Pike National Forest's Rampart Range holds a stretch of free dispersed camping that rewards campers willing to drive further up the mountain. Sites are distributed along the road through a mix of forested and open terrain, with some spots offering open sightlines toward the surrounding mountains. The US Forest Service manages the area with no fee, and the site allows campfires, pets, and alcohol.
Crowds are a real factor here, particularly on weekends. Campers arriving on Saturday afternoons have found it difficult to secure open space, with only a handful of spots stretched along the road. Arriving earlier in the day or on a weekday improves the odds considerably. ATVs do pass through the area, so expect some vehicle noise, though wildlife sightings are common. One reviewer noted encountering a black bear during a July visit, which is worth keeping in mind for food storage.
Kat F. describes it as "very quiet area but some atvs run through," which captures the trade-off well. The site sits close to Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping and other dispersed options, so if this stretch is full, alternatives are close. Campers who enjoy fishing will find that access is nearby. Those planning a longer stay in the region can browse camping spots around Pike National Forest to compare the broader range of options. If the Rampart Range area fits your schedule, a weekday arrival gives you the best shot at finding your own patch of trees.
Description
Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands 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.
Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:
In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRampart Range Dispersed Site is located in Colorado near Green Mountain Falls
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
38.9732431853553 N
105.00836810106878 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 167 usersLast on 9/3/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 9/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 9/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 167 usersLast on 9/3/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 9/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 9/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
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.
Drive Time
- 29 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 49 min from Pueblo, CO
- 1 hr 18 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 41 min from Boulder, CO
