Dispersed camping areas near Austin, Colorado offer free overnight options within BLM land and national forests throughout the region. Most sites sit at elevations between 7,000-10,700 feet, creating dramatic temperature swings between day and night, even in summer months. Many dispersed sites provide access to fishing lakes and streams, though most lack amenities such as potable water and waste facilities.
What to do
Fishing lakes and streams: Grand Mesa National Forest contains numerous small fishing lakes accessible from dispersed camping areas along Forest Service Road 100. One camper at Grand Mesa Colorado FSR 100 described the experience: "The lake is stream fed and looks like good trout fishing. There are free range cows in the area."
Hiking and exploring: Several free camping sites provide direct trail access. At Nine Mile Hill, one visitor noted, "The hiking is amazing. Quiet and peaceful. There were a few other campers but none within 200 meters of me so relatively private."
Wildlife viewing: Many camping areas feature abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. When camping at Black Canyon Dispersed Camping, one visitor reported, "In the morning we saw bunnies and a deer carcus so wild life present." Another camper warned, "We did find a few deer legs left behind, so keep an eye out for Mountain Lion."
What campers like
Riverside spots: The riverside camping at Dispersed River Site - Gunnison Gorge National Conservation provides water access and scenic views. A visitor mentioned, "I found a turn off just before the coordinates and stayed there. Large space with lots of room for cars at this site. Right along the river, absolutely beautiful."
Stargazing opportunities: The remote locations offer exceptional dark skies. At Nine Mile Hill, a camper shared: "Tent camped and watched the Milky Way roll overhead." Another visitor at Black Canyon Dispersed Camping noted, "It's quite pretty and you can make out some of the milky way on clearer nights."
Privacy and space: Many free camping areas near Austin provide seclusion. At Twin Lake Dispersed Area, a camper described: "I was up there on a Tuesday-Wednesday so it was very quiet and there was no one else at the site. It's right on the water although there is a drop off you have to climb down, but it's not bad."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require navigating rough roads. At Escalante Ridge Camping, a visitor noted: "We stopped here on a roadtrip back to Denver as it was close to grand junction but far enough to feel secluded and boy I am happy we did. It's on ridge line so the views are as expected - gorgeous."
Weather patterns: High elevation causes dramatic weather changes. According to one camper at Twin Lake Dispersed Area: "We loved being surrounded by tall trees on one side and having a long distance view across the meadow on the other side, watching storm clouds approaching every day."
Fire restrictions: Check current fire regulations before your trip. A Nine Mile Hill visitor commented: "Only bummer is that there is no burn season right now (mid-August), so we just enjoyed the night sky."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Look for camping spots with natural features for kids to explore. At Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed, one family reported: "Fun hikes up the base of the red cliffs and down to the creek. It looks like there is a swimmable spot but the water looked too compromised by farm run-offs to risk it."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local wildlife. A camper at Black Canyon Dispersed Camping noted: "There is a lot of open space here, but it does fill up fast and several of the deeper paths aren't specifically marked and can be hard to find when camper vans and sprinter vans block the line of sight to them."
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature fluctuations. At Twin Lake Dispersed Area, a visitor shared: "Amazing views, light rain, and still my favorite forest."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Many sites accommodate larger vehicles but require careful navigation. A camper at Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed shared: "Good views and flat spots. Got my 24ft rig in easily, had to go slow in a few spots."
Leveling challenges: Bring leveling equipment for uneven terrain. An RVer at Nine Mile Hill cautioned: "Drove a high clearance 4x4 and the spot I was in needed AWD at minimum, sedans will get banged up. Spot was decent but awful leveling. Plenty of rocks to level 4x4 with RTT but still slept angled."
Road scouting: Consider scouting roads before bringing larger rigs. A camper at Twin Lake Dispersed Area advised: "We rode our bikes down 108 one day and discovered that it was way too rough to drive with our dually pickup. Another day we rode all the way down 105 and then back on 100 which is Land's End Road."
