Free dispersed sites spread across Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests from the Front Range foothills west into Rocky Mountain National Park's boundary zones, and the national grassland section east of the mountains adds a different kind of open-range camping to the same land unit. 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.
$35 - $70 / 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."
"The location is great, there’s about 10 designated camp sites to choose from and great hiking trails nearby. The drive in is easy."
"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."
$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"
"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"
$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."
$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."
$29 - $58 / 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 - $88 / night
"Our campsite was great and pretty quiet, kind of tucked away from people. The pit toilets were really clean. Very close to Grand Lake for dining."
"Easy close access to the Colorado river and the lake."
TravelerThe hosts are great. Very friendly and informative. Everyone here has been a complete joy to engage with. Quiet restful nights. We will return again in the future!
TravelerWe stayed at the beginning of June, there was a creek flowing over the dirt road about 3 inches deep, could make it over with any kinda SUV.
There was a nice grassy pull off right before the creek. It could fit 4 or 5 cars, maybe a few tents. We we're the only people there all night.
There we're a couple side roads too that might have some good campsites.
ScoutSo far it’s pretty nice, good lil community and showers and laundry is available
TravelerThis was an okay spot for an overnight stay before heading into Rocky Mountain National park. The views are beautiful all around, though there is no shade, but that’s great for starlink or solar power needs!
There are 2 sites right after turning, we chose the second. There was a living room chair next to the fire ring lol and a pair of boots sitting a little ways away but didn’t look like anyone was actually camping there.
The road coming in was fine, easy in my minivan. There is some private land on the way in as well, so check for signs before stopping. The road to get to more sites looked a little terrifying and probably not doable for me, so I chose to skip, but I bet there are some beautiful sites.
I have AT&T and had a few bars of LTE while here.
All in all a great overnight stay, would stay here again.
TravelerThis area has several non-marked pull offs and side roads that don't have signs prohibiting camping. Most of the spots are unlevel, though the setting is great and sites are well-dispersed. Those with 22ft+ rigs or trailers should probably avoid, but small camper vans are just fine.
TravelerJust used for overnight on the way from Colorado to South Dakota. It was quiet and peaceful. Looks like good fishing.
ScoutJust up the hill and through a neighborhood. Lots of switch backs and narrow roads. Thank God I saw the review about the another guy wanting to turn around many time trees but sticking with it, because I legit hit a section in my Rav 4 that I thought I wasn’t going to make it through. To be fair I was here at dusk and I also had a cargo hitch on, which was getting tossed around on the rocks. The RAV4 made it up but highly freaked out my dogs who are fairly tolerant of this kind of stuff.
Someone was at the campsite when I got here, and I decided to pull in a private driveway across from it because there was no way I was driving back down the narrow stretch at night. (Edit: I went back down that narrow stretch later that night - it was easier on the way down)
There’s cell service with Verizon so at least I could call someone to talk me down after the not so fun adrenaline rush.
ScoutAll the directions posted for this location are wrong as of this writing (even from CPW) and most of our group got lost trying to get here this last weekend. The actual location of the Works Ranch Group Campsite is:
307 Damascus Rd
Or for the GPS folks:
39.88139791150872,-105.45215059340553
You need to turn onto Damascus road off of Gap road, travel down about a mile and the locked gate you need to go through will be on the left. There is generally good signage from both the intersection of Mountain Base and Gap road and at the intersection of Damascus and Gap road.
Place is amazing and really secluded! Not sure how you would park 12 cars but six seemed to fit pretty well. Running water at the site is uniquely "milky" so perhaps consider bringing water from home.
Hiking wise, you are not really close to any trails but you can walk along damascus road (north) for about half a mile and hook into the raccoon trail at its low point.
TravelerIdk how anyone thinks this place isn’t awesome. It’s $35 a night for a spot super close to the water. The spots are pretty spread out. We are taking our toddler and dogs swimming 100 times a day. Picnic tables, beautiful views, water spigots, bathrooms, etc.
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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