Pike National Forest manages this free dispersed site off Ice Cave Road in the Rampart Range, where the terrain shifts between open ground and scattered conifers. RVs up to 35 feet can access the site, and reviewers confirm it is reachable by rear-wheel-drive vehicles, though the road carries some bumps along the way. Cell service is available, and campfires are permitted.
The open layout means tent campers get limited shade and wind protection. One reviewer notes a better alternative sits roughly 300 yards further along FR 323, where tree cover provides more shelter, though you trade the sightlines for it. Those sightlines are notable: the main site faces toward Pikes Peak, with views of the mountain visible from camp. Stargazing at night draws mention from multiple visitors as well.
Noise is a recurring concern. Target shooting happens in the area, sometimes into evening hours, which has kept wildlife sightings low. Trash and shell casings are a consistent issue. As Dustin D. puts it, "Would have given more stars if not for the debris left by previous campers." Bringing a bag for cleanup is worth considering.
Nearby dispersed options in the same corridor include Rampart Road and Rampart Ridge Road Dispersed — Pike NF, both to the south. Campers exploring camping near Pike National Forest will find a range of free sites spread across the range. If the tradeoffs here suit your setup, the mountain views and free access make it worth a look.
Description
Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".
Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.
Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:
In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsIce Cave Rd Dispersed Site is located in Colorado near Palmer Lake
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
39.09504394909177 N
105.02048609815287 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 9/7/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/30/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 9/7/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/30/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- 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 Ice Cave Rd Dispersed Site - Pike National Forest needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 58 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 1 hr 19 min from Pueblo, CO
- 1 hr 47 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 3 min from Boulder, CO
