Homestake Road Dispersed - CO

Pretty packed because of Memorial Day weekend, but that’s to be expected. There are A LOT of dispersed camping sites here. Campsites with fire rings close to the river. Fishing and off-roading are added attractions to this area. Will definitely make a second trip here outside of holidays. 

A lot of dispersed sites 

This past August was my first time experiencing this Homestake Reservoir area. Homestake Road is your gateway to a variety of off-road and primitive camping sites in the beautiful White River National Forest. We spent two nights here, each night at a different campsite. One site was just right off the road and the other was one that involved walking up the mountain onto a beautiful, scenic landing. We found one trail and spent the day ascending the gorgeous mountain, which I believe was Homestake Peak. The change in landscape ascending the mountain was one of the most beautiful sites I've ever seen. I plan on returning to this area the next several times I visit Colorado because there is too much to see and experience at the beautiful Homestake Reservoir.

My go-to campground in the mountains

We set up our camper for a couple weeks in the best spot. It’s a little over three miles down Homestake Rd on the left next to the river and beaver dam pond. During our stay, we were woken up early in the morning by a mountain lion, saw 3 moose cross the river about 100 yards from the camper, and saw a huge mule deer buck hanging out in the bushes near the river several nights in a row. It was pretty amazing how much wildlife we ended up interacting with. It is a great fly fishing hole for little brookies. It was a really fun campsite for my daughter and dog to run around and explore. The ONLY downside to camping in this area is that is busy. There’s usually a lot of people around, and when it’s dry, the cars can create a ton of dust. 

Home Sweet Homestake

These are my go to spots to get away for a day or two. The area is surround by rivers to fish, many hiking trails, backpacking and some climbing. The spots are dispersed along home stake road which runs for about 10 miles and some spots are also along Missouri Creek. The best part about this area is that it is free. Don't get confused with the FS designated campground about 7 miles down the road (Gold Park, this is a paid spot with vault toilets, fire rings and tables)

Each spot is of course unique, some are small and some large enough for RV's and trailers, though i have not seen many RV's in the area and i would not recommend it based on road width and lack of turn arounds. These spots do not have fire rings or tables, they are primitive and you will find rock rings in most areas. I highly recommend this area, it does get very busy on the weekends as its a favorite local spot. At the end of the road, roughly 10 miles, you come to a large reservoir that is good for fishing and non motorized rafts.

Homestake road is usually a easy drive and most cars will be fine on it. Like most areas in the White River National Forest, the roads will open and close based on weather. Usually this is open Mid June to Mid October.

Go to Spots 

Just absolutely incredible! Plenty of free dispersed camping with very little “ neighbors”. We went on the 4th of July and it still wasn’t busy. Eventually made our way to the reservoir at the end of the rd and it was breathtaking! Had our dogs with us the whole time, I highly recommend this campsite. River running through the whole rd but no bathrooms or any amenities just raw nature. Easy to find as the rd is right off of HWY 24. 

Amazing campsite!

Dogs welcome. No bathroom or water. Along a river. Free. Fire pits at certain sites. Rarely neighbors. Quiet. Close to midturn, red cliff, and Avon should you have forgotten anything. Perfect for a quick weekend get away 

Awesome disperses camping. 

Tons of dispersed sites along National Forest 703 between hiway 24 and Homestake Reservoir.  We went on a holiday weekend (labor day) and didnt arrive until 2:30pm on Saturday and had no problem finding the perfect spot along the river.  This spot is a treasure.

Beautiful, mostly isolated, dog friendly, river nearby, PERFECT

The main access road is very well maintained and could be accessed by low clearance vehicles however, some camp sites would be difficult to access with low clearance. Great area to explore! With Minturn and Leadville not far away, obtaining additional supplies, if necessary, does not require much effort. The drive to both towns was very scenic. 

This area is very popular therefore, be prepared to search for a camp site. It is almost hard to get away from people in this area. It is disappointing to find broken glass and trash. Some individuals put up tents and leave it for days, if not longer, to save the spot. Unfortunately, noise pollution was frustrating after 9:00/10:00PM due to a party taking place over the course of several days. Regardless, most people enjoying the area were polite and kind.

Wonderful however, can be very busy.

It’s a bit of a drive from Denver - almost not worth it. Definitely a crowded area with 4 wheelers and keeps ripping up and down the road past the campsite if that thing bothers you. Lots of spots but some spots are meant for multiple families on top of each other. The dirt road going is a brutal. 

It’s a decent area with OK views

We got an amazing site here, best we’ve had in Colorado! Note that there aren’t a *ton* of good sites, so if you don’t show up early you might be out of luck. I think we got there Friday before noon and got one of the last decent sites. I still have not seen stars as pretty as I saw here. The reservoir is about 10 minutes driving down the dirt road (highly recommend a sunrise visit). Hiking nearby too. All first come sites with no fire grates or tables. Very secluded sites.

I mean, look at these pictures of the reservoir.

Best Campsite Yet

I camped in this dispursed BLM area in September 2019. This is remote camping, pack it in pack it out. The area is very beautiful at around 8 or 9000 ft. elevation nice and cool in the hot summer months. A trout stream runs by several of the camp sites. Very peaceful relaxing place. Near the town of Leadville a very picturesque and quirky mineing town it is rumored that the Nomads have spent the summer months at Homesteak BLM

Homesteak BLM camping is the greatest

This dispersed camping area boasts a trout stream that borders several of the camp sites I observed several trout in the shallows. The sites are private and a good distance between each site. It has been rumored that the Nomads have stayed the hot summer months at Homesteak. The town of Leadville is a quirky picturesque mineing town with lots of history. The local laundry mat is also a showering facility.

Homesteak BLM a diamond in the rough

Drove 2 hours from Denver, getting directions from the map in this app. Directions end in the middle of Turquoise Lake Rd. Literally middle of the road. No parking, no trail, nothing. 
This area I was guided to is part of Turquoise Lake Recreation Area. And since it's a rec area there is NO dispersed camping.  All are developed sites. Never saw a "Homestake Road".  What am I missing?

Something's off

Lots of good RV accessible sites here. Even on a busy weekend, we found several good sites.