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Best Dispersed Camping near Basalt, CO

391 Reviews

Four Mile Road Dispersed offers numerous free camping sites near Basalt in White River National Forest, accessed via County Road 300 through a long, dirt road requiring 4WD or AWD vehicles. Sites are scattered along the route with no services, utilities, or water. According to one visitor, "There are many sites all over the place up there. Some are big enough for groups of RVs, some are small, private tent spots." Sites fill quickly on weekends, particularly during summer and fall, with many visitors noting limited cell service in the area.

Several other dispersed camping options exist around Basalt, including Basalt Mountain Dispersed (accessible via a dirt road but closed October through May), Red Table Road in White River National Forest, and LEDE Reservoir Campground. Most sites feature basic fire rings but lack amenities. A review noted that Basalt Mountain offers "multiple sites for camping. Trailer/RV friendly." Camping in these areas generally follows standard dispersed regulations—pack in, pack out all waste, observe seasonal fire restrictions, and expect no facilities.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Basalt, Colorado (100)

    1. Four Mile Road Dispersed

    20 Reviews
    Carbondale, CO
    16 miles
    Website

    "Had a quick stop over here on the way to Dinosaur National Monument. No ATT phone service beyond a certain point. This is all primitive camping and heavily used by 4x4 ATVs."

    "There are easy sites next to the main gravel roads and more secluded sites off of many various "Jeep trails"."

    2. Basalt Mountain Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Basalt, CO
    6 miles

    "Very remote but easy access, we car camped to be near a trailhead the next morning."

    "Travel up a dirt road 4 to 10 miles and find many sites. It is popular in hunting season. Road closed Oct 1st to May 31st."

    3. Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

    28 Reviews
    Aspen, CO
    26 miles
    Website

    "The further along the path you travel, the more rugged it becomes; so most people seemingly settled for the first few spots. Personally, site 5, 8, and 11 are best."

    "No water so bring in your own, or filter from the running stream/lake surrounding camp."

    4. Yeoman Park

    8 Reviews
    White River National Forest, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 328-6388

    $8 / night

    "No electric hook ups. We brought in our 27foot camper and had a spectacular visit. Quiet area. Creek at entrance."

    "There was a park ranger on site at the time we were there so that provided a sense of security while being more in the back country."

    5. Red Table Road, White River National Forest

    1 Review
    Gypsum, CO
    14 miles

    "I ran across this gem, ripe for OHV, 4WD/AWD and some pull behind trailer use.  

    • Red Table Road is in the White River National Forest (see Map Posting image)."

    6. Deep Creek Trailhead Camp

    7 Reviews
    Gypsum, CO
    21 miles

    "Easy to find the site, ours was near the river. Lots of bugs so bring bug spray. Very calming and felt safe. Would recommend!"

    "Drive to the camp ground and you can keep driving to find campsites. There are sites along the creek and along the road. There is a pit toilet and it's a long road with lots of sites. 

    No service"

    7. Upper Colorado River BLM Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Gypsum, CO
    20 miles

    "Great views overlooking the Colorado River. It is an open area with some flat spots and some areas requiring leveling. Can handle big rigs, but space is limited."

    "Right off the road, quiet, flat, a few other campers, it was clean and free. 5g was good"

    8. LEDE Reservoir Campground - Dispersed

    1 Review
    White River National Forest, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 328-6388

    "There’s plenty of open areas and few more shaded. Great spot to kayak or paddleboard. We went back down the road we camp up though and found more secluded sports all along it."

    9. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Snowmass Village, CO
    18 miles
    Website

    "to turn around."

    "The last campsite had the most people, which was the one by Snowmass Lake."

    10. Coal Creek Road Disbursed Camping

    1 Review
    Redstone, CO
    17 miles

    "Easy drive up out of Redstone. All along the road are pullouts along the way. Great hearing the water all night long."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Basalt, CO

426 Photos of 100 Basalt Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Basalt, CO

391 Reviews of 100 Basalt Campgrounds

  • Matthew V.
    Oct. 9, 2020

    Four Mile Road Dispersed

    Easy drive. Tons of sites

    Had a quick stop over here on the way to Dinosaur National Monument. No ATT phone service beyond a certain point. This is all primitive camping and heavily used by 4x4 ATVs. There are no facilities ie: Toilets, power, water or fire pits. The road was easy no need for high clearance or 4wheel drive. Heavy wildlife area, had a fox come right up to my car as I was making coffee. Only 30 minutes from Glenwood Springs. Would stay again 9/10 would recommend.

    Remember to pack in pack out.

  • robherr The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2018

    Hubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM

    For a free campsite in Southwest Colorado, it's not bad

    Hubbard Mesa area is an off highway vehicle area that is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

    There's not much in this area except a small little campsite right off the road. I didn't explore all the rest of the HOV cuz I wasn't in a four-wheeler, but it was perfect for an overnight stay on a motorcycle trip to Sturgis.

    The Road in is dirt and there are no durable paved surfaces anywhere, so I would imagine if it had rained this would be a muddy mess.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2023

    Forest Road 130

    Absolutely awesome

    Stunningly beautiful dispersed camping at its best. To find the most precious spot you need to get to Forest service Road 130 S as in South. There is a forest service ranger station on the south side of Leadville where you can get a motor vehicle use map MVUM. But even without a map the roads are marked. 130 starts near Highway 24 on the west side across from massive lakes, near a large bank of mailboxes. You'll see a sign asking you to respect the private property owners rights. Just keep going up the hill and you will find the forest service signage indicating the public lands. Many people don't go much further. But the truly spectacular sites are a couple miles further. The roads are narrow and steep but manageable. Keep going down 130 until you reach an intersection with 130A and 130 B, A goes north and B goes south. But keep going till you reach a T intersection. 160 goes north and 130 S goes south. Go left, south till you reach a slightly challenging switch back. Just on the other side of the switchback is a wide open space with room for many rigs including good size trailers. Very quiet with very little traffic of any kind. The Leadville 100 foot race goes right by every August.

  • Morgan Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2020

    Brush Creek Dispersed - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Beautiful Dispersed Camping Near MTB Trails

    Travel a few miles down Brush Creek Trail. After passing Strand Hill MTB trail you will get to a split in the road. The left turn will take you up a deeply rutted 4WD road towards Teocalli Ridge MTB trail. Lots of beautiful camping on this road. But it can be tough sledding when it is wet. If you stay to the right you will get to a flat where many people will camp. You can get a smaller RV/Trailer/Sprinter here very easily. If you are intrepid - and have a good 4WD with some clearance - you can continue through the creek and up the hill where superb, quiet dispersed camping exists. 

    Leave no trace.

  • Jeff L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2023

    Four Mile Road Dispersed

    4 mile dispersed

    There are many sites all over the place up there. Some are big enough for groups of RV's some are small, private tent spots. Some offer magicians views others are in dense vegetation along water. We found no cell reception for miles. There are easy sites next to the main gravel roads and more secluded sites off of many various "Jeep trails". No services, no running water, no electric, no cable TV, no bathrooms, no showers, no dump stations, no picnic tables, etc. It's the forest.

  • Alex V.
    Oct. 19, 2020

    Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

    Capable rig

    The sites are plentiful large, but you’ll require a decent 4x4 vehicle to get you there. The further along the path you travel, the more rugged it becomes; so most people seemingly settled for the first few spots. Personally, site 5, 8, and 11 are best. Almost every site has a bear-proof box you can store food (or hide?) within, which is nice. Sites are also far enough apart to mitigate any privacy concerns, and albeit the current fire ban - come equipped with existing fire pits.

  • Anthony P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2020

    Chaffee County Road 390 Dispersed

    Dispersed camping near great hike

    Located near the town of Granite, this forest service road is host to trailheads and lots of dispersed camping. Off of highway 24 you will find Clear Creek Reservoir, this is a great spot to do some fishing form the shore or in a boat. There is also an established campground beyond the lake that is forest service run and does cost money. However if you keep driving for a few miles the road will open up to free dispersed camping. 

    We showed up on friday at around 4 pm and it was packed! Spots range in size from one care to huge areas big enough for 20 cars and we saw just that. Lots of big camp trips happening. That being said, the camping was still pretty good despite all the people. We managed to find a spot next to another couple in a little turn off. Some groups were parked on the road and walked into the trees to set up a spot. It was kind of a free for all back there. 

    With all those people and trailheads to several 14ers on the road, there ware many cars driving by. It did stay pretty active until later in the night. 

    Campsites: Dispersed with no amenities. No metal fire rings, picnic tables, restrooms or trash bins. Restrooms were located at a trail head but on one set. 

    We enjoyed the spot, it was a little dusty but not terrible. Perfect spot if you are trying to hike Belford, Oxford, Missouri or Huron. Road was in good condition, any car will make it.

  • Anthony P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2018

    Lake Constantine Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful Lake Spot

    Lake Constantine sits about 4 miles off of Tigiwon Rd outside of the town of Minturn. These camp spots are only accessible by hiking in. The lake can get fairly busy on weekends in the summer but the weekdays are usually quiet. We spent a night up there in early July and saw 1 other person on a Monday night. The hike to the lake was fairly easy, takes about 2 hours each way and climbs roughly 1300 ft. Upon leaving the parking lot you MUST fill out the overnight camping sheet and attach a tag to yourself. This is your permit for the night and it is free.

    Spots are laid out along the edge of the lake on either side and are not numbered or marked. This is a first come, first served area. The spot we found was to the left side of the lake right off of the trail and had enough room for a couple tents. Coincidentally, this is the same spot where many of our friends have camped as well. I would say this is one of the better areas. There was a pre made rock fire ring that sat against a rock to reflect heat back (we went during Colorado's 2018 summer long fire ban), so we could not take advantage of this and had no fire this weekend.

    The lake itself is very large and offers some amazing high alpine fishing. We caught many trout while fly fishing throughout the day and night.Dry flies worked very well at dusk. Because of the lake and the creek, the mosquitoes in this area are bad. BRING BUG SPRAY!

    Remember, this area is only accessible by backpacking in and there are no camping amenities. Lake Constantine sits in US Forest Service land so you must obey all forest service rules and closures when in place. Overall, amazing spot. Great for a night getaway or for someones first backpacking trip.

  • K
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Twin Lake Dispersed Area - Grand Valley Rd

    Beautiful and Quiet

    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. There were some cattle that walked through as I was setting up but otherwise very chill. All sites had areas for parking and fire rings. Driving off the forest road and onto the small road getting up to the campsite, 4WD isn’t required but highly recommended, it is a very rough road. High clearance is necessary. The sites seemed kinda close to each other however there are trees and stumps that define each site. Amazing views, light rain, and still my favorite forest.

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

Where can I find dispersed camping areas on Basalt Mountain?

Dispersed camping on Basalt Mountain is accessible via forest service roads in the area. Basalt Mountain Dispersed offers drive-in and walk-in access with several primitive sites. For nearby alternatives, Forest Road 130 provides stunning dispersed camping opportunities with various sites accessible along the road. High clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing most sites, though some areas can be reached with standard vehicles. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles as these areas don't have formal amenities. Most sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and it's wise to have a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) from the local ranger station to help navigate the network of forest roads.

Is Basalt Mountain dispersed camping on BLM land and what regulations apply?

While Basalt Mountain includes some dispersed camping, much of the surrounding area features BLM-managed lands. Hubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM is an example of BLM-managed dispersed camping in the region. Standard BLM regulations apply: camp at least 200 feet from water sources, stay at established sites when possible, and follow Leave No Trace principles. Camping is typically limited to 14 days within a 30-day period. Campfires may be restricted seasonally, so check current fire restrictions before your trip. Pack out all trash and use portable toilets or dig catholes at least 6 inches deep and 200 feet from water. Upper Colorado River BLM Dispersed provides additional BLM camping options in the broader area.

Are there any free camping options near Basalt, CO?

Yes, several free dispersed camping options exist near Basalt. Four Mile Road Dispersed offers numerous free sites ranging from large areas suitable for RVs to small, private tent spots. Some sites provide mountain views while others are nestled in dense vegetation near water. No cell reception is available for miles. Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground is another free option, featuring large sites accessible with 4x4 vehicles. Most sites have bear-proof boxes, and the best locations are sites 5, 8, and 11. The road becomes increasingly rugged as you travel farther in. Both areas follow standard dispersed camping rules: no facilities, pack out all trash, and typically 14-day stay limits.

What amenities or features are available at Twin Meadows near Basalt?

Twin Meadows camping areas near Basalt are primarily primitive with minimal amenities. Twin Lake Dispersed Area - Grand Valley Rd offers waterfront sites with established fire rings but no formal facilities. The area provides scenic views and direct water access, though there's a drop-off to reach the water's edge. Similarly, Twin Lakes Dispersed features primitive camping with no developed amenities – no toilets, potable water, or designated fire pits. These areas are true dispersed camping experiences requiring self-sufficiency. You'll need to bring all necessary supplies including water, waste disposal systems, and food storage containers. Cell service is typically limited or nonexistent, so plan accordingly for emergency communications.

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