Colorado Camping

[Texasmommy]

We are planning a camping trip to CO later this summer. Our go-to campground is South Mineral just outside of Silverton, but we are open to suggestions. We want higher elevation (over 8000'), trees and preferably water of some sort (river, lake, etc). We will likely be boondocking. Anybody have recommendations? Preferably the south/southwest area of the state, as we will be driving from TX. Also does anyone know how far south the pine beetle infestation has moved?

[tjdonahoe]

We stayed there and Uray, also a nice campground at Mancos on the Durango side on 160, all were very nice..

[Ahab]

We enjoyed the Gunnison Nat'l Forest. 10,000' elevation and plenty of streams and a lake or two. In a week we only saw one other vehicle. We camped along a super trout stream, just be aware there are bears.

[GettinAway]

We have camped at Lake Irwin, up above Crested Butte. I think it's close to 10,000'. We really liked it. Our middle son did have altitude sickness there, but the rest of us were fine. Lots to do around there. Hiking, biking, jeep trails, fishing, and Crested Butte is pretty nice.
We also camped down near Lake City a few years ago. We were in a private CG but were pretty isolated. (Even though we had hook ups) it's right along the Alpine Loop south of Lake City. There's a CG right on the larger lake south of town, but the good sites were taken. It looked pretty nice. I remember there was a AS on one site that overlooked the lake. Looked pretty cool from the lake. (We were in a kayak) We hope to get back there someday, and grab that site.


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[flyingfishy]

I have camped in Williams Creek, outside of Lake City, Elevation 9200'.
Williams Creek Campground. Lake City, Colorado - Lake City Switchbacks
It's a wonderful campground in a gorgeous area, close to Lake San Cristobal. The road gives you access to three 14'ers if you're into climbing.

[polarlyse]

Have you ever used the Billy Creek Wildlife area for camping ???? We are planning to be in the area in mid August and hope to check it for a few night of dry camping.

[Aerowood]

The area around Taylor Reservoir is nice, lots of open dispersed camping and regular Forest Service campgrounds

[Moflash]

Taylor Park is a beautiful place with a lot to explore via atv's that are available to rent.Great fishing also.


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[mtbguy]

Colorado has lots of BLM sites that are available for boondocking. First come, first served, can stay for up to 14 days. I would recommend a solar panel or two to keep batteries charged. Ive stayed at a lake just west of Granite, CO (just south of twin lakes/Leadville) and it was nice, also just west of Leadville there are sites on the headwaters of the Arkansas river. Elevation in this area is 9-10,000 feet so you wont need A/C.

I have bear spray just in case I need it but have never seen any bears in three years of going there.

[Silver Belle]

We are currently staying at priest gulch campground on the Dolores river. Beautiful and cool being at 8100 elevation. This is our 2nd year to return.