Best Dispersed Camping near Ault, CO

Dispersed camping opportunities near Ault, Colorado include several free primitive sites on public lands. Weld Road 49 offers basic dispersed camping with no amenities but allows both tent and RV camping. Pawnee Buttes Dispersed Camping provides more developed sites with picnic tables and vault toilets at the trailhead. Hell Canyon Dispersed and Lost Lake Dispersed sites feature more remote settings. According to reviews, Pawnee Buttes offers "spectacular views of the grasslands and buttes" with excellent stargazing on clear nights.

Vehicle requirements vary significantly between sites. High-clearance 4WD vehicles are necessary for accessing many of the more remote locations. Several campers noted that navigation apps often provide incorrect directions, particularly around Hell Canyon where "Google Maps incorrectly mistakes a hiking path that connects with this dirt road." Road conditions deteriorate quickly after rain or snow, with deep ruts and washouts common on access roads. Most sites near Ault have no drinking water, hookups, or sanitary facilities.

Fire regulations change seasonally and during drought conditions. While some sites like Hell Canyon and Pawnee Buttes normally permit campfires in established rings, fire bans are frequently implemented. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with Verizon generally providing better coverage than other carriers. Campers should be aware of private property boundaries, as many dispersed sites are interspersed with private lands. The Leave No Trace principles are strictly enforced; all trash must be packed out. Wildlife encounters may include cattle, pronghorn antelope, and deer. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with strong winds common in open areas.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ault, Colorado (29)

    2. Hell Canyon Dispersed

    29 Reviews
    Pinewood Springs, CO
    40 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)."

    3. Pawnee Buttes - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Grover, CO
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 834-9270

    "Multiple dispersed campsites approaching the Pawnee Buttes trailhead from the west and southwest."

    "There are several areas to pull off, and if you are pulling a trailer, or you have a big rig, there is a loop parking lot at the Pawnee Buttes Trailhead that you can turn around in if you need to."

    4. Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    28 Reviews
    Allenspark, CO
    50 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."

    5. Main Draw OHV Area

    1 Review
    Cheyenne, CO
    23 miles

    6. Lost Lake Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    Red Feather Lakes, CO
    45 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."

    7. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    Red Feather Lakes, CO
    47 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."

    8. Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot

    9 Reviews
    Pinewood Springs, CO
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Awesome scenic drive, great spacious spot. But only for one party. If someone else is there, you're outta luck. Fire road is gated off so no other options."

    "Keep driving down Ski road until you find a fork in the road, and from there onwards are the campsites. Good whitenoise from the creek"

    10. Pingree Road Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Red Feather Lakes, CO
    42 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ault, CO

159 Reviews of 29 Ault 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

  • 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.

  • Ben H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Hell Canyon Dispersed

    Narrow road

    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. There is a paid camping ground at the entrance that Google Maps attempts to make you drive through. Do not follow this direction. Instead take the road directly next to the campground. Google Maps incorrectly mistakes a hiking path that connects with this dirt road.

  • Isabelle K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2017

    Comanche Peak View Campground

    Primitive camping not far from Fort Collins

    I have camped here multiple times and always have a great time. 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. This campground is an especially good option for those wanting to avoid the summer crowds of the close by and popular campgrounds of Red Feather Lakes and Lost Lake. I often use this as a home base for exploring some of the trails in those areas. There are also lots of fun boulders in the campground area to climb around on or tuck your tent next to if needing protection on a windy night.

  • Taylor L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    Cute spot on the creek

    Very nice camping area with lots of spots. A bit hard to find, but just keep going down Ski Road and there will be a slight fork in the road. Stay left to find some sites along the creek. Fire ban was in effect when we went, but lots of fire circles available otherwise. Bring bug spray, the flies are bold.

  • J A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 3, 2021

    Pawnee Buttes - Dispersed Camping

    Spectacular landscape, views, quiet

    Multiple dispersed campsites approaching the Pawnee Buttes trailhead from the west and southwest. I camped (rooftop tent) on the bluff overlooking the trailhead parking lot, approached from the south. Chilly at night (10 degrees) but no wind.

    Spectacular view of the Pawnee Buttes to the east. Perfect spot to catch sunrise and sunset. This area is also a “dark site,” so on clear, moonless nights the stars / Milky Way are phenomenal.

    During winter snow often drifts onto the roads. If snowy, 4-wheel drive / high clearance helpful for accessing some of the dispersed sites.

    Trailhead restrooms are open year-round.

    Consistent 3 bars 5G (AT&T). 200 Mbps down / 16 Mbps up.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2021

    Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Country Cool

    This is a beautiful area and well worth the visit. 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. The road leads to several homes and there is quite a bit of traffic. The dispersed camping is a little over 3.4 miles in. If you follow the GPS you will be fine. All sites have rock fire rings and most sites are fairly level. All sites are in the sun which is great for solar. Verizon cell service was a major bonus. We did have several herd of cattle that would visit but the only downside were the gifts they would leave us. Just watch your step. There is a small stream that runs along the back side of the sites. Most sites were on the right side of the road. Be aware there is a lot of private property. Be courteous. Stay off. At the highway is is a post office and small grocery store and a hardware store. 

    LNT

     Pack it in Pack it out

    Stay safe happy travels

  • Ginna L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 11, 2023

    Pingree Hill Dispersed Camping

    Worth the off-road drive!

    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! It’s also accessible from the town of Rustic, but still requires a high clearance vehicle and some off-road driving.


Guide to Ault

Dispersed camping options near Ault, Colorado range from prairie landscapes to mountain woodland settings. Most primitive sites sit at elevations between 4,900 and 8,500 feet, creating dramatic temperature variations between day and night. Seasonal access limitations affect many areas from November through April due to snowfall and agricultural operations.

What to do

Paddleboard at Lost Lake: The small lake at Lost Lake Dispersed provides calm waters perfect for beginners. "My fav spot to camp so far. The lake itself is small, but had enough space for many groups of people to enjoy. Folks were swimming, paddle boarding, and we enjoyed a Colorado version of a 'Beach Day,'" reports Rosa B.

Hiking at Allenspark: A network of trails connects many of the primitive camping sites, offering varying difficulty levels. "Good whitenoise from the creek," notes Kevin F. about Allenspark Dispersed Camping, where several trails begin directly from camping areas.

Wildlife observation: Early morning and dusk provide optimal viewing times for local wildlife. "Saw a young bull moose" at Lost Lake Dispersed, according to Amanda H., who recommends staying at least 100 feet away from wildlife and using binoculars for better viewing.

Stargazing: Limited light pollution makes most primitive sites excellent for night sky viewing. "Great place to star gaze on clear nights. Bugs not bad," says Kat B. about Pawnee Buttes, where the open prairie offers unobstructed 360-degree views.

What campers like

Camping creek access: Many reviewers appreciate the natural white noise and recreation opportunities. "Sites were set back from the road, in a meadow, surrounded by boulders. Loved it!" writes Rosa B. about her experience at Lost Lake Dispersed.

Rustic fire rings: Most dispersed sites include established fire rings. "There are a couple spots with fire rings before the main trailhead, and then many options if you keep driving," notes Kelda C. about Pawnee Buttes - Dispersed Camping.

Spacing between sites: Unlike developed campgrounds, dispersed sites typically offer greater privacy. "Campsites have a good amount of room, spaced to allow privacy, and easy to get in and out of. Peaceful and quiet, surrounded by mountain views," says Gary E. about Lost Lake Dispersed.

Sunset views: The eastern prairie provides unobstructed sunset panoramas. "Great views watching the sunset over the Rocky's!" shares rune W. about Hell Canyon Dispersed, though they caution "Highly need a 4x4 to get here!"

What you should know

Vehicle limitations: Many access roads deteriorate after periods of precipitation. "The road to lost lake requires high clearance. It is located 30 min away from Red Feather Lakes," notes Rosa B., while Cooper P. adds that Hell Canyon Dispersed has "Super nice spot but limited parking and a trek to get up."

Seasonal closures: Several sites close during winter months or for land management purposes. "Husband and I drove out of the way to stay here, and when we arrived, there was a barbed wire fence up and a notice stating it was closed until November 2026," reports Adela S. about Weld Road 49.

Variable conditions: Weather patterns change rapidly in this region. "Road conditions deteriorate quickly after rain or snow," warns a frequent camper. "It was very windy, especially at night (the wind rocked the car most of the night). It wasn't an issue for us sleeping in the car, but I wouldn't tent camp," advises Kris M. about camping at Pawnee Buttes.

Pack it in, pack out: No trash facilities exist at these primitive sites. "Cleaned up a little from the last people that were there (tons of glass from bottles, bottle caps, TP and clearly holes dug for #2 that were not covered up)," reports Amanda H. about the situation at Lost Lake.

Tips for camping with families

Choose accessible sites: Some areas provide easier access for groups with children. "A few little pull offs with fire rings - very pretty scenery and nice sunsets / stargazing. No trees obviously because of the grassland, so no shade or wind protection," recommends Grayce F. about Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Dispersed Camping.

Safety from wildlife: While generally not dangerous, wildlife requires respectful distance. "No bears/wildlife to be scared of! The weather was so nice we slept in hammocks all week!" shares Alicia O. about Hell Canyon Dispersed.

Prepare for limited facilities: Most primitive sites lack bathroom facilities. "The picnic area/trailhead looked to be very well maintained," notes Taylor B., referring to Pawnee Buttes where vault toilets are available at the trailhead but not at individual camping spots.

Creek-side camping with kids: The sound of running water can help children sleep. "Right next to a creek, nice to have a water feature," Danielle S. mentions about Allenspark Dispersed, though this requires extra supervision for younger children near water.

Tips from RVers

RV length limitations: Most primitive sites near Ault accommodate smaller rigs only. "The road was a little rough for a pop up camper. More for tents," explains JUSTIN H. about Hell Canyon Dispersed.

Road reconnaissance: Checking road conditions before towing is essential. "We pulled our 33' travel trailer and there were good spots off the road," shares Lorene N. about Pingree Road Dispersed Camping, where the main access road is "super well maintained" according to Nidhi S.

Watch for low clearance challenges: Even accessible roads have rough sections. "Great road, rather washboarded, but go slow and you'll be fine," advises Voyager D. about Pingree Road, noting the "first main area, and the top of the first hill is the best."

Level site selection: Finding flat parking requires advance planning. "I'd recommend at least AWD but 2wd should absolutely be able to go on the main road and access most sites (2-4) will require awd/4wd," explains Lark H. about the conditions at Pingree Road Dispersed Camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ault, CO is weld road 49 dispersed camping with a 1-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 29 dispersed camping locations near Ault, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.