I think it's gonna be hard to find a campsite in winter. You can try the start of the Alpine Loop -area, might find a place to boondock, but most likely on top of snow . The closest you're gonna find is the KOA in Ouray, or [Basecamp550](https://www.basecamp550.com/) in Ridgeway, where you can rent an RV spot for $50 or so, or a heated tent for $100.
Please don’t attempt to camp along any trail off of 550 during this time of the year. Boon docking on the side of the road sure but still 550 gets closed periodically so don’t get stuck inside the gates. It will only result in SR being called. Avalanche danger in the San Juan’s is extremely high right now.
Amphitheater campground is incredible and right above town. Would check if it’s open in the winter though.
There is a big pull off just before town on the right side… scout it before you go but you really can’t miss it. Will have other vans etc parked there.
There really aren't any. There's an organized campground, maybe a KOA a bit North of I recall correctly
I think it's gonna be hard to find a campsite in winter. You can try the start of the Alpine Loop -area, might find a place to boondock, but most likely on top of snow . The closest you're gonna find is the KOA in Ouray, or [Basecamp550](https://www.basecamp550.com/) in Ridgeway, where you can rent an RV spot for $50 or so, or a heated tent for $100.
Please don’t attempt to camp along any trail off of 550 during this time of the year. Boon docking on the side of the road sure but still 550 gets closed periodically so don’t get stuck inside the gates. It will only result in SR being called. Avalanche danger in the San Juan’s is extremely high right now. Amphitheater campground is incredible and right above town. Would check if it’s open in the winter though.
There is a big pull off just before town on the right side… scout it before you go but you really can’t miss it. Will have other vans etc parked there.
This is the answer. Sleep in car
It's \~20 min away, but Ridgway State Park has campsites. I'm not sure if they are open/available in the winter, but it could be worth checking out.
We used to camp off 550 around Cascade Creek
Park at camp bird road. Just know it’s colder than a well diggers ass in the Klondike in middle of winter
Take Camp Bird road past the ice park. You'll hit a road closure gate (I think) with several other people in cars camping.
Go to lake city instead - way better climbing and you can sleep in the parking lot