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Dispersed Camping

Ute Pass Dispersed Camping

Closed For the Season

This campground is closed for the season from January 1, 2025 through October 12, 2025.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Ute Pass Dispersed Camping, near Horseshoe, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy some peace in nature. This area offers a variety of camping options, including tent and RV sites, all set against a backdrop of stunning mountain views and the soothing sounds of a nearby river.

Visitors often rave about the spacious sites and the sense of seclusion, with many noting that they encountered very few neighbors during their stay. One camper shared, “We had a great night!” after finding ample space even during a busy holiday weekend. The area is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

While there are no amenities like picnic tables or trash services, the freedom to have campfires and the absence of permits make it a laid-back experience. Just be prepared for some muddy spots on the way in, especially during spring, as a few campers mentioned deep puddles that could challenge 2WD vehicles. If you’re up for a little adventure and don’t mind roughing it a bit, Ute Pass is a solid choice for a camping getaway.

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Location

Ute Pass Dispersed Camping is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

39.85775278 N
106.0731944 W

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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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    AT&T
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Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Firewood Available
  • 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.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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


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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

13 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 1, 2025

Nice spot by the river

Really pretty spot on the Williams fork river. I’ve had really good service here with T-Mobile. Road is a bit rough and rocky but not far to get back to the sites by the river. There is sadly a ton of trash at some of the sites (beer cans and boxes and such), I will be removing as much as I can fit in one trash bag on my way out!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Ute Pass Dispersed Camping by Molly J., September 1, 2025
  • Review photo of Ute Pass Dispersed Camping by Molly J., September 1, 2025
  • Review photo of Ute Pass Dispersed Camping by Molly J., September 1, 2025
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jan. 17, 2025

Peaceful and secluded

I have camped here twice so far. The first time I came was a Tuesday-Friday in late Sept, and I did not see a single other person! It was fabulous. I came back with a friend in late October, and the roads were extremely compromised (2-3ft deep mud puddles) so we did not camp near the river but it was still lovely. The sites are clearly marked and easily accessible. The river area is very green, but keep in mind that the mountains in front of you have been stripped due to fire. There is some road noise audible at these sites and I’d estimate about 8-10 planes flew overhead a day.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Ute Pass Dispersed Camping by Katherine M., January 17, 2025
  • Review photo of Ute Pass Dispersed Camping by Katherine M., January 17, 2025
  • Review photo of Ute Pass Dispersed Camping by Katherine M., January 17, 2025
Reviewed Sep. 23, 2024

Easy and secluded

We came here after failing to find a dispersed location closer to Silverthorne. It turned out to be a hidden gem with lots of secluded sites. Plus the drive in/out is super easy (apart from the final road to the campsite; that requires a 4WD vehicle, without question) - it was more-or-less the same drive time as original choice. Just without the hassle of navigating a busy one-way dirt road.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2024

it was perfect!

my boyfriend and i went up friday after work, got there at like 7pm. this was actually a back up spot but turned out way better than our other options. there are multiple little jut outs at the start of the campground, people were there so I didnt see them. sites along the creek and theres a large meadow spot where we saw a few cars. we went to the second to last spot on the campgrounds to the left of the private property. be aware of the ranches and other private property, ngl i think we heard a gunshot one evening. but very few people around and this spot we got was insanely huge you could fit a large group in here. lots of land and trees but the best spot for a tent right but the fast flowing river. had a wooden barrel type thing as a table and a rock fire pit. we explored around the area but it also has lots of good hikes nearby! 10/10 recommend for a secluded weekend in nature.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Ute Pass Dispersed Camping by Jenna G., August 23, 2024
  • Review photo of Ute Pass Dispersed Camping by Jenna G., August 23, 2024
  • Review photo of Ute Pass Dispersed Camping by Jenna G., August 23, 2024
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2023

Great Secluded Area

Just did a quick solo trip up here to clear my head. Only had one neighbor, and they were super quiet. Mosquitos were crazy bad (to my surprise), but the water was well worth it.

Site030
Month of VisitJune
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Ute Pass Dispersed Camping by Joseph J., June 26, 2023
  • Review photo of Ute Pass Dispersed Camping by Joseph J., June 26, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 6, 2022

Just Ok

Some trash, a little busy over the weekend. DEEP mud puddles on the way in. Would not recommend for 2WD cars

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jun. 22, 2022

Great camping spot, lots of sites available.

Just got back from a solo camping trip at the Ute pass dispersed camping site. My usual spot was under a fire ban, but I acted quick and found this place. Only one additional hour away so I made the well worth it trek.

A bad comment I saw in other reviews was the amount of loose trash. However, someone had collected it all and left it in a large pile to be removed. Much appreciated to that person, and if I had truck space I would have thrown some out.

This campsite was easy enough to find with gps to the coordinates on Dyrt. However each dirt road branching off to the left once you get off Ute Pass is a road to more camping sites.

The dirt trail is a bit bumpy but I’d imagine most cars can make it. I used the third dirt road, southern most fire circle next to the river off that road. The river is loud, but calming. and you can still hear your friends or listen to music. Overall great spot, was also able to hammock right next to the water so that was a big plus.

I’m the morning, the sun felt amazing as I made some breakfast, and eventually got too hot. Packed up and left, no disruptions at all which was great. I was here on a Tuesday night, Wednesday morning. And only saw one person on an atv as I was leaving.

Definitely will visit this spot again!

SiteFurthest in, right side by water
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Ute Pass Dispersed Camping by Andrew W., June 22, 2022
  • Review photo of Ute Pass Dispersed Camping by Andrew W., June 22, 2022
  • Review photo of Ute Pass Dispersed Camping by Andrew W., June 22, 2022
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2020

Place was packed & lots of trash.

We arrived on a Thursday & there was already a bunch of people. One guy was complaining to us how he has camped there for 20 years & now can’t get a spot. The river sites were dirty & there was lots of trash. Also some water bottles & 2x4 lumber in the water

Reviewed May. 31, 2020

Dispersed camping

First come first serve spots along the river. There are a lot of trees down in the area. Camping spots are far away from each other.

Reviewed May. 29, 2020

This site is NOT on BLM Land

This site's operator is listed on the Dyrt as  BLM land. It is NOT BLM land. Drove here during COVID to camp on BLM land and was frustrated it was not listed correctly. Do your research before going! Spots looks awesome just couldn't have a fire which is a no go for us when camping. Only giving 3 stars because it did look like a secluded spot. The post is just wrong.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 7, 2020

Beautiful views

We camped here in early May after looking at several other camp sites that still had snow on the ground. There were a couple of very deep muddy puddles on the drive into the site that we almost got stuck in, but our car without 4WD did make it through (I imagine this is only an issue in the spring). Once we made it in, there were spacious, clean sites mostly surrounded by wooded area and mountainous views. The clear skies offered lots of sunshine and beautiful star gazing. Would definitely recommend camping here!

  • Review photo of Ute Pass Dispersed Camping by Karin C., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Ute Pass Dispersed Camping by Karin C., May 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Ute Pass Dispersed Camping by Karin C., May 7, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2018

First-come, first serve on the river camping!

Beautiful spots along the river at a first-come, first-serve basis. The more popular Colorado gets, the faster these spots fill up so get up there early to lock it down! Some spots are bigger than others but all can fit groups. Be respectful and open if a group is needing to share your large spot with you!

This is very close to both Williams Fork Reservoir and Green Mountain Reservoir for days on the lakes! About 45 minutes to Silverthorne.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Ute Pass Dispersed Camping by Jeana P., July 9, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping at Ute Pass?

Ute Pass dispersed camping operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days in a 30-day period. Campfires may be restricted during fire bans, so always check current conditions before your trip. Pack out all trash and leave no trace, as the area has experienced issues with litter. Sites are spaced far enough apart for privacy, but during busy periods (especially summer weekends and holidays), campers may need to share larger areas. Always practice responsible camping by properly disposing of waste and respecting quiet hours.

Where is Ute Pass dispersed camping located in Colorado?

Ute Pass dispersed camping is located along the Williams Fork River in Colorado. It's about an hour's drive from the Silverthorne area, making it a good alternative when other nearby dispersed camping options are full. The camping area features several sites along the river and some larger areas set back from the water. Its somewhat remote location offers a secluded camping experience while still being reasonably accessible from major routes.

What is the current road condition for accessing Ute Pass?

The access road to Ute Pass dispersed camping has several challenging sections with deep mud puddles, especially during spring snowmelt and after rain. The final stretch to the riverside sites requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, as the road becomes rocky and rough. Two-wheel drive vehicles may struggle, particularly in wet conditions. During fall and winter months, road conditions can deteriorate significantly with 2-3 foot deep mud puddles forming in places. Always check weather forecasts before your trip and be prepared to turn around if conditions exceed your vehicle's capabilities.

How does Ute Pass compare to dispersed camping near Green Mountain Reservoir?

Ute Pass offers more secluded camping than Green Mountain Reservoir areas, with sites spaced farther apart and fewer crowds, especially on weekdays. While Green Mountain sites fill extremely quickly during peak season, Ute Pass often has availability even on some summer weekends. Ute Pass features beautiful riverside spots with shade trees, though it requires more rugged access than many Green Mountain sites. T-Mobile cell service works well at Ute Pass, which may not be true at all Green Mountain locations. Both areas can have trash issues during busy periods, but Ute Pass tends to offer a more tranquil experience overall.