Hikers, wildlife watchers, and anglers heading into Roosevelt National Forest have a free basecamp option in the Red Feather Lakes area, where dispersed sites are spread along a gravel road roughly 3.4 miles in from the highway. The road is well-maintained in summer and has proven manageable for low-clearance vehicles, including standard 2WD cars like a Kia Forte, though some individual pull-off spots require more ground clearance to reach. A small stream runs along the back side of the camping area, and the surrounding terrain opens up into the mountain behind the sites, giving campers plenty of room to explore on foot.
Sites here are informal but established. Most sit on the right side of the road and include rock fire rings, and the majority are fairly level and open to the sky, which works well for solar charging. Verizon cell service has been confirmed by multiple visitors, a practical bonus for those who need connectivity. "There were at least 5 or 6 good spots," notes Aunya M., though she adds there were likely more further in. Dry wood is generally available nearby, and the general store in Red Feather Lakes is roughly 15 minutes down the road for resupply.
A few realities are worth knowing before arriving. This corridor has active private property on both sides, and as N I. puts it, "be aware there is a lot of private property." Cattle occasionally wander through the sites. Shooting is permitted on public land in this area, and at least one camper left early after target shooters set up nearby. Trash has been reported at some fire rings, though reviews generally describe it as minor.
Weekend spots fill in as the day progresses, particularly in summer and fall. The fall aspen color along the access road draws visitors in October. The road is not maintained in winter. Campers with larger rigs have had success here, including a 33-foot travel trailer, as long as sites are chosen carefully. Nearby, Dowdy Lake Campground and Lost Lake Dispersed offer additional options in the same corridor for those who want more structure or a different setting.
This area works best for self-sufficient campers comfortable with primitive conditions, light foot traffic from neighboring users, and the occasional shared-use friction that comes with dispersed camping on public land.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsArapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Dispersed Camping is located in Colorado near Red Feather Lakes
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
40.8307489 N
105.56867655 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/14/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/14/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/14/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/14/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/14/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/14/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- 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 Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Dispersed Camping needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr from Fort Collins, CO
- 1 hr 17 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 1 hr 25 min from Greeley, CO
- 1 hr 48 min from Boulder, CO
