Camper submitted image from Gold Lake Area Dispersed - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Gold Lake Area Dispersed - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Gold Lake Area Dispersed - 3
Roads
Camper submitted image from Gold Lake Area Dispersed - 4
Activities
Camper submitted image from Gold Lake Area Dispersed - 5
People

Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Gold Lake Area Dispersed

Gold Lake Area Dispersed, near Boulder, Colorado, is a fantastic location for those seeking a more rugged camping experience. This area offers a variety of sites tucked away in nature, perfect for pitching a tent or parking an RV, all while enjoying the great outdoors.

Visitors rave about the abundance of spots available, even on busy summer weekends. One camper noted, “Gold Lake Road is one of the best spots for dispersed camping in the area,” highlighting the convenient access to nearby attractions like Rocky Mountain National Park and Indian Peaks Wilderness.

The scenery is stunning, with plenty of trees and open spaces, making it a great place to unwind. Reviewers have mentioned the lack of bugs and the peaceful atmosphere, which is ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Just remember, this area is pretty basic—there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, so come prepared with everything you need.

If you’re up for some adventure, the roads leading in can be a bit rough, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended for some sites. As one camper put it, “You’re going to want 4WD for some of the sites, but there are others appropriate for smaller cars.”

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Gold Lake Area Dispersed offers a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of the Colorado wilderness.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Gold Lake Area Dispersed is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

40.08300038 N
105.457 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

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

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

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.


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

100%
0%
0%
0%
0%

5.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 11, 2024

Guaranteed Weekend Spots!

Took a chance on this place for Saturday camping, arrived here around 10am, so many spots! My group of 6 took the second spot on the right, we hiked about a mile to the lake only to discover a whole different area for camping! The lake is private, but pretty cool rock formations that you can climb up. There's fire rings at every site, FYI there were little to know mosquitos at the first couple spots, but got worse as we walked towards the lake. No amenities, no cell service for ATT, Verizon, & T-mobile. Solid spot, close to Boulder!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Gold Lake Area Dispersed by Andrew L., August 11, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2024

Great spot!

Great spot right outside of boulder, easy to navigate to. No access to the lake which sucks but other than that 10/10.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2024

Lots of spots, less crowded than other areas nearby

Gold Lake Road is one of the best spots for dispersed camping in the area. There are a ton of spots on the way to the lake. I've been able to find a spot even on a summer Saturday, which can be hard to do in many of these dispersed camping zones outside of Boulder. Convenient access to RMNP and Indian Peaks Wilderness.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2024

Lakeview

Great camping spot. Not a lot of bugs, service at the top of the rocks, close to Nederland

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Gold Lake Area Dispersed by Chandler G., July 7, 2024
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2021

Beautiful Spot @ Gold Lake

We turned down Forest Road 372B from Gold Lake Road. Not too many people here, which was lovely. Very quiet and lots of space in between sites. You’re going to want 4WD for some of the sites, but there are others appropriate for smaller cars. They even have sites big enough for larger groups. Our was up a hill with a view of the lake. Gold Lake is a private lake, so look but don’t touch. This was a great place for dogs!

Site up the hill by the lake
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Gold Lake Area Dispersed by Sandra P., August 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Gold Lake Area Dispersed by Sandra P., August 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Gold Lake Area Dispersed by Sandra P., August 13, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jan. 25, 2021

Private lake, but good public camping

First off, not Oregon, this is in Colorado.

Drove around searching for somewhere to park the teardrop after our first destination was full, and ended up here at Gold Lake.

Got to the lake and figured out it was a private lake, which was a bummer because it would be a beautiful place to wake up in the morning, but after turning around we found the first forest service road and turned onto it.

About 1/4 mile down the road we turned into the first spot with a fire pit, and turned out to be exactly what we were looking for. Beautiful sunshine, but some wind, and frigid single digits overnight, but it was Colorado mountain camping at its finest.

  • Review photo of Gold Lake Area Dispersed by Nate M., January 25, 2021
  • Review photo of Gold Lake Area Dispersed by Nate M., January 25, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Gold Lake Area Dispersed?

    Gold Lake Area Dispersed is located at 8624 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Gold Lake Area Dispersed?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Gold Lake Area Dispersed, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.