Best Dispersed Camping near Aurora, CO

Looking for the best Aurora dispersed camping? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Aurora, CO (35)

    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    1. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    26 Reviews
    78 Photos
    1736 Saves
    Buffalo Creek, Colorado

    The Buffalo Creek Recreation Area contains over 50 miles of multi-use, non-motorized trails that tie into the Colorado Trail in several places. There are numerous options available for riding or hiking. Some of the old logging roads provide two-track while connecting trails offer single track. It takes about an 1.5 hours to drive to this area from Denver. Please know and respect local area restrictions including; parking and camping in designated sites only. Developed camping is available at nearby Forest Service campgrounds including Buffalo, Green Mountain, Kelsey, and Meadows Group Campground.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    2. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    49 Reviews
    96 Photos
    1317 Saves
    Nederland, Colorado

    Five miles north of Nederland, National Forest System Road (NFSR) 226, commonly known as Gordon Gulch, turns east off of Colorado Highway 72. NFSR 226 intersects other forest roads: NFSR 314, 228, 233 and their off-shoots. There are 15 numbered, designated campsites scattered along the road system within 1.5 miles east of Highway 72. Camping is permitted in designated sites only. Take care when driving in this area. Snow and mud can persist through most of the year. The free Boulder Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map displays National Forest System (NFS) routes open to motorized travel and is available online and at the Boulder Ranger District offfice.

    Streams; treat water for drinking.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    3. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    32 Reviews
    101 Photos
    1170 Saves
    Monument, Colorado

    Part of Pike and San Isabel National Forests Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. Mount Herman Trail begins at a small parking area on a switchback on Mount Herman Road. This trail provides a 2-mile one-way hike to the summit of Mt. Herman.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia Campground

    4. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    69 Photos
    1222 Saves
    Nederland, Colorado

    West Magnolia Trailhead provides access to eight miles of singletrack trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding west of the Peak-to-Peak Highway south of Nederland. An additional eight miles of Forest Roads are open seasonally (check the Road Status Table before your visit) to motorized and non-motorized activities. Along these roadways are designated campsites. Camping is allowed within 50 feet of the campsite markers. There are no facilities of any kind. The free Boulder Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map  displays National Forest System (NFS) routes open to motorized travel and is available online and at the Boulder Ranger District offfice. Recreational shooting closures exist in this area. Click here for more information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    5. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    37 Photos
    1141 Saves
    Nederland, Colorado

    NOTE: Campers who build any fires face fines up to $5,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment for open fire violations.

    Leave No Trace must be observed, as in any outdoor space.

    In any season this area is prone to very strong dry winds that can pick up a hot coal from a campfire that has lain dormant for as much as three days and ignite dry vegetation, causing horrific devastation. People from outside Colorado may not understand how tinder dry this area can be. 197 homes in this area have been destroyed by wildfires. All of these fires were started by humans.

    Local residents overlook this area and if they see visible flame or smoke they will call the Boulder County sheriff. Any campers who require a campfire are recommended to disperse camp near Sugarloaf Mountain where fires are permitted.

    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    7. Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    14 Reviews
    26 Photos
    274 Saves
    Georgetown, Colorado

    Free camping (dispersed) is allowed on most national forest lands except in highly developed areas - such as trailheads, campgrounds and picnic sites - and in some of our most visited places. Be sure to check for regulations in advance and look for signs in the area to indicate if camping is allowed.

    Some areas allow camping in designated sites only.

    Know Before You Go

    Check the weather and road closures before heading up. Follow Leave No Trace principles. There are no facilities or trash receptacles. Pack out what you pack in. Make sure camping is allowed. Many lands within the national forest boundary are private or otherwise owned. Check that you’re on National Forest lands: maps. Don't stay too long. Camping is limited to 14 days within any continuous 30-day period at any location within the same 20-mile radius. See Order Plan on building a campfire? Campfire restrictions can occur any time of year. Check for fire restrictions and if you build a campfire, know how to extinguish it.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed

    8. Forest Road 332 Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    38 Photos
    652 Saves
    Nederland, Colorado

    Free camping (dispersed) is allowed on most national forest lands except in highly developed areas - such as trailheads, campgrounds and picnic sites - and in some of our most visited places. Be sure to check for regulations in advance and look for signs in the area to indicate if camping is allowed.

    Some areas allow camping in designated sites only.

    Know Before You Go

    Check the weather and road closures before heading up. Follow Leave No Trace principles. There are no facilities or trash receptacles. Pack out what you pack in. Make sure camping is allowed. Many lands within the national forest boundary are private or otherwise owned. Check that you’re on National Forest lands: maps. Don't stay too long. Camping is limited to 14 days within any continuous 30-day period at any location within the same 20-mile radius. See Order Plan on building a campfire? Campfire restrictions can occur any time of year. Check for fire restrictions and if you build a campfire, know how to extinguish it.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping

    9. Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    10 Photos
    369 Saves
    Woodland Park, Colorado

    The Rainbow Falls area offers many motorized roads and trails for four-wheel drive and off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts. This area contains several motorized trails open to motor vehicles 50 inches, or less, in overall width. The roads and trails in this area connect to the North Rampart Range OHV riding area as well. The North Rampart Range riding area is managed by the South Platte Ranger District. Be sure to consult with the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for offical Forest Service routes that are open to motorized vehicles. Free Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) are available at your local Forest Service Ranger District office. Please pick up a MVUM before you head out. These maps identify the designated Forest Service roads, and the designated motorized trails, that are open to motorized use. They also and identify what types of vehicles are allowed on the different types of routes that are displayed on the MVUM.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Lake Area Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Lake Area Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Lake Area Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Lake Area Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Lake Area Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Lake Area Dispersed
Showing results 1-10 of 35 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Aurora

241 Reviews of 35 Aurora Campgrounds


  • Landon C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bailey Area Dispersed
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Bailey Area Dispersed

    Difficult road to get to but beautiful views

    The road here has some gnarly washboards. I had to slow down to a crawl at points because it was thrashing my rig around so much. There is also one turn on the road where if you’re not careful, I could imagine getting stuck. However, the views are incredible and it was well worth the effort. Cell signal from Verizon is extremely good, I am getting 5G UWB and download speeds of 180mbps. There’s some cool hills to climb and many great views.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    Trash+long term campers

    The place fills up on the weekend. I drove through most of the trail system and did not find a spot. Came back during the week and took a closer spot so as not to risk it. Trash is everywhere. Multiple poop spots are within 100ft of the fire pit with copious amounts of used tp lying around. Trees are slashed, cut, and the forest is not doing well. There are multiple long term campsites here so watch out for squatters. I stayed near the start and then a bit deeper, which prompted me to take photos. I forget the site numbers but honestly it’s not looking good in most places. At the very back are what look like a few nicer spots because they are hard to get to with a non off-road vehicle. It breaks my heart how this campground exists.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia Campground
    Oct. 16, 2024

    West Magnolia Campground

    ‘Long term’ campsites&trash

    Couldn’t find any spots over the weekend. Drove through the whole campground. There is an absurd amount of trash everywhere, especially at closer campsites. There are multiple ‘long term’ campsites by the looks of the trash, gear, and supplies left out. The forest is not in good shape either.

    Came back mid week and stayed at site #4 because it was close and I did not want to roll the dice on not securing a spot again.

    Keeping it brief: -I thought someone had been through my campsite when I was sleeping due to things moved -I might have met the squatter at the site. Couldn’t be sure, but determined there were red flags after talking to the guy and did not want to stick around to find out -so much trash it breaks my heart

    The county needs to do something about this campsite and the similar one North of Ned.

  • Lori L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia Campground
    Oct. 13, 2024

    West Magnolia Campground

    Fall camping

    Great location with single tracks for hiking and mountain biking. Camping spots are well-marked. WiFi was decent. The sad part was the trash left behind from former encampments in some of the camping spots.

  • Andria R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 12, 2024

    Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    4x4 and tents only

    Beautiful, but really need a compact 4x4 to get into and out of parking lot and there are tent sites only. We almost didn’t make it out with our 24 ft van (checked it out but didn’t stay overnight). Very crowded on a Saturday at 4:30pm.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Oct. 3, 2024

    Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    Great spot, minus the “no camping” signs

    We camped here after a Red Rocks show. The spot is a great area. About 20 minutes off of I-70. There are many pull offs along this road that could theoretically be good camp sites. However there are “no camping” signs, which is why I gave it 3 stars. Everything is great besides that: beautiful stars, good tent site, safe parking area.

    The spot we chose is a bit farther down the road than the one listed here. It’s in between the bend in the road. We parked at the pull off and walked down a small hill to find a good tent site and a fire ring.

    Also be aware it’s pretty chilly compared to just a few miles up the road. It was in the mid 30s at night.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Sep. 29, 2024

    Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    Great Spot, Bright Construction Lights

    Overall a very fun spot if you have a vehicle with some ground clearance to get to the nice sites by the reservoir. My Peak Edition Atlas handled it well. Only complaint is the damn project at Gross reservoir is a 24 hour site and the lights are ridiculously bright.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia Campground
    Sep. 28, 2024

    West Magnolia Campground

    Good potential, poor experience

    I have lived in the Boulder/Nederland area for over 30 years and have always enjoyed this part of the state. The West Magnolia area has great potential for dispersed camping. My wife and I tried to camp here this past week after not having camped at this location for many years. As others noted, it could make for a convenient base camp for tons of activities in the area. 

    Unfortunately, we were unable to find any usable campsite. All sites were occupied, even during the middle of the week. Many of those sites were occupied by long term campers as made clear by the multiple tents and bags of trash piled up. A couple primo sites had been abandoned by long term campers who left their trash, broken tents and chairs, food containers and other refuse in the campsites. It was really creepy coming upon these sites. Sadly, West Magnolia has become an extreme heavy use/abuse area. As someone who has spent years in the outdoors for days and weeks at a time, I would even question the health and safety of staying in some of these heavily used sites due to obvious lack of care and stewardship (think human waste close to camp). If you decide to camp here, and can find a suitable site, please be mindful of keeping yourself and gear away from potential health hazards.

    West Magnolia is still a nice place to hike and bike, but I cannot recommend it for overnight camping.

  • Justin R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia Campground
    Sep. 23, 2024

    West Magnolia Campground

    Campsite 21

    Great campsite, enough room for 2 maybe 3 vehicles at campsite 21. Road is not too rough, would recommend 4wd if raining or snowing. There are some deep holes when coming in if raining. We did air down due to the rain and snow while we were there.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    Road Closed Mid-September

    There is no discernible reason that the road is closed 2 miles before where this app says the site is. Internet search says it should be open til middle of November unless there is some weather or other issue. Lovely weather, locked gate.

  • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed
    Sep. 8, 2024

    Forest Road 332 Dispersed

    Quiet with lovely views

    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. However upon inspection on mountain bike, they all dead end and aren't very long, so fun for a little bike ride but not much of an ATV or dirt bike adventure.

    Being towards the end we saw very few people and it was quite and serene. We did it in our sprinter camper van with 2WD and pickup.

    Only issue we had was due to the nature of disbursed camping not the site or area. A car with 3 men showed up Saturday evening. In the morning one of their dogs wandered over to our site (my husband had run into town so I was alone). Owner meandered over and retrieved her, without a word. Later the 3 of them started walking up one of the roads, them one walked across and just with the dog on the rock outcropping technically on our site. He eventually went back to their site. A while later one of the walkers returned and decided to use his metal detector on the road 30 from our site and right behind where I was sitting. There was oddles of space to explore so it was creepy that's he chose to be that close to me. As I got up to walk back to my van, the second dog came running at me barking. The guy eventually called it back and it left me alone, but again not a word.

    I LOVE dogs, but I'm not a fan of their humans who don't keep them within their boundaries and let them charge after "the neighbors"

    Except for the creepers, it was a wonderful place

  • Wil L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from York Gulch Road
    Sep. 8, 2024

    York Gulch Road

    Great place dark skies lots of space

    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!

  • Annie N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    Nice large paved pulloff with uneven grassy area and fire ring

    The pulloff is one of many along the road. It's big, gets you quite far back from the road. Very little traffic on the road at night, I didn't notice any. Peaceful area. Not sure you could get a tent set up off of the pavement, but you could set one up on the gravel. I slept in my car.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Creek Recreation Area
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    Labor Day

    Spent two nights here, lots of traffic but not enough to bother!

    The only thing to dislike is the washboards but any reasonable suspension you’ll be fine.

  • Amy K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Sep. 3, 2024

    Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    Spot guarantee

    Went a little further up to a different pull out (same road, maybe 1/2 mile or less up), which ended up being a little more secluded. No outstanding views but a good spot. No cars at night so it was very quiet. If you keep driving on the same road you’ll find a bunch of pull off spots. No internet but starlink was great.

  • Megan J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Sep. 3, 2024

    Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    Lost phone !

    Please text 603 404 8514 if you find a phone at site 15 ! 

    Great spacious spot with picnic  table and walkable to the reservoir

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    Great dispersed camping close to denver

    There are many great spots much closer to the road (i.e. 20m less driving). Beautiful area. Relatively clean where we parked. Not crowded. Close to denver.

  • Heather P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from York Gulch Road
    Aug. 21, 2024

    York Gulch Road

    Amazing spot. Secluded.

    I’m currently here and it’s pretty great. Nice campgrounds. Not close to anyone. Road up is 2wd. Keep heading up the small road to get to all the secluded camp grounds.

  • Tabor P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Creek Recreation Area
    Aug. 17, 2024

    Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    Always busy

    We usually take this road up to get to Wellington lake or I’m here to go mountain biking. All dispersed camp sites are numbered and on the side of the road and there’s some really great looking spots but they are always taken. No matter what day of the week or time of day we have gone, not one single spot has been open. It looks like a lot of people are there tent camping and might have just gotten lucky, but I really do think people are poaching these sites and staying semi-permanently in their vans and campers. Good luck getting a spot here! Happy hunting

  • Andrew L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Lake Area Dispersed
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Gold Lake Area Dispersed

    Guaranteed Weekend Spots!

    Took a chance on this place for Saturday camping, arrived here around 10am, so many spots! My group of 6 took the second spot on the right, we hiked about a mile to the lake only to discover a whole different area for camping! The lake is private, but pretty cool rock formations that you can climb up. There's fire rings at every site, FYI there were little to know mosquitos at the first couple spots, but got worse as we walked towards the lake. No amenities, no cell service for ATT, Verizon, & T-mobile. Solid spot, close to Boulder!

  • Ben H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 5, 2024

    North Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping

    Great view

    A lot of camping areas. Some of which could support RVs. There is a container of water that is provided along the entrance Road for drowning fire pits. Verizon signal is very spotty. I was able to find one available spot that had two bars. Great View and great area. Stayed here for 2 days. Some of the further spots might require 4x4 access

  • Ben H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 4, 2024

    Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    Remote

    I camped here for a little over a week. There is plenty of dispersed camping along the mountainous Road. Four wheel drive is required. There is also some dispersed camping allowed at the parking lot at the bottom of the mountain. However it is common for homeless people to be there and or larger size vehicles to be camping there. There is good Verizon signal for a while going up the mountain. It does go away once you get closer to the top. The larger camping sites are located closer to the top. With great views. Lower down on the mountain there are some spots to pull off on the side of the road. I camped like this for a while and walked a short distance to a pre-made camp fire. This is a popular place to camp especially over the weekends. So the road is a bit busy and narrow at some points

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 31, 2024

    Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    Great area Need 4x4

    This area is beautiful with lots of great sites available along mt. Herman rd. Looked at 3-4 different sites all had a decent amount of broken glass so be careful with pets/little ones. Certain areas of this road are heavily graded so take it slow if need be



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Aurora, CO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Aurora, CO is Buffalo Creek Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 35 dispersed camping locations near Aurora, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.