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Best Dispersed Camping near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland

667 Reviews

Ski Road near Allenspark provides multiple free dispersed camping sites within Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. The creek-side spots offer scenic camping with established fire rings, though several reviews mention active bears in the area that have been known to enter tents and vehicles. The dirt road passes through residential areas before entering national forest land, causing initial confusion for some campers. Road conditions become progressively rougher, with low clearance vehicles recommended to use only the first mile of sites.

Dispersed camping options spread throughout the national forest include Gordon Gulch, Beaver Park Reservoir, and West Magnolia areas. Most lack amenities - no toilets, water, or trash service. Meadow Creek Reservoir Fishing Site offers slightly more facilities with toilets, picnic tables and trash service while remaining free. High clearance 4WD vehicles access the widest range of camping possibilities in this region, though some areas like Dream Canyon prohibit campfires. A camper wrote: "There's a little something for everybody at this location. When you first pull in there are some sites along the ridge and if you keep going, there are sites down along the creek."

Map showing campgrounds near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, ColoradoExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland (138)

    1. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    34 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    7 miles
    Website

    "We were right up on the lake but turns out it's private property and you cannot even go up to the water."

    "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."

    2. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    13 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "Like the title suggests, this campsite is typical for a free forest service campground. Prior campers have left some trash, bullet casings and obviously neglected to dig cat holes."

    3. Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    28 Reviews
    Allenspark, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Fire ban was in effect when we went, but lots of fire circles available otherwise. Bring bug spray, the flies are bold."

    "Was super simple to access. the coordinates take   you to the beginning of the rural part of Ski road."

    4. Hell Canyon Dispersed

    30 Reviews
    Pinewood Springs, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "4x4 drive is a requirement. Good Verizon signal. Narrow road, however not busy at all. Stayed here for 4 days, no issue. The Google Maps directions is slightly wrong."

    "Turn just before or after Yogi Bear Campground and go up the decently maintained dirt road. (You will pass RVs at the beginning of the road as you head up)."

    5. Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite

    19 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    14 miles
    Website

    "The coordinates are a bit early on 4. Roads are easy to navigate. Continue up the road for multiple flat locations. Some of the roads were closed but 4 is open."

    "Even though this forest was impacted by the troublesome fire in 2020, this place is still very beautiful. We found a great camping spot close to a hiking/biking trail."

    6. Gold Lake Area Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    11 miles

    "My GPS from the coordinates just took me to the nearest town of Ward, CO. This is how I got there coming from the North:

    Take RT72 South to County Road 100."

    "Many spots along the CR once you find it, came in around 4pm on a Friday and there were still plenty of spots but started filling up fast. By 7pm, people were turning around as no spots were left."

    7. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    17 miles
    Website

    "Oe of my family's fav places, beautiful views, camping spots super far away from one another so awesome privacy, and completely free. Spots fill up quick on weekends, you can stay 14 days."

    "The roads around the whole campground were a little rough but i did okay in my Ford Escape. All of the sites seems to be really spread out. There were several people in the campground."

    8. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    16 miles
    Website

    "Was desperate to find "something" after driving 11 hours that day, and normal paid camp grounds were full. HOWEVER I was pulling a smaller trailer, and that turned out to be a real issue."

    "Went on a Tuesday afternoon and there was foot traffic around our spot from people headed on hikes."

    9. Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Jamestown, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 541-2500

    $1 / night

    "My son and I joined a friend from Longmont and headed to this trail to camp for a couple days."

    "We went here with our 2 dogs for a quick overnighter-only about 45 minutes outside of Boulder. It was a Sunday morning and the lot was almost full when we got there around 9am."

    10. Meadow Creek Reservoir Fishing Site

    7 Reviews
    Tabernash, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "We were Van Camping and stayed there for 8 days total. I was blown away how insanely gorgeous it was there."

    "Close to the Columbine Lake trail and so many other awesome hiking trails. It's far enough away from the National Park to not have a ton of foot traffic through. No reservations."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland

491 Photos of 138 Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland

667 Reviews of 138 Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland Campgrounds

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 20, 2024

    Kirby Gulch

    Worth the Rough Drive

    Kirby Gulch is a fantastic spot for anyone seeking a peaceful, off-the-grid camping experience near Grant, Colorado. Situated off Route 1038, this dispersed camping area offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife watching.

    The campsites are well-spaced, providing plenty of privacy, and the area is generally clean, thanks to considerate campers. Since it’s a dispersed site, there are no amenities like water or toilets, so make sure to come prepared. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing some of the sites, especially after rain or snow.

    What makes Kirby Gulch truly special is its tranquility. You can enjoy the sound of the wind through the trees, the crisp mountain air, and dazzling stargazing at night. It’s also a great starting point for exploring nearby trails or simply soaking in the serene environment.

    If you’re comfortable with primitive camping and leave-no-trace principles, Kirby Gulch is a hidden gem worth checking out.

  • Sun H.
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Pole Hill Rd Dispersed

    Access not worth the trouble

    Don’t believe the navigation apps and go through lyons, it’s private property ; furthermore if you like I did make the drive though Estes park, have 4WD high clearance and a small vehicle… maybe you’ll make it to this brutally elusive last free camping spot off the main mountain roads

  • Meg G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2020

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Spectacular - 4x4 is required to access.

    We drove our BRAND NEW 4x4 Revel and were nervous the entire trip up and back.  We are a high profile vehicle, luckily we had plenty of clearance but it was very nerve wracking both up and back.  It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving.

    Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake.  When you arrive, there are several dispersed campsites around the lake.  All the spots have beautiful views and tons of space between other campers.  There are firepits (even though CO is on a fire ban) that  will be nice for future visits.  We visited on Sept 17-19, 2020, so the evenings are cold and the days short.  Additionally, the water level was very low.  

    The area is nice for hiking and exploring, and especially to get away from it all.  No cell phone service.

    As the weekend approached, there were several ATV's heading up for the day.  While we were there, only 3 other groups camping on the weekend.

    You will be at 11,000 feet looking at the Continental Divide!  THIS is Colorado camping!  Enjoy and please remember to leave no trace!

  • Kelly G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2021

    Grays Peak Summer Trailhead Dispersed Camping

    Great base camp for summiting Gray’s/Torrey’s

    Stevens Gulch Road (321) is a dirt road off of I-70 west of Denver in the Arapaho & Rosevelt National Forests and the Pawnee National Grasslands. It has amazing scenery and access to gorgeous hiking trails to summit Gray’s, Torrey’s and Kelso Peaks. It is a fairly mellow SUV road with plenty of space to pass other vehicles and you will occasionally see passenger cars as well. The road leads to a large parking lot that fills up fast with car overflow parking spilling down both sides of the road. There are pit toilets and bear proof trash cans at the parking lot. The road continues past the parking lot a very short ways to some dispersed campsites by a river that have stone campfire rings. Definitely filter this water as there are uphill toilet paper gardens along the climb to summit.

  • Karl G.
    May. 6, 2019

    Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    Dispersed Campsite with Views - Gordon Gulch (4x4 recommended)

    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. I am reviewing one of these unnumbered campsites in particular, because this one had the best view. Before you read too far, I can't guarantee you will be able to reach this campsite without a 4X4 high clearance vehicle. We got to the site with a Jeep Wrangler and Toyota Tacoma TRD so we had no problems... I can't definitely say a Subaru would make it though. In the pictures I have included a map of the Gordon Gulch trail system. Entering through the Gordon Gulch entrance and taking 226.1 to 233.1 is the hardest route - there is one very steep and washed out spot. Entering via 120J/Switzerland Trail from the Peak to Peak Hwy and then turning right onto 233.1 is the easier option. On that map I have marked the general area of the campsite with a pink dot and here are the coordinates.

    DMS: 40°01'18.5"N 105°28'37.6"W

    DD: 40.021814, -105.477103 - if you type this into Google Maps it will locate it

    As for the actual campsite, it is a great option for spring/fall camping in Colorado. The elevation is about 8,800 ft and it is on the south side of a hill so it gets a lot of sunlight and is protected from northern winds. In terms of privacy, there are no other campsites that can be seen from this one. However, Gordon Gulch is a popular off-roading area so dirt bikes and Jeeps pass by frequently. This campsite is set up high above and away from the road though, so it is really not that bad. Another thing to point out is that this is a popular area for shooting as well, so if you absolutely hate guns it may not be the place for you. Also, as stated before, this is a dispersed campsite the only thing it has is a fire ring. Pack it in, pack it out!

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping

    Great spot close to Winter Park

    Went up Rollins pass road (you can access it from the Lakota Trail neighborhood or down the road a bit on 80). The first gate was open but not the second or third to get to the top where there are def more spots and fire rings. You can only camp places where there are dots on the side of the road on the official county map. Check the Rollins pass website it’s very informative and a sacred land so leave no trace. We got one of the like 3-4 spots we saw with a fire ring that wasn’t taken yet. (No fire ban 6/14/25 I check don’t worry :).. Some back trails are very hairy, pretty busy with motor vehicles but a lot of the new electric dirt bikes which don’t make much noise, probably 10-15 ppl the entire night riding by only once. Got great weather and the main trail is pretty easy up to the second gate which is supposed to be open June 15-Sept 15 I think.

  • A L.
    Aug. 21, 2017

    Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping

    Gorgeous getaway within minutes from Longmont

    My son and I joined a friend from Longmont and headed to this trail to camp for a couple days. Very accessible road, lots of spots to choose from (we showed up on Thursday, it did get a little busier on Friday and Saturday). Our spot was set back from the trail, right next to the stream. Just an amazing view, ample room for lots of tents, nice fire rings and huge logs around them for sitting. Fire wood abounds but it was all a little wet still from the rains they've been getting. Some folks didn't seem to be aware of the "leave no trace" rule when it comes to going to the bathroom, which was a little gross. Overall, great experience, pretty trail views, caught lots of trout (none big enough to keep). A great getaway.

  • Eileen S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 1, 2021

    Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping

    Crowded Camping Near Keystone

    This is beautiful camping close to keystone and likewise gets crowded in the summer months. If you want a spot on a weekend, get there early. There are a few pull offs along the road suitable for most cars, but if you have a high clearance 4WD you can go on a few offshoot roads and find more spacious spots. No cell phone signal or water, and frequent fire bans in the summer.

  • Alyse P.
    May. 21, 2021

    Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    Good but tricky

    I went here the week before campgrounds opened in this area, around May 7th. I had a pop up trailer and got there around 5pm on a Friday. Most spots were already taken and the road was a bit washed out. We got stopped by a camper letting us know not to go further because of the road condition and we shared a spot for the night. I would recommend this spot if you have a 4 wheel drive car with high clearance. Later in the season when the water levels are lower it might be easier to navigate but we saw a car or two get towed out

Guide to Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland in Colorado. This area offers a variety of stunning locations for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Dispersed campers should check out Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

  • This area allows for a unique camping experience, but be prepared for some challenges, as trash and long-term campers have been reported. Visit Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area for more details.
  • While camping here, you can enjoy the freedom of setting up your tent or RV in a scenic environment, but be mindful of the lack of amenities like drinking water and toilets.
  • The access is primarily drive-in, making it convenient for those with vehicles, but the road conditions may vary, so a reliable vehicle is recommended.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado

  • Always carry out what you bring in, as many sites, like Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed, have been noted for litter left by previous campers.
  • Be aware of the local wildlife and take precautions, especially in areas like Allenspark Dispersed Camping, where bear encounters have been reported.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, as some areas can fill up quickly, particularly on weekends.

Top activities while free camping near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland

  • Hiking is a popular activity, with trails accessible from places like West Magnolia Campground, offering beautiful views and a chance to explore the local flora and fauna.
  • Fishing enthusiasts can find opportunities at locations such as Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping, where the serene environment enhances the fishing experience.
  • For those seeking adventure, the rugged terrain around Hell Canyon Dispersed is perfect for off-roading and exploring the natural landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best locations for dispersed camping in Roosevelt National Forest?

Roosevelt National Forest offers several excellent dispersed camping areas. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area is popular with about 15 numbered sites along the main road, plus many unnumbered sites with better views if you venture further down Forest Road 233.1. High clearance vehicles are recommended but not always required. Another great option is Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping, which features easily accessible spots along a stream with plentiful site options. The area tends to get busier on weekends, so arriving on weekdays is advisable. Both locations offer a true wilderness experience with beautiful scenery and access to hiking trails.

Is dispersed camping allowed in Pawnee National Grassland?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed in Pawnee National Grassland, but with specific limitations. Unlike the mountainous sections of Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, Pawnee Grassland has fewer designated dispersed camping areas. Camping is permitted for up to 14 consecutive days within a 60-day period. Kirby Gulch is a fantastic dispersed camping option near the grassland, offering peaceful off-grid experiences with mountain views. When camping in the grassland, stay on existing roads and camp only in previously used sites. Note that portions of the grassland are interspersed with private property, so always verify you're on public land. No camping is allowed within 1/4 mile of developed recreation areas, and target shooting restrictions apply in many areas.

Do I need a permit for dispersed camping in Arapaho National Forest?

No permit is typically required for most dispersed camping in Arapaho National Forest, but you must follow forest regulations. Sites like Grays Peak Summer Trailhead Dispersed Camping offer free camping with amazing scenery and access to hiking trails. However, some areas like Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping have specific designated sites that may have seasonal restrictions. Always check current regulations as they can change seasonally, especially regarding fire restrictions. The standard 14-day stay limit applies throughout the forest. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles, camp in previously used sites, and maintain at least 100 feet distance from water sources.

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