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Dispersed Camping

The Lost Site - Dispersed Campsite

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

The Lost Site, near Winter Park, Colorado, is a laid-back spot for those looking to escape into nature without the fuss of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a mix of accessible sites right off the dirt road, making it easy to pull in and set up camp, whether you're in a tent or an RV.

Visitors appreciate the spaciousness of the area, with plenty of room for both large and small setups. Many have noted the cleanliness of the site, with one camper mentioning, “Not a ton of trash which is awesome!!” While amenities are minimal—no drinking water or electric hookups—there's a picnic table for your meals and toilets available for convenience.

If you're up for some exploration, the nearby Winter Park area offers stunning views and outdoor activities. Some campers have enjoyed the quiet atmosphere, making it a great spot for a peaceful night under the stars. Just keep in mind that it can get busy, especially on weekends, so arriving early might be a good idea. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned camper, The Lost Site provides a straightforward camping experience in the heart of Colorado's beautiful outdoors.

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Location

The Lost Site - Dispersed Campsite is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

39.86187533 N
105.74906575 W

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Connectivity

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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • WiFi
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

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 The Lost Site - Dispersed Campsite needs a permit.


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Reviews

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4.5

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8 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 22, 2025

Good place to stop

We saw neither picnic table nor toilet as mentioned in the introductory paragraph. Still, it is a good place to pull over for a night or two of dry camping. It is close to the highway but not much noise at night. It does seem to be frequented by locals walking dogs, mountain biking, pitching a tent or car camping. No privacy to speak of. It’s mostly pulling over to the side of the road. The dirt road was quite smooth.

Siteright side of road
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of The Lost Site - Dispersed Campsite by Rebecca , September 22, 2025
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2025

Pleasantly surprised

First comes first. I planned to stay one night, but then decided to take advantage of the area and stay an extra night. Since I travel in SUV converted into mini camper - I parked next to a river ( love the sound of flowing water) Toward the end of the road there are multiple fireplaces and tent areas which got occupied the next day by a nice group of mountain bikers. Personally I enjoyed the area just to relax with a small hike/walk along the river. It’s a great place to stop for road travelers or to spend the weekend with friends/family in RV .
When you come off the road - go all the way to the end ( stay right). Yet there are additional areas if you would go left at the fork.

SiteI stayed toward the end of County Rd 81s next to a river
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of The Lost Site - Dispersed Campsite by Anne V., July 18, 2025
  • behind the end of the road is a small hiking trail
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  • Review photo of The Lost Site - Dispersed Campsite by Anne V., July 18, 2025
Reviewed May. 22, 2023

Newbie warning! underdeveloped opinions

First solo campervan night and ended up here coming from Denver. Easy access, felt safe and was quiet. Good accessible option for altitude as it was snowing further up the pass at the time.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of The Lost Site - Dispersed Campsite by Emily C., May 22, 2023
Reviewed Sep. 25, 2021

Basic Dispersed campsites

Plenty of room for large and small campsites. Pull off areas right next to the dirt road mainly. Not a ton of trash which is awesome!!

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of The Lost Site - Dispersed Campsite by cammie , September 25, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 3, 2021

Easy roadside camping

Nothing spectacular, quite a few spots along the road and a nice view of winterpark down below. We only stopped for a night, it was a Friday so fairly busy.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2021

Small Area & Full of People

This place was a disappointment. The previous reviewer stated that there are a lot of dispersed sites, but I counted less than 10 and all of the good ones were taken on a weekday. It seems like the locals and tourists love this spot, but it is way too small. I went towards the end where it seemed there were several RVs who seemed to have made it their permanent establishment with picnic tables, fully furnished patio equipment and weird looks to go with it.

Nevertheless I chose not to stay here and drove up to Vasquez where I had complete privacy and a large area all to myself.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2021

Plenty of dispersed sites

Right off the highway near Winter Park, this forest service access point has several campgrounds along the road. Fairly quiet, well-trafficked, you can put your RV, trailer, or tent up for the night in any spot you find suitable. Honestly a great under the radar spot.

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping locations near Winter Park, CO?

The Lost Site is an excellent dispersed camping location near Winter Park, situated right off the highway with easy access. The area features several campgrounds along a dirt road that extends about a mile into the woods. There are multiple spots suitable for RVs, trailers, and tents, with some sites located near a river. While there are less than 10 sites in total, the area provides nice views of Winter Park below. The road is very smooth and accessible, making it convenient for various camping setups. The sites toward the end of the road offer established fire rings for tent camping.

What is the best time of year for dispersed camping near Winter Park?

The best time for dispersed camping at The Lost Site is late spring through early fall (May through September). This location sits at a lower elevation than other areas around Winter Park, making it accessible when higher areas might still have snow. Campers have reported snow at higher elevations in the pass while The Lost Site remained accessible. Summer months offer the most reliable weather, though weekends and holidays can be busier. Early fall provides beautiful scenery with fewer crowds, while late spring offers flowing water in the nearby river. The area's proximity to the highway makes it relatively accessible in various conditions.

Is dispersed camping free near Winter Park, Colorado?

Yes, dispersed camping at The Lost Site near Winter Park is free. This Forest Service access point allows campers to stay without charging fees. Visitors can set up their RVs, trailers, or tents in any suitable spot they find along the road. This makes it an economical option for those looking to camp in the Winter Park area without paying campground fees. However, keep in mind that free dispersed camping means no amenities like picnic tables or toilets.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Winter Park?

At The Lost Site, typical dispersed camping regulations apply. It's first-come, first-served with no reservations accepted. Visitors must pack out all trash, as keeping the area clean is important (and campers note the area is relatively free of trash). There are no facilities like toilets or picnic tables, so be prepared for dry camping. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, though there are established fire rings in some areas. The site appears to allow dogs, but they should be kept under control as locals use the area for dog walking and mountain biking. Standard Forest Service dispersed camping rules likely limit stays to 14 days.