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Dispersed Camping

Camp Chandler Dispersed

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Camp Chandler Dispersed is located near the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, offering a terrain of forests and rugged landscapes. Temperatures can range from 30°F in winter to 80°F in summer, with varying conditions throughout the year. Nearby attractions include Rocky Mountain National Park and the town of Estes Park, providing opportunities for hiking and exploring local shops and eateries.

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Location

Camp Chandler Dispersed is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

40.05591657211699 N
105.75288811631701 W

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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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    AT&T
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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

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.


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Reviews

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5 Reviews

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
  • Review photo of Camp Chandler Dispersed by brian C., August 13, 2025
  • Review photo of Camp Chandler Dispersed by brian C., August 13, 2025
  • Review photo of Camp Chandler Dispersed by brian C., August 13, 2025
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
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
  • Review photo of Camp Chandler Dispersed by Zoe K., July 6, 2025
  • Review photo of Camp Chandler Dispersed by Zoe K., July 6, 2025
  • (5) View All
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
  • Review photo of Camp Chandler Dispersed by Naomi K., October 20, 2024
  • Review photo of Camp Chandler Dispersed by Naomi K., October 20, 2024
  • Review photo of Camp Chandler Dispersed by Naomi K., October 20, 2024
  • (4) View All
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
  • Review photo of Camp Chandler Dispersed by No , August 13, 2024
  • Review photo of Camp Chandler Dispersed by No , August 13, 2024

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.