Best Dispersed Camping near Westcliffe, CO

Westcliffe in Colorado has excellent dispersed camping options near the Rocky Mountains and Great Sand Dunes National Park. You can camp primitively in this area without the usual campground facilities, getting closer to nature. Around the Great Sand Dunes, you'll find several remote spots to camp with views of the dunes and wilderness. Since these are undeveloped sites, you need to bring everything you'll need, including water and food supplies. Following Leave No Trace practices is essential here - pack out all trash and leave the site as you found it. Rules require camping at least 100 feet from water sources and roads to protect the environment. You can stay up to 14 days at most dispersed sites in the region, giving you plenty of time to explore. Many of the best spots require high-clearance vehicles because of rough access roads. The Medano Pass Primitive Road in the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve is particularly rugged but leads to good camping areas. Fire bans are common in this area, so check current restrictions before planning to have a campfire. While camping in the backcountry, you might see deer and many bird species around your camp. Always store food properly to avoid wildlife encounters at your site. Despite cold nights, the quiet and beauty of dispersed camping near Westcliffe make the basic conditions worthwhile.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Westcliffe, Colorado (59)

    1. Lake Deweese state wildlife area

    7 Reviews
    Westcliffe, CO
    5 miles
    Website

    "This is dispersed camping. There are pit toilets but no other services or amenities."

    "Clean, beautiful site by the lake. Summer nights during the new moon is a great time to visit. You can see the Milky Way. Nice spots for fly fishing and hiking."

    2. Dispersed Sand Area 1

    5 Reviews
    Crestone, CO
    15 miles
    Website

    "There are about 10-15 dispersed camping spots along the dirt road that leads up to trailheads at the end. The spots are spread out enough to where I did not see or hear a soul while camping 2 nights."

    "Plenty of dispersed spots available. Stayed here in a truck with a rtt. With others in a group. Close enough to town where we hit up the local brewery for drinks and food."

    3. South Colony Basin

    2 Reviews
    Crestone, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "To get to the campground you must first brave the road to the trailhead. If you have a 4x4 truck/SUV the road is achievable but very rough."

    4. Hermit Pass OHV

    1 Review
    Westcliffe, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    5. Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area

    2 Reviews
    Hillside, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-8500

    "Entry road has multiple water runoff ditches that make the road best for vehicles with decent clearance. If dry 4x4 not necessary."

    "Be careful of cactus, bring firewood, download the off-line maps. The trails can get confusing so remember your way in!"

    6. Willow Creek Trail

    1 Review
    Crestone, SC
    14 miles
    Website

    "Approx 15 or so dispersed camp sites along the forest road up to the parking lot for Willow Lake trail. Easy access to sites, easy access to trail head. Restrooms also available at trailhead."

    7. Cotton Creek Trailhead

    3 Reviews
    Crestone, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 657-3321

    "Do not route via Apple Maps, it will try to take you through a private road. Don’t follow the “major trail” signs, just find the side road this spot is on and drive up and you’ll find it."

    "The road is very rocky & very rough, so you'll want to have decent clearance and be prepared to take it slow. I've never seen so many stars!"

    8. Medano Pass Primitive Road — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve

    9 Reviews
    Crestone, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 378-6395

    "Medano Pass is the route it's believed that Pike took into the San Luis Valley, and is one of the only primitive roads accessing the valley."

    "Definitely need 4 wheel drive and decently high clearance. I only saw Jeeps, 4 runners, and trucks. Rocky and steep at parts, it was pretty damn rough."

    9. Crestone Needle Trail

    1 Review
    Crestone, CO
    15 miles

    "Crestone is a tiny town with just about anything you might want within a walk from where I parked. Plenty of camping spots all the way up to the end of the road where there is a fairly busy trailhead."

    10. The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    9 Reviews
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, CO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 378-6395

    "Backcountry dispersed camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park offers an unforgettable and truly unique wilderness experience."

    "It's tent camping only, and no pets are allowed in the back country dunes. You also need to pack everything you need in with you and leave no trace."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Westcliffe, CO

225 Reviews of 59 Westcliffe Campgrounds



Guide to Westcliffe

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Westcliffe, Colorado, where nature's tranquility meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Medano Pass for dispersed campers

  • The Medano Pass Primitive Road offers a unique experience with its scenic views and 4x4 trails, making it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts.
  • Campers can enjoy the thrill of crossing Medano Creek while taking in the breathtaking surroundings, perfect for those seeking a bit of adventure.
  • This area is known for its spacious camping spots, allowing for a more private experience in nature.

Beautiful landscapes while free camping near Westcliffe

  • The Dunefield showcases striking sand dunes framed by majestic mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop for your camping experience.
  • Visitors have noted the stunning sunsets and starry nights, making it an ideal spot for photography and stargazing.
  • The area is well-maintained and offers a clean environment, enhancing the overall camping experience.

Dispersed campers should check out Lake Deweese State Wildlife Area

  • The Lake Deweese State Wildlife Area features beautiful lakeside views and opportunities for fishing, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Campers can find several dispersed sites that provide a sense of seclusion while still being close to amenities in nearby Westcliffe.
  • The area is known for its diverse wildlife, offering a chance to observe nature up close while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Westcliffe, Colorado?

Dispersed camping around Westcliffe follows standard public land regulations. On BLM land like Sacred White Shell Mountain, camping is permitted for up to 14 days within a 45-day period. At Penrose BLM sites, you must camp in designated areas only, as indicated by signage at the entrance. Most dispersed sites require campers to practice Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash, bury human waste at least 6 inches deep and 200 feet from water sources, and minimize impact on vegetation. Campfires may be restricted seasonally due to fire danger, so always check current fire restrictions before your trip. Most areas prohibit camping within 100-200 feet of water sources. Motorized vehicles must stay on established roads. No permits are typically required for dispersed camping, but specific wildlife areas may have additional regulations.

Is Lake DeWeese open for camping near Westcliffe?

Yes, Lake DeWeese state wildlife area is open for camping near Westcliffe. This reservoir offers both drive-in and boat-in camping opportunities with basic toilet facilities. Unlike the dispersed camping options in national forests, Lake DeWeese has more structure but still provides a scenic setting for overnight stays. As a state wildlife area, you'll need a valid Colorado fishing or hunting license to camp here. The area is particularly popular with anglers looking to catch rainbow and brown trout. The camping season typically runs from late spring through fall, weather permitting. During peak summer months, arriving early for weekends is recommended as the more accessible spots can fill quickly. Penrose Common Rec Site provides an alternative nearby option with a pit toilet but requires a high-clearance vehicle to access.

What is the best time of year for dispersed camping in Westcliffe, CO?

The prime season for dispersed camping around Westcliffe is late spring through early fall (May-September). Summer offers warm days with cool nights at the higher elevations. Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area provides excellent summer camping with dirt roads leading to multiple sites, though water sources are limited. Early fall brings spectacular foliage, especially along Phantom Canyon, which offers isolated camping spots with stunning views. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to snow and cold temperatures, with many forest roads becoming impassable. Spring can be muddy during snowmelt, often making access difficult until May. The Westcliffe area sits at high elevation (around 8,000 feet), so prepare for temperature swings year-round. Even summer nights can drop below freezing, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August.

Where are the best spots for dispersed camping near Westcliffe, CO?

The Westcliffe area offers excellent dispersed camping opportunities. Marshall Pass Dispersed provides numerous sites along Marshall Pass Road after turning at Mears Junction off Highway 285. These spots vary from camper-friendly to tent-specific areas throughout the National Forest. Another great option is Hermit Pass OHV, which offers free dispersed camping with stunning mountain views. For those willing to drive a bit further, consider the dispersed sites along Ophir Creek Road or South Colony Basin area near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Most dispersed sites in the region provide beautiful scenery with varying degrees of accessibility - some require high-clearance vehicles while others are accessible with standard cars. Remember that most Forest Service and BLM lands around Westcliffe allow dispersed camping, typically with a 14-day stay limit.