Best Dispersed Camping near Arvada, CO

The foothills and mountain areas surrounding Arvada, Colorado feature numerous dispersed camping opportunities within an hour's drive of the city. Most sites are concentrated in the Roosevelt National Forest to the northwest, with popular areas including Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area near Nederland and Dream Canyon Dispersed Camping. These primitive sites typically sit at elevations between 8,000-11,000 feet, offering mountain views and forest settings without developed amenities. Beaver Park Reservoir and North Boulder Creek provide water-adjacent camping options, though some reservoir shorelines have private property restrictions. The majority of sites are free and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with varying levels of accessibility depending on the specific location.

Road conditions and vehicle requirements significantly impact camping experiences in this region. Many campers report that high-clearance 4WD vehicles are essential for accessing the best sites, particularly after spring snowmelt or summer rains when roads become rutted or washed out. As one visitor to Gordon Gulch noted, "Scout out the area ahead if you don't have high clearance AWD/4X4. You could find yourself on a washed out road in a hurry." Navigation can be challenging, with several reviewers mentioning the importance of arriving during daylight hours to locate unmarked turnoffs and campsites. Fire bans are common during summer months, and weather conditions can change rapidly at higher elevations, with cold nights even during peak summer.

Mountain views and relative solitude rank as primary attractions for campers in the Arvada vicinity. Visitors frequently mention the privacy between sites and opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. "There were so many spots to find along the road," reported one camper at Chinns Lake, though they also warned about "rough roads" and advised bringing bug spray for creek-side camping. Weekends typically see higher occupancy rates, with Friday arrivals often finding limited site availability. Cell service is spotty or nonexistent at most locations, and campers should be prepared to pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles, as most areas have no facilities, water sources, or waste disposal options.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Arvada, Colorado (101)

    1. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    21 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."

    2. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    17 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."

    3. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    20 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."

    4. Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Definitely need a high clearance vehicle. I saw a low clearance vehicle at site 6 & no idea how they got there.. they had to have gotten scraped up."

    "Great camping about 31 dispersed spots most with tables and a fire ring decent trout fishing a great kayaking feels remote without being so remote."

    5. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    33 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    26 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."

    6. Forest Road 332 Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "If you go further down the road a high clearance vehicle is necessary the road gets worse as you go further. Lots of trash at the campsite. Overall, woke up to a nice view of mountains."

    "Found a nice big spot with sun and shade and a great overlook. Was a touch concerned that it would get ATV trafficy over the weekend as it was at a junction where 3 roads jet off."

    7. Gold Lake Area Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    23 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."

    8. Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp #2

    8 Reviews
    Idaho Springs, CO
    19 miles

    "For those that can't find it, putting "Hidden Wilderness Rd" in the GPS should help. It's a dirt road at the top of the neighborhood road. You'll want 4wd for sure."

    "The road is very rocky and bumpy and requires 4WD."

    9. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Empire, CO
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 567-4382

    "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. "

    "Just outside of Idaho Springs, take the exit for Co Rd 275 off of I-70. It's a scenic drive up a curvy paved road for about 15 minutes."

    10. York Gulch Road

    9 Reviews
    Dumont, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Take the exit onto Fall River Road from the highway, a short road. You are then soon connected with forest service road of sorts York gultch."

    "Sites weren’t marked like other places I’ve been but I expected it being dispersed. Had a wonderful time the sky was pretty it was secluded and lots of space for dogs to run!"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Arvada, CO

585 Reviews of 101 Arvada Campgrounds



Guide to Arvada

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Arvada, Colorado, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. With numerous options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Arvada, Colorado

  • Many dispersed camping areas, like Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, allow campfires, making it easy to enjoy evenings under the stars.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, West Magnolia Campground does not provide drinking water or toilets, so bring your own supplies.
  • Keep an eye out for trash and other signs of heavy use, especially in popular spots like Dream Canyon Campsites, where some areas may require cleanup efforts.

Scenic spots for dispersed campers

  • The Gross Reservoir Dispersed area offers stunning views and is ideal for those with off-road vehicles, as the access road can be rough.
  • For a quieter experience, consider Forest Road 332 Dispersed, which features lovely views and fewer visitors, making it perfect for a peaceful getaway.
  • If you're looking for a picturesque setting, Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping provides beautiful creekside spots that are great for hiking and exploring.

Dispersed campers should check out Five Points Dispersed Area

  • Located near Nederland, the Five Points Dispersed Area is known for its accessibility and scenic views, making it a popular choice among campers.
  • This area features a mix of open spaces and wooded spots, allowing for a variety of camping experiences, whether you prefer privacy or socializing with fellow campers.
  • Be mindful of road conditions; some sites may require a vehicle with higher clearance, especially as you venture further into the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Arvada, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Arvada, CO is Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area with a 3.6-star rating from 54 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Arvada, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 101 dispersed camping locations near Arvada, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.