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Dispersed Camping

NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

NFSR 120 Dispersed Site, near Grand Lake, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the frills of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a rugged experience with no designated sites, allowing you to find your own perfect spot among the trees and stunning views.

Visitors rave about the breathtaking scenery, especially the views overlooking Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake. Many campers have noted that while the area has seen some fire damage, it still provides a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. As one camper put it, “If it weren't for the burned trees, the view would be super nice.”

This location is pet-friendly and allows campfires, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy a cozy evening under the stars. Keep in mind, though, that amenities are minimal—there's no drinking water or toilets, so come prepared. Some campers have mentioned the occasional mosquito, so a good bug spray might be your best friend.

For those eager to explore, you’re just a short drive from the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, where you can dive into hiking, wildlife watching, and more. While the road can be a bit tricky to navigate, especially for larger rigs, many have successfully maneuvered their way in with a little scouting. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, NFSR 120 offers a raw and rewarding camping experience.

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Location

NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

40.24033537215891 N
105.88201408694896 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park 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.

Contact

General Info


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Reviews

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out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 5, 2025

Ghetto camping

Came here at 10 am and every site was already taken as well as just what looks like homeless people. Also beware even if you do find a spot expect a lot of bugs. Ended up leaving because of all the atv noise.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2025

Homeless vibes and a burnt forest

The road is okay it goes up and up and up with little issue. There are campsites way up in there. Some need 4x4 to get to some you can just pull off the road a little. The place didnt have a great vibe. Lots of homeless type setups. The woods is all burnt up so it is a little depressing and alot of bugs. Some great views tho and a little verizon cell depending depending which way you are facing. Overall this juat didnt feel right. Maybe different other times of year

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest by johny R., July 3, 2025
  • Review photo of NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest by johny R., July 3, 2025
  • Review photo of NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest by johny R., July 3, 2025
Reviewed Jun. 24, 2025

Great spot- but lots of bugs

It was hard to find a campsite, very busy- and if you did manage to find one the mosquitos were insane. Other than that the views were stunning and the weather was great.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest by Jordan , June 24, 2025
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2025

Lovely!

You can drive for miles up this area and find a whole area all to yourself! The views alone are insane. Mosquitos will carry you away so lots of bug spray. No bathrooms but lots of places in the woods away from camp.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest by Aly E., June 19, 2025
  • Review photo of NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest by Aly E., June 19, 2025
  • Review photo of NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest by Aly E., June 19, 2025
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2024

Nice if you can find a spot

I came in around 7:00pm on a Saturday. Took me awhile to find a spot. I eventually found one that most big rigs and SUVs couldn’t get into (I have a Impreza hatchback.) To get in is a tight turn to avoid the fire pit and it’s a small site. Over all nice spot but with lots of mosquitoes.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest by kiley B., June 30, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2023

Great spot

Great spot with gorgeous views! Many campsites but most were taken by 7:00 on a Friday. Was able to drive further up to find a larger lot shared with a few others.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest by Maghan M., July 29, 2023
  • Review photo of NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest by Maghan M., July 29, 2023
  • Review photo of NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest by Maghan M., July 29, 2023
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2022

Great place. Peaceful, 20min to town

Great place to come. Everything is burned as far as you can see from the 2020 colorado east troublesome fire.

25 min drive to RMNP gate entrance.

Ocasional OHV traffic (maybe 5-10/day) but nothing into the night.

I would stay here again.

Plenty of spots for 4x4 high clearance (dozens) ,, a handful of spots for big rigs.

We have 20’ truck pulling 22’ trailer and had no problems getting to our spot. Just scout the area first so you know where last turn around is.

Road gets maintained decent.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest by kyran , October 6, 2022
  • Review photo of NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest by kyran , October 6, 2022
  • Review photo of NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest by kyran , October 6, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 19, 2022

Overlooking Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake

7/14/22- 7/18/22: If it weren't for the burned trees, the view would be super nice. This site overlooks both Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake. Here, we were well positioned for the drive 20-minute drive into the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance north of the town of Grand Lake. Except for the occasional off-road vehicle and the horse flies, it was quiet and enjoyable. Aargh, the flies bite something fierce.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest by RaD_Travels , July 19, 2022
  • Review photo of NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest by RaD_Travels , July 19, 2022
  • Review photo of NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest by RaD_Travels , July 19, 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping spots near Lake Granby?

NFSR 120 Dispersed Site in Arapaho National Forest offers excellent dispersed camping with stunning views overlooking both Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake. The area features numerous sites along the forest road that winds upward. Some of the best spots can be found further up the road where there are larger lots with more privacy. Popular sites fill quickly, especially by Friday evenings, so arriving early is recommended. While the 2020 East Troublesome Fire affected the landscape, the panoramic views remain impressive. High-clearance vehicles can access dozens of additional sites deeper in the forest.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Arapaho National Forest near Lake Granby?

Dispersed camping in Arapaho National Forest follows standard USFS regulations. Campers must use existing fire rings and practice Leave No Trace principles. No facilities are provided, so pack out all trash and waste. The area does not have formal bathrooms, requiring proper waste disposal. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. While there's no posted stay limit specifically for this area, most National Forest dispersed camping allows up to 14 consecutive days. Check with the local ranger district for any seasonal fire restrictions before your visit.

Is dispersed camping available near Grand Lake and how far is it from Lake Granby?

Yes, dispersed camping is available near Grand Lake at NFSR 120 Dispersed Site, which offers views of both Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake. This site is approximately a 20-minute drive from the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance north of Grand Lake town. The distance from Lake Granby is relatively short, as both lakes are part of the same connected system of water bodies in the area. The site provides convenient access for exploring both lake areas and serves as a good base camp for park visits.

Is there a map available for dispersed camping areas around Lake Granby?

Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) for Arapaho National Forest are available from the USFS and show roads where dispersed camping is permitted, including NFSR 120. These maps can be obtained from the Sulphur Ranger District office in Granby or downloaded from the USFS website. The Sulphur Ranger District also provides informational handouts about dispersed camping areas. For the most accurate navigation, it's advisable to stop by the ranger station before your trip. GPS coordinates for popular sites aren't officially marked, so having forest service maps is essential for finding available camping areas.