car camping near Telluride

some friends and I are heading down to Telluride this weekend; I'm asking for some recommendations on good (and likely available) campsites in the area.

anything helps - Thanks

Just camped at Alta Lakes...car camping at 11k on a lake surrounded by mountains. Right outside of town.

Highly recommended.

thanks, man - this is exactly the type of place I'm looking for; do you think we can access the area in my buddies subaru?

totally. I have a jeep, but my friend did it in their A6. It's pretty well graded, with just a few spot for caution.

I'd recommend getting your wood (if there is no fire ban) and supplies BEFORE getting to camp as it's about 5 miles of dirt road. Not far from town, but that's less beers you can drink.

Watching the swallows swooping on the lake for mosquitos is amazing.

one last question...were you able to have a fire when you were there? I spoke to the District Ranger Station and they wouldn't give me a straight answer...thanks again!

I'm pretty sure there's a fire ban. I know Ouray County has one. Probably developed campsites in fire rings only. It's tinder-dry now. I live downwind of there. Don't burn the place down...

I'll be sure to take all of the necessary measures to safely/responsibly shoot off my bottle rockets.

Yes there is a fire ban in the San Juans for open fires but stoves are ok. Don't be a fool and build a fire. It is extremely dry here.

Yikes! I saw 3 lightning strikes flare-ups this morning. Martin you'd better be doing rain dances up there at Alta. C'mon monsoon!

totally joking...I realize what the conditions are like out there, that's why I was trying to clarify.

headress is packed, Fleetwood