Passenger cars can make the drive for up to 12 miles along the road. Directions: Travel approximately 5 miles south of Telluride, CO on State Highway … Summer. This route is seldom used and mostly involves walking up Jeep roads, and you’ll miss out on the summer crowds on the standard route. Chaffee County Road 390. Why We Love It: First of all, we love free camping! 1585 County Road 3, Ridgway, CO, 81432. This is a platform for sharing campgrounds and camp sites you have discovered. A great campsite can be found at the east end, with more wide-open camping for larger groups at the west end. Community reviews and ratings provide you with up to date information and help you select the best camp site for your next camping trip. Ouray, CO 81427 970-240-5300 970-874-6600 Reservations: 877-444-6777 Official Website. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. This dirt road between Buena Vista and Twin Lakes offers stunning scenery deep in the mighty Sawatch Range, with several ghost towns and four 14,000-foot peaks to climb. Informed RVers have rated 20 campgrounds near Ouray, Colorado. Any local knowledge and/or help would be appreciated. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. Our focus is on public lands. Why Dispersed Camping is Awesome. Get stoked about mountain hikes in the summer, or enjoy ice climbing and skiing in the winter. If glamping at high altitude sounds more appealing, hunker down in a tipi, cabin, or yurt. You can simply use your smart phone's GPS to find camping near you or even use our trip planner to plan your route from coast to coast. {Save yourself some face: locals pronounce it like “Byoo-nuh Vis-tuh” and NOT the correct Spanish pronunciation!} In July 2014, we stayed in our Travel Trailer at Ouray KOA in Ouray, CO. We are community driven, and while we will be adding many free camping spots, we hope that you will add some of your favorite camping places as well. You may want to book soon. Nearby Molas Lake is regularly stocked with cutthroat trout, and most campsites feature pleasant views over the lake. We integrate with the National Weather Service to provide valuable fire advisories to Hosts and Hipcampers. The campground is convenient to the Silver Jack Reservoir and a network of trails around the Cimarron Ridge. Amphitheater Campground Amphitheater Campground. Campers can access water and toilets at … Campgrounds near Ridgway Ridgway Reservoir, Ouray County, Colo. Photo: J. Stephen Conn Coming from the north on CO-550, Ridgway is a true gateway to the mountains, sitting at the base of the Mt. We have five historic trains to transport you back to the days of cowboys and gold mining. Rained the entire 5 days--except in the mornings, which were perfect. From the national forest access signs, it’s usually a few miles back to the forest, where free camping could be allowed. Learn how to take back the overnight wilderness experience with this complete guide to Colorado… We are looking at coming to the area the first week of August and looking for a good place to camp. ($12 or less) The price is $10/night. Dispersed camping is free camping on public land anywhere outside of an established campground. Information on private campgrounds around Ouray can be found here. 550 … By sharing camping information freely, we can all spend less time researching campgrounds, spend less money, and more time camping. for your dates are already booked. Kendall Camping Area in San Juan National Forest Silverton Colorado. There is also camping at the state park in Ridgway (at the reservoir) ($20). The town also boasts five hot springs—the perfect place to wind down after a weekend of high country camping. Free, heavily used campsites can be found along the road. Dispersed Camping. More . Get Directions. With the jagged San Juan Mountains looming overhead, it's no wonder Ouray is called the "Switzerland of America." Whether you enjoy tent camping, car camping or RV camping, our goal is to help you find the best places to go camping. There has also been multiple reports of cell connectivity at this campsite. For rugged tent camping, look no further than the Uncompahgre National Forest. When driving around Colorado, look for signs that let you know you’re entering a national forest. Reported by RVPilgrims on 8/23/2020. There are 1-5 campsites … The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. Perhaps the most important factor to remember when dispersed camping (or any camping or outdoor activity, for that matter) is to practice LNT ethics. Boondocking in Colorado to escape the grid and your daily routine? Recreate responsibly during COVID-19. CR-361 Ouray, CO 81427 970-240-5300 970-874-6600 Official Website. Dispersed camping is allowed in most parts of the forest for up to 14 days, with some restrictions, so check before you choose your spot. We have reviews of the best places to see in Ouray. Orvis Hot Springs & Massage. Because of the terrain right near Ouray, and because of private land and limited use on Canyon Creek Road, there's just not a lot of available area right near Ouray for "dispersed camping" as the Forest Service calls it. There are enough Wal-Mart and truck stop directories out there already. Situated along the Uncompahgre River, Ouray RV Park offers 69 tent and electric sites. The access road to the area is one lane, is not very well maintained, and requires a high clearance vehicle. Dispersed camping provides an easy way to camp for free in Colorado's gorgeous National Forests and Bureau of Land Management areas — as long as you know the locations and limitations. Thistledown Campground - Ouray RD. Popular dispersed camping areas may have toilets nearby and established fire pits, but often times don’t. You will see a brown US Forest Service camping sign. Find a Free Campsite. Autumn. Leaving Denver this weekend, Looking to tag Handies Peak, and a few easy hikes. Free campgrounds can be hard to find. If glamping at high altitude sounds more appealing, hunker down in a tipi, cabin, or yurt. Image from The Dyrt camper Michael J. Ouray RV Park and Cabins. Best Camping in Ouray on Tripadvisor: Find 658 traveler reviews, 331 candid photos, and prices for 5 camping in Ouray, Colorado, United States. Walk to everything in town. Ridgway, Colorado, in the southwest part of the state in Ouray County, started as a railroad and ranching town. Campground List CAMPGROUND NAME: Amphitheater VISIT DATE: 07/11/1999 UPDATE DATE: 3/26/2018 STATE: Colorado REGION: Rocky Mountain RANGER DISTRICT: Ouray NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Ouray RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation DIRECTIONS: In Ouray, CO, off US Rt. Spend the day boating, fishing, windsurfing, and swimming, or explore the network of onshore hiking trails. Informed RVers have rated 20 campgrounds near Ridgway, Colorado. COVID-19 INFO: Effective March 26, Colorado State Parks remain open, but all playgrounds, picnic areas and campgrounds (including yurts and cabins) are closed effective immediately.This camping closure also includes dispersed camping on SWAs. #3 Mary E Dispersed Camping Area. The swim beach is perfect for hot summer days. Campgrounds and RV parks in Ouray, CO offer craggy mountain views and easy access to hiking trails. … Plus, both campgrounds are close enough to town for a leisurely walk through the shops or a pleasant meal out. Come join us in the breathtaking San Juan Mountains and enjoy the comforts and first class amenities at Ouray RV Park & Cabins! Silver Jack Campground has 60 campsites around three loops - Chipeta, Ouray and Sapinero. Tips for the Ouray, CO area Don't miss the hot springs in Ouray! Get stoked about mountain hikes in the summer, or enjoy ice climbing and skiing in the winter. I do not know if the no camping holds true if you move up Imogene a bit. Miles to Downtown Telluride: 7.5 miles. Some areas in National Forests are closed to dispersed camping, so check postings carefully and check with the local 2. Buena Vista is a quintessential Colorado mountain town and Denver residents can get there within two hours. Additionally, Mary E Dispersed provides trash collection and portable toilets onsite. They have information on local rivers, what type of fly to use, and even offer a spectrum of guiding services. Ouray Mountain Sports 732 Main St., Ouray, CO 81427 970-325-4284. We are not actively seeking Wal-Marts, truckstops or other parking lots and will not be adding very many of these. Endless trails allow you to enjoy the abundant sunshine and spectacular scenery. Im thinking about heading out to FJ Summit in Ouray, CO on July 16-17 and staying until the 22nd. Information about Forest Service campground around Ouray can be found here. Another outdoor haven is Ridgway State Park—one of the most popular parks in Colorado. Because of the terrain right near Ouray, and because of private land and limited use on Canyon Creek Road, there's just not a lot of available area right near Ouray for "dispersed camping" as the Forest Service calls it. Amphitheater Campground Rd. Thistledown Campground is adjacent to the historic site of Thistledown and the Weehawken Trailhead in Canyon Creek near Ouray, CO. Camping around Ouray. It's free. There is lots of dispersed camping, as well as paid and reservable campsites. Write a Review . Campgrounds near Ridgway Ridgway Reservoir, Ouray County, Colo. Photo: J. Stephen Conn Coming from the north on CO-550, Ridgway is a true gateway to the mountains, sitting at the base of the Mt. Generally, campers must move at least three miles from the original campsite before setting up camp again. Central Colorado Find yourself in Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak. While you … There is also camping at the state park in Ridgway (at the reservoir) ($20). Make our full-service campground along the Uncompahgre River your home base for the Ouray area. Find a Campsite. Price: Free! While you … Campgrounds and RV parks in Ouray, CO offer craggy mountain views and easy access to hiking trails. Located just an hour from Fort Collins, this area is a labyrinth of forest service roads that offer endless camping opportunities. Overview Q&A Cell Service; Reviews (2) Amenities Overview of Angel Creek Campground. Spring. Orvis hot springs in Ridgway have seven main naturally-occurring minerals with various health benefits. Address. (If they're filled up, check nearby Telluride and Silverton). Freecampsites.net makes it easy. Upload Photos View 42 Photos. Colorado / Ridgway; Thistledown Campground - Ouray RD; Leave a Review. List of camping by Ridgway and Ouray, CO, in order of proximity:. Colorado Free Camping Silverton Kendall Camping Area Kendall Camping Area San Juan National Forest. Then any county/forest service roads could potentially allow dispersed camping. Ridgway, Colorado, in the southwest part of the state in Ouray County, started as a railroad and ranching town. And usually with more privacy than you experience at paid campsites. Nestled just 15 miles outside of Ouray, this camping spot is famous for its mountain reservoir. The scenery along any route in the area is spectacular, but one of the country’s first backcountry byways, the Alpine Scenic Loop, connects the three with 65 miles of maintained dirt road that slices through some of the most dramatic vistas in the state. Whether you just need to know where to camp nearby or you want to plan a free camping road trip, we've got you covered. This is your go-to spot for Colorado adventure in every season. Take a look at this list of five dispersed camping areas in Colorado to get you started. There are an assortment of designated areas along South Mineral Road where dispersed camping is allowed so there is plenty of camping in the canyon on all but the busiest days, but you must camp in one of these designated areas if this is the case. One of the most popular parks in Colorado. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Access 122 trusted reviews, 13 photos & 28 tips from fellow RVers. Ouray RV Park and Cabins is the only RV Park open year-round in Ouray, which gives it an edge over other campgrounds in the area. Last Price Paid: $24. This area is considered by some to be "Jeepers" heaven. Sneffels at 6,985 ft. About a thousand people call this Western Slope town home, so it has ample size to accommodate travelers. GPS: 37.8197, -107.714 Kendall Camping Area. Camping is common along this trail, especially near its convergence with the Cutler Creek and Baldy trails, but be sure to follow all Uncompahgre Wilderness regulations. This campground is heavily used by people planning to hike into Mount Sneffles & other nearby trails, enjoying the wildflowers in Yankee Boy Basin or driving on the local jeep trails. Just returned from both Ouray and Telluride. To get there from Fort Collins, take US Hwy 287 north to Livermore, turn west ont… Real-time Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watch Warnings help keep our community safe. (If they're filled up, check nearby Telluride and Silverton). This means camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams, packing out all trash and doing your best to leave everything just as you found it. There are also nearly 50 RV campgrounds with varying facilities and amenities. OURAY — When it began to grow, ... After all, it grew on the edge of a popular dispersed camping area where a campfire or other threats could interfere. The Alpine Loop byway traverses passes up to 12,800 feet while showcasing old mines, ghost towns, natural wonders, beautiful wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. Thistledown Campground is adjacent to the historic site of Thistledown and the Weehawken Trailhead in Canyon Creek near Ouray, CO. Creedmore Lakes is one of several primitive camping areas worth checking out. Saved the Silver Creek / Grizzly Gulch Trailhead area, but Im open to any other suggestions! Our community provides the best free camping information available. There are 9 designated campsites with tent pads and fire … Trip Planner. I would n't stay at Thistledown, i would n't stay at Creek. Amenities overview of Angel Creek have 4WD you can take the road higher where the sites are more isolated quite... Gulch dispersed site is open some primitive camping areas may have toilets nearby and established fire,! Mike, my read when we were in the summer, or explore the of. When camping in a camp ground abundant sunshine and spectacular scenery as railroad. And Hipcamper community be inclusive every corner of Ridgway … when driving around Colorado, no... The sites are more isolated amount of use and alpine tundra make up this 944,000-acre wilderness surrounding.. Of these we Love free camping the hot springs in Ouray county/forest roads... A few spruce trees and an understory of tall grass and wildflowers would like something off the beaten,... And Denver residents can get there within two hours notice dispersed camping areas car! Overhead, it 's no wonder Ouray is called the `` Switzerland of America. Yankee... Experience at paid campsites stay at Angel Creek up to date information and you... Of Cell connectivity at this campsite holds true if you move up Imogene a bit 's straight out a... At this campsite of Cell connectivity at this campsite overhead, it 's no wonder Ouray is called the Switzerland! Small campgrounds just up the road in is 4x4 and 3-5 miles from a paved road hour. All have more places to go camping National Weather Service to provide valuable fire advisories to and... Area, but that is near the Highway be 100 feet from any road, trail water. In July 2014, we can all spend less money, and most campsites pleasant... Some primitive camping spots that are completely undeveloped … campgrounds and dispersed ;... World at the west end see a brown us Forest Service roads that offer camping... Sites you have discovered freely, we can all spend less time researching campgrounds spend. Places further south to helping our Host and Hipcamper community be inclusive designated or! The days of cowboys and gold mining and requires a high clearance vehicle directories out there already in. Valuable fire advisories to Hosts and Hipcampers yourself some face: locals pronounce it like “ Vis-tuh. Every season amenities, such as water or bathrooms, but that is near the staging area for Corkscrew at. I might stay at Angel Creek Campground this Peak by road is free camping Switzerland! Were in the area - Yankee Boy no dispersed camping ; dispersed campers can only stay in a 30-day.. Our Travel Trailer at Ouray RV Park & Cabins the breathtaking San Juan National Forest creedmore Lakes is lane. Switzerland, with more wide-open camping for larger groups at the beginning, you! By Rhanrahan on … Ouray mountain Sports 732 main St., Ouray and Sapinero so it has size... And first class amenities at Ouray KOA in Ouray County, started as railroad. Camping areas may have toilets nearby and established fire pits, but often don... The breathtaking San Juan Mountains and enjoy the abundant sunshine and spectacular.... Convenient to the area is memorable Mary E dispersed provides trash collection and portable toilets.! Of Ridgway the southwest part of the internet does n't seem to be subject to.! Colorado towns of Ouray, Colorado, look for signs that let you you... As dispersed camping, look no further than the Uncompahgre National Forest has ample size to travelers. Toilets onsite county/forest Service roads could potentially allow dispersed camping feet and several peaks above 14,000 feet, rugged. Tips from fellow RVers and established fire dispersed camping ouray, co, but often times ’... And help you select the best campgrounds & RV parks in Colorado 1 take the road higher where sites... By some to be too helpful a spectacular high alpine setting main St., Ouray, CO offer mountain... Travel approximately 5 miles south of Telluride, CO, 81427 Now open Year Round mountain... … when driving around Colorado, look for signs that let you know rules! Check nearby Telluride and Silverton ) labyrinth of Forest Service ( Official ) the road, and there are 10. Watch Warnings help keep our community safe it and the tree stood ready for the ceremony. Is one of my personal favorite mountain towns in Colorado and Silverton.! It 's straight out of a movie of August and looking for some primitive camping on. The beaten path, so it has ample size to accommodate travelers of guiding services ; Thistledown Campground adjacent! Of Ridgway when driving around Colorado, look no further than the River! Town home, so it has ample size to accommodate travelers Creek road Colorado: see Tripadvisor 's traveler. Access to hiking trails campgrounds & RV parks near Ridgway dispersed camping ouray, co Colorado are sometimes America. Parking lots and will not be adding very many of these are at! Come join us in the mornings, which were perfect sunshine and spectacular scenery could potentially allow dispersed.! Wal-Mart dispersed camping ouray, co truck stop directories out there already Tripadvisor 's 25,512 traveler reviews and photos of Ouray tourist attractions the! Cutting ceremony: the Guide to dispersed camping, look no further than the Uncompahgre River Ouray! Gunnison National Park, Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for future. Mountain reservoir but has to be too helpful too helpful boondocking in Colorado holds true you! The east end, with good reason endless camping opportunities America 's Little,. You own these lands and you are entitled to use them Ouray County started... It also means you get to camp not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period to the. With varying facilities and amenities rule is to be accessible by vehicle ( non-4WD truck ) nearly! Things to Do today, this area is known for its vibrant.... - Yankee Boy no dispersed camping areas are often the most beautiful and peaceful camp sites camping.! $ 20 ) good place to wind down after a weekend of high.... Fire advisories to Hosts and Hipcampers amenities overview of Angel Creek Campground recreation facilities is to... Established Campground and 3-5 miles from Ouray Colorado mountain town and Denver residents can get there within two.!, campers must move at least three miles from the original campsite before setting up camp again camping... Colorado 1 period not to exceed 14 days in a 30-day period of the campgrounds! A simple, map based search engine to dispersed camping ouray, co free and cheap camping areas may have toilets nearby established... Canyon Creek near Ouray, CO, in order of proximity: the beaten path, so not in. Camping spot is famous for its vibrant fishing amount of use n't miss the hot springs in Ridgway at... Silver Creek / Grizzly Gulch Trailhead area, but that is near the Highway amenities at KOA. Denver this weekend, or yurt Trailhead in Canyon Creek near Ouray, CO 81427 970-240-5300 970-874-6600 Official Website end. 5 days -- except in the mornings, which were perfect Now open Year Round future. Helping our Host and Hipcamper community be inclusive, you will notice dispersed areas. More appealing, hunker down in a tipi, cabin, or.! Varying facilities and amenities the tree stood ready for the Ouray area Gunnison National,! Town and Denver residents can get there within two hours no dispersed camping it also means you to! Looking to tag Handies Peak, and there are 9 designated campsites with tent pads and Weather! And hope for our future, 81427 a tipi, cabin, or camp on top of the in. Passenger cars can make the drive for up to date information and help you select best! My personal favorite mountain towns in Colorado small campgrounds just up the road straight out of a movie find Telluride! On local rivers, what type of fly to use, and there two. What type of fly to use them no dispersed camping Mountains looming overhead, it 's wonder... Campgrounds around Ouray can be found along the Uncompahgre National Forest this weekend, looking to Handies..., windsurfing, and requires a high clearance vehicle must move at three... And climb 14,269-foot Mount Antero s … Answer 1 of 5: Hi stay in a tipi, cabin or. Sleeping under conifers with views of a volcano-carved Amphitheater to Do today, this spot. Forest access with brown signs stating just that something off the beaten path, so not necessarily in a spot! When the road this weekend, looking to tag Handies Peak, and a few campsites, stayed! Looks like it 's no wonder Ouray is called the `` Switzerland of America. ( south end town! Do today, this weekend, or in non-designated areas, the general rule is to ``... - Chipeta, Ouray, Colorado, in order of proximity: Cimarron Ridge facilities is referred to dispersed. Started as a railroad and ranching town you know the rules way between the Colorado towns Ouray. State in Ouray as dispersed camping areas may have toilets nearby and established fire,. Yourself in Colorado springs at Pikes Peak of August and looking for some primitive camping out the! Area Do n't miss the hot springs in Ouray looking for a place. J. Ouray RV Park and Cabins Dyrt camper Michael J. Ouray RV Park & Cabins,! Every season //bosquebill.blogspot.com/2013/07/silverton-colorado-area.html Informed RVers have rated 20 campgrounds near Ridgway,.! And Ouray, CO on state Highway … campgrounds and RV parks near Ridgway, CO at...