Campgrounds near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland range from free dispersed sites in the Front Range foothills west into Rocky Mountain National Park's boundary zones to open-range camping on the national grassland section east of the mountains. The geography here covers more elevation and terrain than most Colorado national forests, which means access windows, road conditions, and what you'll find on-site differ significantly depending on which section you're targeting.
High-elevation sites above 10,000 feet stay closed until late May or June and close again by late October, sometimes earlier if early snowfall arrives. Lower-elevation forest roads in the foothills stay open longer and handle standard vehicles without clearance issues. The 14-day stay limit applies across all dispersed sections. No water, no restrooms, and no trash service at any dispersed site, so pack in everything and plan for self-contained waste disposal. Check fire restriction status before arrival since both forests enforce bans during dry stretches.
$30 - $60 / night
"Took the kids camping in Colorado for the first time and we had a blast. It rained on us a lot but it didn't stop us. Took a great hike up deer mountain....stunning views. Can't wait to go back."
"Very enjoyable spot, close access to trails and entrance and exit of the park."
$35 - $70 / night
"Firewood sold next to the entrance by the same husband and wife that have been selling firewood there for 35 years. There is a shed full of firewood."
"The spaces are large, but quite close to one another with few trees for privacy. Each site here is variable, with some open with no trees and others nestled in some mature trees."
"You are pinned up against private property around the lake, the camp sites are in the dirt area when you get to the lake down to the left."
"Like many Colorado disperse camping spots."
"So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."
"Getting here is easy, only a few miles away from Nederland and I had cell service (verizon) the entire time."
"We found a spot with several fire rings close to the water and just a short walk from parking along the road."
"Take the road far enough and you’ll get past those with homes and find some decent BLM off road camping/overnight parking places. Road gets a bit more 4x4 like as you keep going"
$29 - $58 / night
"Nice sized spaces, many sites close to the water, good wildlife sittings (moose, bald eagles, bear) beautiful large lake with Colorado River headwaters, near town of Grand Lake and entrance to Rocky Mt"
"This is true wilderness camping at its best overlooking beautiful Colorado waters with the Mountains peaking down upon you is where you will find yourself camping with great amenities and water available"
$45 - $80 / night
"The bathrooms were clean, and close to almost every site. They had a very nice playground for the kids with a climbing wall."
"Estes Park Campground at East Portal is a short drive away from both RMNP and the city of Estes Park, so you are nearby everything."
$45 - $70 / night
"There’s access to a small playground for kids. The pool looked nice, the lake is right across the road. Overall a good campsite."
"Since there was construction going on at the national park campgrounds and none were available, we found Mary’s Lake to be a great alternative to take our chances at camping in the park."
$17 - $35 / night
"If you are looking for the true Colorado experience-look no further. "
"While there are some hiking trails stemming from the main camping area, Camp Dick is not the best option for those who want to enjoy quiet nature walks since most of the trails also accommodate off-road"
$29 - $58 / night
"Pawnee Campground is a basic, no frills campground with a fantastic location next to Brainard Lake. The most incredible lake hikes are within easy access of the campground."
"The Pawnee campground is one of the best for those who like to get on the hiking trails early, but don't want to stress about the crowded parking lots!"
GuideThe campground itself is great! The sites can be pretty hit or miss. Some are very exposed and crowded up with other sites; some are set back in the trees and lovely! If you have strong preferences, be careful when picking your site.
TravelerFrom a Sprinters point of view.
Sites are $45.00 a day plus parking
Sites were sloped, we took the flattest one we could find and it took 6” to block our van level.
Pit toilets were very clean.
Sites had trees and boulders, spaced roughly 50’ apart, but there visible traffic on the main road below.
It was a nice campground but we liked the Bobcat Campground a couple miles farther up the road.
See separate review.
TravelerWe took our Sprinter for its maiden voyage, this camp ground was beautiful, private and secluded.
Camping was $45.00 a day plus a parking fee.
Paid at the entry point to an extremely friendly attendant. Reservations can be made on line ahead of time and highly recommended in peak season, especially on weekends.
Site were 50’ to 100’ apart.
Sites were wooded and tucked into granite boulders.
In the 24 hours we were there we saw one car and two people walking their dogs.
Sites were pretty level, each with fire pits and picnic tables.
The pit toilets were very clean and with in 100’ of most sites.
Road in had signs stating you had to be in four wheel drive to avoid damaging the roads but they were very well graded.
GuideClean facility quietly located in a metro area.
TravelerSo beautiful, dispersed camping at 11,200 feet surrounded by mountains. Area is busy with day hikers, go past the parking lot and set up at one of the handful of spots. Definitely for small rigs or tents, don’t come up here with a non 4x4 vehicle, and trailers would be close to impossible.
GuideHorrible demonic should have been homeless The owners are the most greedy disrespectful sheep in wolf's people, smiles with, dont walk away they will stab you. Within the time I was there, we had a stalker( mar- may), a theif, a overdosed body( mar 7), a trailer firer( aug), health department investigation( aug) A drug raid( july) it all public information, police blotter? The owners were never around nor asked questions or concerns.( 11-2 mon, we'd, fri if lucky). Probably building there mansion in Longmont or in Missouri probably running there tax free business... The showers and bathrooms along with around the park. there great. Even if we have spending 1$ per min. They do have an amazing maintenance manager who is worth more then, cause he know and dose EVERYTHING. He been with them for years. The rest of the park not so grat, NOTHINGbut dirt road, pot hole ends up very muddy. Most tenant start off nice, but once ginger and Amanda get there venom into them turn in to snakes. I
GuideI was pulling a camper and couldn't make it to the higher up spots. the spots near the entrance are littered with gross trash. I cleaned my area but there's too much . Hiking around has beautiful views.
GuideTakes you to a private road. After walking around probably someone parking towards the back pinned the location Follow the coordinates on the other Gordon Gulch and its easy to find
ScoutSolid lil campground. Surprisingly busy mid week but everyone seems to be nice and polite. Few sections would be a bit rough for low clearance but sites 1-10 should be easily accessible. The views are gorgeous with the aspens turning this time of year.
Dispersed camping near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland offers sites at elevations ranging from 5,500 to over 10,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences. The area encompasses more than 1.5 million acres spanning multiple counties in Colorado's Front Range. Winter camping options remain accessible at lower elevations when higher sites are snowbound, though roads can become impassable without appropriate vehicles.
Wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk: Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area provides opportunities to spot diverse wildlife. "Moose visitors at dawn and evening, and hungry bears scavenging for food at night is a common occurance. Luckily my car alarm scared them off pretty easily," notes Amanda V.
Creek exploration: Allenspark Dispersed Camping sits alongside a mountain creek perfect for cooling off. "We found a great spot with a fire ring overlooking the reservoir. It was a super windy night. Popular spot," reports Brett A. The sites offer easy water access and natural soundscapes.
Early morning hiking: At Pawnee Campground, campers gain privileged access to trails before day visitors arrive. "The Pawnee campground is one of the best for those who like to get on the hiking trails early, but don't want to stress about the crowded parking lots! This campground has some of the best access to hiking trails anywhere in Colorado," says Natalie R.
Lake access: Arapaho Bay Campground offers waterfront camping with mountain views. "We were looking for first come first serve sites... The camp host, Jackie, was amazing and tipped us off to a lake front spot that someone had no showed for. The views were incredible, and we pretty much had private lake access for our paddle board and kayak," shares Grace K.
High-elevation camping experience: Many campgrounds sit above 10,000 feet, providing cooler summer temperatures. "Pawnee Campground is located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area... at an elevation of 10,350 feet. A scenic forest of spruce and fir trees covers the area. Summertime temperatures are warm in the day and cool at night," explains Lisa H.
Forest atmosphere: Camp Dick Campground offers dense woods and water features. "The woods is dense and moss covered, almost reminiscent of the PNW. The air is clean and the hippie town of Nederland is close by," says Sarah F. The campground combines natural settings with accessibility.
Limited walk-up availability: Most established campgrounds require advance planning. "We were here for a week. The weather and views were absolutely amazing!" says Sarah E. about Glacier Basin Campground, where reservations are essential.
Bear precautions required: Food storage is critical in this region. "Every site has a bear box, they're pretty big, we were able to fit our cooler, a weeks worth of food, water, all our cooking stuff, and trash in there and there was still room," notes Jordan H. about Camp Dick.
Seasonal closures: Higher elevation campgrounds have shortened seasons. "Cons - very limited season, due to its high elevation. Hard to get a site, especially at peak season in July," warns Sue G. about Pawnee Campground.
Varying amenities: Facilities range from fully-developed to primitive. "There are fifteen 'marked' campsites. Throughout the summer they are all frequently occupied so it may be hard to find a spot a times," explains Amanda V. about Gordon Gulch.
Check for wildlife viewing opportunities: Moraine Park Campground offers exceptional wildlife experiences. "Lots of animals sighting but also a lot of screaming kids to make them run away. Clean bathrooms, friendly staff. We bought our dogs and found out they are only welcome in the campground. Still worth the stay. Beautiful views and big animals," reports Jessica T.
Select sites with natural play features: Stream-adjacent sites keep children entertained. "If you are looking for the true Colorado experience-look no further. This campground is complete with stunning views, a rolling river, well maintained fire pits and hiking trail heads you can walk to!" recommends Sarah F. about Camp Dick.
Consider campgrounds with facilities: Some areas offer family-friendly amenities. "Has super clean bathroom showers and facilities. Cute very well stocked store with anything you might need from tons of camping gear to OTC medicines, clean laundry room, clean outdoor pool, free outdoor large hot water sink areas to wash dishes and such. Nice safe playground and relaxing pool," reports Kim B. about Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake.
Check road conditions for dispersed sites: Many forest roads require careful navigation. "Road is passable by standard cars. No cell service. Layout can be crowded with little space between but was pretty empty through the week," notes johny R. about Beaver Park Reservoir.
Seek hookup availability: Limited full-service sites exist in the region. "Very clean and well maintained campground. Price is good compared to other campgrounds near by. A couple down falls, no shade trees for Rv full hookup sites and lower sites are alittle crowded when filled up," advises Dary R. about Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake.
Note campground size restrictions: Many Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland campsites have length limits. "The campground offers several single-family campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided," explains Lisa H. about accommodations at Pawnee Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Arapaho National Forest?
Arapaho National Forest offers excellent dispersed camping options for those seeking more secluded experiences. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area features approximately 15 numbered sites along Road 233.1, with additional unnumbered sites further down the road offering spectacular views. For water recreation enthusiasts, Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir provides a peaceful setting with spacious sites that accommodate larger groups. Site #5 particularly offers privacy while maintaining proximity to the reservoir. Both locations provide that authentic Colorado forest experience with tall pines and mountain scenery, though 4WD vehicles are recommended for accessing the more remote sites, especially after rain.
What camping options are available in Roosevelt National Forest?
Roosevelt National Forest provides diverse camping experiences from developed campgrounds to primitive dispersed options. Roosevelt National Forest Camp Dick Campground offers well-maintained sites with fire pits, stunning mountain views, and a rolling river. The campground provides easy access to hiking trails right from your site. For more adventurous campers, Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail offers a true backcountry experience, though 4x4 vehicles are required to navigate the rocky, bumpy terrain with water crossings. Additional options include Allenspark Dispersed Camping for those seeking free, primitive sites, and Olive Ridge for campers preferring shaded sites in a forested setting near Allenspark.
What do visitors say about their experiences in Arapaho National Forest?
Visitors consistently praise Arapaho National Forest for its authentic Colorado wilderness experience. Many highlight the abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly moose sightings in the higher elevations. Families camping with children at Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park report memorable experiences despite occasional rain, with stunning hikes like Deer Mountain offering rewarding views. Water enthusiasts enjoy Winding River Resort, which provides access to the Colorado River headwaters with fishing opportunities, though late-season visitors (August) note fewer fish. Campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere, well-maintained sites, and the perfect balance of accessibility and wilderness immersion. The forest's proximity to attractions like Estes Park and Grand Lake is also appreciated for day trips.
What are the most scenic areas to visit in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests?
The American Lakes Trail in Primitive Sites — State Forest State Park offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the region, with abundant wildlife including moose and stunning alpine vistas. For water lovers, South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir provides breathtaking views that longtime Colorado campers consider among the best in the state. The reservoir's blue waters against the backdrop of rocky formations create unforgettable landscapes. Other scenic highlights include the Colorado River headwaters area, which can be accessed near Grand Lake, offering peaceful riverside trails and mountain panoramas. Throughout both forests, visitors encounter pristine alpine lakes, dramatic mountain peaks, and meadows filled with wildflowers during summer months.
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