Sitting along the Colorado River just east of campgrounds near Parshall, the Joe Gerrans Unit of Hot Sulphur Springs State Wildlife Area gives anglers and budget-minded campers direct access to the river at no cost. The entry road is gravel and rocky with some potholes, though reviewers report that vehicles up to a 26-foot Class C motorhome have made it through without issue. Sites are dispersed across open areas where campers park where space allows, and spots are mostly level with light litter.
Noise is a consistent factor here. Highway traffic runs close to the sites nearest the road, and a freight train passes through periodically, loud enough that several reviewers specifically flagged it. Sites further down the road past the gate offer more shade from surrounding trees and a bit more spacing between neighbors. Mosquitoes can be thick in warmer months, so bug spray is worth packing. The campground sees light use overall, with roughly a dozen established dispersed sites available.
Amenities are minimal but functional: a porta potty is on-site (bring your own toilet paper), and a bear-proof dumpster handles trash. Cell coverage is unreliable across all major carriers, with most reviewers reporting no usable signal. Fishing is the main draw, and Lone Buck Camp to the southwest gives anglers another option in the corridor. As Andrea M. notes, it's a "beautiful spot with a fire pit," though gate hours can limit access to only the first site in the off-season. This campground works best for self-sufficient campers who prioritize river access and free overnight stays over amenities or quiet.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHot Sulphur Springs SWA is located in Colorado near Parshall
Directions
From Hot Sulphur Springs, go 3 miles west on Hwy 40 to Colorado River bridge; then south at east end of bridge;
Coordinates
40.052306 N
106.131181 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 7/20/26
AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 7/20/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 7/20/26
- AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 7/20/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
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 Hot Sulphur Springs SWA - Joe Gerrans Unit needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 57 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 7 min from Boulder, CO
- 2 hrs 39 min from Greeley, CO
- 2 hrs 43 min from Fort Collins, CO
