Map showing campground location near Tabernash, Colorado

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Camp Chandler Dispersed

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Dispersed sites along a gravel road beside Meadow Creek Reservoir make up Camp Chandler, a free camping area outside Tabernash, Colorado where campers pull off the roadside and set up among conifers and firs. The road is manageable for standard vehicles, though reviewers note it gets rough and rutted in spots, so driving slowly is advisable. Sites are spread along the road past the reservoir, with a parking lot nearby that has a dumpster and an outhouse. No hookups, no designated pads. Just a pull-off and whatever flat ground you can find.

Weekdays tend to be quiet here. Weekends and holidays draw crowds, particularly in summer, though sites are spaced well enough that privacy is achievable even when the area fills up. Anglers have caught tiger trout in the reservoir, and paddleboarding is accessible with a short walk to the water. Meadow Creek Reservoir Fishing Site sits less than a mile northeast, and Columbine Lake is reachable by trail for those willing to put in a longer hike. Mountain bike trails run closer to the highway as well.

One rule demands attention. A permanent campfire ban is in effect, enforced by forest rangers who issue $500 tickets. Fire pits exist at some sites, but signs are posted throughout the area making the prohibition clear. Cell signal requires a short walk down the road. Camp Chandler suits campers who want free, no-frills dispersed camping with water access and room to spread out, provided they go in prepared and leave fires at home.

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Map & DirectionsCamp Chandler Dispersed is located in Colorado near Tabernash

Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

40.05591657211699 N
105.75288811631701 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Alcohol
Pets

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.

Drive Time

1 hr 47 min from Denver, CO
1 hr 57 min from Boulder, CO
2 hrs 29 min from Greeley, CO
2 hrs 32 min from Fort Collins, CO

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Camp Chandler Dispersed

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5 Stars

4 Stars

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5.0

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5 Reviews

Many visitors reported beautiful dispersed sites with excellent privacy and basic amenities near a reservoir. Access roads can be rough but manageable, with fire restrictions strictly enforced by rangers.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

brian C.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 13, 2025

Solid location

The roads coming up are manageable, but raked out in a few spots. There's several spots for tent camping behind the pull off spots on the side of the road after the reservoir. There is a pay station for the designated camping locations that have a path to the water. It's been quiet here during the week and the reservoir was pretty busy on the weekend. Several MTB trails closer to the highway.

Month of VisitAugust

Olivia D.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 28, 2025

Amazing spot

Busy but plenty of space for privacy. Walking distance down a navigable road to the reservoir. Limited amenities, but 1 bathroom and a trash site. Bears in the area. Permanent campfire ban taken very seriously, forest rangers around giving tickets for fire. $500 each. Don't be stupid! Take care of this beautiful place.

Sitedispersed

Month of VisitJuly

Zoe K.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 6, 2025

Fantastic Camping!

We stayed on a dispersed site along this road. We could walk to the reservoir to paddle board, and there was a close parking lot with a dumpster and an outhouse. It was quite busy over here over the 4th of July, but spots were spaced well. Beautiful views all around! We caught some tiger trout fishing here. And we were able to have a fire this time of year. Will visit again.

Month of VisitJuly

(5) View All

Naomi K.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 20, 2024

Beautiful Place.

Bumpy ride up, but we were able to do it in our car SLOWLY. Absolutely beautiful place. Lots of campsite options. I was under the impression fires were allowed, as there were fire pits, but signs everywhere stating no campfires. Columbine Lake is a pretty hefty hike from the trailhead, but so worth the view. Had the entire place to ourselves pretty much all Friday. Beautiful beautiful beautiful

Month of VisitOctober

(4) View All

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 13, 2024

THIS is camping.

This is the spot. If you want to real camp this is worth the drive.

If you stay here i challenge you to make it better. Someone has put a nice chopping block at the back of the site, and donated a sling shot and a pocketknife. I relayed the fire place with rocks on the bottom, and a small attached pit to keep your cast iron warm over the coals.

If you go up the hill a little ways there is lots of dry wood. If you go back down around the corner, and down the little hill you can find cell signal. Maybe 10 min walk at most

Siteright where the pin is.

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules for dispersed camping in Chandler, Colorado?

Camp Chandler Dispersed has several important rules to follow. There is a permanent campfire ban that is strictly enforced with forest rangers actively patrolling and issuing $500 tickets for violations. Bears are present in the area, so proper food storage is essential. While the sites are dispersed, visitors are encouraged to use established campsites and respect the environment. There's a trash site available, but pack-out principles still apply. The area gets busy during holidays, but campsites are generally well-spaced for privacy.

Where is dispersed camping available near Chandler, Colorado?

Dispersed camping is available along the road leading to the reservoir in the Camp Chandler area. There are multiple pull-off spots on the side of the road after the reservoir where tent camping is available. The area offers beautiful views and some sites are within walking distance to the reservoir for activities like paddle boarding and fishing. The location requires a somewhat bumpy drive, but the scenic surroundings and privacy make it worth the journey.

Do I need a permit for dispersed camping in Chandler, Colorado?

There is a pay station for the designated camping locations that have a path to the water at Camp Chandler Dispersed. While some dispersed sites may not require permits, the designated camping areas appear to have a fee system in place. For the most accurate and current permit information, check with the managing agency (likely the Forest Service or BLM) before your trip. During busy periods like holidays, arriving early is advisable to secure a spot.

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Map & DirectionsCamp Chandler Dispersed is located in Colorado near Tabernash

Coordinates

Connectivity

Connectivity

Access

Site Types

Features

For Campers

DISPERSED CAMPING

Drive Time

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What are the rules for dispersed camping in Chandler, Colorado?

Where is dispersed camping available near Chandler, Colorado?

Do I need a permit for dispersed camping in Chandler, Colorado?