Best Dispersed Camping near Beulah, CO
Several dispersed camping options exist in the areas surrounding Beulah, Colorado, primarily on BLM land and within state wildlife areas. Lake Deweese State Wildlife Area provides primitive camping with vault toilets at the northeast end of the reservoir. Penrose BLM sites and Penrose Common Recreation Site feature free camping areas accessible via dirt roads, while other options include Phantom Canyon, Ophir Creek Road, and South Colony Basin for more remote experiences. Most sites require no reservations and follow standard public land camping protocols.
Many access roads to these dispersed sites require cautious driving and some demand high-clearance vehicles. South Colony Basin specifically requires 4WD for the extremely rough, rocky roads. Penrose sites have roads that become progressively rougher the further in you travel. Camping at Lake Deweese requires a Colorado State Wildlife Areas permit (approximately $40 annually) or a valid fishing/hunting license. Most BLM areas maintain the standard 14-day stay limit. No water, electric hookups, or services are available at any of these sites, and fire restrictions frequently apply during dry seasons.
The region's dispersed camping provides varying degrees of solitude and natural settings. "It's very Rocky but if you take it slow, shouldn't have any issues," noted one visitor about Penrose Common Rec Site. Lake Deweese offers mountain views and fishing opportunities, though recent reviews mention toxic algae warnings preventing swimming. Several campers reported excellent stargazing during new moon phases, with one mentioning "you can see the Milky Way." Wildlife viewing, fishing, and hiking trails are accessible from many sites. Visitors should be prepared for occasional heavy OHV and ATV traffic on weekends, particularly in the Penrose area, where one camper described it as "very loud during the day."
