Best Dispersed Camping near Avon, CO
Several dispersed camping areas can be found in the mountains surrounding Avon, Colorado, primarily on U.S. Forest Service land. Red Sandstone offers primitive dispersed camping with no facilities approximately 2-3 miles up a dirt road outside of Vail. Other free camping options include Tigiwon Road near Minturn, Piney River Road leading to Piney Lake, and areas along Homestake Reservoir Road. Rock Creek and Boreas Pass Road also provide designated dispersed camping zones, with sites typically situated along creeks or offering mountain views.
Most access roads to these camping areas require careful navigation due to rough, rutted conditions. Red Sandstone Road in particular features significant erosion and water damage that demands high-clearance vehicles, though some visitors report making it in standard cars at very slow speeds. Most sites lack amenities like toilets, trash service, or potable water. Fire restrictions commonly apply during summer months, and several locations have seasonal road closures, typically until mid-June. Permits may be required at some locations, including Red Sandstone and areas requiring backcountry overnight permits such as Lake Constantine.
These primitive camping areas attract visitors seeking high-country experiences with creek access and mountain scenery. Campsites are often first-come, first-served, with popular areas filling quickly on summer weekends. Wildlife sightings are common, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and stargazing. "The stars at night are incredible. It is a hidden gem," noted one visitor to Red Sandstone. While most areas provide seclusion, some experience significant day-use traffic, particularly roads leading to popular destinations like Piney Lake. "The road up has tons of ruts, some a bit 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," commented another camper about the Red Sandstone area.
