Best Dispersed Camping near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG, CO has a lot to offer. Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG (104)

    1. Pingree Road Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Red Feather Lakes, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "-Moderate to heavy foot traffic -Busy, mostly big groups staying at sites having their own fun but plan ahead for finding a site -Friendly and respectful people -Very well maintained sites, trails, signage"

    "A number of sites will dot both sides of the road on the way into Pingree (take the CSU mountain campus exit off of Poudre Canyon). Most are good, some are in burn scars."

    2. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    Red Feather Lakes, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "As long as you steer clear from the private property you'll find a site. Some roads will turn sour and require high clearance."

    "The gravel road in is in very good condition. The drive is totally beautiful especially during the fall. The road is lined with aspens and large boulders and massive rock bluffs."

    3. Lost Lake Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    Red Feather Lakes, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "If you’re going to camp & especially go to dispersed camping areas, make sure to leave no trace and pack in, pack out people!!!"

    "The road to lost lake requires high clearance. It is located 30 min away from Red Feather Lakes. There are a lot of dispersed camp sites."

    4. Hell Canyon Dispersed

    29 Reviews
    Pinewood Springs, CO
    21 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. Poudre Canyon Road Camp

    4 Reviews
    Red Feather Lakes, CO
    3 miles

    6. Elkhorn Creek Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Red Feather Lakes, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6700

    "There is a clearly marked parking lot with maps for the trails. From there you can hike in to find a number of clearly marked spots and many that are not."

    "Plenty of trees for shade. There are 5 spots off of the Main road that I would say a small RV or travel trailer could stay at. The 2023 MVUM shows this place as a go for dispersed camping."

    7. Comanche Peak View Campground

    5 Reviews
    Red Feather Lakes, CO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 365-2267

    "There are a few primitive sites here with fire pits, plenty of firewood for gathering, flat spots for a tent and fairly accessible with a high clearance vehicle."

    "Stayed on the west side of the "campground" (not a campground at all -- just a collection of primitive/dispersed campsites with no services) at the very end of the road."

    8. Pingree Hill Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Red Feather Lakes, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "This is at the top (or backside) of the Kelly Flats off-road trail. It requires a high clearance vehicle and skill off-road driving to get there but it’s so worth it!"

    9. Manhattan Road Dispersed Camping & OHV

    1 Review
    Red Feather Lakes, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6700

    "We did not find a campsite right on the pin we drove up a little ways and came to a couple different dispersed spots. When you hit a Y in the road head left you will come across a couple fire pits."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG

521 Reviews of 104 Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG Campgrounds


  • 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

  • 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!

  • Isabelle K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2018

    Dispersed Camping in Routt National Forest

    Solitude by the river

    We stumbled upon this campground by chance, and what a wonderful chance it was! After deciding to take a weekend rafting trip along the Wyoming/Colorado section of the Platte River, we planned to just find dispersed camping options within the surrounding National Forest area. We initially put our boats in at the Routt Access Trailhead which is where we were able to find this amazing group of campsites (see directions below). There are plenty of campsites designated by fire rings along the road that are well spread out and offer plenty of seclusion. We were surprised to not encounter any other campers despite it being a beautiful summer weekend. The campsite we used offered much appreciated shade from the June sun with plenty of big trees. The ground is relatively flat on top of the hill so we had quite a few options to spread out with our group pf 3 tents. Another huge plus of this area is how pristine it is, not a piece of trash to be found. If camping here, please continue that by following Leave No Trace principles. 

    Camping in this area is complimented by tons of nearby activities including hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding trails, class I-IV white water rafting opportunities, rock climbing, fishing and wildlife viewing. On our weekend adventure we went on a 4-hour boat trip from the Routt Access boat put-in to the Six-Mile Gap take-out point, the river felt like a private get away and we didn’t see any other people except for a few fly fishermen at the access points. The wildlife we encountered was the highlight of our trip, we saw moose, a golden eagle, foxes, pronghorns, and marmots. 

    To get there: The GPS coordinates entered on this page are for the Routt Access Trailhead. Following these directions from there is the easiest way to find the campsites. I have also included a screenshot of google maps in this review. When approaching the trailhead from the main road, just a few hundred yards before the trailhead/river access parking area, the road forks. To the right is the trailhead, and to the left is FS 939.1 (Mahogany Road). With a normal clearance vehicle and 2wd, you should be able to easily reach the first campsite along this road, marked by a well-appointed fire ring. For those with slightly higher clearance cars (my friends had a Subaru Forester and did just fine) I would highly recommend continuing along the road a bit higher and up the hill. 4wd is probably not necessary unless the road is muddy, but some large holes and rocks will be problematic for very low clearance vehicles. From up here, you will have amazing views of the grasslands, mountains and river.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Vedauwoo Wagon Road

    Great location

    I went on Labor Day weekend, it was quite busy BUT I was still able to find a spot. Need high clearance and a good off roading car to get all the way through. Also side note, turns out the road goes all the way through! Both ends go straight to a high way which is sweet. There are many animals so make sure everything is bear proof and prepared for one to come by!

    The road winds through and there are many different roads that brand off and have a bunch of sites at too

  • shawn L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Long Draw Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    long draw resovour

    29 really spread out dispersed camping spots along a very long road. Some of them are hard to find. A few really awesome hiking trails a couple different lakes to choose from for fishing kayaking. It’s along rd 151 you also have Peterson lake nearby as well. I found two group campgrounds that are pay per night (22 a night) they have toilets and water. The dispersed by Peterson lake was very rough road high clearance recommended. The 151 to long draw relatively smooth and vehicle could make it


Guide to Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland in Colorado. This area offers a variety of stunning landscapes and secluded spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Dispersed campers should check out Hell Canyon Dispersed

  • Hell Canyon Dispersed provides ample space for camping, with numerous spots available for those willing to venture to the top of the area.
  • Visitors have noted the great Verizon coverage, making it easier to stay connected while enjoying nature.
  • The site allows campfires, so you can enjoy cozy evenings under the stars, but be mindful of fire regulations.

Scenic views for dispersed campers at Lost Lake Dispersed

  • Lost Lake Dispersed is known for its breathtaking mountain views and the tranquility of the surrounding wilderness, perfect for those seeking peace and quiet.
  • The area is home to abundant wildlife, with sightings of deer and other animals enhancing the camping experience.
  • Although it can get busy on weekends, arriving early in the week can help you secure a more private spot away from the crowds.

Top activities while free camping near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG

  • Hiking enthusiasts will find plenty of trails to explore, with options for all skill levels near the Laramie River Road Dispersed area, which offers easy access to scenic routes.
  • Fishing is a popular activity in the nearby waters, with many campers enjoying the chance to catch trout while staying at sites like Poudre Canyon Road Camp.
  • For those interested in off-roading, the Manhattan Road Dispersed Camping area provides access to trails suitable for dirt bikes and ATVs, making it a great spot for adventure seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Roosevelt National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Roosevelt National Forest requires staying at sites with established fire rings and parking in areas with previously disturbed ground. Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping and Pole Hill Rd Dispersed are examples of designated dispersed areas. Camp at least 100 feet from water sources and 150 feet from roadways. The maximum stay is 14 days within a 30-day period. Pack out all trash and use proper human waste disposal methods. Campfires may be restricted during dry periods, so check current fire restrictions before your trip. Respect private property boundaries, which are common throughout the forest. Most areas don't have facilities, so come prepared with water and waste disposal plans.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Arapaho National Forest?

Dispersed camping is available in several areas throughout Arapaho National Forest. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area offers approximately 15 numbered sites with additional unnumbered spots further down road 233.1, some featuring excellent views. Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping is accessible from the Lakota Trail neighborhood or nearby road 80, with fire rings and designated spots marked by dots along the road. Many sites require high-clearance vehicles, and it's recommended to arrive early on weekdays to secure a spot, especially during peak season. Look for established fire rings and disturbed ground indicating previous use, and always camp at least 100 feet from water sources.

Do I need a permit for dispersed camping in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests?

No permit is typically required for general dispersed camping in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Dispersed Camping and Long Draw Reservoir Dispersed Camping are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis. However, some high-use areas may require a free backcountry camping permit during peak seasons. When fire danger is elevated, campfire permits might be required, or fires could be completely prohibited. Always check the forest service website or contact the ranger district office for current regulations before your trip, as requirements can change seasonally. While permits aren't typically needed, registration at trailhead kiosks may be requested in some locations.