Dispersed camping near Avon, Colorado ranges from forested sites at 7,000 feet to high-elevation spots exceeding 10,000 feet. Road conditions deteriorate rapidly after rain, with washouts common on popular routes like Red Sandstone Road and Piney River Road. Camping areas typically open in late May after snowmelt, with sites at higher elevations often inaccessible until mid-June.
What to do
Hike to alpine lakes: From Rock Creek Designated Dispersed Camping, access multiple trails leading to mountain lakes. "Trailhead is easy to find at the end of the road and leads to a couple of sweet spots. We stopped by Boulder Lake and it was about 6.5 miles total of a hike," reports Jane W.
Paddle on Dillon Reservoir: From multiple campgrounds, access water activities on this large mountain lake. "Last minute decision to car camp here but worth it. Easy access to lake from camp spot, walked our paddle boards to beach 20 yards from camp site and had great Mountain View's," notes Meleia O. at Heaton Bay.
Stargaze without light pollution: Many dispersed camping areas offer excellent night sky viewing. "Close to town, easy drive in (little bumpy but not a big deal for SUV). Can't hear the road, basically no light pollution. Beautiful scenery, beautiful night sky views," writes Raven S. about Rock Creek.
What campers like
Stream-adjacent sites: Many campers prefer spots near water for both scenery and sound. "Gore Creek runs right next to the sites on the left side of the campground. I would recommend trying to get one of those because the sound of the river drowns out the road noise," advises Ashley & Derek V. about Gore Creek Campground.
Privacy between sites: Spacing between camping spots varies considerably. "The campsites are spaced far enough apart that you can't see or hear your neighbors, firepits with grates and bathrooms was a pleasant surprise," notes Dylan W. at Gore Creek Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area's camping spots provide good wildlife watching. "We were able to secure a great spot on a hill overlooking the valley. In the morning we were treated to a herd of elk crossing the creek," shares Lord of A. about Yeoman Park.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to many sites requires appropriate vehicles. "The road up has tons of ruts, some a hit deep so I would not come with any tow behind. Nice little creek and a couple fire pits already there made for the perfect night," explains Heather E. about Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed.
Water access affects site desirability: Sites near water bodies tend to fill fastest. "Get the right campsite and you'll have great access to Heaton Bay. A nice place for being just off I-70. Only negative is you can hear I-70 through the night," notes Mitchell H.
Early arrival crucial on weekends: Competition for prime spots intensifies Friday through Sunday. "We pulled in around noon and barely snagged one of the last open sites. By 1 p.m., it felt like a game of musical chairs. Drivers looping, turning around, hoping someone packed up," reports camfam at Rock Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Look for educational programs: Some campgrounds offer organized activities. "Wildlife dept offers educational entertainment on Saturday evenings at their tiny amphitheater. Great for children," shares Ladawn S. about Yeoman Park.
Choose sites with beach access: For families with kids, water access provides built-in entertainment. "This camp ground is located just a few short miles east of Vail village, which is loaded with activities. 2 miles west there is a great river entry in the spring," notes Kelly B. about Gore Creek.
Reserve developed sites during peak season: First-come, first-served sites fill quickly. "Peak One has all the amenities you need - water, (really) nice bathrooms with running water, and a fire pit with a picnic table. A simple campground that would be great for kids, Peak One is safe, comfortable, and a great family spot," advises Kevin G.
Tips for RVers
Tight turns limit large rig access: Many forest roads have challenging corners. "Our site was big and has a picnic table and fire ring. It is a short walk from the site to the pit toilets and the trailhead for the Windy Point and Ridge trails," notes Jason F. about Prospector Campground.
Limited hookup options: Most camping is primitive. "This is a NFS run campsite so there is a fee and rules are enforced such as no camping within 100 feet of a source of water," explains Anthony P. about Halfmoon campground.
Plan for high elevation challenges: Higher elevations affect vehicle performance. "We brought in our 27foot camper and had a spectacular visit. Quiet area. Creek at entrance," shares Ladawn S. about Yeoman Park.
