Telluride Camping Guide + 10 Epic Campsites Near Telluride

Telluride is a spectacularly beautiful, historic mining town nestled in southwestern Colorado’s rugged San Juan Mountains. While the mountain town is brimming with restaurants, breweries, galleries, and shops galore, it’s also the perfect jumping-off point to explore cascading waterfalls, sparkling alpine lakes, and majestic mountain peaks. 

The best way to experience it all? Telluride camping.

Whether you pitch a tent or pull up in a fully-loaded RV, campsites near Telluride put you close to everything that makes Colorful Colorado so amazing. Experience the dramatic scenery and serenity of the Rockies, but also be within a short drive of historic Main Street or the world-renowned Telluride Ski Resort.

From true boondocking sites to campgrounds with all sorts of amenities, we rounded up 10 of the best places to experience Telluride camping.

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Best Time of Year for Telluride Camping

The best time of year to go camping near Telluride is between May and October, with July and August being peak season. Personally, we think September and early October are the very best months, when you get to enjoy gorgeous fall foliage, beautiful weather, and far fewer people. 

Due to Telluride’s high elevation of 8,750’, November through May (and potentially as early as October and as late as June!) means snowfall and some pretty intense winter storms. Many campsites and forest roads also close for the winter season in October and don’t reopen until May or even June.

Telluride Camping Tips

Sunshine Campground, one of the most popular campsites near Telluride | Photo credit: George McDowell via Flickr

Arrive early at dispersed campsites

Dispersed campsites near Telluride operate on a first-come, first-served basis and are often full early on weekends — and even weekdays during peak season. It’s not at all uncommon for people to wait nearby around common checkout times (10:00 am – 12:00 pm) to snag a site as soon as it becomes available!

To ensure you get a good spot at a dispersed Telluride campsite for a weekend, head out as early as possible. If you can spare the days off, early Thursday or even Wednesday evening are ideal.

Know local fire restrictions

The West is notorious for having extremely dry conditions during wildfire season (summer into early fall, AKA…camping season), and fire restrictions or even bans are quite common. 

The best way to keep up-to-date with any restrictions is to check the Forest Service and/or BLM website for the specific area. For example, Priest Lake, our personal favorite spot for Telluride camping, is in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Searching “Priest Lake camping Uncompahgre National Forest” pulls up the main Forest Service page, with fire restrictions listed right at the top.

Several Forest Service divisions and even specific campsites also regularly update their social media accounts, particularly during wildfire season.

Insider tip: if fire restrictions are in effect, you typically cannot have an open fire, but camp stoves and portable propane fire rings are permitted.

Leave No Trace

One of the most important tips for Telluride camping is to practice Leave No Trace. All of the principles apply directly to camping, but a few even more so.

Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Try to set up your campsite where others already have, to minimize your footprint on the natural landscape and vegetation.

Minimize campfire impacts. We already discussed potential fire restrictions, but when you can have an open fire, be thoughtful about it. Like your campsite, make your fire in established rings and be extremely cautious about keeping it manageable.

Dispose of waste properly. When camping near Telluride, especially dispersed camping, it’s important to pack out everything you brought in. Yes, that includes food scraps and human waste! It may sound funny, but REI has an awesome guide detailing how to poop in the woods.

Overall, you should strive to leave your campsite better than you found it! 

Telluride Bluegrass Festival

Plan around local festivals and events

Telluride hosts a variety of huge events throughout the year, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the Telluride Wine Festival.

If you enjoy live music and a fun, lively atmosphere, you may want to plan your trip to coincide with one of these festivals. On the other hand, they truly take over the town, so if you’re hoping for a peaceful, quiet Telluride camping experience, you may want to avoid these times.

Best Campsites Near Telluride

1. Priest Lake Campground

• Why you should camp here: Centered around picture-perfect Priest Lake with sweeping views of the lake and surrounding forest, as well as quick access to hiking trails
• Location: About 20 minutes from Telluride, right off Highway 145
• Campground type: Dispersed; 6 tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings, plus a few spots where campervans or small RVs can park
• Amenities: Vault toilet
• Cost: Free
• Reservations required/accepted: First-come, first-served
• Website

Priest Lake is the closest free camping near Telluride. The campground centers around small but incredibly scenic Priest Lake, with six designated tent sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring.

Although Priest Lake is just a few minutes off Highway 145, it’s set in a slight valley, making it feel more remote than many other Telluride camping options.

The dirt road from the highway can get rough after storms, but is manageable for most vehicles. In the campground itself, there are a few spots where campervans or smaller RVs can squeeze in (we camped in a Promaster campervan), but we don’t recommend it for trailers.

Popular Galloping Goose trailhead is accessible from Priest Lake, and there are several mountain bike and snowmobile trails in the area. Just down from the campsites, there’s also  a historic cabin you can walk to.

Photo credit: The Dyrt

2. Sunshine Campground

• Why you should camp here: Nestled in a dense aspen forest close to Telluride proper, with views of towering Sunshine Peak (Colorado’s “shortest” 14er!)
• Location: Right off Highway 145, about 15 minutes south of Telluride
• Campground type: Designated dispersed; 15 sites for tents and rigs up to 35 feet
• Amenities: Portable toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, trash bins, firewood available, showers accessible at nearby Matterhorn Campground
• Cost: $20 per night (pay camp host upon arrival)
• Reservations required/accepted: First-come, first-served
• Website

Sunshine Campground has 15 sites, most with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and magnificent Sunshine Peak. Sites accommodate tents and RVS up to 35 feet, though there are no hookups.

Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, and there are trash bins and port-a-potties available. Campers can also shower just down the road at Matterhorn Campground, another one of the most popular campsites near Telluride, for $8.

There’s a camp host onsite from May through October, and campers can purchase firewood from him or her. This is also who you’ll pay if you manage to snag a site at this popular Telluride camping spot!

3. Matterhorn Campground

• Why you should camp here: One of the only Telluride camping options that offers RV hookups, and in a convenient location close to town, lakes, hiking trails, and more
• Location: 20 minutes south of Telluride right on Highway 145
• Campground type: Developed; 28 sites accommodating tents and RVs up to 45 feet, 4 of which have full hookups
• Amenities: Flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, fire rings and BBQ grills, drinking water, and RV hookups at designated sites
• Cost: $24, plus $11 for electric/sewer hookups and $8 for showers (also available to day-use guests and campers at Sunshine Campground)
• Reservations required/accepted: Most sites require a reservation, but some are first-come, first-served
• Website

One of the few campsites near Telluride that accommodates large RVs and offers hookups, Matterhorn Campground is understandably popular. It’s also in a spectacular location, just a few minutes from Priest Lake and surrounded by Alta Lake and Trout Lake.

Camping near Telluride typically doesn’t come with so many amenities, which is another reason Matterhorn is so popular.

Just a few of those amenities include hot showers (shared with day-use guests and those from nearby Sunshine Campground), flush toilets, trash service, and drinking water. Individual campsites have tables, combo fire grates/BBQ grills, and lantern poles. Four sites also have RV hookups.

Sites at Matterhorn accommodate both tents and RVs up to 45 feet long, and the campground is also suitable for tow vehicles. Most sites are available only via reservation, but a few are first-come, first-served.

Tent camping at Alta Lakes | Photo credit: Jay Kantor via Flickr

4. Alta Lakes Campground

• Why you should camp here: Breathtaking views of the San Juans and immediate access to the lake for fishing, swimming, and kayaking
• Location: About nine miles south of Telluride, off Highway 145 and up Alta Lakes Road — note that high-clearance 4-wheel-drive vehicles are required
• Campground type: Dispersed; 20 tent sites
• Amenities: Portable toilets and fire rings
• Cost: Free
• Reservations required/accepted: First-come, first-served
• Website

Alta Lakes Campground has 20 dispersed campsites surrounding the beautiful namesake lake. It’s considered popular, but because it’s difficult to reach, it’s often one of the least crowded options for Telluride camping.

Accessing the campground requires climbing a narrow, windy road in rough condition, where a 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended. The nail-biting drive is well worth it, though, for the serene lake and mountain views — Alta Lakes is one of the most beautiful campsites near Telluride!

The campground has a few portable toilets and individual sites have fire rings, but it’s totally undeveloped otherwise.

Photo courtesy of Flickr

5. Telluride Town Park Campground

• Why you should camp here: Located right in the heart of downtown Telluride, offering the most convenient, direct access to town and summer festivals
• Location: Downtown Telluride
• Campground type: Tent and RV sites
• Amenities: New showers and bathrooms as of 2022, a pool, tennis courts, wi-fi, charcoal grills, and dishwashing stations
• Cost: $28
• Reservations required/accepted: Required typically beginning March 1 for upcoming Telluride camping season, via website below
• Website

If you want to be close to the action and have access to plenty of amenities, it’s hard to top Telluride Town Park Campground. It’s located at the end of Main Street in the very center of town, putting you right next to any events or music festivals going on.

Keep in mind, this also means the vibe at camp is more of a party scene. If you’re looking to unwind and don’t want to be within earshot of your neighbors, look for other campsites near Telluride.

If the crowds and noise don’t bother you, the major plus of Telluride Town Park Campground is the convenience. Walk to dinner, breweries, shops, and hiking trails!

This is also one of the only sites within Telluride where you can park your RV overnight.

Overview of Mary E Campground in Telluride | Photo credit: Michael James via Flickr

6. Mary E Campground

• Why you should camp here: One of the closest options for camping near Telluride, set in an open meadow near rivers, hiking trails, and equestrian trails
• Location: Six miles west of Telluride on Highway 145
• Campground type: Dispersed; 20 sites for tents and RVs under 22 feet
• Amenities: Portable toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, portable toilets, and a dumpster
• Cost: $14-$15
• Reservations required/accepted: First-come, first-served
• Website

Mary E Campground is a popular dispersed campsite near Telluride, tucked in a valley along the San Miguel River. There are 20 designated, numbered sites, each with a fire ring and picnic table. Tents, campervans, and small RVs up to 22 feet long are welcome.

The campground also offers dumpsters, porta potties, and direct access to popular hiking and equestrian trails. Sites are close together, but head toward the back for a bit more privacy and to be closer to the river. 

There’s a camp host with firewood available for purchase, who will also collect your fee when you arrive.

Note: Mary E Campground becomes one of the official Telluride Bluegrass Festival campgrounds every June.

7. Fall Creek Recreation Site

• Why you should camp here: Easy to reach yet very quiet campsite near Telluride thanks to paved roads, right next to picturesque Fall Creek
• Location: 25 minutes from Telluride toward Placerville, off of 57P Road
• Campground type: Dispersed; a handful of tent sites with one site large enough for an RV
• Amenities: Fire rings and one shared covered picnic shelter
• Cost: Free
• Reservations required/accepted: First-come, first-served

Down the hill from Telluride toward Placerville, Fall Creek Recreation Site is a lovely, easily accessible dispersed camping area with a handful of small tent sites. There’s also a larger clearing for an RV or that could be used as a group site.

Each of the sites has a fire ring and there’s one covered picnic shelter for the entire campground, but that’s it in the way of amenities. Fall Creek is an excellent Telluride camping option for people who enjoy boondocking.

A couple of the sites are right next to Fall Creek, and most people will have at least some cell reception.

8. Lizard Head Pass

• Why you should camp here: Awesome, free dispersed camping near Telluride great for anyone who wants easy access to hiking, climbing, or off-roading
• Location: About 25 minutes from Telluride off Highway 145
• Campground type: Dispersed; about one dozen tent and RV sites
• Amenities: Vault toilet across from camp
• Cost: Free
• Reservations required/accepted: First-come, first-served

Not far from Priest Lake and Matterhorn Campground, Lizard Head Pass offers campsites near Telluride with incredible views. Part of Colorado’s spectacular Lizard Head Wilderness, the pass sits well above 10,000 feet in elevation and is home to three 14ers and several popular hiking trails.

Because of all the outdoor recreation within the wilderness area, camping at Lizard Head is quite popular. Sites are also fully exposed with no shade or privacy, but if you’re looking for great views or easy access to hiking, climbing, or off-roading, this is a great option.

There are no camping facilities at Lizard Head Pass, but there are pit toilets at the trailhead across the highway.

Although there’s plenty of room for RVs of all sizes, the road from Highway 145 is pretty rough, especially early in the season. Also note that due to the high elevation, snow usually lingers here well into June.

9. Silver Pick Road

• Why you should camp here: Easy access right off Highway 145, adjacent to the San Miguel River, and close to the popular Rock of Ages Trail
• Location: 20 minutes from Telluride off Highway 145
• Campground type: Dispersed; a handful of tent sites with room for a few RVs
• Amenities: None
• Cost: Free
• Reservations required/accepted: First-come, first-served

Best known as a jumping-off point for hiking Rock of Ages Trail (the most popular route for summiting Wilson Peak and El Diente), Silver Pick Road is a small, undeveloped campsite near Telluride right off Highway 145.

There’s enough room for a handful of vehicles including RVs, though there are no hookups. Silver Pick is right alongside the San Miguel River, offering amazing views and convenient access for filtering drinking water or possibly fishing.

Due to its location and easy accessibility, don’t expect much privacy when camping at Silver Pick.

Photo credit: The Dyrt

10. Caddis Flats

• Why you should camp here: Right on the San Miguel River with a boat launch, close to Telluride and with stunning views
• Location: 25 minutes from Telluride via Highway 145S
• Campground type: Dispersed; three official sites but plenty of room for several other tents and RVs
• Amenities: Vault toilet, hand-carry boat launch, and picnic tables and fire pits at the three designated sites
• Cost: Free
• Reservations required/accepted: First-come, first-served
• Website

Caddis Flats is a small but very popular and incredibly scenic campsite right next to the San Miguel River, within the San Miguel River Recreation Area.

Almost all sites have excellent water views and there’s a hand-carry boat launch ideal for inflatable kayaks and paddleboards. This feature alone is one of the things that sets Caddis Flats apart among Telluride camping options!

Although there are only three official campsites here, the area accommodates plenty of additional tents and even large rigs. Be mindful of no parking signs near the boat launch, but you can camp overnight in the small gravel lot.

There is one pit toilet for the campground, but no running water. 

Telluride Camping Essentials

We assume that most people reading a guide to camping near Telluride already have most camping essentials like a tent, sleeping bags, and a cooler.

However, there are a handful of items that come in handy specifically for Telluride camping, taking into consideration the type of campsites, climate, nearby activities, and frequent fire restrictions.

• Propane camp stove and/or fire pit for when fire restrictions are in place and you can’t have a wood fire (don’t forget your FILLED propane tank!)
• Headlamp for walking around camp at night or reading
• Bear canisters – black bear sightings are not uncommon near Telluride; store your food properly!
• Warm PJs
• Packable rain jacket
• Sturdy hiking shoes (we are absolutely obsessed with our La Sportiva Raptors, available as a boot or low trail runner)
• YakTrak or similar microspikes, particularly if you plan to hike at high elevations
• Trekking poles
• Microfiber towels for cleaning up messes and if you plan to take a dip anywhere
• Water shoes or sandals that double as hiking and water shoes, like Chacos
• Fishing gear (make sure you purchase a Colorado fishing license and habitat stamp!)
• Inflatable kayak or paddleboard to explore all the lakes without needing a rental!
• Hammock
• Bug spray (we use the DEET-free REPEL brand!)
• Gas can with a few gallons of fuel to ensure you don’t get stuck exploring the backcountry!
• Bathroom kit with a camping shovel, toilet paper, and bags for proper disposal

Map of Campsites Near Telluride 
So, there you have it —  an insiders’ guide to Telluride camping. Please tell us about your experience camping near Telluride in the comments, and share this article on Pinterest or your socials, to help others discover it!