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Dispersed Camping

Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Tarryall Creek - Dispersed Camping is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape into nature without the frills of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a rugged experience with no designated sites, allowing you to find your own perfect spot among the trees and hills.

Visitors rave about the stunning views, especially from elevated sites that provide a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding landscape, including Pike’s Peak. The area is known for its spaciousness, so you won’t feel cramped, and many campers appreciate the distance between sites, which adds to the sense of privacy.

While there are no amenities like drinking water or restrooms, this location is pet-friendly and allows campfires, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more rustic camping experience. As one camper noted, “Each camp site is a good distance away from another,” which is a big plus for those seeking tranquility.

For adventure seekers, the nearby roads offer opportunities for ATV riding and hiking, though be prepared for some bumpy terrain. The area is also a wildlife haven, with sightings of moose, big horn sheep, and various birds reported by campers. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, as some visitors have mentioned the need for better trash management in the area.

Whether you're looking to unwind under the stars or explore the great outdoors, Tarryall Creek provides a beautiful backdrop for your next camping trip.

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Location

Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

39.06240491 N
105.38130855 W

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Badger Flats

Badger Flats

7 min away

Truman’s Rock

Truman’s Rock

28 min away

Drive Time

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • 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.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping needs a permit.


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Reviews

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11 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 21, 2024

Beautiful View, Mostly Quiet

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.

Siteoverlook
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Mishel W., July 21, 2024
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  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Mishel W., July 21, 2024
  • (8) View All
Reviewed May. 19, 2024

One of my favorites!

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!

SiteUnknown
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Oct. 11, 2023

Big views

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

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Fabein D., October 11, 2023
Reviewed Aug. 24, 2023

Good but not great

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.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Chris P., August 24, 2023
  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Chris P., August 24, 2023
  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Chris P., August 24, 2023
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 24, 2023

Greatest view ever

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!

SiteThey’re not numbered. We had a space that was the first one on the left
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Ralph M., July 24, 2023
  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Ralph M., July 24, 2023
  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Ralph M., July 24, 2023
Reviewed Nov. 7, 2021

Lots of Spots, Lots of Guns & ATVs

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.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Kim M., November 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Kim M., November 7, 2021
Reviewed May. 29, 2021

Great easy escape from the city

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.

  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Hayley K., May 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Hayley K., May 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Hayley K., May 29, 2021
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Feb. 9, 2021

NFS staff spread misinformation

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.

  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Nikki and Will W., February 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Nikki and Will W., February 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Nikki and Will W., February 9, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2020

Windy Wonderful

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!

  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Sarah F., August 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Sarah F., August 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Sarah F., August 27, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2020

Lots of spots to choose from

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.

  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Courtney L., June 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Courtney L., June 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping by Courtney L., June 6, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping spots near Tarryall Reservoir?

The best dispersed camping spots near Tarryall Reservoir can be found by taking County Road 77 southeast for about 8.3 miles to County Road 39, then turning north onto the dirt road. Within the next six miles, you'll find numerous dispersed sites. Many great spots with rock rings for campers or groups are located at the beginning of the road. Some of the most desirable spots are on hills with expansive views, while others are nestled among trees perfect for hammocking. The camping area has spacious sites well-distanced from each other, ensuring privacy even during busy periods.

Is a permit required for camping at Tarryall Reservoir?

No permit is required for dispersed camping at Tarryall Reservoir. This area follows standard National Forest dispersed camping regulations, which typically allow up to 14 days of camping in one location. While no formal permit is needed, always practice Leave No Trace principles and be aware that regulations can change. It's advisable to check with the Pike National Forest office for any seasonal restrictions or fire bans before your trip.

Is Tarryall Reservoir camping free or are there fees?

Dispersed camping at Tarryall Reservoir is free. There are no established fee stations or payment requirements for the dispersed sites throughout the area. Keep in mind that with free camping comes the responsibility of packing out all trash and leaving your site better than you found it. The area has been impacted by visitors leaving trash behind, so please help maintain this beautiful free camping opportunity by practicing responsible camping ethics.

What activities can you do while camping at Tarryall Reservoir?

Tarryall Reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities, with the reservoir itself being described as a great fishing spot. The surrounding area is perfect for hiking and exploring the beautiful mountain landscapes. OHV trails provide options for off-road enthusiasts, particularly in the Badger Flats vicinity. Stargazing is exceptional thanks to minimal light pollution, making it a favorite nighttime activity. Wildlife watching, photography, and simply enjoying the mountain views are also popular. For those who enjoy foraging, there's plenty of firewood to collect for campfires (when permitted). The diverse terrain provides activities for various outdoor interests.

What are the road conditions to access Tarryall Reservoir camping areas?

Road conditions to Tarryall camping areas vary from moderate to challenging. County Road 39 becomes dirt and can be bumpy, with conditions worsening the deeper you venture into the camping area. Higher clearance vehicles are recommended, and four-wheel drive is necessary if conditions become wet or slippery. Most sport utility vehicles can manage the terrain if driven carefully. Standard passenger cars with low clearance are not advised. The main access roads are generally passable, but side roads leading to individual campsites may present more difficult terrain. Despite these challenges, many campers find the journey manageable and worth the effort for the secluded camping experience.