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Best Dispersed Camping near Wetmore, CO

91 Reviews

The landscape surrounding Wetmore, Colorado features predominantly dispersed camping options on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forest lands. Penrose Common Rec Site and Penrose BLM sites offer accessible primitive camping within 20 miles of Wetmore, providing basic amenities like vault toilets at some locations. Phantom Canyon presents more secluded options along dirt roads with creekside camping opportunities. Lake Deweese State Wildlife Area, located southwest of Wetmore, offers fishing access and dispersed camping with permit requirements. Most sites in the region maintain a rustic character with minimal facilities, appealing to self-sufficient campers seeking solitude in the foothills of the Wet Mountains.

Road conditions significantly impact accessibility throughout the area, with many sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. As one camper noted about Penrose Common Rec Site, "Road in is rough, but manageable with a high clearance vehicle. Plenty of space to spread out." Winter conditions can make access challenging, particularly at higher elevations. Most BLM locations enforce a standard 14-day maximum stay limit. Cell service varies considerably, with T-Mobile and Verizon reported to work at some locations near Penrose. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer months, and campers should verify current regulations before planning trips. Limited drinking water availability means visitors must bring their own supplies for the duration of their stay.

Mountain views and stargazing opportunities rank among the most frequently mentioned highlights from campers in the region. Sites along creeks receive particular praise, though they may experience colder overnight temperatures. Wildlife sightings include deer, mountain goats, and various small mammals. Several reviewers mention encountering trash at some locations, suggesting visitors should be prepared to pack out more than they bring in. Phantom Canyon receives consistently high ratings for isolation and scenery, with one visitor noting they found "one spot that worked out well for rooftop camper... Had fire ring and more than enough room. About 20 yards away from creek." The combination of accessibility and remoteness makes the Wetmore area particularly appealing for weekend trips from Colorado Springs or Pueblo.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Wetmore, Colorado (31)

    1. Penrose Common Rec Site

    11 Reviews
    Penrose, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-8500

    "Road in is rough, but manageable with a high clearance vehicle. Plenty of space to spread out. Popular with those ATV things. Pit toilet, no trash."

    "There’s lots of trails in the area (OHV) but other than that, not much else to do. There is a clean vault toilet at the entrance, no trash services. Plenty of spots as you keep driving up the hill."

    2. Ophir Creek Road

    1 Review
    Beulah, CO
    13 miles

    "It’s an easy drive from Westcliff. Too easy. I expected crowds of out of state tourists and maybe a few locals."

    3. Lake Deweese state wildlife area

    7 Reviews
    Westcliffe, CO
    21 miles
    Website

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

    "This is a great dispersed camping spot with outhouses around the lake for convenience, well kept and clean! DO NOT let kids or dogs in water, as there is a level red warning for toxic algae!!"

    4. Penrose BLM sites

    2 Reviews
    Penrose, CO
    18 miles

    "These are blm campsites. There are pit toilets right when you cross into blm land and a sign that explains that you have to camp in designated areas. Like most blm locations there is a 14 day max."

    "I was the only one around camping when I was there. Super peaceful! The reservoir is 10 minutes away too which is great for fishing and paddle boarding."

    5. Phantom Canyon

    5 Reviews
    Penrose, CO
    22 miles

    "I’m a rooftop tent camper and the views are amazing but was hoping to be close to the water and isolated from other campers."

    "Dispersed area that is very spread out so you are not near others. Also has access to climbing walls right by sites."

    6. BLM Rec. Trail Dispersed

    1 Review
    Penrose, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-8500

    7. Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off

    1 Review
    Cañon City, CO
    19 miles

    "Every summer I go on a road trip , camping ,backpacking and visiting national parks , while driving through Colorado we drove through phantom canyon road and we stopped about 20 times through our drive"

    8. Oil Well Flats

    2 Reviews
    Cañon City, CO
    22 miles

    "Did the shelf trail from cripple creek to canon city. Was good place to camp for the night quite a few spots, flat, big. Amazing views! Incline getting up to isn’t bad, TT’s might have some trouble."

    9. Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

    15 Reviews
    Victor, CO
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "Amazing location right next to Boehmer Creek. There are 5 or 6 sites mainly for tents. You might be able ti get an rv in there but low hanging trees and narrow rutted trails would be a problem."

    "Make sure to bring your bug spray. Nice fire pit and gorgeous views. Saw fish in stream a couple of deer and tons of chipmunks. Saw a little trash here and there."

    10. Cripple Creek BLM Area

    3 Reviews
    Victor, CO
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-8500

    "We travelled from Tennessee to find some wonderful back country primitive camping and man did we find it."

    "The dispersed sites aren’t far from the road since most of the road goes down a valley with hills on both sides however there’s a nice creek running down the whole way."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Wetmore, CO

73 Photos of 31 Wetmore Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Wetmore, CO

91 Reviews of 31 Wetmore Campgrounds

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 15, 2024

    The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    Wild and Untamed

    Backcountry dispersed camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park offers an unforgettable and truly unique wilderness experience. If you’re seeking solitude and raw, untamed landscapes, this is the perfect spot to pitch your tent. With no designated sites, you have the freedom to find your ideal spot beyond the busy dunes and under an expansive star-filled sky.

    The journey begins with a hike deep into the park’s rugged terrain, where you’re surrounded by towering sand dunes, alpine forests, and sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The lack of light pollution makes stargazing an absolute highlight—this is one of the best places to witness the Milky Way.

    Keep in mind, this is true backcountry camping: no facilities, no water sources, and you must pack out all waste. Permits are required, so be sure to plan ahead. The environment can be challenging, with extreme temperature swings and strong winds that shift the sand beneath your feet. Good preparation and Leave No Trace practices are a must.

    The rewards are well worth the effort. From sunrise hikes to the serene sound of nothing but wind across the dunes, this camping experience immerses you in nature’s raw beauty like few others can. It’s an adventure you’ll carry with you long after you’ve left the dunes behind.

    Highly recommend skipping the tent and sleeping under the stars!

  • Izzy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2022

    Penrose Common Rec Site

    Delightful af

    Road in is rough, but manageable with a high clearance vehicle. Plenty of space to spread out. Popular with those ATV things. Pit toilet, no trash. Not many trees, but a great view of the surrounding area. T-mobile service was good enough to get some work and school done. Close enough to groceries and other stores. Love this spot.

  • Charles L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Phantom Canyon

    Late July camping trip

    I’m a rooftop tent camper and the views are amazing but was hoping to be close to the water and isolated from other campers. Definitely was isolated and found one spot that worked out well for rooftop camper. Like 14 miles on dirt road, on the right, 20 feet before a sign that reads “leaving public land.” Had fire ring and more than enough room. About 20 yards away from creek. Quiet. No Att cell service but don’t expect anyone can get service in that canyon.

  • Elias M.
    Jan. 23, 2025

    Penrose BLM sites

    Beautiful views of the mountains and the town

    These are blm campsites. There are pit toilets right when you cross into blm land and a sign that explains that you have to camp in designated areas. Like most blm locations there is a 14 day max.

    We got our 19 foot travel trailer into a spot with icy conditions, but the road does get quite a bit rougher if you keep going in. Great T-Mobile and Verizon service (2+ bars of 5g)

  • Jason L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2019

    Medano Pass Primitive Road — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve

    4 wheel drive required

    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. The road starts in the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and runs over the mountain and exits on RT 69, or if you want an easy up and hard way down the mountain start off RT 69 and go to the dunes. From 69 to the top of the pass takes about an hour, and you only need high clearance 4 wheel drive for the last two miles of the 12 mile journey to the top. That's not the route we took.

    We started at Point of No Return in the Great Sand Dunes National Park, don't worry there are plenty of places to turn back if you get nervous. There's DEEP sand throughout the first six miles, I aired down to 50 from 65, LOL. I figured I'd make it on 35's 12.5" wide, but I can definitely see where as the Sand ets softer I would have gone down to the recommended 20psi. If your going over the mountain have an air compressor to fill your tires when you get to the rocks. There's air at the ampitheater parking lot at the National Park, but no air on RT 69 until you get to a gas station at least twenty miles away.

    We made it no issues, buy squeezing a super crew cab, F 250 through was TIGHT! It was FUN though, and my God the place is breathtaking!

    Campsites start about five miles in and are spread all the way to the top of Medano Pass. This is National Preserve land, and it is primitive camping. There are fire pits and bear boxes, use the bear boxes as bear encounters are frequent. The sites are clearly marked, and nice size. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TAKE A TRAILER, if you do you won't make it, I promise you that.

    The Park, Preserve, and Forrest boundaries are clearly marked. To camp along the Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Preserve area of the road you must have a permit, free at the visitor center. I suggest reservations. After the Preserve it is a National Forrest and its first come first serve primitive camping only. You can stay for up to 14 days, as with most National land.

    The 12 mile trip up from the Park takes about 4 hours, yes it's that rough. AND you will stop alot to take in the amazing views.

    Even if you don't camp, take the drive, it's worth it. You will need high clearance 4 wheel drive, all wheel drive will not cut it here.

  • Jason L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2019

    The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    Get lost in the desert dunes

    Absolutely beautiful Sand dunes in the mountains, it actually smells like an ocean beach and makes you feel like your on another world. The Dunes are 30 square miles and you can camp anywhere in them with a free permit available at the visitor center, just have to hike in past the first ridge aka the day use area. 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. The winds blow often and hard, moving enough Sand to cover you tracks in minutes. The views of the sky and stars are absolutely mesmerizing, one of the most beautiful Sand fields in the world. The creek that runs through the day use area can fluctuate in size daily, it wasn't high when we were there, but it was still flowing half way through the day use area. A must see destination if your in the San Luis Valley.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2025

    Cotton Creek Trailhead

    Solid spot

    Great views, better stars. 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. You will have to travel like 5-10mph for the last like mile. High clearance not required

  • P
    Jun. 24, 2020

    Medano Pass Primitive Road — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve

    Great sites. Rough Roads

    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. Then if you go the back way to the dunes there are spots of soft sand and going through the creeks. Good amount of pretty sites. We found a site on a Friday at about 7pm. Highly recommend Medano Lake for a hike in addition to the dunes.

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2023

    Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

    Incredible creekside camping

    Amazing location right next to Boehmer Creek. There are 5 or 6 sites mainly for tents. You might be able ti get an rv in there but low hanging trees and narrow rutted trails would be a problem. There were insects around so bring bug spray and flytraps. The creek has trout if fishing is your thing. Not much wildlife but there are great hikes in the area. Skagway reservoir is close and a must see. You can also get supplies in the nearby town of Victor. To get there you are better off taking Goldcamp Road from the Victor side. We approached from Colorado Springs and the road is very rotted due to the amount of rainfall we’ve had. I would not recommend trying to get an RV through that. From Victor, you do have to go through a narrow tunnel with an 11’2” clearance but the road is far better maintained.

Guide to Wetmore

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Wetmore, Colorado, where nature meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots offer a perfect escape for campers seeking solitude and connection with the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Wetmore, Colorado

  • Always check road conditions before heading to Penrose Common Rec Site, as some routes can be rough, especially for larger vehicles.
  • Bring your own firewood, as many areas, like Lake Deweese State Wildlife Area, do not provide firewood and have restrictions on fires.
  • Pack out what you pack in; sites like Phantom Canyon can have litter left by previous campers, so maintaining cleanliness is essential for preserving the natural beauty.

Dispersed campers should check out Phantom Canyon

  • This area offers breathtaking views and a variety of secluded spots, making it ideal for those looking to escape the crowds.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; there are no toilets or trash services at Phantom Canyon, so plan accordingly.
  • The access road can be challenging, but the stunning scenery and peaceful environment make it worth the effort.

Great fishing and hiking while free camping near Wetmore

  • The Lake Deweese State Wildlife Area is perfect for fishing enthusiasts, with beautiful spots for casting a line and enjoying the serene lake views.
  • Hiking opportunities abound in the area, with trails leading to scenic overlooks and hidden gems, especially around South Colony Basin.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife while exploring; the diverse ecosystems near Cripple Creek BLM Area are home to various species, adding to the adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Wetmore in the Sangre de Cristo mountains?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Wetmore in the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Phantom Canyon offers isolated spots with amazing views, accessible via a 14-mile dirt road that requires careful navigation. For those seeking nearby alternatives, Penrose BLM sites provide designated dispersed camping areas with basic amenities like pit toilets. These sites accommodate various camping setups including travel trailers, though road conditions can become challenging in wet or icy weather. Both locations offer the solitude typical of dispersed camping while providing reasonable access to supplies in nearby towns.

What permits or regulations apply to dispersed camping in the Wetmore area?

Dispersed camping regulations in the Wetmore area vary by location. At Penrose Common Rec Site, no specific permits are required, but you'll find pit toilets with no trash service. The typical 14-day maximum stay limit applies to most BLM lands in the region. For backcountry camping at The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park, free permits are required and available at the visitor center. Remember that most dispersed areas require camping in designated sites only, packing out all trash, and practicing Leave No Trace principles. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as they frequently change based on conditions.

What is the best time of year for dispersed camping near Wetmore?

Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the most reliable conditions for dispersed camping near Wetmore. Medano Pass Primitive Road is typically accessible during these months, though early season visits may encounter snowmelt challenges. Summer provides the most consistent weather, but also brings more visitors. For a quieter experience with stunning stargazing opportunities, consider Cotton Creek Trailhead in late spring or early fall when temperatures are moderate and crowds are thinner. Be prepared for potential afternoon thunderstorms in summer months and sudden temperature drops at higher elevations throughout the camping season.

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