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Best Dispersed Camping near Aurora, CO

285 Reviews

The areas surrounding Aurora, Colorado have several dispersed camping spots on public lands within driving distance of the city. Aurora City Park Campground works for basic camping without the usual facilities found at regular campgrounds. Campers can also find more remote spots in Aurora Area State Park for those who want to get away from crowds. All these undeveloped sites require following Leave No Trace practices. You'll need to bring your own water and everything else you need since these areas have no facilities. Rules for camping on public land include staying at least 100 feet from water sources and roads, with a 14-day limit at any single location. Many of the dirt roads leading to dispersed sites get rough and rutted after rain, making high-clearance vehicles necessary. During dry months, fire bans are common, so check current rules before planning to have a campfire. The Colorado National Forest lands near Aurora give you places to camp with Rocky Mountain views. Aurora Recreation Area also has some good spots for no-frills camping. Always pack out all trash when you leave. Spring and fall have the best weather for camping in this area. Winter brings snow that can make access difficult, while summer days can get very hot. The area has deer, elk and smaller wildlife, so store food properly to keep animals away from your camp.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Aurora, Colorado (40)

    1. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    39 miles

    "So busy that we had to go in the middle of the week to get a spot, so plan ahead here and expect crowds. That being said, each spot is unique and we loved it."

    "We stayed here a couple weekends in a row and we were able to try out some different spots and trails close to those spots. This free campground is perfect! "

    2. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    48 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."

    3. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    35 Reviews
    Monument, CO
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "If you enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies, drive in dispersed camping and putting your off-roading skills to the test, this dispersed campsite is a must visit!"

    "It took us about 15 minutes driving past the coordinates (trailhead) to start seeing campsites. There was nobody around, and we picked a very spacious one with a great view."

    4. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    44 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."

    5. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    48 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."

    6. Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite

    8 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    39 miles

    "Over 30 dispersed campsites along a moderately smooth dirt road. Sites are spaced well apart, some sites are covered in trees while others are wide open."

    "About 32 or more spots along redskin creek road that goes back a few miles with spots with fire rings along the dirt road."

    7. Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    16 Reviews
    Georgetown, CO
    49 miles
    Website

    "Resources were running low on a Friday night so it was great pull off great views close to idaho springs down town , nice hiking trails as well traffic is pretty much non existent after 9pm"

    "Any unpaved areas around it are not flat."

    8. Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    41 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."

    9. Gold Lake Area Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    49 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."

    10. Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Woodland Park, CO
    44 miles
    Website

    "Lots of shade in the morning at our spot. We were by a dirt road and did have a few vehicles drive by but not bad. There is bear scat, not old and not new, in the area but no wildlife was seen."

    "Terrain was interesting on the drive in, some of the pull off camping spots are pretty steep off the road. However, the sights were beautiful and it was very quiet and peaceful when we visited :)"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Aurora, CO

190 Photos of 40 Aurora Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Aurora, CO

285 Reviews of 40 Aurora Campgrounds

  • 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!

  • Monte P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 23, 2020

    Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    A small price for freedom

    If you enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies, drive in dispersed camping and putting your off-roading skills to the test, this dispersed campsite is a must visit! My 9 yr old son and I happened upon this mountain top paradise somewhat by accident. We were looking for a less challenging day hike with low traffic and decided to try the Mt. Herman trailhead. My ever burning desire for a view and solitude lead us up Mt. Herman rd to the location I marked on the map for this listing. Access was challenging, even with our 4x4 Jeep seeing as there was pretty deep snowfall accumulation, steep grades, and hairpin switchbacks heading up. However in warmer seasons this would be easy access for most stock 4x4 vehicles. No lift necessary, just a desire for the boundless views afforded at the summit. There are multiple pull offs, relatively low traffic aside from the occasional off-roading convoy passing through spreading merriment and good cheer. There are some really cool fire ring setups and plenty of epic views to make your own. If Colorado’s what you want, here’s a great place to experience the back country without having to drive for hours to access it. We had a blast! Please ALWAYS remember, be Kind & rewind!! Wait... wrong slogan😅 LEAVE NO TRACE & PACK IT OUT! Thanks & have fun! Photos are in my phone, I’ll update with photos... sure to amaze! 😉✌🏾

  • 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

  • Steve A.
    Aug. 4, 2019

    Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    Typical for a Free Forest Service Campground

    Camped here for one night in August. 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. After a quick clean up, the site was fine for my purposes. I hammock camp and  I was happy to see that many of the sites here have more than adequate trees for hanging. The roads can be a bit rough so the further back you go the necessity for a high clearance vehicle increases. There are several off road and hiking trails directly attached to the camping areas. I noticed that the forest service had erected wooden barriers at several of the campsites in an effort to control where people park. At my campsite #6 someone had obviously pulled off road vehicles into the campsite and tore the ground up pretty good. Tent camping at this particular site would be difficult due tot he lack of flat spots. Other sites seemed to be flatter. All in all this was a great place to camp for free with several nearby hikes and attractions.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 2, 2025

    Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful area, but please read

    The coordinates on Dyrt are a little off from the actual location but if you drive down roads that lead to toward views of the canyon, you’ll get there. The road passes through lots of private property, which can trick you into thinking you’re driving down the wrong road. The trailhead parking lot has one giant rut that you must be careful to navigate around. 2 Wheel Dr. and low clearance vehicles can do it, but should be extremely careful in how they approach. Parking lot is a short walk to some beautiful views of the canyon! Please be respectful as many people live within eyesight of the trailhead

  • Cassidy M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2024

    Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    Lots of free, easily accessible sites

    You'll hear some OHV activity, but we always enjoy camping here. Bring lots of water in the summer, or a filter in the spring when the snow is melting.

    Scout out the area ahead if you don't have a high clearance AWD/4X4.

    You could find yourself on a washed out road in a hurry.

  • Anthony P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2020

    Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    big and busy

    We headed out to these spots on memorial day weekend and it was busy. So busy that we had to go in the middle of the week to get a spot, so plan ahead here and expect crowds. That being said, each spot is unique and we loved it. We ended up staying as far up the road as possible and found a large spot big enough for a trailer and a few cars. 

    Keep in mind there is buffalo creek campground ($) and buffalo creek rec area that is free with dispersed camping. The dispersed camping is where we stayed and i believe there are over 40+ spots if you explore all the roads. A lot of the spots are large enough to accommodate a trailer or small RV. No bathrooms on site ad fire rings are made of rocks. Most spots are near the road, as you can see from my photo but the further up the road you get, the traffic will calm down. We did not see this as a problem at all. This are is prone to wildfires and has been in a fire ban since the winter. 

    Plenty to do up here as well, hiking, biking and world class fishing just down the road in Deckers.

    Get here early and find a spot that fits you.

  • Alyson M.
    May. 9, 2024

    Beaver Creek Rd Dispersed Site

    Peaceful with a view!

    Was very confused trying to get to all of the ‘Rampart Reservoir’ sites, as the directions seemed off, and many of the roads were closed/private property. Went up Rampart Rd and found plenty of side roads with decent spots. We wanted a clear view of Pikes Peak so this spot was perfect! Typical roadside free site, no amenities, but quiet and a nice view. Little to no traffic in early May. Roads were fine getting here.

  • Conner The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 17, 2023

    York Gulch Road

    Close to town easy to get to

    I drove here December 16th on a sunny day. 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. This connects a lot of off grid housing to the highway. well maintained crushed dirt.

    At the GPS coordinates there are 3-4 drive in campsites and then a road that might lead to more. Idk I hiked around 1 mile and didn’t see other spots, you might have do drive in a couple more mirles

    I spent the night here while I partied in Idaho springs for a mini vacation

Guide to Aurora

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Aurora, Colorado, where nature meets adventure. With a variety of locations offering stunning views and unique experiences, you'll find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Explore Scenic Trails while Free Camping near Aurora

  • The Buffalo Creek Recreation Area is a great starting point for hiking enthusiasts, featuring numerous trails that wind through picturesque landscapes.
  • For mountain biking lovers, the Gross Reservoir Dispersed offers easy access to trails that cater to all skill levels, making it a popular choice for outdoor activities.
  • If you're looking for a peaceful retreat, the Bailey Area Dispersed provides a serene environment with ample opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding nature.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Forsythe Canyon Trailhead

  • The Forsythe Canyon Trailhead Forest Service Road 357 Dispersed is known for its remote mountain camping, offering a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
  • This area features well-maintained dirt roads that lead to various camping spots, making it accessible for those with high-clearance vehicles.
  • With a restroom available at the parking lot and designated fire pits at the sites, this location balances convenience with the rugged charm of dispersed camping.

Enjoy Beautiful Views at Gold Lake Area Dispersed

  • The Gold Lake Area Dispersed is perfect for those seeking stunning mountain vistas and a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for photography and relaxation.
  • This area is less crowded than other nearby spots, allowing for a more intimate camping experience while still being close to Boulder.
  • With numerous sites available, you can easily find a spot that suits your needs, whether you're camping in a tent or an RV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any secluded camping spots in the Aurora dispersed camping area?

Yes, secluded camping spots can be found in the dispersed areas around Aurora for those willing to venture a bit further from main roads. Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp offers scattered sites along roads that provide more privacy than designated areas. Dream Canyon Campsites also provides secluded options, though you'll need to navigate through areas that appear to be private property to reach public land. For greater seclusion, explore unnumbered sites beyond the main camping areas, preferably with a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle. Weekdays typically offer more solitude than weekends, and traveling further down forest service roads generally leads to more isolated camping experiences.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Aurora?

Several free dispersed camping areas are available near Aurora. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area offers approximately 15 numbered sites plus additional unnumbered spots further down road 233.1 with scenic views. Another option is Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, which provides unique spots but can get busy during holiday weekends. Both areas require no fees but follow standard dispersed camping regulations (stay 100+ feet from water sources, practice Leave No Trace). During peak seasons, arrive mid-week if possible to secure a spot. Always check for fire restrictions before your trip, as they frequently change in Colorado's National Forests.

Is overnight RV camping allowed at Aurora dispersed camping areas?

Yes, overnight RV camping is allowed in most dispersed camping areas near Aurora, but vehicle access and road conditions are important considerations. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping accommodates RVs but requires off-road driving skills as roads can be challenging. Beaver Creek Rd Dispersed Site offers spots suitable for RVs with typical rocky forest roads. Be aware that many areas have no facilities (no hookups, water, or dump stations), so come prepared for self-contained camping. Road conditions can deteriorate quickly after weather events, so high-clearance vehicles are recommended, especially for accessing more remote sites.

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