Just 25 miles north of the town, Blue River Campground (dillonrangerdistrict.com) provides two dozen rustic sites with picnic tables and fire pits. Vault restrooms, a trailer size limit of 25 feet and first-come, first-served availability add to its "away from it all" charm. Large RVs will want to head to Lake Dillon,16 miles north of town, where you'll find reservable sites with electric hookups accommodating rigs up to 70 feet in length at Heaton Bay Campground. Wheelchair-accessible sites are available. Two other campgrounds at the reservoir have no hookups, but have spaces for rigs up to 40 or 50 feet in length.
Dispersed camping is allowed on vegetation-free hard-pack areas along forest roads and in designated dispersed camping areas, and you must use Leave No Trace techniques. You can also strap on a backpack and hike trails along the tributary creeks that form the headwaters of the Blue River south of town. Camp in dispersed sites of your choosing along the way. Whether you camp in a vehicle or in the backcountry, keep your camp at least 100 feet from the Blue River or any other body of water. Obey any "No Camping" signs you may see, as some areas with heavy pine beetle infestation can be closed because of tree fall in the area. Do not remove wood from the area, because it can spread the infestation.
Campgrounds near the Blue River open in mid-May and remain open through September or October, depending on their location and weather conditions at the campground. Early summer is an opportune time to see wildflowers in the area, with peak bloom in mid- to late June. You may find tiny but sweet wild strawberries, blackberries and rose hips in late summer and autumn along the river and its tributaries, but watch for potentially dangerous wildlife that may also be satisfying a sweet tooth in the area. Expect late-afternoon thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rains and chilly temperatures throughout most of the summer. Daytime temperatures are in the 70 to 80 degree Fahrenheit range, but nights can range from the low 50s to near freezing, depending on your elevation and weather conditions along the river. Aspens in the area begin changing as early as late August, taking on bright yellow hues that usually peak in mid-September.
The town of Blue River is situated at 10,000 feet above sea level, which can cause altitude sickness in those who travel from significantly lower elevations. Your lungs will have to work harder, causing you to lose more fluid through respiration than you normally would at lower elevations. Drink plenty of hydrating fluids to help stave off symptoms of altitude sickness, and avoid strenuous activity for the first few days after your arrival. Use bear-safe techniques when camping -- store food, garbage and scented items in a hard-sided RV or trailer, in a wildlife-proof container or hung from a tree. Don't eat or drink in your tent, and change out of any clothes you may have eaten or cooked in before going to sleep.
