Ouray CO... Need advise on Camping (1 Viewer)

[lowtideride]

Hello All,

We have 3 rigs coming up from Florida for a week (July 1st-11th) of trail riding and exploring in Ouray Colorado. 2 of us will have roof top tents and one will be staying in the back of his 80. None of us have ever been there before but are trying to figure out where to stay at night. We would all like to camp, good camp site options or camping on the trail would be awesome if that is a viable option.

Any info would be great,
Thanks,
~Al

 

[SAS]

Al, I vacationed through that area a few years ago when I lived in the East, so my recommendation might be slightly dated. We entered Telluride from the west, over Imogene Pass, and down into Ouray. By the time we were 1/2 way down, it was dark.

I wanted to pitch camp right there on the trailside, which was and is currently (I presume) legal, as it is National Forest. This type of camping is locally referred to as "dispersed camping". Additionally, there are National Forest Service "designated camping" areas, as well as commercial camping in/near Ouray such as KOA.

Mrs. SAS wanted to get to town and into a commercial campground, so that's what we did.

Ouray and Telluride are within the San Juan NF. The Ucompaghre NF is to the north and west.


Here's a link to NFS campgrounds in the Ucompaghre National Forest (not a FS site):
Uncompahgre National Forest Campgrounds

Here's a link to NFS campgrounds in the San Juan National Forest (not a FS site):
San Juan National Forest Campgrounds

Here's a FS site which gives guidelines for dispersed camping:
San Juan National Forest - Camping & Cabins:Dispersed Camping

Bottom line is to contact the NFS Ranger District for the area(s) you plan to travel and camp.

Good luck and maybe we'll see you on the trails!!! --Tracy

 

[PWCO70crusier]

You will be there the busiest time of year! But I know the ins and outs down there.

Camping...it sounds like you are pretty stand alone and don't need a campground. If you don't need restroom facilities, the best place for you to camp will be further down towards Silverton (25-30 miles south of Ouray). Take South Mineral Creek road (2 miles north of Silverton) and follow it back. There are a couple of free dispersed camping areas along the road and one USFS campground (will be full and $20 a night). My favorite spot with a bathroom is Golden Horn dispersed camping area. I head to the far back corner and set up camp about 150 yards down stream from everybody. It can be busy down there in July. If you don't need a bathroom, follow South Mineral Creek road past the USFS campground (turns into a very tame 4WD track) all the way to the end to the Bandora Mine. You will most likely have that slice of heaven to yourself. There is an old mine there and cabin. Great fishing too!!

On the Lake City side, on Cinnamon Pass, the Mill Creek BLM campground (not on most maps) is small, $7 a night and hardly fills up, even during the busy months. One of my favorite spots to stay.

Further north, there is some dispersed camping near Ironton, but its not very pretty and always busy. A lot of motorcycles and ATVs there.

There are a handful of USFS small campgrounds outside of Ouray. They too will be full during your time. I think you can make reservations there. I've never stayed at any of them, but they are typical USFS campgrounds. Your best bet near Ouray will likely be up Yankee Boy, Governor or Sydney basins where there are pull out dispersed camping sites. These are amazing basins and 4WD to get up there which helps keep the crowds down a bit.

Hope this helps...holler if you have any questions...

 

[lowtideride]

Thank you for all the great beta! We will be rolling out of town tomorrow night after work. Hopefully will be in Ouray by Sunday, if any of you guys want to meet or run into trouble on the trails we plan on being there all week so just shoot me a PM. Hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th!

 

[Pops]

Thank you for all the great beta! We will be rolling out of town tomorrow night after work. Hopefully will be in Ouray by Sunday, if any of you guys want to meet or run into trouble on the trails we plan on being there all week so just shoot me a PM. Hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th!

Have a great trip, can't beat the area for high altitude wheeling. Sent us some picture of your adventure.