Gothic Canyon dispersed camping 1 - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Note: This campground is permanently closed.

This free dispersed camping area operated through the US Forest Service along Gothic Road north of the established Gothic Campground. Campers could access five well-spaced fire rings via a dirt road that required 4WD and decent clearance, especially during wet conditions when the surface became extremely muddy.

The sites featured a mix of tree cover and open meadow access, with views extending across the surrounding canyon. Most spots could accommodate small to medium campers, though the narrow dirt road presented challenges for larger rigs. Courtney L. noted the area offered "tree cover, yet wide open spaces, meadows, and epic views of the canyon all around."

Hiking opportunities included nearby Judd Falls and Washington Gulch trailhead within walking distance. The drive north toward Emerald Lake provided additional scenic routes for day trips. However, seasonal restrictions limited camping to established campgrounds between June 15th and August 15th, and road closures frequently blocked access even during the supposed open season.

For current camping options in the area, campers can explore places to camp near Crested Butte or check Gothic Campground for established sites with guaranteed access.

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Location

Dispersed Camping

Gothic Canyon dispersed camping 1 - PERMANENTLY CLOSED is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

38.9833498 N
107.00875255 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • 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.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Gothic Canyon dispersed camping 1 - PERMANENTLY CLOSED needs a permit.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


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Reviews

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4 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the well-spaced sites with tree cover and canyon views, though access issues due to seasonal closures and muddy 4x4 roads were frequently mentioned concerns.

Reviewed May. 30, 2021

Would’ve loved to camp here but road was closed

Went here during a time we thought the road would be open for the season (says it’s closed June 15-Aug 15) but got to the end of the road only to see it closed. We have a camper so there was clearly no way we could make it. If you were tent camping you could probably go past the gate and park your car but if you have a trailer, you’ll have to back allllll the way up in reverse on the narrow dirt road.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Gothic Canyon dispersed camping 1 - PERMANENTLY CLOSED by Taylor B., May 30, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 7, 2020

Small, quiet, clean

Small USFS campground with fee. Looked like there were about 6 spots, fairly close together but good tree cover in the camp. Vault toilet at the entrance but no other amenities (trash, water). No campground host here. Beautiful canyon with fishing and hiking near!

Reviewed Jun. 7, 2020

Beautiful views of gothic canyon

Dispersed camping just past gothic campground, to the north. Sign posted “GC1” where we turned off. There were 5 well spaced fire rings. Most spots had tree cover and some protection. Would easily be able to get a small/medium camper in. We liked the balance of tree cover, yet wide open spaces, meadows, and epic views of the canyon all around. It did rain while we camped which made the road extremely muddy. 4x4 and decent clearance recommended, saw a few cars get stuck in the mud. We hiked nearby Judd falls, and had plans to hike Washington Gulch (trailhead was within walking distance). If you can make it, the drive north to emerald lake has amazing views. Signs posted in the canyon indicated that camping was only allowed in the established gothic campground June 15th through August 15th.

  • Review photo of Gothic Canyon dispersed camping 1 - PERMANENTLY CLOSED by Courtney L., June 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Gothic Canyon dispersed camping 1 - PERMANENTLY CLOSED by Courtney L., June 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Gothic Canyon dispersed camping 1 - PERMANENTLY CLOSED by Courtney L., June 7, 2020
  • (8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the elevation of Gothic Canyon dispersed camping 1 - PERMANENTLY CLOSED?

Gothic Canyon dispersed camping 1 - PERMANENTLY CLOSED is located at 9679 feet.

Are fires allowed at Gothic Canyon dispersed camping 1 - PERMANENTLY CLOSED?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Gothic Canyon dispersed camping 1 - PERMANENTLY CLOSED, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Gothic Canyon dispersed camping 1 - PERMANENTLY CLOSED have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Gothic Canyon dispersed camping 1 - PERMANENTLY CLOSED does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Gothic Canyon dispersed camping 1 - PERMANENTLY CLOSED?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is no coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and no coverage for Verizon.