Tent camping near Wetmore, Colorado places campers at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 9,000 feet in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Summer temperatures typically range from 45°F at night to 85°F during the day, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. Access to many dispersed sites requires driving on unmaintained dirt roads with limited cell service throughout the region.
What to do
Tunnel exploration along Phantom Canyon: The historic tunnels on Phantom Canyon Road provide unique photo opportunities and glimpses into mining history. "The drive to the campsites was amazing... The tunnels were also super cool to go under. I highly recommend this sight to everyone! Especially families!" notes a camper at Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites.
Trout fishing in mountain creeks: Bring fishing gear to catch trout in the streams running alongside many campsites. At Red Canyon Park, one visitor mentions, "Beautiful Creek... The rush go by all night let's just sleep so good." Many creek access points require short hikes from designated parking areas.
Stargazing away from light pollution: The remote setting offers exceptional night sky viewing, especially during meteor showers. A camper at Hummingbird Ranch reported, "My girlfriend and I came here to watch the Perseid meteor shower and it did not disappoint. We had the place to ourselves and a great view of the stars."
What campers like
Secluded creek-side campsites: Many campers value the privacy of sites tucked away from main roads. "Stayed for the weekend, found a place tucked back away from the road and felt completely secluded from the world. No service, no noise, just the sound of the creek and an occasional car driving by," writes a visitor to Phantom Canyon.
Sheltered picnic tables at established sites: Several campgrounds offer covered eating areas for protection from sun and rain. A camper at Davenport Campground noted, "Great campground! Clean bathrooms. Site 2 where we stayed had a covered shelter with picnic table."
Car-free camping zones for families with children: Some locations offer spots where vehicles remain separated from tent areas. One reviewer highlighted, "We didn't have to worry about them being near the roads" when describing their setup away from traffic.
What you should know
Insect preparation is essential: Biting flies can be numerous in summer months along waterways. "The worst and only bad part was the insane amount of biting flies. It was unbearable at times and our dogs were very stressed from them all over them. Bring those fly bags that attract them away from you unless you're prepared to get eaten up," warns a camper at Phantom Canyon Road.
Limited water access at most sites: Many dispersed sites require bringing all water supplies. "Wish it hadn't been dry because there wasn't any water nearby," notes a camper. Established campgrounds may have slow hand pumps with visitors reporting they "take forever to get water from."
Severe temperature swings: Pack for both hot days and cold nights regardless of season. At Red Canyon Park, a visitor observed, "Gets warm during the day but it does get pretty cold at night."
Tips for camping with families
Select sites with natural boundaries: Look for spots with geographical features that keep young explorers contained. "Great to utilize this if you have young children who like to wander. We didn't have to worry about them being near the roads," advises a Phantom Canyon camper.
Plan for limited cell service: No connectivity means advance planning for emergencies. "It is a canyon so you won't have any cell phone signal," notes a camper, while another mentions, "There is no Verizon cellular for miles." Download offline maps before arrival.
Choose campgrounds with designated trails: Some sites offer immediate access to hiking opportunities suitable for children. At Davenport Campground, a visitor mentioned, "Trail right off campgrounds is an easy, beautiful hike."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance considerations: Many access roads present challenges for larger vehicles. "It took us three attempts to get our overweight 2-wheel drive van up the hill and back onto the road. There are a lot of loose rocks," cautions a visitor to Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites.
Leveling requirements at dispersed sites: Prepare with blocks for uneven terrain. A camper at Oil Well Flats noted, "Needed leveling blocks but saw several occupied sites more level."
Timing arrival for site selection: Sites fill quickly during peak seasons, particularly weekends. "Always visit during the week, weekends spots are gone," advises a regular camper to the area, while another notes, "Just get there on a weekday or all of the off the road spots will be taken up."
