Antone Spring Campground

Introduction / Overview

For those of us in Colorado who truly embrace the spirit of the outdoors, the allure of dispersed camping is undeniable. It offers a raw, unfiltered connection to nature, a chance to escape the crowds, and the freedom that comes with self-sufficiency in the wilderness. Antone Spring Campground, located in the vicinity of Montrose, Colorado, is a prime example of such a location. While it’s important to note right upfront that Antone Spring is no longer an "official USFS campground" with traditional amenities, it is widely recognized and legally permitted as a dispersed camping area within the national forest. This distinction is crucial for setting expectations, but it also highlights its appeal for a specific type of adventurer.

Antone Spring offers a simple loop off a main forest road, providing a clear and accessible area for most vehicles. Here, you won't find vault toilets, picnic tables, or potable water – this is a true Leave No Trace experience. However, what you will find is the freedom to establish your camp in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by the stunning landscapes that characterize Colorado's western slope. It's a fantastic alternative for those who find developed campgrounds too restrictive or crowded, offering a more private and immersive outdoor experience at no cost. It’s about embracing the responsibility of being a steward of the land while enjoying the unparalleled solitude that our Colorado wilderness provides.

For many Colorado locals, dispersed camping is the preferred way to truly experience our state's wild beauty, and Antone Spring fits perfectly into this ethos, offering accessibility without sacrificing the backcountry feel.

Location and Accessibility

Antone Spring Campground is situated near Montrose, CO 81403, USA, placing it within the vast and diverse Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. This region of Western Colorado is celebrated for its dramatic landscapes, from towering peaks to sweeping valleys, and offers an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. For Colorado locals, reaching Montrose is typically a straightforward drive on well-maintained state highways, making it a feasible destination for weekend trips or longer excursions.

Access to Antone Spring itself is described as a "simple loop off the main forest road." This indicates that it's generally accessible for "most vehicles," implying that a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle might not be strictly necessary, especially during dry conditions. However, as with all dispersed camping on forest roads, conditions can change rapidly due to weather. Always check local forest service road conditions before heading out, particularly in spring when snowmelt can create muddy patches, or after heavy rains. The relative ease of access compared to some more remote dispersed sites makes Antone Spring a particularly attractive option for a wider range of campers, including those in standard vehicles or smaller RVs who are prepared for self-sufficient camping.

Its proximity to Montrose means that while you're enjoying the tranquility of dispersed camping, you're not entirely isolated. Montrose offers essential services, supplies, and fuel, allowing for convenient resupply if needed. This balance of remote feel and accessible amenities makes Antone Spring a highly practical choice for locals looking to dive into the Colorado backcountry experience.

Services Offered

It is crucial to understand that Antone Spring is now recognized as a dispersed camping area and, as such, offers NO traditional campground services. This means campers must be entirely self-sufficient. Based on the provided reviews, the following "services" are explicitly NOT available, which defines the experience:

• No Vault Toilets: Campers must adhere to Leave No Trace principles for human waste disposal, which typically involves digging a cathole at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites, or packing out waste using a portable toilet system.
• No Potable Water: There is no source of treated drinking water. While a "spring" is mentioned about fifty feet east of the loop, its "quality and flow rate" are "unknown." It is imperative that campers bring their own water or be equipped with reliable water filtration/purification methods if they choose to utilize the spring water.
• No Designated Campsites (as per official campground standards): While it's a "simple loop" and a "clear area," these are not marked or maintained sites in the same way a developed campground would have them. Campers choose their spot within the designated dispersed camping area.
• No Picnic Tables or Fire Rings: These amenities, common in developed campgrounds, are not provided. Campers must be prepared to manage their cooking and fire needs (if allowed and safe) using portable stoves or by creating a Leave No Trace compliant fire pit if a pre-existing one is not found and conditions permit.
• No Trash Removal: There are no trash receptacles. Campers must strictly adhere to the "Pack It In, Pack It Out" rule, taking all their waste, including food scraps, packaging, and anything else they brought, out of the area.

The "service" Antone Spring provides is the opportunity for free, primitive camping in a beautiful natural setting. This necessitates a higher level of preparedness and responsibility from the camper compared to a developed campground.

Features / Highlights

Antone Spring Campground, as a dispersed camping area, offers unique features and highlights that appeal to experienced and prepared Colorado campers:

• Free Camping: This is a significant highlight. As it is no longer an official USFS campground with fees, it provides a cost-effective way to enjoy Colorado's wilderness.
• Legally Permitted Dispersed Camping: While not a developed campground, it is explicitly stated that it is "perfectly legal to camp here" as a dispersed site, offering peace of mind to campers.
• Easy Accessibility for Most Vehicles: Described as a "simple loop off the main forest road" and a "clear area that most vehicles would have no problem getting in or out," this makes it more accessible than many other dispersed camping spots that might require high-clearance or 4WD.
• Solitude and Primitive Experience: Without the amenities and crowds of developed campgrounds, Antone Spring offers a true backcountry feel, providing ample privacy and a serene connection to nature.
• Proximity to a Spring: The presence of a "spring about fifty feet east of the loop" offers a potential (though unverified for quality) natural water source, which can be a valuable feature for self-sufficient campers equipped for water purification.
• Alternative to Crowded Campgrounds: It's highlighted as a "good alternative to Iron Mountain CG," suggesting it offers similar regional access but with the benefit of fewer people and no fees.
• Gateway to Western Colorado Exploration: Its location near Montrose places it within easy reach of numerous recreational opportunities in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, including hiking, mountain biking, and exploring vast natural areas.
• Stargazing Potential: Without significant light pollution, rural dispersed camping sites like Antone Spring offer excellent opportunities for stargazing on clear Colorado nights.

These highlights cater to campers who prioritize freedom, solitude, and a more authentic wilderness experience over convenience and amenities, making it a favored spot for many prepared Colorado locals.

Contact Information

Given that Antone Spring is no longer an official USFS campground and is considered a dispersed camping area, there is no direct contact phone number or dedicated staff specifically for Antone Spring itself. Its address provides a general geographical reference:

Address: Montrose, CO 81403, USA

For Colorado locals planning to utilize Antone Spring for dispersed camping, the appropriate points of contact are the official U.S. Forest Service offices that manage the surrounding lands. Antone Spring is likely located within the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. Therefore, you should contact the relevant Ranger District office for the most current information regarding:

• Fire restrictions: Absolutely critical to check before any trip, as campfires may be prohibited depending on conditions.
• Road conditions: Especially important for forest roads, which can be affected by weather.
• General dispersed camping guidelines: Rules can vary by forest or district.
• Bear activity: Information on bear sightings and food storage requirements.

The best way to find these contacts is to search online for the "Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests" official website, and then navigate to their "Contact Us" section or locate the specific Ranger District office that oversees the area around Montrose. This proactive step ensures you have the safest and most responsible dispersed camping experience.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Antone Spring Campground, understood as a dispersed camping area, is exceptionally suitable for Colorado locals who embody the spirit of adventure and self-reliance. For many of us, the mountains and forests of Colorado are our backyard, and the opportunity to experience them in a raw, unadorned way is deeply appealing. Antone Spring offers just that – a free, legal, and relatively accessible entry point into the backcountry experience without the fees or restrictions often associated with developed campgrounds.

Its appeal lies in its simplicity and the freedom it affords. Unlike crowded sites, Antone Spring provides ample space for privacy, allowing for a genuine connection with nature that's often sought after in our beautiful state. The ease of access for most vehicles means that this level of primitive camping isn't exclusive to those with specialized off-road rigs, broadening its appeal. While the lack of amenities like vault toilets and potable water demands a higher level of preparedness and adherence to Leave No Trace principles, this responsibility is often embraced by Colorado outdoor enthusiasts who understand the importance of preserving our natural resources.

For those seeking an authentic, peaceful, and cost-effective camping experience near Montrose, away from the hustle and bustle, Antone Spring is an excellent alternative to consider. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect, appreciate the quiet beauty of the national forest, and practice responsible outdoor ethics, all while enjoying the vast, open spaces that make Colorado such an incredible place to call home.

Antone Spring Campground

Montrose, CO 81403, USA