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.



Twin Lakes View Dispersed

I travelled to Twin Lakes the weekend after Memorial Day weekend to explore more of Colorado. The drive from Denver was beautiful and the Twin Lakes topped it all. Sitting at the base of several 14'ers this campground featured dispersed camping with options for walk-in, drive-in, and drive-in 4x4 camping. We found ourselves on the North side of the upper side of the neighboring lake since we arrived late Friday afternoon. We found 4-5 sites without anyone around, a quiet spot nestled in the trees for shade. 

  

Bears were reported to be active in the area but we didn't see any. Some camp sites, as we walked around, were littered with people's waste and trash. Sad to see but not everyone follows the leave no trace attitude.

Great Views, Lots of Camping options

This campground is a high altitude spot - make sure you drink LOTS of water and bring the appropriate gear for unpredictable weather. It can get cold some nights, bundle up! The tallest mountain in Colorado is close by; I highly recommend the hike to the summit of Mount Elbert if you have half a day and nine miles in ya! It is an easier 14er, just long. Twin Lakes is a great get away and usually pretty secluded. Bring your sunscreen!

Majestic Mountain view right by the lake!

There are a lot of non-reservable sites in loop D and E. we were in loop E10 which provided an amazing view and lots of privacy. There are currently fire bans so just be aware. Nearby you can drive through Independent Pass to Aspen, then take the gondola to the top for Bluegrass music from 1:00 PM, a great day trip! 

panoramic view of Twin Lakes

We stayed here last August on the way to the Aspen area.  We had hoped to find dispersed camping near the entrance.  However, these spaces were all taken up by long stay buses and vans.  We opted for the Lakeview campsite instead.  It‘a large campsite with multiple sections and loops located below the access road.  The lakes are actually two large dam reservoirs.  Our site was somewhat below par compared to other Colorado campsites.  We had rainy weather and the lake was not visible during our stay.  The camp host was a fellow Texan and assisted with the self checkin process.  Most of the campers were either visiting Leadville or traveling over the Union Pass which is incredible and a somewhat scary drive even in the summer.  This would not make my list of recommendations based on the overall condition and layout of the campsite and lack of activities.   

No View Twin Lakes 

This campsite is my favorite, and at my favorite location in Colorado. Great location, clean campsites.  If you are going in without a reservation in a Friday, be sure to get there early. 

My favorite place

Tons of dispersed camping, though many sites are on top of each other. If you have a capable vehicle and can make your way back toward the water tower, there is a large private camp area with beautiful views. Very windy! Definitely a rough road. 

Water tower with a view

As others have mentioned, it’s quite windy in this spot and most of the campsites are completely exposed (no trees) We stayed 1 night, was very windy. On a clear night the stars really pop! Note- the upper reservoir here is not for swimming/paddling. 

Nice lake and mountain views

Absolutely loved staying out by twin lakes. There was tons and tons of dirt roads to find spots along. Went 4th of July weekend so it was super busy but we still got a great spot. Some roads are much harder to pass than others but overall did fine with my awd.

Beautiful

My dog and I stayed ￼two night and three days. Late September and the weather was prefect for car camping. During the day it was nice and warm but did get chill at night hit about 35°￼. During the week not many people but enough not to feel long. Also not to many that you can hear others conversations. ￼ The coordinates the app gives you. It’s just an estimate. ￼ Definitely keep driving around to find a spot you’re comfortable at. ￼