Best Dispersed Camping near Berthoud, CO

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Berthoud, CO (89)

    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    1. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    49 Reviews
    96 Photos
    1317 Saves
    Nederland, Colorado

    Five miles north of Nederland, National Forest System Road (NFSR) 226, commonly known as Gordon Gulch, turns east off of Colorado Highway 72. NFSR 226 intersects other forest roads: NFSR 314, 228, 233 and their off-shoots. There are 15 numbered, designated campsites scattered along the road system within 1.5 miles east of Highway 72. Camping is permitted in designated sites only. Take care when driving in this area. Snow and mud can persist through most of the year. The free Boulder Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map displays National Forest System (NFS) routes open to motorized travel and is available online and at the Boulder Ranger District offfice.

    Streams; treat water for drinking.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    3. Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    21 Reviews
    54 Photos
    951 Saves
    Allenspark, Colorado

    With a few exceptions, dispersed camping is allowed on National Forest System lands. Restrictions protect resources, minimize road damage, and reduce conflicts between landowners and visitors. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in one location. After 14 days, the campsite must be moved a minimum of three miles. Camping can then continue for another 14 days. Camping is restricted to 28 days in any 60-day period. Some areas may require the use of designated campsites, and some areas, such as Indian Peaks Wilderness, require camping permits. More than 40% of lands within Boulder Ranger District's boundaries are private property. It is your responsibility to know if you are on private or public land.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Hell Canyon Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hell Canyon Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hell Canyon Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hell Canyon Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hell Canyon Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hell Canyon Dispersed

    4. Hell Canyon Dispersed

    17 Reviews
    54 Photos
    363 Saves
    Pinewood Springs, Colorado

    Free camping (dispersed) is allowed on most national forest lands except in highly developed areas - such as trailheads, campgrounds and picnic sites - and in some of our most visited places. Be sure to check for regulations in advance and look for signs in the area to indicate if camping is allowed.

    Some areas allow camping in designated sites only.

    Know Before You Go

    Check the weather and road closures before heading up. Follow Leave No Trace principles. There are no facilities or trash receptacles. Pack out what you pack in. Make sure camping is allowed. Many lands within the national forest boundary are private or otherwise owned. Check that you’re on National Forest lands: maps. Don't stay too long. Camping is limited to 14 days within any continuous 30-day period at any location within the same 20-mile radius. See Order Plan on building a campfire? Campfire restrictions can occur any time of year. Check for fire restrictions and if you build a campfire, know how to extinguish it.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    5. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    37 Photos
    1141 Saves
    Nederland, Colorado

    NOTE: Campers who build any fires face fines up to $5,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment for open fire violations.

    Leave No Trace must be observed, as in any outdoor space.

    In any season this area is prone to very strong dry winds that can pick up a hot coal from a campfire that has lain dormant for as much as three days and ignite dry vegetation, causing horrific devastation. People from outside Colorado may not understand how tinder dry this area can be. 197 homes in this area have been destroyed by wildfires. All of these fires were started by humans.

    Local residents overlook this area and if they see visible flame or smoke they will call the Boulder County sheriff. Any campers who require a campfire are recommended to disperse camp near Sugarloaf Mountain where fires are permitted.

    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia Campground

    6. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    69 Photos
    1222 Saves
    Nederland, Colorado

    West Magnolia Trailhead provides access to eight miles of singletrack trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding west of the Peak-to-Peak Highway south of Nederland. An additional eight miles of Forest Roads are open seasonally (check the Road Status Table before your visit) to motorized and non-motorized activities. Along these roadways are designated campsites. Camping is allowed within 50 feet of the campsite markers. There are no facilities of any kind. The free Boulder Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map  displays National Forest System (NFS) routes open to motorized travel and is available online and at the Boulder Ranger District offfice. Recreational shooting closures exist in this area. Click here for more information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot

    7. Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot

    6 Reviews
    12 Photos
    651 Saves
    Pinewood Springs, Colorado

    Free camping (dispersed) is allowed on most national forest lands except in highly developed areas - such as trailheads, campgrounds and picnic sites - and in some of our most visited places. Be sure to check for regulations in advance and look for signs in the area to indicate if camping is allowed.

    Some areas allow camping in designated sites only.

    Know Before You Go

    Check the weather and road closures before heading up. Follow Leave No Trace principles. There are no facilities or trash receptacles. Pack out what you pack in. Make sure camping is allowed. Many lands within the national forest boundary are private or otherwise owned. Check that you’re on National Forest lands: maps. Don't stay too long. Camping is limited to 14 days.within any continuous 30-day period. at any location within the same 20-mile radius. see Order Plan on building a campfire? Campfire restrictions can occur any time of year. Check for fire restrictions and if you build a campfire, know how to extinguish it.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping

    8. Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    14 Photos
    501 Saves
    Jamestown, Colorado

    Dispersed camping is prohibited within ¼ mile of either side of South St. Vrain Creek beginning at the Ceran St. Vrain trailhead and ending ¼ mile from the intersection of South St. Vrain Creek and National Forest System Road 252.1. MAP: https://trails.colorado.gov/trailheads/ceran-2341

    The easy Ceran Saint Vrain Trail follows the South Saint Vrain Creek downstream for 1.9 miles. The trail ends at National Forest System Road 252, a rough four-wheel drive road. This road climbs 0.5 miles northwest to a four-way intersection from which it is a steep half-mile to the left up to Miller Rock. Miller Rock is a scenic high-point that offers 360-degree views.

    Motorized vehicles prohibited. Dispersed camping is allowed at sites that are least 200 feet away from the trailhead, trail and creek. Campfires are permissible unless seasonal restrictions are in effect (contact district office). Fishing and hunting are allowed in accordance with regulations established by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol

    $1 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Lake Area Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Lake Area Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Lake Area Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Lake Area Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Lake Area Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Lake Area Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed

    10. Forest Road 332 Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    38 Photos
    651 Saves
    Nederland, Colorado

    Free camping (dispersed) is allowed on most national forest lands except in highly developed areas - such as trailheads, campgrounds and picnic sites - and in some of our most visited places. Be sure to check for regulations in advance and look for signs in the area to indicate if camping is allowed.

    Some areas allow camping in designated sites only.

    Know Before You Go

    Check the weather and road closures before heading up. Follow Leave No Trace principles. There are no facilities or trash receptacles. Pack out what you pack in. Make sure camping is allowed. Many lands within the national forest boundary are private or otherwise owned. Check that you’re on National Forest lands: maps. Don't stay too long. Camping is limited to 14 days within any continuous 30-day period at any location within the same 20-mile radius. See Order Plan on building a campfire? Campfire restrictions can occur any time of year. Check for fire restrictions and if you build a campfire, know how to extinguish it.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
Showing results 1-10 of 89 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Berthoud

405 Reviews of 89 Berthoud Campgrounds


  • N
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Chandler Dispersed
    Oct. 20, 2024

    Camp Chandler Dispersed

    Beautiful Place.

    Bumpy ride up, but we were able to do it in our car SLOWLY. Absolutely beautiful place. Lots of campsite options. I was under the impression fires were allowed, as there were fire pits, but signs everywhere stating no campfires. Columbine Lake is a pretty hefty hike from the trailhead, but so worth the view. Had the entire place to ourselves pretty much all Friday. Beautiful beautiful beautiful

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    Trash+long term campers

    The place fills up on the weekend. I drove through most of the trail system and did not find a spot. Came back during the week and took a closer spot so as not to risk it. Trash is everywhere. Multiple poop spots are within 100ft of the fire pit with copious amounts of used tp lying around. Trees are slashed, cut, and the forest is not doing well. There are multiple long term campsites here so watch out for squatters. I stayed near the start and then a bit deeper, which prompted me to take photos. I forget the site numbers but honestly it’s not looking good in most places. At the very back are what look like a few nicer spots because they are hard to get to with a non off-road vehicle. It breaks my heart how this campground exists.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia Campground
    Oct. 16, 2024

    West Magnolia Campground

    ‘Long term’ campsites&trash

    Couldn’t find any spots over the weekend. Drove through the whole campground. There is an absurd amount of trash everywhere, especially at closer campsites. There are multiple ‘long term’ campsites by the looks of the trash, gear, and supplies left out. The forest is not in good shape either.

    Came back mid week and stayed at site #4 because it was close and I did not want to roll the dice on not securing a spot again.

    Keeping it brief: -I thought someone had been through my campsite when I was sleeping due to things moved -I might have met the squatter at the site. Couldn’t be sure, but determined there were red flags after talking to the guy and did not want to stick around to find out -so much trash it breaks my heart

    The county needs to do something about this campsite and the similar one North of Ned.

  • Lori L.
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia Campground
    Oct. 13, 2024

    West Magnolia Campground

    Fall camping

    Great location with single tracks for hiking and mountain biking. Camping spots are well-marked. WiFi was decent. The sad part was the trash left behind from former encampments in some of the camping spots.

  • Andria R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 12, 2024

    Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    4x4 and tents only

    Beautiful, but really need a compact 4x4 to get into and out of parking lot and there are tent sites only. We almost didn’t make it out with our 24 ft van (checked it out but didn’t stay overnight). Very crowded on a Saturday at 4:30pm.

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Pass
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Stillwater Pass

    Easy Spot, Trash Left Behind

    This spot was really easy to get to and had at least one bar of service for Verizon and T Mobile. The spot was nice and secluded, but there was some trash left behind from previous campers:(

  • Savannah B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    Perfect for a quick overnight trip

    My husband bought a new tent so we just wanted to find something kinda close to Denver but still beautiful for just a quick overnight trip. Our goal was Chinns lake but stupid Apple Maps took us here instead. It was still beautiful and there were a handful of spots still open for us. I wouldn’t recommend for a big group unless you get there early and claim the whole top but we really enjoyed it! The lake was low but still beautiful.

  • Lark H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pingree Road Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 2, 2024

    Pingree Road Dispersed Camping

    Far enough, close enough

    -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, and other infrastructure -I’d recommend at least AWD but 2wd should absolutely be able to go on the main road and access most sites (2-4) wil require awd/4wd

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Pass
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Stillwater Pass

    Stillwater drive

    Plenty of spots available. But land and trees are decimated from fire in 2020. But hey it’s a free spot to sleep

  • Drew M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Black Hawk
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Dispersed Camping Black Hawk

    Great Spot

    Wish I had more time to spend at this spot! The views are amazing! The road up was designed for more of an off-road rig. Fire ban was in effect. Just like the rest.. you will here atvs all night ripping trails in the distance. And the trains !! Still a great area!!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Sep. 29, 2024

    Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    Great Spot, Bright Construction Lights

    Overall a very fun spot if you have a vehicle with some ground clearance to get to the nice sites by the reservoir. My Peak Edition Atlas handled it well. Only complaint is the damn project at Gross reservoir is a 24 hour site and the lights are ridiculously bright.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Pole Hill Rd Dispersed
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Pole Hill Rd Dispersed

    Camping 10/10. Off-road Trail Extreme

    I went up Pole Hill road in a 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD off-road and it took everything in me to not scrape or bottom out. Lifted 4x4 is highly recommended.

    Once you get past the off-road portion, the camping is amazing.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia Campground
    Sep. 28, 2024

    West Magnolia Campground

    Good potential, poor experience

    I have lived in the Boulder/Nederland area for over 30 years and have always enjoyed this part of the state. The West Magnolia area has great potential for dispersed camping. My wife and I tried to camp here this past week after not having camped at this location for many years. As others noted, it could make for a convenient base camp for tons of activities in the area. 

    Unfortunately, we were unable to find any usable campsite. All sites were occupied, even during the middle of the week. Many of those sites were occupied by long term campers as made clear by the multiple tents and bags of trash piled up. A couple primo sites had been abandoned by long term campers who left their trash, broken tents and chairs, food containers and other refuse in the campsites. It was really creepy coming upon these sites. Sadly, West Magnolia has become an extreme heavy use/abuse area. As someone who has spent years in the outdoors for days and weeks at a time, I would even question the health and safety of staying in some of these heavily used sites due to obvious lack of care and stewardship (think human waste close to camp). If you decide to camp here, and can find a suitable site, please be mindful of keeping yourself and gear away from potential health hazards.

    West Magnolia is still a nice place to hike and bike, but I cannot recommend it for overnight camping.

  • Hanna K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 27, 2024

    Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping

    Quiet with a lot of options

    We parked in the parking lot and walked into the valley. After a while we found quite a lot of options with fireplaces already there. So you should mostly find something.

    It is quiet, but also a popular spot for hikers so early in the morning, some people arrived. But you can camp far enough in the valley and away from the trail. Water is available if you have a purifier or filter system.

  • Justin R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia Campground
    Sep. 23, 2024

    West Magnolia Campground

    Campsite 21

    Great campsite, enough room for 2 maybe 3 vehicles at campsite 21. Road is not too rough, would recommend 4wd if raining or snowing. There are some deep holes when coming in if raining. We did air down due to the rain and snow while we were there.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    Road Closed Mid-September

    There is no discernible reason that the road is closed 2 miles before where this app says the site is. Internet search says it should be open til middle of November unless there is some weather or other issue. Lovely weather, locked gate.

  • Andrew S.
    Camper-submitted photo from East Portal Distributed Camping Area
    Sep. 18, 2024

    East Portal Distributed Camping Area

    Great views buttttt

    Great views and easy enough to get to with any vehicle. Near some foot trails and some offroading, but there were signs of homeless people that had been there all summer. Trash scattered in areas and some semi permanent camp setups that were kinda trashed. Trains pass at all hours of the day, so be ready for that. Beautiful area, though, and would go back even with the trash. No fires allowed, but definitely signs of fireworks..

  • Matthew L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Granby
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Lake Granby

    Awesome Primitive Beach Campsite

    There are tons of options along the shore of the lake in this area. We kayaked into our campsite from Sunset Point campground on Labor day weekend and didn't have any issues finding a spot. There was lots of boat activity during the day but it slowed down in the evening.

  • Jason C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed
    Sep. 10, 2024

    Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    Quiet

    It can get a little windy, don't expect to do anything with the lake other than look at it. Locals are protective of it. Drove my Class C with no problem. A truck and trailer will also get down here with ease. I don't believe a Class A would be able to find anything. But the view is beautiful. There are a few spots coming in. Keep driving until you hit the lake and there is a large open area with several spots to park.

  • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed
    Sep. 8, 2024

    Forest Road 332 Dispersed

    Quiet with lovely views

    Found a nice big spot with sun and shade and a great overlook. Was a touch concerned that it would get ATV trafficy over the weekend as it was at a junction where 3 roads jet off. However upon inspection on mountain bike, they all dead end and aren't very long, so fun for a little bike ride but not much of an ATV or dirt bike adventure.

    Being towards the end we saw very few people and it was quite and serene. We did it in our sprinter camper van with 2WD and pickup.

    Only issue we had was due to the nature of disbursed camping not the site or area. A car with 3 men showed up Saturday evening. In the morning one of their dogs wandered over to our site (my husband had run into town so I was alone). Owner meandered over and retrieved her, without a word. Later the 3 of them started walking up one of the roads, them one walked across and just with the dog on the rock outcropping technically on our site. He eventually went back to their site. A while later one of the walkers returned and decided to use his metal detector on the road 30 from our site and right behind where I was sitting. There was oddles of space to explore so it was creepy that's he chose to be that close to me. As I got up to walk back to my van, the second dog came running at me barking. The guy eventually called it back and it left me alone, but again not a word.

    I LOVE dogs, but I'm not a fan of their humans who don't keep them within their boundaries and let them charge after "the neighbors"

    Except for the creepers, it was a wonderful place

  • Wil L.
    Camper-submitted photo from York Gulch Road
    Sep. 8, 2024

    York Gulch Road

    Great place dark skies lots of space

    Sites weren’t marked like other places I’ve been but I expected it being dispersed. Had a wonderful time the sky was pretty it was secluded and lots of space for dogs to run!

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    2 nights of the best stay

    Woke up on the first morning pretty much alone on a Tuesday after Labor Day, fishing happens but the lake remains nice and quiet. Night two had snow and woke up to some white caps. Will be back for sure!



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Berthoud, CO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Berthoud, CO is Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area with a 3.6-star rating from 49 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Berthoud, CO?

    TheDyrt.com has all 89 dispersed camping locations near Berthoud, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.