Best Dispersed Camping near Basalt, CO
Want to go dispersed camping near Basalt? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Colorado camping adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Basalt, CO (92)
1. Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
Aspen, Colorado27 Reviews•132 Photos•1300 SavesThere are 22 dispersed campsites for car camping along Lincoln Creek Road. High Clearance required and 4x4 recommended to access all campsites. All sites are first come first serve. No facilities such as toilets or water are available. Maximum 5 day stay limit.
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Toilets
- Alcohol
2. Four Mile Road Dispersed
Carbondale, Colorado18 Reviews•54 Photos•969 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
3. Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
Crested Butte, Colorado22 Reviews•74 Photos•1534 SavesThe Washington Gulch Trail #403 begins a quarter mile north of the Gothic Campground and ends when it intersects the Washington Gulch Road, FSR #811. The heads southeast with a few switchbacks and then parallels Rock Creek for approximately 1.5 miles. It then crosses the creek, turns south, and begins to climb in elevation. It comes to an end at Washington Gulch Road. This is a very scenic trail and makes a great day hike. It is also very popular with mountain bikers and campers.
All roadside vehicle and tent campers are required to camp ONLY in designated sites:
Sites are designated by the presence of a 6in X 6in wooden post with a site number and camping symbol along with a permanent metal fire ring. All sites are first come first serve, if a site is occupied please look for another site.
Fires are only permitted in the established metal fire rings. Extinguish all fires so they are cold to the touch.
Sites are limited to two vehicles only per site.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
4. Yeoman Park
White River National Forest, Colorado8 Reviews•32 Photos•239 Saves** Due to recent drought conditions, bear activity has been increasing. For this reason a "food storage order" is in effect at the Yeoman Park Campground, requiring all food and refuse to be stored in hard-sided vehicles or approved bear-resistant containers, or supended at least 10 feet clear of the ground at all points and four feet horizontally from any supporting tree or pole. This order has been issued to provide for public safety and wildlife conservation. Hopefully it will reduce wildlife habituation problems. ** At an elevation of 9,000 feet, Yeoman Park Campground is located on the edge of a wetland meadow near Brush Creek and is partly within a mature spruce forest. There are beautiful views of Craig peak (11,902 ft). Yeoman Park campground has 24 campsites with picnic tables, fire ring grills and 11 sites have tent platforms; 15 of the sites are within a forested area while the other 9 are in the open. Eighteen sites can accommodate RV's 15-30 feet long and 6 sites have room for vehicles longer than 30 ft. Part of the campground has been redesigned to accommodate visitors with disabilities. Two campsites, one on either side of the accessible vault toilets in Loop A, are equipped with a modified picnic table and a low fire grill. There is also a fishing platform on Brush Creek near the park entrance. Yeoman Park is a good place to view an extensive beaver colony. There are many opportunities to watch small mammals such as tree and ground squirrels and to see birds of prey like the red-tailed hawk. The Yeoman Park Discovery Trail (200 yards) is accessible to those who have disabilities. There are interpretive signs encouraging visitors to use their senses to experience the nature of Yeoman Park. The Lake Charles Trail #1899 (5.35 miles) begins near the Fulford Cave Campground and goes into the Holy Cross Wilderness. From this trail you can also connect with Ironedge Trail #1873. Fulford Cave Trail #1875, will take you to the entrance of Fulford Cave. A visit to the historic mining town of Fulford is just a few miles up Forest Road 418. Foundations of an old Civilian Conservation Corps camp built in the 1930's can be seen in the meadow northwest of the campground. View a printable Recreation Quicksheet (.pdf) for this campground.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
$8 / night
5. Forest Road 130
Leadville, Colorado18 Reviews•65 Photos•799 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
6. Washington Gulch Dispersed 2
Crested Butte, Colorado8 Reviews•22 Photos•595 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
7. Deep Creek Trailhead Camp
Gypsum, Colorado5 Reviews•15 Photos•95 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
9. Twin Lakes View Dispersed
Granite, Colorado17 Reviews•50 Photos•1264 SavesDon't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".
Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Basalt
306 Reviews of 92 Basalt Campgrounds
- GGreg P.
Traveler
Bear Lake Backpack Site
Belle of Colorado @ Tourquoise Lake
Originally quite nice, tent camping, clean area, nice sites, water available, bathrooms, and access to fishing. Weekends tend now to religious services... :( Been 4 times but now prefer less commercial/church interuptions. RV crud makes for noisy generators, bouncy houses, karaoke... :( Some people swim. Boating. Good perimeter trail, biking allowed.
- c
chris R.Traveler
Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 2 West
Nice little spot
Drove straight to the back, not many others camping. Can hear a few cars passing in the distance and not a ton of tree coverage but a great spot nonetheless
Leah K.Traveler
Twin Lakes Overlook Dispersed Camping
Great Camping Spot
This was a great camping spot. There are several campsites by the water and other campsites, not by the water. The campsites are kind of close together, but not terrible. I went early on a Friday and got a beautiful spot by the water. By the end of the day, all the sites around the water were full. So if that's important to you, be sure to get there early. There were still plenty of other gorgeous campsites, not by the water available all weekend. There are also hiking trails located here. One of which is called "Interlaken Trail." It's about a 5 mile hike total and takes you to a "Ghost Resort" called "Inter-Laken" that was abandoned around WW1. You can even go inside one of the buildings, and there are Historical Marker plaques that talk about the abandoned resort. The signal is great so I had cell service and data the entire time. Highly recommend!
Melissa G.Traveler
Basalt Mountain Dispersed
Basalt Mountain Road
Multiple sites up here for camping. Trailer/RV friendly.
Adam D.
Scout
Bellyache Road
Super rutted out, but unbelievable views
Definitely would advise 4x4, and not for travel trailers at all. Bringing one up could lead to a serious situation , since there are no places to turn around whatsoever. That said, views were absolutely breathtaking. We also lucked out and saw the northern lights while at site.
Alice S.
Legend
Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 1 West
Not Bad
The road up to the campground is pretty rough for the first 100 ft or so but then it gets a lot better. Quite a bit of space but no privacy. I would definitely not suggest for large rvs. I’m in a van and didn’t have much problems at all.
Dwight R.TravelerTwin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 2 West
Late Sept Fall colors
We had a blast with this spot, arrived late at night and woke up inside an aspen grove. There is a lot of hiking trails and some cool spots to visit down by the lakes.
jsbeezg
Guide
FR 48 Dispersed Camping
Road is CLOSED!
The road has been closed and there is no longer access to this camp area.
- hhercules N.Scout
Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed
Beautiful, but a little busy
Went out late on a Friday night. My timing was wrong to get a good spot, but I was hoping there would be at least one spot left, unfortunately all the established sites I could reach were taken! I couldn't get more than a few miles up the road, the first few were manageable in my Impreza but having a higher clearance vehicle is definitely ideal. I was able to find a spot to pitch my tent for the night, but it was far from level or smooth. Still, incredible views of the stars and absolutely gorgeous to see the Aspen leaves changing!
- LLydiaScout
Forest Road 130
Beautiful open campsites
We loved this campsite — still open in late September and already had a fire ring waiting for us. There were lots of dispersed spots right off the road and it was quiet and peaceful!
Silouan A.Traveler
Slate River Dispersed Sites
Great area, lots of available sites
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.
- EErich M.Scout
Four Mile Road Dispersed
Where are all the great sites???
Went here on a Saturday in Sept after reading all the great reviews. Drove for miles and every site taken. There aren't many sites like people would make you think. Have these people been to the San Jaun Mountains - so much better. Had to drive home because just nothing available.
- Hannah T.Scout
Hubbard Mesa West
Absolutely trashed
Absolutely horrifying conditions. Litter everywhere. Glass, bullets, nails, and batteries everywhere. We were so horrified, we didn't stay.
- DDeitz B.Guide
Washington Gulch Dispersed 2
Nice sites and views
I camped for 2 nights a few days apart in different sites. The first one was WG30 and it had an amazing view. I forgot to take note of the second one, but it was a little bit more down the road. Fire pits here which is nice. There’s a few spaces in the wide open and some nestled into some trees.
Both nights that I stayed here there was a site that had a tent and table, but no one came back that night. Tuesday night and Friday night and nothing had changed. Kind of a bummer when someone snags a nice spot like that and isn’t there for multiple days.
Amy K.Guide
Deep Creek Trailhead Camp
Quiet spot
Pretty good spot with ok views. Used starlink with no issues. Driver further up the road and found a good spot on the side of the road with a fire pit.
- Jacob D.Guide
Coffee Pot Road Dispersed
Dispersed road side camping
Tried to camp at Deep Creek but had no luck with the very limited spots. If you keep driving up the road there’s about a dozen spots off the road; none very nice but are a free place to stay with great views.
JoshScoutTwin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 1 West
Party town
Too much partying and loud music until midnight-1am.... Campsites are nice though.
- LLorene N.Guide
Forest Road 130
Labor Day Weekend
We found huge spots spread far enough apart that you can’t see or hear neighbors on Labor Day weekend. Tried spots by Twin Lakes first but SO crowded. Close to Twin Lakes and Leadville. Bring your huge RVs cause this is the place for that.
- bbrandon W.Guide
Forest Road 130
Nice stay close to Mt. Elbert
This was a great stay which was close to Mt. Elbert. Many sites available as I came late around 9pm. Close to the town as well. I got there via the old trusty Honda Accord and pitched a tent.
Elsa P.Guide
Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
bear country & peaceful quiet
out of all the places I stayed this was the one I really thought I might encounter a bear but alas no bears. bear boxes & fire pits though! eerily quiet at times but overall very peaceful. struts did not love the road but very doable in my forester. there is an absolutely stunning punchbowl swimming spot right down the road heading towards Aspen. would stay here again for sure.
Anita A.Guide
Yeoman Park
Remote Serenity
Beautiful views, easy access with 30 ft TT. Water stream with lots of beaver dams. Great for riding our ebikes. Saw squirrels, deer, one moose, skunk (no spray), a couple prong horn sheep, eagle, endless beauty. Make sure you have full water supply Camp host Stanley is a great guy!
- RRachelScout
North Fork Lake Creek Dispersed
Friend recommended this spot
I haven’t been here yet, but my friend has been to this spot and recommends it!
- Melissa M.Traveler
Kebler Pass Designated Dispersed
Gorgeous views above lake Irwin
Beautiful spot and clean! just really cold at night.
Ashton R.Traveler
Twin Lakes View Dispersed
Beautiful
Went and stayed for a few day, it was beautiful! I would definitely go again there were plenty of camps sites
Kelly L.Scout
Bear River Designated Dispersed
beautiful area
However what I found was designated site only camping mostly on the side of the road and they were not free. $10/night
Ai-Ai T.Guide
Twin Lakes Dispersed
Very busy but nice if you find a spot
It was mildly off roady getting to the camping area. It seems you can just pull off into the areas that are worn down to camp. People were cramped and close to each other for this campground! Didn’t see any toilets but there are good hikes right nearby.
Steven P.Scout
Lake View Dispersed
Beautiful camping near some great hiking
This was our first camping trip ever, after 26 years of hiking in Colorado!
We had a family across the road, but they were quiet. It was so peaceful and beautiful. Mosquitos were annoying but we controlled them with a Thermacell.
So nice to just get up and have breakfast and hike. We can't wait to get back out again.
Guide to Basalt
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Basalt, Colorado, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers
- The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Dispersed Camping offers breathtaking views and privacy, making it a top choice for those who appreciate stunning mountain scenery.
- Campers at Yeoman Park can enjoy beautiful landscapes and wildlife sightings, including deer and moose, enhancing the outdoor experience.
- For those looking for a picturesque setting, Four Mile Road Dispersed provides access to scenic meadows and wooded areas, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Basalt, Colorado
- Arrive early to secure a spot, especially at popular locations like Deep Creek Trailhead Camp, as sites can fill up quickly, particularly on weekends.
- Be prepared for limited amenities; for example, Bellyache Road has no toilets or trash services, so plan to pack out what you bring in.
- Bring bug spray, as some areas like Upper Colorado River BLM Dispersed can have a significant mosquito presence, especially near water sources.
Activities While Free Camping Near Basalt
- Hiking enthusiasts will find trails leading to stunning vistas near Lead King Basin Dispersed, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.
- Fishing opportunities abound in the nearby streams, particularly for those camping at Coffee Pot Road Dispersed, where you can enjoy a relaxing day by the water.
- For adventure seekers, the rugged terrain around Basalt Mountain Dispersed is perfect for off-roading and exploring the backcountry, providing a thrilling experience for outdoor lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Basalt, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Basalt, CO is Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Basalt, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 92 dispersed camping locations near Basalt, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.