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There are 22 dispersed campsites for car camping along Lincoln Creek Road. High Clearance required and 4x4 recommended to access all campsites. All sites are first come first serve. No facilities such as toilets or water are available. Maximum 5 day stay limit.
The Washington Gulch Trail #403 begins a quarter mile north of the Gothic Campground and ends when it intersects the Washington Gulch Road, FSR #811. The heads southeast with a few switchbacks and then parallels Rock Creek for approximately 1.5 miles. It then crosses the creek, turns south, and begins to climb in elevation. It comes to an end at Washington Gulch Road. This is a very scenic trail and makes a great day hike. It is also very popular with mountain bikers and campers.
All roadside vehicle and tent campers are required to camp ONLY in designated sites:
Sites are designated by the presence of a 6in X 6in wooden post with a site number and camping symbol along with a permanent metal fire ring. All sites are first come first serve, if a site is occupied please look for another site.
Fires are only permitted in the established metal fire rings. Extinguish all fires so they are cold to the touch.
Sites are limited to two vehicles only per site.
Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".
Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.
Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike and San Isabel National Forests where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping". In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites.
** Due to recent drought conditions, bear activity has been increasing. For this reason a "food storage order" is in effect at the Yeoman Park Campground, requiring all food and refuse to be stored in hard-sided vehicles or approved bear-resistant containers, or supended at least 10 feet clear of the ground at all points and four feet horizontally from any supporting tree or pole. This order has been issued to provide for public safety and wildlife conservation. Hopefully it will reduce wildlife habituation problems. ** At an elevation of 9,000 feet, Yeoman Park Campground is located on the edge of a wetland meadow near Brush Creek and is partly within a mature spruce forest. There are beautiful views of Craig peak (11,902 ft). Yeoman Park campground has 24 campsites with picnic tables, fire ring grills and 11 sites have tent platforms; 15 of the sites are within a forested area while the other 9 are in the open. Eighteen sites can accommodate RV's 15-30 feet long and 6 sites have room for vehicles longer than 30 ft. Part of the campground has been redesigned to accommodate visitors with disabilities. Two campsites, one on either side of the accessible vault toilets in Loop A, are equipped with a modified picnic table and a low fire grill. There is also a fishing platform on Brush Creek near the park entrance. Yeoman Park is a good place to view an extensive beaver colony. There are many opportunities to watch small mammals such as tree and ground squirrels and to see birds of prey like the red-tailed hawk. The Yeoman Park Discovery Trail (200 yards) is accessible to those who have disabilities. There are interpretive signs encouraging visitors to use their senses to experience the nature of Yeoman Park. The Lake Charles Trail #1899 (5.35 miles) begins near the Fulford Cave Campground and goes into the Holy Cross Wilderness. From this trail you can also connect with Ironedge Trail #1873. Fulford Cave Trail #1875, will take you to the entrance of Fulford Cave. A visit to the historic mining town of Fulford is just a few miles up Forest Road 418. Foundations of an old Civilian Conservation Corps camp built in the 1930's can be seen in the meadow northwest of the campground. View a printable Recreation Quicksheet (.pdf) for this campground.
$8 / night
Guide
There is free dispersed camping all along County Road 390, near Winfield. You will need a 4x4 or AWD to get further along the road. There’s a stream that runs along 390, adding great background noise. Our site was big enough for multiple cars, with great access to the Huron Peak trailhead.
Legend
Located near the town of Granite, this forest service road is host to trailheads and lots of dispersed camping. Off of highway 24 you will find Clear Creek Reservoir, this is a great spot to do some fishing form the shore or in a boat. There is also an established campground beyond the lake that is forest service run and does cost money. However if you keep driving for a few miles the road will open up to free dispersed camping.
We showed up on friday at around 4 pm and it was packed! Spots range in size from one care to huge areas big enough for 20 cars and we saw just that. Lots of big camp trips happening. That being said, the camping was still pretty good despite all the people. We managed to find a spot next to another couple in a little turn off. Some groups were parked on the road and walked into the trees to set up a spot. It was kind of a free for all back there.
With all those people and trailheads to several 14ers on the road, there ware many cars driving by. It did stay pretty active until later in the night.
Campsites: Dispersed with no amenities. No metal fire rings, picnic tables, restrooms or trash bins. Restrooms were located at a trail head but on one set.
We enjoyed the spot, it was a little dusty but not terrible. Perfect spot if you are trying to hike Belford, Oxford, Missouri or Huron. Road was in good condition, any car will make it.
Guide
My girlfriend and I drove in late to the dispersed camping on Lincoln Creek Road off of 82 (Independence Pass) towards Aspen. We set up at campsite 18 and highly recommend that site or traveling up past Grizzly Resevoir for primitive camping. The site goes about 100 yards back and has area for multiple vehicles or tents and is completely wooded. There's a path that walks back to the creek and if you follow it in either direction you have incredible views of waterfalls, Aspens, and Truro Peak.
Ranger
There are several campgrounds in the area, some free and some with a fee. For free at the top of the hill high above the twin lakes and even above the Mt. Elbert Forebay is national forest dispersed camping. It's very popular on the weekends with many tent campers who sometime party well into the night. The views are epic. On the south-east end of the Twin Lakes is the Reservoir camping area, dispersed camping on bureau of reclamation land. The roads get rough as you reach the more desirable sites. Paid camping is available at Dexter Point, a parking lot with pit toilets and dumpsters within walking distance to the shore. Lake View campground is large with 6 or more loops, toilets, maintained roads, some big rig friendly sites, awesome views, but packed in pretty tight, but so is the dispersed camping. White star campground is a fee area right on the lake front for boaters, etc. In August it's a busy area, off season may be closed. Highway 82 goes to independence pass, a detour route if I-70 is closed due to landslides. 7/21.
Traveler
This BLM land is well trafficked, the sizes are big and there are 5-6 in the first few miles of the road. They sit right along the river slow flowing. There is ZERO cell service or gas for 15+ miles. So pack accordingly. Great to unplug and explore.
TravelerLincoln Creek is an absolutely incredible dispersed camping spot! there are 22 total spots up until the reservoir (about an hour to an hour and a half in) and after that, everything is a campsite! Very bumpy and rock filled road, but with any 4wd you should be fine! Beautiful views and lots of places to hike and play in the river! (It does get buggy when you are close to the water...)
Ranger
Nice dispersed camping spot. There are a few along the road, we went just passed the Tigawon community house and found a great spot with a view, and fire pit!
Guide
Beautiful drive all the way up to the reservoir multiple dispersed, camping spots along the road fresh water source coming from the reservoir hundreds of feet away from camping sites. Beautiful scenery. Plenty of critters to see. Pretty cool place to explore.
Traveler
This was my first go at dispersed camping in my new travel trailer. Google Maps took me to the right location off of 285 and the dirt roads were manageable. I would recommend 4x4 or AWD vehicles but they're nothing too crazy. Lots of good and large camping spots and I'd recommend a location on the left side of the road.
Sites didn't seem to be makred, and I stopped a bit short of what the coordinates that are listed.
Legend
Elephant Rock Campground is a free BLM dispersed camping just a few miles north of Buena Vista Colorado. The site is located on a dirt road along the Arkansas River. The site has about a dozen spots and can be crowded in the summer. The river is home to some of the best white water rafting in the Colorado with class III and IV rapids. The site also has some great rock climbing sites and hiking trails. The road is former railroad track from the Midland Railway Company. You drive through the rock cutouts from old railway. It’s a very cool area with lots to see and do. The camp is like many free BLM sites with few if any amenities. Buena Vista is very close and a great place for bars, cafes, and one good grocery store on the highway. The camp had a wide range of users including tents, vans, and trailers. The campsite can get very muddy after rain and is about 8100 feet in elevation. Leadville is about 20 minutes north along the main highway and well worth the visit.
Guide
There are three camping pull offs on the left of CR 48. The first of which is where camped. We later walked down the road toward Turqouise Lake and realized there were more spots, the furthest having the best mountain views. The roads to the dispersed camping spots was a bit bumpy but we saw rigs of all types and sizes here so it's definitely do able. About a 2.5 mile round trip walk/hike to turqouise lake from the farthest campground (the 1st pull off). This place was pretty busy but people kept their distance. We were there in late August and temps got cold at night. But it's a beautiful and quiet spot in the woods.
Ranger
Good dispersed camping, quiet the night I stayed and free of bugs! I find this to be much more satisfying than nearby dispersed sights, and location to Elbert and massive and surrounding slopes are perfect.
Legend
We stayed here last August on the way to the Aspen area. We had hoped to find dispersed camping near the entrance. However, these spaces were all taken up by long stay buses and vans. We opted for the Lakeview campsite instead. It‘a large campsite with multiple sections and loops located below the access road. The lakes are actually two large dam reservoirs. Our site was somewhat below par compared to other Colorado campsites. We had rainy weather and the lake was not visible during our stay. The camp host was a fellow Texan and assisted with the self checkin process. Most of the campers were either visiting Leadville or traveling over the Union Pass which is incredible and a somewhat scary drive even in the summer. This would not make my list of recommendations based on the overall condition and layout of the campsite and lack of activities.
Ranger
Paradise in the Collegiate Peak Wilderness Area of San Juan National Forest.
Campground Review:
We stumbled upon this dispersed camping site on a summer backpacking trip where we needed a basecamp to operate out of on a quest to summit Mt. Harvard and Mt Columbia. We wanted a place that was located near where we would begin our summit attempts but would also be comfortable to spend several nights in. This is not a camping site that you can drive up to. This is a site that you need to backpack to on an established but physically demanding trail. To get to it, you must first access the Horn Fork Basin trail at the North Cottonwood Trailhead just West of Buena Vista, CO. To get to the trailhead, it is advisable to have, at a minimum, a high clearance, front wheel drive vehicle as the county road to the trailhead is not paved and is a little rough in areas. Parking at the trailhead can get crowded since many trails originate there.
This is primitive, dispersed camping. No fees, first come first serve. You will not find any treated water or toilets in area. We hiked right at 6 miles to get to the site and passed multiple areas that were “established campsites”. Like most dispersed camping in Colorado, you are encouraged to find a spot that has been used and unofficially designated as a campsite. Most often you will find obvious areas that tents have been set up in the past. This site had multiple areas we could have set up tents and we were able to find 3 very level and cleared pads. There was also a stone fire ring that we could use.
The site was within 50 yards of a fast running stream which provided a perfect place to filter our water from. Even though the water appears to be very clear and cold, you must filter or treat to avoid being exposed to contaminants that can ruin your trip.
As I stated, there was a fire ring and fires were permissible in the area according to the managing ranger office. We were able to find ample firewood and enjoyed beautiful campfires every morning and evening. Plenty of remote wilderness to explore and wildlife (mule deer, birds, marmots, pika…) was abundant.
From the site, Bear and Kroenke Lakes are within day hike distance as well as 3 14K foot peaks and several smaller peaks. The site was at around 10,500 feet above sea level but below tree line. We were protected from high winds by beautiful pines and aspens. At the time of our trip, daytime temps were in the low 70’s and in the low 40’s at night. Perfect weather! We did experience light rain, ice pellets and a bit of snow on the way up the mountains but not at camp.
The site was about 50 yards off the established trail and was remote enough that we did not see another camper in the 2 nights we were there.
The site ended up being one of the most enjoyable camping areas I have ever visited. Can’t wait for someone else to venture there based on my review!!!
Gear Review: Matador FreeRain24
See a quick video summary of the product HERE.
As a Dyrt Ranger gear tester, I often get opportunities to evaluate camping related products during my outdoor adventures in exchange for honest reviews. I took the Matador FreeRain24 with me to this campground and during my day hikes from the basecamp and especially on this physically demanding attempt to summit two 14K ft peaks.
About the company:
Matador was started in California but moved to Colorado in 2015. Funded by sales and personal investment only, this is a true “cottage company”. Products are designed in house by people that go on adventures like I do and know what we look for.
**Testing conditions: **
This was a summer trip but at elevation, all kinds of weather can be expected. The bag was used in conditions where temps ranged from 38-75 degrees. I did carry it in light rain, heavy mist and icing conditions. I used it as my daypack to carry essential gear while summiting mountain peaks.
Things that stood out:
- Packs extremely small so did not take up much space in my larger backpacking pack.
- At just 5 oz, the weight cost to benefit ratio was perfect for this trip
- Waterproof!!
- Comfortable.
- Sleek – hey, it just looks really good!
- Top loading main compartment is easy to access
- Two pockets that can hold water bottles easily and can be accessed while hike without taking pack off.
- External zippered storage that is water resistant.
- In addition to shoulder strap adjustments, pack adjustments available to help with comfort.
- Company sent me video instructions on the pack prior to me receiving it. Great idea!!!
My preferences for improvement:
- The zipper on the external storage is very light duty.
Summary of experience with Matador FreeRain24:
At 5 oz and about the size of a baseball when packed down, it was perfect to attach to the outside of my larger pack but could have gone on the inside. Come day hike time, took it out of its storage bag, stuffed it with everything I need for 8 hours on the mountainside and headed out. 24 liters was more than enough storage for all my extra clothing layers, food, water and emergency gear. Met with some mist and ice during one stretch and contents stayed bone dry. I don't like water bladders so the 2 side pockets were perfect for the bottles of water I normally take on my trips - easy to access and bottles stayed put. Once adjusted, pack held tight to my back and that was important on sketchy parts of the climb. Didn't want my pack shifting at a critical time. Pack was comfortable the whole way and held up well. The pack material held up to several scrapes on sharp mountain rocks. The zipper did hang up and eventually became distorted to the point that I’m worried it may fail eventually.
Fully recommend the Matador FreeRain24for similar type adventures!!!
See a quick video summary of the product HERE.
Traveler
Spent three nights here (5/13 - 5/16). To start, we camped with a teardrop trailer, but once you pass the White River National Forest sign and parking lot for the babbish trail head, it’s not easy to turn around unless you find a campsite. Once you pass this you’ll see the first two campsites after about 4 bends in the road, both are walking distance to the trailhead. The first is a larger open space right off the road and the second is a much more private spot. The road to access this is just beyond the first campsite, which is where we stayed (see photos). We loved this spot!
If you continue up the road you’ll eventually reach a fork, if you hang right and continue up there are 4 more dispersed sites. These would not work for trailers but are great tent spots. We had a very hard time trying to turn around.
There are no services (no bins, no toilets, no cell service) and these sites are super clean so let’s keep it that way. The aspens hadn’t bloomed quite yet but in a few weeks it’ll be pretty spectacular.
Additionally the main trailhead with access to beaver creek trail is not open until June 14th so most other dispersed sites won’t be accessible until then.
Traveler
Road was REALLY rough. One portion looked like someone had just run around digging random holes in the road; however, once you got past the road, it was everything you'd want in a primitive site. Beautiful aspens, pines and a babbling stream made it one of our top picks for dispersed camping.
Legend
A few miles past Wolcott is the Castle Peak Wilderness Study Area which holds quite a few little known idyllic camping spots. Blue Lake is by far one of the most serene glacial lakes in the area and offers multiple primitive camp sites designated by fire rings. The lake is accessible by hiking trails and by 4x4 roads, if driving I would highly recommend a high clearance vehicle as many of the ruts on the road are very deep. I have camped here many times, in the summer you are likely to be sharing the lake with another group or two but it is never crowded. I have spent a few weekends here throughout the fall and had the place all to myself. The water is crystal clear and lovely for a dip (if you can handle the cold!). A few kind souls have even left their row boats in the woods next to the lake, to my knowledge they still leave these here for others to enjoy, just please remember to put the boats and paddles back where you find them! There are also quite a few nice hiking trails around the area which are well marked with signs.
Traveler
Boreas Pass has great dispersed camping for different sized groups. We camped at site #5 which accodated two vehicles but if needed to could probably accomodate up to five vehicles. This campsite was about a five minute walk to Baker's Tank. You can also access Baker's Tank trailhead after walking to the actual tank from the campsite. Be mindful if you decide to hike/bike Baker's Tank loop because it will spit you out at the very bottom of Boreas Pass which you then have to hike/bike back up to your campsite.
TravelerAfter the Lincoln Gulch campground there are 22 dispersed camping sites that follow the creek south of Independence Pass. The spots are far apart and have fire pits and bear boxes. We had a great time camping here in September, although it’s pretty chilly at night with the elevation! Easy access to the ghost town of Independence, the Grottos, Weller Lake all on the pass and Aspen just 30 minutes on the other side.
Traveler
My husband and I stayed 1 night at Yeoman and it was nothing short of wonder, joy and fun! There was a park ranger on site at the time we were there so that provided a sense of security while being more in the back country. The restrooms were abundant and always well stocked with toilet paper. The campsites come stocked with twigs and logs. Brush creek is clear and cool and provided us with the most perfect cold plunge for a warm summer day! We have been to many dispersed camp sites but this one takes the prize!
Ranger
Dispersed camping with designated sites off dirt roads. Perfect place to rock climb, hike or dirt bike or ATV.
TravelerSo we stayed directly above the Mt Elbert trail head. Plenty of space for our large tent. We loved walking to the reservoir less that 10 minutes from us or the quick drive to twin lakes.
We caught several small trout in twin lakes and they have vaulted toilets, went into the small town and had some of the best pizza around and stopped in the little convenience store and the employees were great.
It was a little busy and some louder groups but overall super respectful.
It was our first dispersed camping experience we will definitely go back to this area but head up the path a bit for a more secluded spot
RangerMy first winter camping trip in Colorado. Just south of Glenwood Springs and west of Carbondale is Sunlight Mountain Resort, an awesome little mountain with great tree skiing and untracked powder that can be found days after a storm. It sits in the western side of the White River National Forest in the Sopris Ranger District. From Glenwood or Carbondale follow directions to the resort and just about a mile before you get there you'll take a right to stay on Four Mile Rd or county road 117. Travel about 2 miles after turning and you'll come to a parking area on your left, in the winter its mainly used by cross country skiers and snowmobiles. From here we took off on foot in our winter boots down 2 miles of groomed snow covered road until you reach an intersection with a bunch of signs giving you several different options in directions and places to go. We strapped on our snow shoes and headed west up Fourmile Park- North through 16 to 24 inches of snow for an additional mile and settled at the 2nd camping spot we came to on our left. The low that night was 19 but I stayed warm most of the time until around 4 or 5 and finally had to get up and move around. The best part about the trip was we got to ski before and when we got back the bar was still open. I loved living in Glenwood Springs and choose this area for its proximity to so many awesome places, can't wait to get back.
Traveler
Great dispersed camping. Sites with plenty of space. Close to town. Great trails and dirt roads for all types of activities. Excellent cell coverage.
TravelerI travelled to Twin Lakes the weekend after Memorial Day weekend to explore more of Colorado. The drive from Denver was beautiful and the Twin Lakes topped it all. Sitting at the base of several 14'ers this campground featured dispersed camping with options for walk-in, drive-in, and drive-in 4x4 camping. We found ourselves on the North side of the upper side of the neighboring lake since we arrived late Friday afternoon. We found 4-5 sites without anyone around, a quiet spot nestled in the trees for shade.
Bears were reported to be active in the area but we didn't see any. Some camp sites, as we walked around, were littered with people's waste and trash. Sad to see but not everyone follows the leave no trace attitude.
Guide
Dispersed camping just off Cottonwood Pass Road. We could hear the road until sundown but it was never a problem. Fire ring was left by other people.
GuideThe road up to the campsites is pretty well maintained but you do gain a good amount of elevation. The scenery is beautiful with lot of wild flowers and tall, towering trees. It rained before we got there and there was some moisture on the tent the morning after. Make sure to follow the road to Four Mile Park and continue up the road for another 20 minutes or so. You will see a pull off to the right with a sign for the White River National Forest. Continue on to find some more campsites
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Aspen, Colorado, where nature's tranquility meets stunning mountain views. This area offers a variety of spots for campers looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Aspen, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Aspen, CO is Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Aspen, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 118 dispersed camping locations near Aspen, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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