Camping Near Ridgway?

Planning on arriving in the Ridgway area on Friday, Oct 3rd for 2.5 days. Looking for some camping ideas in the area (preferably National Forest areas).

We have an FJ Cruiser with a 15 ft pop-up trailer that has very high ground clearance (higher than the FJ) and shocks (came with an "off-road" package). I was thinking of staying at Ridgway State Park until I found out that after mid-Sept they only have 20 sites open and they are all reserved!

I've car camped at the Blue Lakes Trailhead up County rd 7 but its been several years and I can't remember the condition of the road. I seem to remember that it wasn't that bad and that I could probably get my little trailer back in there. Can anyone give me an update on the condition of County rd 7? Any places to camp on County rd 5?

Was also planning on a day over near Silver Jack and I seem to remember many places along the road down from Owl Creek pass where camping is allowed. That still the case?

Any other camping suggestions for this area would be appreciated! We don't need any hookups--we camp self-contained.

Thanks much!

I haven't been up to rd 7 lately, but you should be fine -- I saw an RV up there once. There are lots of places on Owl Creek Pass, you shouldn't have any problem there. I've only camped on rd 5 once -- there is forest access at the very end of the road and I found a nice spot on a side trail near the end -- when I was there last the road was pretty sloppy, it progressively got worse. It wasn't "bad" but some of the holes were a tad deep and might be a concern with a trailer -- if you were tenting it, no problem. There are some spots on Last Dollar, more on the Telluride side though.

CR 7 is usually easy enough for cars so an FJ should be fine. For a bit more comfort-and by comfort I mean a place to get a hot shower- you could goto Ridgway State Park. You will probably have the whole place to yourself.

CR 7 is fine, I was just camped up there last night. If you go a short ways past the BL parking area, there is a spur road to the right which leads up to a nice little camping spot with rock lined fire pit, although everything is pretty damp in that area at night, the fire didn't burn too well!! There's also a nice large pullout up the Silver Jack road maybe 10-15 minuts past ridgway once you start climbing a bit. Its on a spur road to the right.

I cannot believe that Ridgeway is full. I have been there before in late September and early October and been one of just three people in the park. I know they do not take reservations this late in the year but I would have to believe there is plenty of open first come spaces.

Perhaps I read the website wrong for Ridgway State Park. Everything was marked with an "X" so maybe it just meant that they are not taking reservations. Hope so. Thanks for the input!