Free dispersed camping along Brush Creek Road puts campers a short drive from Crested Butte, with numbered sites added in 2021 to shift the area from open dispersed camping to a designated system. All sites are first-come, first-served. Arriving midweek and early in the day is the most reliable way to secure a spot during summer months.
Road conditions vary significantly depending on how far back campers travel. The initial stretch of dirt road is generally manageable, but the route forks after a few miles. Bearing left leads up a deeply rutted 4WD track toward Teocalli Ridge, while staying right reaches a flat area accessible to smaller RVs, trailers, and Sprinter vans. A creek crossing beyond the flat requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Sites closer to the road sit fairly close together; those farther back tend to offer more separation and open sightlines toward the surrounding ridgelines.
Facilities are minimal. Porta-potties are positioned near the numbered sites, and at least one reviewer found them well-maintained. Campfires are allowed, and some fire rings include grates. The creek runs close to several sites. Cell service is unreliable, with at least one camper reporting no signal on AT&T or T-Mobile. Cows from nearby grazing allotments occasionally wander through camp. Mountain bikers use the surrounding trails heavily, so foot traffic from that crowd is common.
Nearby alternatives include Brush Creek Campground and Brush Creek Tent City, both within a few miles, for campers who want to compare options before committing to a site.
Description
Due to new ordinance in Crested Butte in 2024, this area is no longer allowing dispersed camping. Please use the designated established campgrounds.
Map & DirectionsBrush Creek Dispersed is located in Colorado near Crested Butte
Coordinates
38.86456372 N
106.90935755 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/21/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/21/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
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 Brush Creek Dispersed - PERMANENTLY CLOSED needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 47 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 3 hrs 42 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 4 hrs 6 min from Denver, CO
- 4 hrs 16 min from Boulder, CO















