you go to leave, you will find out that you were charged another $10 if you want to dump. This should be stated upfront before you ever make a reservation."
