Four decades later, this is still my favorite place to camp
I've been coming here since I was a kid in the 80s and saw my first moose here. Reservations are key, and sites are more private on the lower loop and without RVs. It rains here more often than other places in the state but that means healthier tree cover too (Stupid pine Beatles). It's near the town of Ouray which IMHO beats Telluride's pretentiousbess in spades which I is just over the Imogene Pass a popular 4x4 trail. An easier 4x4 trail is the Alpine Loop also nearby. Regardless of your summer mountain sport of choice, this area has it all. My son learned how to ride his bike here. The stars of the milky way on a clear moonless night is something you'll never forget from Ampitheater Campground.