How much does camping cost at Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping?

Camping fees at Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping first-come first-served or reservation?

Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come, first-served as no reservations are accepted.

Can I see photos of campsites at Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping before I book?

Yes! Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping?

Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping is open Open year-round but may be inaccessible due to snow or spring road closures.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping?

Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping?

Fire policies at Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping: Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings at campsites.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping have?

Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping?

Yes, pets are allowed at Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping?

Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping?

Popular activities at Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping

3.79

14 reviews

13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132

Top 22% in COFall

Quick Facts

10,800 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

10,800 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for dispersed camping at Hansen Mill.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

719-657-3321

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132

Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping

13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132

Nearby places

Creede (16.8 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are likely in Creede, approximately 16.8 miles away, including fuel, groceries, and camping essentials.

Driving directionsFrom Creede: Travel southeast on Colorado Highway 149 (toward South Fork) for 7.3 miles, to the intersection of Colorado Highway 149 and Forest Road #600 (Pool Table Road), then approximately 9.5 miles northwest on Pool Table Road #600.

Pool Table Road (Forest Road 600) is described as well-maintained, making the campground accessible for trucks and trailers. Seasonal conditions such as snow or spring closures may render the road inaccessible.

Weather at Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping

Best Time to Camp at Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping

Fall brings crisp, stable conditions with daytime highs in the 40s to 60s and frosty nights often below freezing. Late September into early October typically delivers brilliant aspen and willow color at this elevation, plus quieter trails than summer. Winter often makes access impossible. July and August offer the most reliable camping window, though afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly. Pack layers year-round. This high-altitude climate doesn't follow lowland rules.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in CO

Fall highlighted as favorable with brilliant aspen/willow color and stable weather.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round but may be inaccessible due to snow or spring road closures.

About Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping

Hansen Mill sits at 10,800 feet in Rio Grande National Forest with three dispersed sites equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet. The campground welcomes horse campers with hitching posts and high lines, though finding level ground for trailers over 30 feet can be tricky. No potable water. Dusty conditions and beetle-kill trees are common tradeoffs for the spectacular mountain views and access to Wheeler Geological Area trails.

Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping caters to campers seeking a primitive experience with minimal facilities. It accommodates tent camping, RVs, and is particularly suitable for horse camping.

Historical Significance

The campground is a trailhead for Wheeler Geological Area, where volcanic ash has eroded into unusual pinnacles and towers over millions of years. Early explorers and scientists first documented these formations more than a century ago.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings crisp, stable conditions with daytime highs in the 40s to 60s and frosty nights often below freezing. Late September into early October typically delivers brilliant aspen and willow color at this elevation, plus quieter trails than summer. Winter often makes access impossible. July and August offer the most reliable camping window, though afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly. Pack layers year-round. This high-altitude climate doesn't follow lowland rules.

ElevationAt 10,800 feet above sea level, Hansen Mill sits in Colorado's alpine zone where the air holds just two-thirds the oxygen found at sea level. This lofty perch rewards visitors with expansive views and cooler temperatures, but demands respect. Many first-time visitors experience the thin air's effects—shortness of breath, mild headaches, or fatigue—especially during the first day or two. The key to enjoying this high-altitude paradise lies in taking it slow, staying hydrated, and allowing your body time to adjust. For those coming from lower elevations, consider spending a night at a mid-elevation location before ascending to Hansen Mill's rarified heights.

Natural Features and SceneryMountain vistas stretch to the horizon in every direction, the product of ancient volcanic eruptions and millions of years of erosion. The surrounding forest mixes living evergreens with beetle-killed trees standing silver against the sky. A small stream runs near the sites, requiring treatment before drinking. Horse-friendly meadows spread between the trees, and the proximity to Wheeler Geological Area. A National Natural Landmark with unusual volcanic formations. Adds geological drama to an already striking landscape. At this elevation, the views shift constantly with the light.

Geological RegionNestled within the vast Rio Grande National Forest, Hansen Mill occupies a spectacular corner of Colorado's volcanic heartland. The campground serves as a natural observation deck for the surrounding geological theater, where ancient volcanic forces and patient erosion have crafted a landscape unlike anywhere else. To the horizon, mountain ranges rise and fall like frozen waves, each peak telling its own geological story spanning millions of years. The proximity to Wheeler Geological Area adds another layer of wonder—this designated National Natural Landmark showcases some of the most unusual volcanic formations in Colorado. From your campsite at Hansen Mill, you're perfectly positioned to explore this remarkable region where the earth's fiery past meets the serene beauty of alpine forests and meadows.

Scenic ViewsVisitors have noted 'spectacular views' of the distant mountains. One user described it as a 'beautiful place to camp.'

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14-day camping limit.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThree dispersed sites with room for trucks and trailers, though leveling anything over 30 feet takes effort. Dust is common. Shade is sparse. Some additional space exists for larger groups.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations required.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served as no reservations are accepted.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as no reservations are required.

Site SizeSites can accommodate trucks and trailers, making it suitable for horse campers. However, finding level ground for trailers over 30 feet can be challenging.

PrivacySites are dispersed and offer some level of privacy, but users have noted that the area can be dusty with limited shade.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesSites are first-come, first-served. Campers have noted that it's advisable to arrive early to secure a spot.

Amenities available

Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping is equipped with basic amenities suitable for campers seeking a rustic and tranquil outdoor experience. The campground features three campsites, each outfitted with picnic tables and fire rings. While there is a vault toilet available and described as 'the cleanest and best maintained vault toilet I've used' by one user, potable water is not provided on-site. Campers are advised to treat or boil water from a nearby stream for emergencies. Trash services are absent, so visitors must pack out all garbage. Horse campers will find the site accommodating due to the presence of hitching posts, high lines, and sufficient space for trucks and trailers.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding. The nearby trails and roads provide diverse options for exploration and adventure.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBeetle-kill has resulted in a high number of dead trees, posing a risk in high-wind conditions. Campers should exercise caution. This is also bear country, so proper food storage is essential.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated fire rings at campsites.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesDivide Ranger District office (13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132). Contact phone: 719-657-3321.

Trash & RecyclingTrash services are not provided. All visitors must pack out their garbage.

Water FeaturesA small stream near the campground provides emergency drinking water, but it must be treated or boiled.

Camp HostThere is no campground host mentioned.

Trip Planning Tools

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.8

14 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews offer a mixed but generally positive perspective on the campground. Many highlight its suitability for horse camping, scenic views, and well-maintained vault toilet. However, some users mention challenges such as dust, lack of shade, and beetle-kill trees.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects mentioned by users include the scenic views ('the view is spectacular'), peaceful nights, horse-friendly facilities with hitching posts and high lines, and the clean and...

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include dustiness, challenges in finding level ground for larger trailers, dead trees due to beetle infestations, and lack of shade.

Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One user noted there are 3-4 camping areas, suggesting limited availability. Sites are first-come, first-served.

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend arriving early to secure one of the limited campsites, bringing sufficient water for horses, and being cautious of dead trees during high winds.

Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is accessible year-round, but snow levels and road closures may affect usability in winter and spring. Autumn appears to be a favorable time for activities like horseback riding due to...

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The view is spectacular and the nights are peaceful.' - 'The cleanest and best maintained vault toilet I've used.' - 'Pool Table Road is very well maintained ... simple for the truck and trailer.'...

Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed if kept on a leash or under voice command.

Based on 14 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Horse campers will find hitching posts, high lines, and meadow access already set up. Hikers targeting Wheeler Geological Area step directly onto East Bellows Trail #790. Fall is the sweet spot: aspens turn, crowds thin, and afternoons stay more stable than summer thunderstorm se

Skip if

Only 3 sites with no reservations means a real chance of driving 30 minutes from Creede to find it full. No potable water, OHV noise on nearby roads, beetle-kill trees overhead in wind, and zero shade make this a poor fit for anyone expecting developed comforts.

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Campgrounds

Rio Grande National Forest

Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Hansen Mill Dispersed Camping sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

Elevation: 10,800' This small, isolated dispersed (HORSE FRIENDLY) campground is located 16.8 miles east of Creede on Forest Road 600. Campers will find this to be a good vantage point for viewing vistas of distant mountains. There are 3 camping units at this site with picnic tables and fire rings. There is a vault-type toilet, but no water or refuse receptacles. A small stream can provide emergency drinking water only if it is treated or boiled. Trails and 4 WD roads are nearby, as well as fishing in East Bellows Creek. There is lots of room here to accommodate large groups (family reunions, etc.).  This is a very Horse Friendly campground with plenty of nearby grazing and room for trucks/trailers.   The 4x4 road takes off here for the <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/attmain/riogrande/specialplaces">Wheeler Geological Area</a> attraction.  <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/riogrande/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=28996&actid=51">East Bellows trail #790</a> goes into the Wilderness Area from here to Wheeler Geologic Area and is a foot or horse trail only, no motorized vehicles or mountain bikes allowed.  Call 719-658-2556 for "real time" conditions.  14 DAY CAMPING LIMIT.