CR 306 - Dispersed Site, near Pike and [San Isabel National Forest](https://thedyrt.com/camping/colorado/near/pike-and-san-isabel-national-forests-and-cimarron-and-comanche-national-grasslands)s, offers a laid-back camping experience right by the river. This spot is perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without the fuss of reservations or fees.

The area features several accessible sites, making it easy to set up camp. Visitors have mentioned the relaxing sound of the nearby river, which adds to the overall ambiance. As one camper put it, “Solid spot A+++,” highlighting the appeal of this location for a chill getaway.

While there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, the trade-off is the freedom to enjoy a campfire and the great outdoors. Campers appreciate the fire rings available at most sites, perfect for roasting marshmallows or sharing stories under the stars. Just remember to bring your own firewood and clean up after yourself.

For those looking to explore, the Denny Creek trailhead is just a short distance away, offering great hiking opportunities. Keep in mind that the area can get a bit crowded, especially on weekends, so be prepared for some company. Overall, CR 306 is a solid choice for a free and easy camping experience in the heart of Colorado's beautiful wilderness.

Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike and San Isabel National Forests where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".

Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/responsible-recreation

CR 306 -Dispersed Site

Near Buena Vista, CO, lie impressive peaks and some of the best camping and rafting experiences on the Arkansas River and in Browns Canyon. From the canyon, you can marvel at the towering granite walls as you float down the river. Camping in the Pike-San Isabel National Forests brings campers closer to nature. From their campsites, campers can explore the trails that wind through the forest and catch glimpses of deer and other wildlife. RV drivers will also find plenty of campgrounds by the river or national forest that can accommodate their vehicles as they enjoy the area’s sights.

Buena Vista

The Best Camping Near Buena Vista, Colorado

I'm basing my review mainly off of the other free dispersed sites in the area.  It isn't that this place is bad, but this wouldn't make my top 10 of dispersed sites in the area.  I would absolutely stay here again, but it would be a last resort.  Also I counted about 4 different turnoffs from the highway stretched across a half mile so check them all for sites because they weren't all joined.

  

Pros

*   Free
*   The spots are easily accessible from the paved highway.  That being said it's pretty tight and steep in spots, I wouldn't dare try pulling thing of size into these sites.
*   Stream accessible.  I stayed right on the stream and hung out next to it for a few hours the night I was there.
*   Fire rings at most sites that I saw.

Cons

*   Not much privacy between sites.
*   Since it's right off the highway there can be some noise issues.
*   For a place tucked away in the Collegiate Peaks it's sad that the views aren't better.
*   Sites weren't very level.

Great spot in a pinch

We were trying to stay at Collegiate Peaks Campground but it filled up on  a Friday afternoon so we back tracked to Avalanche TH and found some dispersed spots actoss the street. An easy to find camp right off the road with a few different entrances and a creek running alongside. Everyone else had the same idea so it can get pretty crowded and be prepared for some louder groups at night. You’ll be passed by cars on the road at any time but the speed limit is low so it’s not too bothersome. There’s a bathroom across the street at Avalanche TH if needed. Theres plenty of fire fings there but keep in mind the fire regulations! Dont forget to clean up after yourself and bring bear containers! 

Dispersed but with everyone else

Quite a few driveways that look like they’re leading to a residential area but there are very few homes especially a half mile from the Denny Creek trailhead. Right off the highway so a little noisy at night but calms down. The river runs right by spots, relaxing sound and plenty of water. Even surface and easy to set up. 

Handful of spots, nice location

Cozy by the river 

Multiple sites along the creek, some of the road through a wooded area looks dicey for a large vehicle.  There are multiple access points to various sites right off of CR306, some look more accessible to regular vehicles.  A couple of those access roads seem pretty challenging for a two wheel drive.  

The site I camped at was just opposite the road to Avalanche Trailhead.  It was a little bumpy but not challenging.  All of the sites are within about 100 feet of CR306, separated by woods from the road, very quiet at night. 

I camped out in a tent in early October and temps were down in the 30 s at night.  Had to keep my heater going.  Camped there three nights, really peaceful.

Photos of CR 306 -Dispersed Site

Real photos from real campers