For those looking to fully experience the San Juan Mountains, backpacking and camping are the perfect ways to do so. This allows outdoor enthusiasts to embark on multi-day adventures and explore the numerous peaks surrounding the area. Camping provides an affordable way to enjoy the greater Telluride region, and there are plenty of designated campsites available in Telluride Town Park and surrounding areas within a twenty-minute drive from town. Private campgrounds can also be found in Ridgway, Montrose, and along the Dolores River next to Highway 145.
RVs are welcome in Town Park, but the maximum length allowed is 30 feet, including the length of the vehicle pulling it. There are no electrical hookups or RV dump stations on-site, but an RV dump station can be found at the wastewater treatment plant at Society Turn.
To ensure a pleasant camping experience for all, it is important to follow proper camping etiquette. Campers should use established campsites, check with campground hosts or the USFS/BLM to determine if campfires are allowed, avoid camping in riparian habitats, and treat water from streams or lakes with a filter or chemicals. Additionally, human waste should be kept 200 feet from lakes and streams, and trash should be packed out regularly to prevent visits from black bears and other scavengers.
When camping in the San Juans, it is crucial to be prepared for changing weather conditions, including thunderstorms and snow at any time of year. It is also important to be aware of private property and use public lands responsibly. For more information on camping in Telluride, refer to the Town of Telluride Campground website. Please note that all camping is by online reservation only, and availability at the Telluride Town Park Campground is limited for the Summer 2022 season. Cancellations may create availability, so check for updates. A map of regional campgrounds can be found here, but reservations for the majority of campgrounds in the Telluride area for the Summer 2022 season are already booked. Visitors are encouraged to stop by or call the Visitor Center at 855-253-0462 for recommendations on first-come, first-served campgrounds in the area.
Click here to check availability.
Click Here for a map of regional campgrounds. For those who are planning a camping trip to Telluride during Summer 2022, it is important to note that most of the reservable campgrounds in the area are already fully booked. However, the Visitor Center at 855-253-0462 can offer suggestions on nearby first come, first served campgrounds that may still have availability. It’s always a good idea to call ahead and check availability before embarking on a camping trip in the Telluride area.
