Top Dispersed Camping near Gunnison National Forest

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Gunnison National Forest? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Gunnison National Forest's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Camping Sites Near Gunnison National Forest, CO (59)

    Camper-submitted photo from Four Mile Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Four Mile Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Four Mile Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Four Mile Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Four Mile Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Four Mile Road Dispersed

    1.

    Four Mile Road Dispersed

    18 Reviews
    56 Photos
    771 Saves
    Carbondale, Colorado

    Welcome to Four Mile Road Dispersed Camping Area in the Sopris Ranger District of White River National Forest, Colorado. This spot is a gem for those who crave a true off-the-grid experience. It's open year-round and offers a rugged, no-frills camping adventure.

    This area is perfect for both tent and RV camping, though you'll need to be self-sufficient. There are no amenities like drinking water, toilets, or electric hookups, so come prepared. Fires are allowed, and you'll find plenty of natural firewood around, but remember to follow fire safety guidelines.

    Visitors rave about the stunning views and the sense of seclusion. Whether you're nestled in a dense forest or perched on a hill with panoramic vistas, the scenery here is unbeatable. Some campers have even reported hearing turkeys gobbling in the morning, adding to the wilderness charm.

    The location is also a great base for exploring nearby attractions. Hanging Lake and Iron Mountain Hot Springs are less than an hour away, making for perfect day trips. The roads can get bumpy, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended, especially if you plan to venture deeper into the area.

    Cell service is spotty to non-existent, which many visitors see as a plus. It's a chance to disconnect and truly immerse yourself in nature. Just be sure to clean up after yourself and leave no trace, as some campers have noted finding trash left behind by others.

    In short, if you're looking for a beautiful, secluded spot to camp without the crowds and conveniences of more developed sites, Four Mile Road Dispersed Camping Area is the place to be. Enjoy the peace, the views, and the adventure!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping

    2.

    Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    51 Photos
    1031 Saves
    Crested Butte, Colorado

    The Washington Gulch Trail #403 begins a quarter mile north of the Gothic Campground and ends when it intersects the Washington Gulch Road, FSR #811. The heads southeast with a few switchbacks and then parallels Rock Creek for approximately 1.5 miles. It then crosses the creek, turns south, and begins to climb in elevation. It comes to an end at Washington Gulch Road. This is a very scenic trail and makes a great day hike. It is also very popular with mountain bikers and campers.

    All roadside vehicle and tent campers are required to camp ONLY in designated sites:

    Sites are designated by the presence of a 6in X 6in wooden post with a site number and camping symbol along with a permanent metal fire ring. All sites are first come first serve, if a site is occupied please look for another site.

    Fires are only permitted in the established metal fire rings. Extinguish all fires so they are cold to the touch.

    Sites are limited to two vehicles only per site.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

    3.

    Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

    39 Reviews
    110 Photos
    1109 Saves
    Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

    Black Canyon Dispersed Camping near Montrose, CO, is a no-frills spot perfect for those who love the raw beauty of nature without the fuss of amenities. This area is open year-round and offers a simple, scenic escape just a stone's throw from the entrance to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

    The sites here are all dirt and nestled among the trees, providing a quiet and secluded atmosphere. You won't find any toilets, showers, or drinking water, so come prepared. Fires are allowed, but you'll need to bring your own firewood. Pets are welcome, and there's no need for a permit, making it a hassle-free option for a spontaneous getaway.

    Visitors have praised the stunning views and the abundance of wildlife. You might hear turkeys, chickadees, and woodpeckers during your stay. Some campers have even spotted deer and, on rare occasions, bears. The area is also known for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets, with panoramic views that are hard to beat.

    Access can be a bit tricky, especially if it rains, as the dirt roads can become rutted. Low-clearance vehicles might struggle, so it's best to have a high-clearance vehicle if you plan to venture beyond the first few sites. Despite the rough roads, many campers have found the effort worthwhile for the peace and beauty of the location.

    If you're looking for a quiet, scenic spot to pitch a tent and enjoy the great outdoors, Black Canyon Dispersed Camping is a solid choice. Just remember to pack out what you pack in and leave no trace to keep this beautiful area pristine for future visitors.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Brush Creek Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Brush Creek Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Brush Creek Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Brush Creek Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Brush Creek Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Brush Creek Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Paradise Divide Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Paradise Divide Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Paradise Divide Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Paradise Divide Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Paradise Divide Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Paradise Divide Dispersed Camping

    5.

    Paradise Divide Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    8 Photos
    572 Saves
    Marble, Colorado

    Setting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed on the GMUG National Forests. Please observe the guidelines on selecting a dispersed camping site on our forest. For comprehensive information on dispersed camping opportunities refer to the dispersed camping guidelines for the GMUG National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd576017.pdf

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Gothic Canyon dispersed camping 1
    Camper-submitted photo from Gothic Canyon dispersed camping 1
    Camper-submitted photo from Gothic Canyon dispersed camping 1
    Camper-submitted photo from Gothic Canyon dispersed camping 1
    Camper-submitted photo from Gothic Canyon dispersed camping 1
    Camper-submitted photo from Gothic Canyon dispersed camping 1
    Camper-submitted photo from Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD
    Camper-submitted photo from Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD
    Camper-submitted photo from Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD
    Camper-submitted photo from Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD
    Camper-submitted photo from Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD
    Camper-submitted photo from Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD

    7.

    Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD

    3 Reviews
    19 Photos
    39 Saves
    Somerset, Colorado

    Overland Reservoir lies approximately 22 miles north of Paonia near the divide between the Grand Mesa National Forest and the Gunnison National Forest.This area offers a very beartiful setting, with the deep blue reservoir, grassy parks and thick green timber. It is stocked every year by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife with Rainbow and Brook Trout. The average size fish caught is 6 to 8 inches. The reservoir is drained every fall, so the fish have no chance of reaching larger sizes. The fisherman with a boat may have better luck than fishing from the bank. There are many dispersed camping spots located on the east side of the Reservoir.

    • Pets
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed 2
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed 2
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed 2
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed 2
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed 2
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed 2
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Irwin Dispersed Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Irwin Dispersed Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Irwin Dispersed Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Irwin Dispersed Sites
Showing results 1-10 of 59 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Gunnison National Forest

210 Reviews of 59 Gunnison National Forest Campgrounds


No Reviews Found



Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Gunnison National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Gunnison National Forest is Four Mile Road Dispersed with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Gunnison National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 59 dispersed camping locations near Gunnison National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.