Camping suggestions near Alma, CO?

Jennifer and I are going to be down near Alma in a few weeks, attending a friend's wedding reception (at the South Park Saloon - no kidding! ).

Instead of coming back to Denver late Saturday, we're looking for a place to camp - we'll just crash in the back of the truck. Kite Lake looks easy to get to (maybe too easy for us to expect open sites?) with interesting scenery.

Does anyone have any suggestions for camping spots near Alma? The potential for sunrise photography is a big plus! It doesn't need to be an established campground; we can park the truck just about anywhere.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

I've never found Kite Lake to be that crowded, so I think you may be okay there. You might also try Windy Ridge, partway up Mt. Bross. There's a large area to park there. And you should have some nice photo ops in the morning.

I also agree on Kite Lake, and you could do a sunrise hike up to Lake Emma, which is in a spectacular little basin on the south side of Democrat. The fourteeners are supposed to be off-limits right now due to private land issues, so you won't see the normal peak-bagging traffic you normally would from Kite Lake.

There's also Mosquito Pass nearby, and a side basin that holds Clooney Lake that's pretty nice. Also, head up Fourmile Creek to the gated road end and hike up to the Hilltop Mine, and if you're up for it, continue to Mount Sherman's summit. Or take the left fork before the gate and head into the basin below Horseshoe Mountain and look for a few tarns for reflecting the unique mountain at sunrise.

Just remembered something ... if you take the road up Mt. Bross towards Windy Ridge, you'll see a couple of ghost buildings along the way. If you turn right on a road a little before the ghost buildings and then head up a couple hundred yards, you'll see another abandoned building, but one that's in much better shape. There were signs of people having stayed there. I believe it's part of the Pike National Forest and there weren't any No Trespassing signs or fences. So I always thought it would be a nice little place to stay if I was camping out that way.

I'm in Fairplay (6 miles from Alma) every other weekend Rick. I'm in the airport right now, but I'll get back to you with some suggestions.

Also be careful with th 14ers around there. Land issues and access are still pending.

Thanks guys. I read up on the access issues. Seems you can roll the dice and 'break the law'. Not sure if we'll be up for the 14ers (or trespassing... ), but it's good to know that Kite Lake should be open. I think we'll take off early on Friday and spend Friday night down there, too. I'd love to get to Emma Lake for sunrise, and then spend Saturday morning exploring more of the area.

The Tundra isn't exactly "nimble" on jeep trails. Can Windy Ridge and Mosquito Pass be done with a large 4x4 or is it best to tackle those on foot?

I'd think Kite Lake would not be so crowded as it once was primarily due to the land access issues.