Tent camping opportunities near Ault, Colorado extend beyond established campgrounds to include remote dispersed sites throughout Roosevelt National Forest and surrounding public lands. Located in the high plains at approximately 4,900 feet elevation, Ault serves as a gateway to camping areas ranging from mountain backcountry at 8,000+ feet to riverside camps along the Cache la Poudre. Winter camping is possible but challenging, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk: Longs Peak Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park offers excellent wildlife watching opportunities with minimal light pollution. "Amazing hikes and plenty of wildlife. The spaces are small but accommodate an RV or a single tent. Bear boxes and toilets close to everything," notes Neal C.
Creek-side exploration: The dispersed camping along Ski Road in Allenspark Dispersed Camping provides access to small mountain creeks for natural water features. As one camper shared, "We had a great night here! Spacious site with a fire ring. Easy time finding, just follow all the arrows when there is a fork in the road."
Stargazing after dark: The remote sites at Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot offer exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. According to Taylor C., this place is "a gem" especially "when it's sunny & gorgeous out" with multiple spots "deeper into the forest."
What campers like
Sense of solitude: Canyon Lakes Ranger District Dispersed Camping provides isolated sites for maximum privacy. One camper noted, "Stars were beautiful too very little light pollution." The area offers primitive camping with few neighbors.
Running water sounds: Allenspark Dispersed Camping features creek-side tent sites where the sound masks other noises. Kevin F. described it as "Serene" with "Good whitenoise from the creek."
Easy access to hiking trails: Hermits Hollow Campground connects directly to trail systems. One camper noted, "The Kruger Rock Trailhead is inside the campground, and it is a nice hike with an amazing view of the Rockies and Estes at the top. Bring your crayons - there are two trailmarkers on the trail that you can do rubbings of."
What you should know
Fire restrictions vary seasonally: Most dispersed camping areas permit fires in established rings when conditions allow, but restrictions frequently change. One visitor to Allenspark noted, "Sites have fire rings," but campers should check current fire restrictions before arrival.
Wildlife precautions required: Boat In Sites at Horsetooth Reservoir requires proper food storage. "We do the boat-in camping 2-3 times a season for the past 7 years or so. The coves are great but it's a bit of a gamble as sound travels so well and yahoos are prevalent," notes one camper.
Road conditions limit access: Many dispersed camping sites require high-clearance vehicles. At Allenspark Dispersed Camping, one camper warned, "This is not meant for travel trailers, pop ups, or anything except texts... that road is wicked and jagged. 4x4 and smaller trucks only."
Tips for camping with families
Consider short backpacking options: Lory State Park Backcountry Campsites offers family-friendly backpacking distances. One visitor shared, "A relatively short hike in with multiple routes so good for a quick trip or with kids. At night, you've basically got the park to yourself because it closes at dark to all other users."
Choose established campgrounds for amenities: Hermits Hollow Campground provides family-friendly facilities. "Wooded sites mean privacy from your neighbors and shade during the day. Vault toilets are very clean, well kept," according to Aliy L.
Pack for temperature swings: Even summer nights get cold at higher elevations. A camper at Longs Peak Campground advised, "Bring a good sleeping bag and a tent you trust in high winds, as the wind will howl and shake your tent all night."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations for dispersed areas: The best tent camping near Ault requires careful vehicle selection for remote sites. At Canyon Lakes Ranger District, one camper reported, "It was pretty rough driving in, there were so many 'private' lands even when you hit the national forest."
Boat-in camping as alternative: Horsetooth Reservoir offers unique boat access camping. Morgan L. shared, "We took up 3 spots for a large family. It was the best time we had all in 2020 during the pandemic. There was a toilet of sorts, but due to the pandemic and it being boat-in spots, was not well maintained. We had a camping toilet and we're fine for 7 days. It was our own island paradise."
Watch for elevation changes: Access roads to campsites often involve significant elevation gain. As one camper at the Backcountry Campground in Horsetooth Mountain Open Space noted, "This would be a perfect first backpacking trip for beginners! Once you park, you sign in to the backpacking log to the right of the main entrance by the kiosk."
