Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping, near Nathrop, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those who crave a little solitude and stunning mountain views. This area offers spacious, open sites where you can truly escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Visitors rave about the peaceful atmosphere and the abundance of hiking opportunities, especially around Browns Creek. One camper shared, “The views of the mountains were amazing and great hiking,” highlighting the natural beauty that surrounds you here. While there are no amenities like drinking water or picnic tables, the freedom to camp wherever you find a suitable spot is a big draw for many.

If you’re up for an adventure, the nearby trails lead to breathtaking vistas and serene lakes. Just be aware that the roads can get muddy after rain or snow, so a vehicle with good traction is a must. Campers have also noted the presence of wildlife, including free-roaming cows, which adds to the rustic charm of the area.

For those looking to explore beyond the campsite, you’re just a short drive from Salida and Buena Vista, where you can grab a bite or enjoy local attractions. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, Browns Creek (South) offers a laid-back camping experience that’s hard to beat.

The Browns Creek trail offers beautiful scenery with changing vistas and vegetation. The trail follows the stream and small waterfalls can be found along the way. The lower portion of the trail begins in primarily a Ponderosa pine environment and gradually moves into spruce/fir forest. At higher elevations the trail travels through pristine meadows that end at Brown's Lake. Camping is not permitted at the trailhead, in order to prevent erosion of the banks along Little Browns Creek. Campers are encouraged to find camp sites further south on County Road 272.

Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping

Searching for the best camping near Nathrop, CO? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Nathrop, reviewed by campers like you.

Nathrop

The Best Camping Near Nathrop, Colorado

Awesome location between Salida and Buena Vista. Keep driving thru the gate and find your own piece of paradise.  We have a 24’ RV and out spot, buried in the tall pines, was an easy in and out.  Very quite with only one other camper you could see in the far distance thru the trees. Ample space between sites for privacy.  With the easy in and out we popped into Salida for dinner one night.  Highly recommend! 

So far, yet so close

We camped here for 4 nights in August 2020. It was so peaceful. Big wide dispersed camping spaces. Plenty of nice hiking - especially Brown's Creek area. Great location with easy drive to Buena Vista &amp; Salida &amp; Mt. Princeton. The only drawback was, well, August dryness &amp; no water nearby. This was our first dispersed camping experience and we realize no facilities. There is one bathroom near the Brown's Creek trailhead about 2 miles away from where we camped, but we had a camper. Also, no picnic tables at all. AND cows roam freely throughout the area - drive slowly &amp; respect them - listen for moos &amp; coyote howls. Great bird-watching too. We enjoyed it so much!!

Space and Views!!

We backpacked Browns creek and Little Browns Creek Trail in the beginning of August. There were great spots for camping along the way- some of the best camp sites I've stayed at. If you start the loop going 'clockwise', there is a wonderful first campsite with a view of a lake and the mountains. There is water (streams, waterfalls, lakes) near and on the way to this campsite. I suggest filling up here, as water is sparce/hard to find beyond this campsite. Our last campsite just past Mt. Anterro was my favorite. With a view of the valley at one side and mountains at the other… it was breathtaking. Highly recommend! There was some evidence of bears, so I'd suggest planning accordingly with bear spray and bear bags. There is also no camping allowed at the trailhead.

Dispersed backcountry camps along Browns Creek & Little Browns Creek Trail

I pulled in here around 8 PM on a Tuesday and had intentions to stay for multiple nights. Upon waking up the following morning, I was surrounded by 8 to 10 inches of snow and unfortunately had to leave since I wasn’t prepared for it. For the night that I stayed, it was extremely quiet and there were probably 5 to 6 other campers I passed long away. There are pit toilets by the trail head if needed and an abundance of camping spots. I had decent AT&amp;T service in the location I was at. Definitely would recommend visiting brown dog coffee in Salida. The roads to get extremely muddy whenever there is rain or snow so be prepared to have four-wheel-drive or chains on your tires if you’ll be there during storms or snow.￼

Wish I could have stayed longer 

Make sure you get here early in the weekends. There are many sites if you keep driving, but some better than others. Brown's lake hike is tough, start early.

Crowded but chill

Got here late at night on the 4th of July weekend, was able to find a spot. Stayed the whole weekend. Super relaxing. Lots of trees. Stayed near the browns creek trail head. Restrooms there, along with a few temp toilets around. 

Great open areas, lots of spots, and well-kept roads. .

Took my wife and daughter for a few nights and we enjoyed the spot we chose. There was no one near us so we got a great experience camping in solitude. The views of the mountains was amazing and great hiking. 

Tranquil views 

Gorgeous place lots of trails no bugs .nice Creek 

Photos of Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping

Real photos from real campers