Road noise is part of the deal at this free dispersed site along Homestake Reservoir Road in White River National Forest, where sites sit directly beside the gravel road rather than set back from it. That proximity cuts both ways: easy drive-in access for most vehicles, including standard two-wheel-drive sedans, but also the sounds of passing traffic when the corridor is busy. The area sits at roughly 10,000 feet in elevation, forested and close to a water source fed by the reservoir a short distance up the road.
Crowd patterns here follow a predictable summer arc. Spots fill fast on weekends and even by Thursday afternoon, though mid-week arrivals in the early evening have found open ground. Sites include at least two fire rings and enough flat space for a single tent comfortably, with room for additional tents if campers are flexible about uneven ground. Mosquitoes are a consistent presence in the evenings during summer months, so repellent or incense is worth packing. Firewood is scarce in the surrounding forest, so bring your own.
The corridor extends well beyond mile marker 3. As Jeff H. notes, it was "quite a few ppl camping along the road but still super quiet" between vehicles, and additional sites continue up toward the dam. No services are available anywhere along the road, so campers need to pack in and pack out everything. Blodgett Campground sits a few miles to the northeast for those wanting a more developed setup.
Description
There are many dispersed camping opportunities on the forest ranging from backpacking to car-camping along designated Forest Roads. Visitors are encouraged to minimize resource impacts by utilizing established sites rather than creating new ones. Dispersed camping sites along Forest Roads are shown on Motor Vehicle Use Maps, which are available free of charge at ranger district offices.
Visitors are permitted to drive vehicles up to 300 feet from designated routes for purposes of dispersed camping as long as no resource damage is incurred in the process. Dispersed camping within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and forest system trails is prohibited unless otherwise designated. Campers may stay for a maximum of 14 days. Some areas may have additional special restrictions.
Reduce Resource Damage
Avoid making new impacts. Whenever possible, use an existing campsite rather than creating a new one. Dispose of human waste, including toilet paper, carefully. Use self-contained waste disposal systems whenever possible. When unavailable, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 – 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, camp sites, and roads or trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Properly manage sanitation. Dispose of waste, gray water, sewage, and sewage treatment chemicals from self-contained toilets at authorized facilities provided for that purpose. Pack it in, pack it out. Do not leave behind any waste or litter. Leave no trace. Leave established sites in better condition than you found them. Leave new sites in as natural condition as you found them. Don’t move firewood. Moving firewood long distances can help spread harmful pests. Use only locally sourced or dead or downed firewood. Be bear aware. You are in bear country. Leave food, trash, and all items with fragrance (e.g., toothpaste, deodorant) in vehicle, bear-proof canisters, or suspended in bear bags. Do not eat in your tent. Visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife's web site for more information.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHomestake Reservoir Rd Milemarker 3 is located in Colorado near Red Cliff
Coordinates
39.44353880532406 N
106.39692716837862 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- 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 Homestake Reservoir Rd Milemarker 3 - Dispersed needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 20 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 30 min from Boulder, CO
- 3 hrs 5 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 3 hrs 6 min from Colorado Springs, CO





















