Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Austin? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Austin's most popular destinations.
Dispersed Vehicle Camping is allowed in the remainder of the NCA for up to six consecutive nights, unless otherwise posted. Check BLM maps, signs and website for camping information.
Camping is allowed only at the Cottonwood Grove campground and designated river campsites identified on BLM maps and signs. Use of portable toilet system is required in all river sites without restrooms. Maximum stay length is six nights/seven days for sites downstream of Gunnison Forks.
10,300-foot elevation.
Overland Reservoir lies approximately 22 miles north of Paonia near the divide between the Grand Mesa National Forest and the Gunnison National Forest.This area offers a very beartiful setting, with the deep blue reservoir, grassy parks and thick green timber. It is stocked every year by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife with Rainbow and Brook Trout. The average size fish caught is 6 to 8 inches. The reservoir is drained every fall, so the fish have no chance of reaching larger sizes. The fisherman with a boat may have better luck than fishing from the bank. There are many dispersed camping spots located on the east side of the Reservoir.
Setting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed on the GMUG National Forests. Please observe the guidelines on selecting a dispersed camping site on our forest. For comprehensive information on dispersed camping opportunities refer to the dispersed camping guidelines for the GMUG National Forest.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd576017.pdf
Scout
Day use area only. Signs say NO CAMPING.
Traveler
Easy to find with Google maps. Plenty of open space. 15min off 70.
Dirt road, a bit bumpy, but we easily pulled our 21ft Micro Minnie
and it was doable for almost any vehicle. We didn't go to far up into the sites so I can't speak to further in. Rolled in at midnight and was still simple to find in the dark.
Scout
It is a little bit of a maze of roads, some are gonna need vehicles with higher clearance, careful not to commit too much on a road if you're unsure about your vehicle's offroading capability. If you get to a site, most have room for 1/2 vehicles and tents. Beautiful trees, each spot feels pretty secluded from others. Plenty of downed trees for firewood if fire danger is low. Will definitely come back.
Traveler
Found this spot and was very happy with the setup. Like other reviews, the highway noise was a bit loud but nothing too crazy, especially really late. There were other campers spread out nicely, you wouldn’t even know they were there. The road is a bit iffy so snagging a spot at the front would be best if you don’t have 4WD (my Nissan car struggled, we had to back up & turn around). Overall great spot for tent camping! Remember to leave no trace 🫶🏼🏕️🌎
Guide
Some of the roads were really rutted out, but we were lucky and everything was dry so we were able to get thru in my forester. There are some spots at the beginning of the property but there are more if you follow the dirt road back another two miles or so. Beautiful views, quiet and secluded. We did find a few deer legs left behind, so keep an eye out for Mountain Lion
Scout
Easy to find BLM land with decent roads and lots of spots. I stayed here 3 days and never saw or heard another person. It’s only 5 miles from the North Rim of Black Canyon National Park. Crawford is about 8 miles away and has some restaurants with good home cooking.
TravelerVisited the first week of October 2024. Had beautiful weather, no bugs and few campers. Sites are dirt so I can see it be being messy when wet. Only few sites at entrance for larger campers. We got into with a Bean teardrop np.
TravelerStayed one night on the way to Colorado. Super easy to find right off the highway and plenty of spots. I was the only one there when I stayed. Highway noise isn’t too much of an issue but I did have some loud and strong winds all night.
TravelerApple map directions are spot on. Lots of room - I chose to go up a rutted road a ways, for privacy. There was one camper at the flat bottom. Check weather for rain chance if you don’t have 4x4.
Traveler
This is the go to place in this area. Just past Oh Be Joyful campground, there are a few miles of posted sites, fist come first serve.
Traveler
Made camp here for 1 night traveling west. Many sites available both by the highway and down in the canyon. Canyon road was in good shape and even the largest RV could go down it. Sites were pretty level. No toilets, etc.
GuideThis was a beautiful place to camp. There were a few places along the road you could stop and camp. We stayed at the farthest site out because there were other campers at the other sites. All sites could fit more that one camper if needed.
Beautiful sunsets and sunrises at this location. The road leaving up was doable for our low clearance Winnebago solis.
TravelerI was going to head 11 miles down the road but decided I’d rather have WiFi. It was a good call. Just past Labor Day, there were three of us last night about 1/2 mile off the main drag. Enough places to pull off though you can still hear some main road traffic.
The area was clean except one site with broken glass. Clear skies with great stargazing.
No amenities here whatsoever but that’s just fine. Comes with the free price.
ScoutVery close to Black Canyon park, nice private spots, road was a little gutted out but the corolla made it through no problem 🤟. some coyotes howling at night and my site was pretty close to the road
Traveler
Beautiful spot and clean! just really cold at night.
Guide
Not an actual site. Pin took me to a feild with horse/cows (pics attached for cuteness). The actual site is in the campground on Google Maps, but IT ISNT ALLOWED!!!
VERY CLEARLY SIGNED CAMPING IN CAMPGROUND SITES ONLY!!!
There is a small fire ring by the trailhead, as description says, but the signs on the road are VERY clear. Also lots of rangers patrolling, so don't risk it!!
So, unless you wanna pay a RIDICULOUS fee for a night, not worth it at all. Would've given it one mark, but figured someone later might find a touch of value.
Traveler
Well groomed dirt/gravel road just West of Rte 65. Go in 1/4 mile and turn Right down dirt path to large camping site. There is nobody for 1/2 mile or more around you. If this site is not good, up FSR 100 maybe 1/2 mile on the Right is a site up in the trees. Very secluded. This site is at 10,700 feet elevation. The lake is stream fed and looks like good trout fishing. There are free range cows in the area.
TravelerBeautiful views. Secluded. Good cell service.
Guide
Dirt road is long and occasionally bumpy. Surprisingly good Verizon signal at the spot we stayed, the ones more west were significantly slower.
TravelerNestled right on the access road to Black Canyon of The Gunnison NP, camps did not require a ton of dirt driving to access. Camp sites are neatly nestled into the trees to provide a decent level of privacy, the trees also provide protection from the wind. Given that this land is adjacent to a National Park, be aware that less than friendly wildlife can be in the area. Overall the campground was easy to access, there was not trash any where in eyesight. I was also able to locate a camp site at 9:30p on a Saturday without much issue.
GuideDrove to the end of Jones Draw. Large fire pit already established. The site I chose was large enough to handle two jeeps and two large tents. I felt there was adequate separation between sites. The trail had few spots with deep ruts, but very manageable when dry. The location of this dispersed camping area was about a mile from the entrance to Black Canyon, which made it ideal for getting into the park first thing in the morning. Only stayed for one night, but was not displeased. Met my expectations.
Ranger
A little buggy in the summer, but otherwise perfect. Make sure to bring your paddle board or fishing pole. Super quiet spot.
Guide
This was a great spot, it was hidden but there were a ton of people, they recently redid the back roads to get here and it was extremely busy (we had a rig pull up right next us at 1 am because there werent any spots). It is really pretty and close to Grand Junction. The misquote r pretty bad also, tons of spots, if there aren't a ton of people. Lots of lakes though and great fishing!
TravelerThe mosquitos are plentiful but it is right on the Gunnison River and a nice looking area. Hiking trails nearby. Multiple campgrounds along the road but the road is bumpy and one way so occasionally someone has to pull over to let others pass. Great campground at the end of the road with toilets, fire pits with grills and picnic tables with roof to keep rain out. The wind was pretty intense when the skies got grey but we managed to set up camp. Again, and this is an all of Colorado thing but be prepared with all your tricks for mosquitos because they were everywhere.
RangerThis was a really nice stay that was very close to Black Canyon National Park. The first few spots were easy to get to but the ones farther back you have to take a fairly rutted up road, other than that it was very nice
TravelerMan, we love these blm lands in colorado!!
GuideThis place is easily accessible off 650 Road. Has a smooth dirt road and a short scenic drive along a shelf road. Highly recommend for a night or two of camping. When we were here for one night in late June, winds were strong.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Austin, Colorado, where nature enthusiasts can find secluded spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these areas offer a perfect escape for those looking to connect with nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Austin, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Austin, CO is Black Canyon Dispersed Camping with a 4.3-star rating from 44 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 48 dispersed camping locations near Austin, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
