Map showing campground location near Allenspark, Colorado

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Johnny Park Road Camping

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Roosevelt National Forest's dispersed camping along Johnny Park Road sits roughly two miles off Highway 7, reached by turning onto Cabin Creek Road through a residential neighborhood, then right onto Big Owl Road. The route climbs uphill on dirt and requires AWD or a high-clearance vehicle. No cell service is available once you're in. The area holds around eight dispersed sites, and campers who arrive Friday evenings have found spots still available, with the area thinning out noticeably by Saturday night.

ATV and dirt bike traffic passes through regularly, so expect dust to settle on gear left outside. There is no water source on site, so all water needs to come in with you. Alcohol is permitted, and dogs are welcome. The road may be gated seasonally, though one or two sites before the gate can potentially be accessed year-round. In winter, snowshoes are useful for reaching the Brighter Trailhead further along Johnny Park Road.

Parachute Hill Road and Coyote Hill Road are nearby dispersed options in the same general corridor, and Olive Ridge provides a developed alternative a few miles to the southwest. As Christine R. notes, campers should be ready for "an uphill off road" approach before settling in. Those comfortable with the access conditions and self-sufficient on water will find this a functional base for exploring the surrounding forest.

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Map & DirectionsJohnny Park Road Camping is located in Colorado near Allenspark

Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

40.22870358 N
105.4714847 W

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Access

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

Site Types

Tent Sites
Dispersed
Group

Features

For Campers

Alcohol
Pets

For Vehicles

Big Rig Friendly

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.

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Drive Time

1 hr 4 min from Boulder, CO
1 hr 26 min from Fort Collins, CO
1 hr 28 min from Greeley, CO
1 hr 32 min from Denver, CO

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Johnny Park Road Camping

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4 Reviews

Several campers found this area offers multiple dispersed camping sites with secluded spots and gorgeous views. Visitors noted the need for AWD to access some sites and mentioned no water sources are available, requiring self-sufficiency for longer stays.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Christine R.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 20, 2026

Father’s Day weekend

Arrived around 7:30pm on a Friday. There were 2 soots left available totaling about 8 spots for dispersed camping. Stayed until Sunday morning. On Saturday night there were only TWO other spots TAKEN.

To get there: Take cabin creek road (dirt road) off hwy 7 which is a neighborhood then turn right onto Big Owl Road and stay right to Johnny park (~ 2 miles in). Be prepared of an uphill off road (AWD needed) or a higher clearance vehicle (like we drove a Palisade)

Also there’s a lot of ATV and dirt bikes that come through this area. So be prepared to have your items be dusty/ covered in dirt.

Month of VisitJune

Madeline O.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 26, 2025

Great Access to Rocky Mountain National

We arrived at around 10pm on a Saturday night and were able to find a spot way back, but it did require AWD. The site was small, but secluded. There were some sharp weeds, so recommend wearing pants while walking around. Gorgeous views, and quick access to the park.

Month of VisitJune

Reames C.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 19, 2025

Great site, go for the summer!

I stayed one night and when I arrived there was a ‘road closed ahead’ sign at the entrance but there are 1-2 sites before the gate that could theoretically could be camped all year round. If you go in the winter bring some snowshoes for Johnny park road into bright trailhead. A little traffic through the night, but very light and I assume just private ranch goers, but stay vigilant as it’s in somewhat of a dead end area with no service.

Siteno numbers posted

Month of VisitApril

Hieu H.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 28, 2024

Great View!

There seems to be a number of sites up in this area. Maybe 5 or so as far as I can tell so far. I think it’s great and it was just what we were looking for. No water source that I know of.

Site40.22838, -105.47078

Month of VisitJuly

(4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities or facilities are available at Johnny Park Road dispersed camping?

Johnny Park Road dispersed camping offers very minimal amenities, characteristic of true dispersed camping. There are no developed facilities such as toilets, picnic tables, or trash service. No water source is available in the area, so campers need to bring all necessary water. The area has approximately 5 natural camping spots of varying sizes, some offering seclusion. Prepare for rustic conditions with no hookups or services. Cell service may be limited. Some sites have existing fire rings, but remember to bring everything you need and pack everything out.

What is the best time of year to visit Johnny Park Road for dispersed camping?

The best time to visit Johnny Park Road for dispersed camping is during the late spring through fall months when the road is fully accessible. Winter camping is possible but limited to 1-2 sites before a gate closure, and you'll need snowshoes to explore further along Johnny Park Road to access the Bright Trailhead. Summer offers full access to all sites (approximately 5 spots throughout the area), though arriving early on weekends is recommended as it can fill up.

Where is Johnny Park Road dispersed camping located?

Johnny Park Road dispersed camping is located in Colorado, offering access to several dispersed camping sites along the road. It features some sites near the entrance and additional spots further back that may require AWD vehicles to access. The area provides quick access to a nearby park and offers gorgeous mountain views. Look for the entrance marked with a road sign, which may indicate seasonal closures ahead, though there are typically 1-2 sites available before any gates.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping on Johnny Park Road?

Johnny Park Road follows standard dispersed camping regulations, which typically include a 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. Campers should practice Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and use existing fire rings when having campfires (subject to seasonal fire restrictions). The road may have seasonal closures with gates limiting access to certain sections during winter months. Vehicles must stay on established roads and camping areas. For current regulations, check with the local Forest Service office before your trip.

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Map & DirectionsJohnny Park Road Camping is located in Colorado near Allenspark

Coordinates

Connectivity

Connectivity

Access

Site Types

Features

For Campers

For Vehicles

DISPERSED CAMPING

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

Drive Time

2026 Explorer Giveaway

What amenities or facilities are available at Johnny Park Road dispersed camping?

What is the best time of year to visit Johnny Park Road for dispersed camping?

Where is Johnny Park Road dispersed camping located?

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping on Johnny Park Road?