Arapaho National Forest manages NFSR 120 as a free dispersed camping corridor west of Grand Lake, where the road climbs steadily and sites range from roadside pullouts to spots requiring 4x4 and high clearance. The 2020 East Troublesome Fire burned through the area extensively, and the standing dead timber defines the landscape in every direction. Campers who have visited note overlooks facing both Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake below, with open sightlines that compensate somewhat for the sparse canopy.
Crowds are a real factor. Sites fill early on weekends, often by late morning, and the corridor sees a modest flow of OHV traffic during the day. Bugs are a consistent complaint across multiple reviews, with mosquitoes and horse flies both mentioned frequently. Verizon cell coverage exists in spots but depends on orientation. RaD_Travels describes the experience as "quiet and enjoyable" aside from the OHV traffic and flies. Rocky Mountain National Park's north entrance near Grand Lake is a short drive from the area.
There are no bathrooms on site. Campfires are allowed, and firewood is listed as available. Big rigs can access a handful of spots, but drivers are advised to scout turnaround points before committing. Campers looking at campgrounds around Grand Lake will find nearby alternatives including Arapaho NF Dispersed off FR 455 near Grand Lake less than a mile to the southwest. This corridor works best for self-sufficient campers comfortable with a fire-altered forest and variable site availability.
Description
Free camping (dispersed) is allowed on most national forest lands except in highly developed areas - such as trailheads, campgrounds and picnic sites - and in some of our most visited places. Be sure to check for regulations in advance and look for signs in the area to indicate if camping is allowed.
Some areas allow camping in designated sites only.
Know Before You Go
Check the weather and road closures before heading up. Follow Leave No Trace principles. There are no facilities or trash receptacles. Pack out what you pack in. Make sure camping is allowed. Many lands within the national forest boundary are private or otherwise owned. Check that you’re on National Forest lands: maps. Don't stay too long. Camping is limited to 14 days within any continuous 30-day period at any location within the same 20-mile radius. See Order Plan on building a campfire? Campfire restrictions can occur any time of year. Check for fire restrictions and if you build a campfire, know how to extinguish it.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsNFSR 120 Dispersed Site is located in Colorado near Grand Lake
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
40.24033537215891 N
105.88201408694896 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/16/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/5/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/16/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/16/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/5/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/16/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 58 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 8 min from Boulder, CO
- 2 hrs 40 min from Greeley, CO
- 2 hrs 43 min from Fort Collins, CO
