Dispersed Camp off Tarryall

The dirt road leading to this area is relatively easy if you have a higher clearance vehicle. Really, if you know how to drive, and have any type of sport utility vehicle, it should be manageable.

From what we saw, there were maybe six sites on roads off the main one, but there could’ve been more higher up. We noticed an area that was specifically for people with ATVs, etc., and we decided not to venture up that way, wanting more quiet.

We ended up at the site with 320° view overlooking a small valley to the north and Pike’s Peak to the south. It had a bit of tree coverage, but other sites had more. Being on the hill, made it really windy, and it rained off and on all weekend, so it was a bit chilly, but not unmanageable. The wind did make it sometimes difficult to get the fire going. Again, it’s not a bad thing with all the wind because the view was worth it.

There was quite a bit of trash, bullet casings, and broken glass in the site which we cleaned up. We could hear shooting in the distance and ATVs and dirt bikes did make the rounds, so it was a little noisy at times, but overall it was pretty quiet. It was a beautiful place to visit and I will definitely be back to the area.

Honestly, I love camping at Terryall. While you aren't as close to the reservoir, you have trees to hammock, good mountain views, the star gazing is great, each camp site is a good distance away from another, and there are so many spots, you will never have trouble finding one, no matter what day you are camping. Also, AT&T has full service here! This is also where I saw my first moose, first pack of minks, big horn sheep, a fox, cool birds, etc. Can't beat it! Oh...not to mention, each site already has a fire pit. I definitely love this place. Been here several times, and now that I have a pop-up camper, I will be back at least a few times this summer!

Windy at around 0245 in the AM. There is plenty of wood to cut. Quite late fall camping. And of course people..pigs ... still leave their trash for others to pick up.

Pretty good road. Big views if you can get a spot on a hill. Very quiet.

Tarryall creek dispersed camping. The road in is a bit bumpy. I would not trade in a low clearance vehicle. Four-wheel-drive is needed if it should get wet or slippery. Once you get onto the road, the sites are big and spacious. This is dispersed camping, so there is no water no electric and very little cell service. We have periodic two bars of Verizon. The sites are definitely big enough to accommodate big rigs. You just have to take the road really slowly on the way up. If you carry on all the way up to 10, you get to fenced areas where there is no camping so we took 293 off to the left and immediately after the Turner a couple of sites. We followed it all the way down for a long way. The road is incredibly bumpy and four-wheel-drive is absolutely necessary. Along with high clearance. I would not advise it for big rigs. The Site that we got just on the left after the turn walls reasonably wide. Big enough to get a big rig into. It’s pretty flat too but it’s also very exposed. There’s not a lot of shelter for our tent or our gazebo. The views are OK but nothing spectacular.

Take County Road 77 southeast 8.3 miles to County Road 39, turn north, becomes dirt. Lots of dispersed camping in the next six miles. We even had cell service in the wilderness!

Overall a great experience and just a short trip from Colorado Springs. Big, open beautiful sales and plenty of room to tow trailers. Road was a little bumpy and got more challenging the deeper into the space you went, but overall most vehicles can handle it. I came during the off season but still plenty of ATVs, Razrs and guns popping off well into the night. Didn’t bother me much but I imagine it’s a lot worse in the summer. Still a great spot for a night or two.

This area is so full of life and beautiful spaces of all shapes and sizes. Going off basically any side road off Tarryall you can find dispersed sites to set up for the night or a long weekend.

We camp out here often and rarely stay in the same place twice.

Roads can get pretty rough and this area is well used so they are often busy or packed but it is a great spot for setting up shop while exploring the area.

My favorite time of year to visit is Fall due to the gold Aspens but it is basically easy access anytime there isn’t snow on the ground.

I recommend bringing an AWD up here but I’ve seen civics out in the areas as well, you just need to pay attention to the road conditions and weather.

Sites are typically big enough for a large rig but you can find a multitude of small camp sites for tents or pop ups.

There are no bathrooms so most people pack in and out but there are pit toilet bathrooms at the reservoir for the important stuff.

There are lots of shooting and 4x4 action out here so keep your selves clearly visible and off trails.

Visited 8/2020

We really like this area! Tarryall Reservoir is an awesome location. To update from a different review; the ONLY camping is dispersed. There is a day use only area next to the reservoir with no overnight camping. Also, there is no water available, so bring plenty of water with you.

We were camped initially just off of an established 2-track road that was connected to Tucker Gulch Rd/County Rd 23. Members of our party had been camping in the exact same location for over a decade. Our campsite was consistent with every other dispersed camping I have ever done on NFS land.

After our first night, NFS staff came into our camp stating that we were camped illegally, couldn't make our own roads (again, we were off a 2-track road that was marked on maps of the area), and could not be more than 25 feet from an established and marked NFS road. After we packed up to move to another location, we noted brand new signage that was most certainly not there until after the staff members informed us of our "violation".

After relocating we parked within 25 feet of a marked NFS road. This was right next to other camps that were at least 200ft from the same road. Camping within 25 feet of the road brought with it heavy dust and noise from vehicles and UTV/ATV traffic.

With all of this said, the area is amazingly beautiful and the distance from the metro area is perfect. The area is huge with plenty of 4WD and non-4WD (one member in our group had a travel trailer) roads to find the perfect camping spot for you. We will definitely be going back even with our sour run-in with the NFS. And just to throw it out there; I love the NFS and I believe they're generally pretty awesome!

Note: After getting back in town and re-educating myself on San Isabel NF specific rules and regulations, I could not find anywhere where it states the 25 foot rule. Plus, I confirmed that we were not violating any rules.

Tarryall reservoir is beautiful and a great fishing spot!

The camping here is all dispersed with the exception of maybe 8-10 spots in one identified camping “loop” by the lake which is really just a few spots in a gravel lot- still great just not like other campgrounds.

If you plan to disperses camp- get there early! The spots go fast! By Friday morning in the summer it is super slim pickings!

Be aware the wind can get wild up here! Don’t leave an awning out- ever and be prepared. But if you can take a gusty afternoon I think it’s a great place!

Great dispersed camping for an evening on our way out west. The campground nearby was closed, but it was easy finding a dispersed spot near OHV trails. At the beginning of the road there were several great spots with rock rings for campers or groups. We made our way up the road to find a great lookout for our tent. Was very quiet, only saw 1 other car come by. 4x4 and high clearance vehicle recommended.