Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Bellvue, CO has a lot to offer. Bellvue is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Bellvue and user-submitted reviews.
"4x4 drive is a requirement. Good Verizon signal. Narrow road, however not busy at all. Stayed here for 4 days, no issue. The Google Maps directions is slightly wrong."
"Turn just before or after Yogi Bear Campground and go up the decently maintained dirt road. (You will pass RVs at the beginning of the road as you head up)."
"-Moderate to heavy foot traffic -Busy, mostly big groups staying at sites having their own fun but plan ahead for finding a site -Friendly and respectful people -Very well maintained sites, trails, signage"
"A number of sites will dot both sides of the road on the way into Pingree (take the CSU mountain campus exit off of Poudre Canyon). Most are good, some are in burn scars."
"If you’re going to camp & especially go to dispersed camping areas, make sure to leave no trace and pack in, pack out people!!!"
"The road to lost lake requires high clearance. It is located 30 min away from Red Feather Lakes. There are a lot of dispersed camp sites."
"As long as you steer clear from the private property you'll find a site. Some roads will turn sour and require high clearance."
"The gravel road in is in very good condition. The drive is totally beautiful especially during the fall. The road is lined with aspens and large boulders and massive rock bluffs."
"Just past the campground is dispersed primitive camping 🏕️. All sites are well established. There was a 🔥 ban so no campfires. Good hiking and rock climbing"
"Free dispersed camping with easy dirt road access for any size RV.
No worries about RV size. All camp sites located on roads which loop back to main road."
"There are a few primitive sites here with fire pits, plenty of firewood for gathering, flat spots for a tent and fairly accessible with a high clearance vehicle."
"Stayed on the west side of the "campground" (not a campground at all -- just a collection of primitive/dispersed campsites with no services) at the very end of the road."
"Fire ban was in effect when we went, but lots of fire circles available otherwise. Bring bug spray, the flies are bold."
"Was super simple to access. the coordinates take you to the beginning of the rural part of Ski road."
"There is a clearly marked parking lot with maps for the trails. From there you can hike in to find a number of clearly marked spots and many that are not."
"Plenty of trees for shade. There are 5 spots off of the Main road that I would say a small RV or travel trailer could stay at. The 2023 MVUM shows this place as a go for dispersed camping."
ScoutDon’t believe the navigation apps and go through lyons, it’s private property ; furthermore if you like I did make the drive though Estes park, have 4WD high clearance and a small vehicle… maybe you’ll make it to this brutally elusive last free camping spot off the main mountain roads
RangerSo the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites. I am reviewing one of these unnumbered campsites in particular, because this one had the best view. Before you read too far, I can't guarantee you will be able to reach this campsite without a 4X4 high clearance vehicle. We got to the site with a Jeep Wrangler and Toyota Tacoma TRD so we had no problems... I can't definitely say a Subaru would make it though. In the pictures I have included a map of the Gordon Gulch trail system. Entering through the Gordon Gulch entrance and taking 226.1 to 233.1 is the hardest route - there is one very steep and washed out spot. Entering via 120J/Switzerland Trail from the Peak to Peak Hwy and then turning right onto 233.1 is the easier option. On that map I have marked the general area of the campsite with a pink dot and here are the coordinates.
DMS: 40°01'18.5"N 105°28'37.6"W
DD: 40.021814, -105.477103 - if you type this into Google Maps it will locate it
As for the actual campsite, it is a great option for spring/fall camping in Colorado. The elevation is about 8,800 ft and it is on the south side of a hill so it gets a lot of sunlight and is protected from northern winds. In terms of privacy, there are no other campsites that can be seen from this one. However, Gordon Gulch is a popular off-roading area so dirt bikes and Jeeps pass by frequently. This campsite is set up high above and away from the road though, so it is really not that bad. Another thing to point out is that this is a popular area for shooting as well, so if you absolutely hate guns it may not be the place for you. Also, as stated before, this is a dispersed campsite the only thing it has is a fire ring. Pack it in, pack it out!
ScoutMy son and I joined a friend from Longmont and headed to this trail to camp for a couple days. Very accessible road, lots of spots to choose from (we showed up on Thursday, it did get a little busier on Friday and Saturday). Our spot was set back from the trail, right next to the stream. Just an amazing view, ample room for lots of tents, nice fire rings and huge logs around them for sitting. Fire wood abounds but it was all a little wet still from the rains they've been getting. Some folks didn't seem to be aware of the "leave no trace" rule when it comes to going to the bathroom, which was a little gross. Overall, great experience, pretty trail views, caught lots of trout (none big enough to keep). A great getaway.
TravelerI went here the week before campgrounds opened in this area, around May 7th. I had a pop up trailer and got there around 5pm on a Friday. Most spots were already taken and the road was a bit washed out. We got stopped by a camper letting us know not to go further because of the road condition and we shared a spot for the night. I would recommend this spot if you have a 4 wheel drive car with high clearance. Later in the season when the water levels are lower it might be easier to navigate but we saw a car or two get towed out
GuideThere are tons of sites along the back roads. As long as you steer clear from the private property you'll find a site. Some roads will turn sour and require high clearance.
ScoutI went on Labor Day weekend, it was quite busy BUT I was still able to find a spot. Need high clearance and a good off roading car to get all the way through. Also side note, turns out the road goes all the way through! Both ends go straight to a high way which is sweet. There are many animals so make sure everything is bear proof and prepared for one to come by!
The road winds through and there are many different roads that brand off and have a bunch of sites at too
Guide29 really spread out dispersed camping spots along a very long road. Some of them are hard to find. A few really awesome hiking trails a couple different lakes to choose from for fishing kayaking. It’s along rd 151 you also have Peterson lake nearby as well. I found two group campgrounds that are pay per night (22 a night) they have toilets and water. The dispersed by Peterson lake was very rough road high clearance recommended. The 151 to long draw relatively smooth and vehicle could make it
TravelerCamped here for one night in August. Like the title suggests, this campsite is typical for a free forest service campground. Prior campers have left some trash, bullet casings and obviously neglected to dig cat holes. After a quick clean up, the site was fine for my purposes. I hammock camp and I was happy to see that many of the sites here have more than adequate trees for hanging. The roads can be a bit rough so the further back you go the necessity for a high clearance vehicle increases. There are several off road and hiking trails directly attached to the camping areas. I noticed that the forest service had erected wooden barriers at several of the campsites in an effort to control where people park. At my campsite #6 someone had obviously pulled off road vehicles into the campsite and tore the ground up pretty good. Tent camping at this particular site would be difficult due tot he lack of flat spots. Other sites seemed to be flatter. All in all this was a great place to camp for free with several nearby hikes and attractions.
LegendFCFS Limit 14 days Anywhere you look on Stillwater Pass Road 123 will find a place to pitch your tent or whatever your camping pleasure. When you leave the highway you will see several homes and some businesses then you will travel into the forest. The fire damage is severe and heart breaking. Be very aware of "Snag Hazards" from the fire damage. Limbs or even trees may come down with just a bit of a breeze. Make your camp in a clearing and if hiking watch and be aware and be safe. Tent, trailers and RV's will be able to find a location. It is dispersed so no water, power, trash. There are a few pit toilets on the mountain so you might luck out otherwise you will need to camp responsible. There is black soot on everything so that is another byproduct of a forest fire. We had a wonderful view of the lake. The further up the mountain we went there were less people but the road become more narrow and a bit rougher. You will find trails for biking, horses, and ATV abound. Winter you will find cross country skiing, etc. LNT
BTWYF
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Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bellvue, Colorado, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning views and a variety of landscapes, these areas offer a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping in Bellvue, Colorado?
Bellvue offers several dispersed camping options in the surrounding national forests. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Dispersed Camping provides numerous sites along back roads - just be sure to avoid private property and note that some roads require high clearance vehicles. Long Draw Reservoir Dispersed Camping features 29 spread-out sites along road 151, with access to hiking trails and fishing lakes including Peterson Lake nearby. For additional options, the Canyon Lakes Ranger District has multiple dispersed camping areas accessible via forest service roads branching out from Bellvue. Most sites are primitive with no facilities, so come prepared with water and waste disposal plans.
What permits or regulations are required for dispersed camping near Bellvue?
Dispersed camping near Bellvue generally follows standard national forest regulations. At Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, camping is limited to designated sites, some of which are numbered while others further down road 233.1 are unnumbered. Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite and most areas enforce a 14-day stay limit. No specific camping permits are typically required, but seasonal fire restrictions are common and strictly enforced. Always practice Leave No Trace principles, camp at least 100 feet from water sources, properly dispose of human waste in cat holes, and pack out all trash. Some areas may have specific motor vehicle use restrictions, so check current forest service notices before your trip.
What seasons are best for dispersed camping in Bellvue, Colorado?
Late spring through early fall offers the best conditions for dispersed camping around Bellvue. At Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping, sites alongside streams are particularly enjoyable during summer months when water is flowing. May through October generally provides the most accessible conditions, though early May can be challenging as noted by visitors to Pole Hill Rd Dispersed who found some roads still difficult from winter damage. Summer camping requires bringing plenty of water or a filter for spring snowmelt, while fall offers cooler temperatures and stunning foliage. Winter camping is possible in lower elevations but requires proper cold-weather gear and vehicles capable of handling snow-covered forest roads.
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