Best Dispersed Camping near Basalt, CO

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Basalt, Colorado

311 Reviews of 94 Basalt Campgrounds

• 

  Steph A.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 11, 2018

  Winfield Camping Area

  Tough to get to, but perfect for hiking Huron Peak

  There is free dispersed camping all along County Road 390, near Winfield. You will need a 4x4 or AWD to get further along the road. There’s a stream that runs along 390, adding great background noise. Our site was big enough for multiple cars, with great access to the Huron Peak trailhead.

• 

  Corey M.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 20, 2021

  Hubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM

  Muddy but free

  This campground was really the epítome of BLM land. It was just a big dirt patch. It got suuuuuuper muddy overnight which was unpleasant to get off our shoes in the morning. And it was quite small really only space for a few cars. But for free camping area near rifle mountain park it’ll certainly do for a weekend climbing trip. Tent camping wouldn’t be very fun here. Kinda creepy and muddy. We slept in my car

• 

  Anthony P.

  Legend

  

  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.

• B

  Butch K.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 23, 2021

  Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 1 West

  Many options

  There are several campgrounds in the area, some free and some with a fee. For free at the top of the hill high above the twin lakes and even above the Mt. Elbert Forebay is national forest dispersed camping. It's very popular on the weekends with many tent campers who sometime party well into the night. The views are epic. On the south-east end of the Twin Lakes is the Reservoir camping area, dispersed camping on bureau of reclamation land. The roads get rough as you reach the more desirable sites. Paid camping is available at Dexter Point, a parking lot with pit toilets and dumpsters within walking distance to the shore. Lake View campground is large with 6 or more loops, toilets, maintained roads, some big rig friendly sites, awesome views, but packed in pretty tight, but so is the dispersed camping. White star campground is a fee area right on the lake front for boaters, etc. In August it's a busy area, off season may be closed. Highway 82 goes to independence pass, a detour route if I-70 is closed due to landslides. 7/21.

• 

  Justin G.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 14, 2016

  Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

  Lincoln Creek Trail

  My girlfriend and I drove in late to the dispersed camping on Lincoln Creek Road off of 82 (Independence Pass) towards Aspen. We set up at campsite 18 and highly recommend that site or traveling up past Grizzly Resevoir for primitive camping. The site goes about 100 yards back and has area for multiple vehicles or tents and is completely wooded. There's a path that walks back to the creek and if you follow it in either direction you have incredible views of waterfalls, Aspens, and Truro Peak.

• E

  Elizabeth R.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 29, 2020

  Throughline/Coal Creek TH (Dispersed)-Paonia RD

  Great spots along the river

  This BLM land is well trafficked, the sizes are big and there are 5-6 in the first few miles of the road. They sit right along the river slow flowing. There is ZERO cell service or gas for 15+ miles. So pack accordingly. Great to unplug and explore.

• 

  Elsa Y.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 6, 2020

  Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

  so amazing!!

  Lincoln Creek is an absolutely incredible dispersed camping spot! there are 22 total spots up until the reservoir (about an hour to an hour and a half in) and after that, everything is a campsite! Very bumpy and rock filled road, but with any 4wd you should be fine! Beautiful views and lots of places to hike and play in the river! (It does get buggy when you are close to the water...)

• 

  Heather E.

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 1, 2021

  Tigiwon Road

  Great spot

  Nice dispersed camping spot. There are a few along the road, we went just passed the Tigawon community house and found a great spot with a view, and fire pit!

• C

  Crystal C.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 8, 2023

  Homestake Reservoir Rd Milemarker 3 - Dispersed

  Homestake reservoir

  Beautiful drive all the way up to the reservoir multiple dispersed, camping spots along the road fresh water source coming from the reservoir hundreds of feet away from camping sites. Beautiful scenery. Plenty of critters to see. Pretty cool place to explore.

• 

  Eat · See · RV L.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 27, 2020

  Dispersed Camping CR 48

  Beautiful free camping near Turquoise Lake

  There are three camping pull offs on the left of CR 48. The first of which is where camped. We later walked down the road toward Turqouise Lake and realized there were more spots, the furthest having the best mountain views. The roads to the dispersed camping spots was a bit bumpy but we saw rigs of all types and sizes here so it's definitely do able. About a 2.5 mile round trip walk/hike to turqouise lake from the farthest campground (the 1st pull off). This place was pretty busy but people kept their distance. We were there in late August and temps got cold at night. But it's a beautiful and quiet spot in the woods.

• 

  samuel C.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 16, 2024

  Forest Road 130

  Awesome

  Good dispersed camping, quiet the night I stayed and free of bugs! I find this to be much more satisfying than nearby dispersed sights, and location to Elbert and massive and surrounding slopes are perfect.

• 

  Isabelle K.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 23, 2017

  Blue Lake Camp

  Dispersed Camping at Blue Lake

  A few miles past Wolcott is the Castle Peak Wilderness Study Area which holds quite a few little known idyllic camping spots. Blue Lake is by far one of the most serene glacial lakes in the area and offers multiple primitive camp sites designated by fire rings. The lake is accessible by hiking trails and by 4x4 roads, if driving I would highly recommend a high clearance vehicle as many of the ruts on the road are very deep. I have camped here many times, in the summer you are likely to be sharing the lake with another group or two but it is never crowded. I have spent a few weekends here throughout the fall and had the place all to myself. The water is crystal clear and lovely for a dip (if you can handle the cold!). A few kind souls have even left their row boats in the woods next to the lake, to my knowledge they still leave these here for others to enjoy, just please remember to put the boats and paddles back where you find them! There are also quite a few nice hiking trails around the area which are well marked with signs.

• 

  Kayla W.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 6, 2023

  Yeoman Park

  Pure magic!

  My husband and I stayed 1 night at Yeoman and it was nothing short of wonder, joy and fun! 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. The restrooms were abundant and always well stocked with toilet paper. The campsites come stocked with twigs and logs. Brush creek is clear and cool and provided us with the most perfect cold plunge for a warm summer day! We have been to many dispersed camp sites but this one takes the prize!

• 

  Steve & Ashley G.

  Legend

  

  May. 29, 2019

  Twin Lakes View Dispersed

  No View Twin Lakes

  We stayed here last August on the way to the Aspen area. We had hoped to find dispersed camping near the entrance. However, these spaces were all taken up by long stay buses and vans. We opted for the Lakeview campsite instead. It‘a large campsite with multiple sections and loops located below the access road. The lakes are actually two large dam reservoirs. Our site was somewhat below par compared to other Colorado campsites. We had rainy weather and the lake was not visible during our stay. The camp host was a fellow Texan and assisted with the self checkin process. Most of the campers were either visiting Leadville or traveling over the Union Pass which is incredible and a somewhat scary drive even in the summer. This would not make my list of recommendations based on the overall condition and layout of the campsite and lack of activities.

• 

  Jeana P.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 9, 2018

  Twin Lake Dispersed Area - Grand Valley Rd

  Can't beat the view!

  You can camp at a designated campground right on the lake, or you drive up 24 and find a lot of dispersed camping available - all the way up to the little lakes (great for fishing too). The dispersed camping is above the lakes which offers incredible views but is first come, first serve. Definitely bring your paddle boards, kayaks, etc.

  This is one of my favorite places in Colorado - but beware of the altitude! Drink lots of water, you will forget how high you are and a little altitude sickness might creep up on you, even if you've been here before without issues. It's also very close to Mt. Elbert and you should take Independence Pass to Aspen for a gorgeous drive and lots of wildlife!

• 

  Emma B.

  Traveler

  

  May. 16, 2021

  Four Mile Road Dispersed

  Great primitive camping (May 2021)

  Spent three nights here (5/13 - 5/16). To start, we camped with a teardrop trailer, but once you pass the White River National Forest sign and parking lot for the babbish trail head, it’s not easy to turn around unless you find a campsite. Once you pass this you’ll see the first two campsites after about 4 bends in the road, both are walking distance to the trailhead. The first is a larger open space right off the road and the second is a much more private spot. The road to access this is just beyond the first campsite, which is where we stayed (see photos). We loved this spot!

  If you continue up the road you’ll eventually reach a fork, if you hang right and continue up there are 4 more dispersed sites. These would not work for trailers but are great tent spots. We had a very hard time trying to turn around.

  There are no services (no bins, no toilets, no cell service) and these sites are super clean so let’s keep it that way. The aspens hadn’t bloomed quite yet but in a few weeks it’ll be pretty spectacular.

  Additionally the main trailhead with access to beaver creek trail is not open until June 14th so most other dispersed sites won’t be accessible until then.

• D

  Don M.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 22, 2024

  Twin Lakes View Dispersed

  Little busy

  So we stayed directly above the Mt Elbert trail head. Plenty of space for our large tent. We loved walking to the reservoir less that 10 minutes from us or the quick drive to twin lakes.

  We caught several small trout in twin lakes and they have vaulted toilets, went into the small town and had some of the best pizza around and stopped in the little convenience store and the employees were great.

  It was a little busy and some louder groups but overall super respectful.

  It was our first dispersed camping experience we will definitely go back to this area but head up the path a bit for a more secluded spot

• 

  Fain H.

  Ranger

  

  Apr. 19, 2019

  Four Mile Road Dispersed

  White River National Forest

  My first winter camping trip in Colorado. Just south of Glenwood Springs and west of Carbondale is Sunlight Mountain Resort, an awesome little mountain with great tree skiing and untracked powder that can be found days after a storm. It sits in the western side of the White River National Forest in the Sopris Ranger District. From Glenwood or Carbondale follow directions to the resort and just about a mile before you get there you'll take a right to stay on Four Mile Rd or county road 117. Travel about 2 miles after turning and you'll come to a parking area on your left, in the winter its mainly used by cross country skiers and snowmobiles. From here we took off on foot in our winter boots down 2 miles of groomed snow covered road until you reach an intersection with a bunch of signs giving you several different options in directions and places to go. We strapped on our snow shoes and headed west up Fourmile Park- North through 16 to 24 inches of snow for an additional mile and settled at the 2nd camping spot we came to on our left. The low that night was 19 but I stayed warm most of the time until around 4 or 5 and finally had to get up and move around. The best part about the trip was we got to ski before and when we got back the bar was still open. I loved living in Glenwood Springs and choose this area for its proximity to so many awesome places, can't wait to get back.

• D

  Drew B.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 16, 2020

  Twin Lakes View Dispersed

  Great Views, Lots of Camping options

  I travelled to Twin Lakes the weekend after Memorial Day weekend to explore more of Colorado. The drive from Denver was beautiful and the Twin Lakes topped it all. Sitting at the base of several 14'ers this campground featured dispersed camping with options for walk-in, drive-in, and drive-in 4x4 camping. We found ourselves on the North side of the upper side of the neighboring lake since we arrived late Friday afternoon. We found 4-5 sites without anyone around, a quiet spot nestled in the trees for shade. 

  Bears were reported to be active in the area but we didn't see any. Some camp sites, as we walked around, were littered with people's waste and trash. Sad to see but not everyone follows the leave no trace attitude.

• 

  Julie K.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 7, 2024

  Taylor Reservoir Dispersed

  Beautiful Flowers

  Dispersed camping just off Cottonwood Pass Road. We could hear the road until sundown but it was never a problem. Fire ring was left by other people.

• 

  Jeni N.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 1, 2021

  Four Mile Road Dispersed

  Great view and quiet

  The road up to the campsites is pretty well maintained but you do gain a good amount of elevation. The scenery is beautiful with lot of wild flowers and tall, towering trees. It rained before we got there and there was some moisture on the tent the morning after. Make sure to follow the road to Four Mile Park and continue up the road for another 20 minutes or so. You will see a pull off to the right with a sign for the White River National Forest. Continue on to find some more campsites

• 

  Amelia W.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 15, 2023

  Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

  Dispersed as you get further out

  Lots of good level spots for dispersed camping further away from the reservoir. Please use common sense and don’t just pull on to ground cover—pick spots that more clearly have been used/designated/won’t damage small plants under your tires.

• 

  Brielle E.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 8, 2022

  Twin Lakes View Dispersed

  Water tower with a view

  Tons of dispersed camping, though many sites are on top of each other. If you have a capable vehicle and can make your way back toward the water tower, there is a large private camp area with beautiful views. Very windy! Definitely a rough road.

• M

  Makenzie V.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 20, 2024

  Washington Gulch Dispersed 2

  Disappointed in people

  Very disappointed to see the amount of site saving here. Came up on Thursday for the weekend and ended up getting skunked on spots because half of them were saved with miscellaneous coolers, lone chairs, etc.

  Dispersed camping is first come first served! Spot saving is not okay.

• 

  GoWhereYouAreDraw N.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 1, 2021

  Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD

  Peaceful location

  Stocked reservoir with rainbow and brook trout. Smaller fish but fun fishing. 

  The dispersed camping is located on the east side of the reservoir. Vault toilets located here and no water(except the reservoir). All camping is first-come, first-serve. Bring bug spray as the mosquitoes are pretty bad here.

• 

  Nick E.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 7, 2024

  Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed

  Good free option right outside of Vail

  Plenty of dispersed camping up Red Sandstone Road. Go 2.5 miles up a smooth dirt road once you leave the paved road to reach the start of camping (head right at a junction after those 2.5 miles). The road gets much more rough here, so take it slow, definitely some clearance needed (I was clear in my Subaru Forester). I found a great spot for 2 nights just before the Piney Lake Road junction. Seemed like there were plenty more options on the way up to that junction and leading up to the Lost Lake Trailhead. Managed to camp here on a Friday and Saturday summer night without any issue. Super quiet and beautiful spot. Hard to find any better option for free in this area.

• 

  Rhonda C.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 28, 2021

  Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed

  Absolutely beautiful

  Road was REALLY rough. One portion looked like someone had just run around digging random holes in the road; however, once you got past the road, it was everything you'd want in a primitive site. Beautiful aspens, pines and a babbling stream made it one of our top picks for dispersed camping.