Searching for the best camping near Black Hawk, CO? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Black Hawk and user-submitted reviews.
"So 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."
"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."
"Oe of my family's fav places, beautiful views, camping spots super far away from one another so awesome privacy, and completely free. Spots fill up quick on weekends, you can stay 14 days."
"The roads around the whole campground were a little rough but i did okay in my Ford Escape. All of the sites seems to be really spread out.
There were several people in the campground."
"It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving.
Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake. "
"Just outside of Idaho Springs, take the exit for Co Rd 275 off of I-70. It's a scenic drive up a curvy paved road for about 15 minutes."
"Tons of dispersed campsites in various places all the way up to the reservoir.
Be warned, this road is no joke."
"Wonderful free dispersed camping. The majority of the road isn’t that bad, but you’ll certainly want something high clearance and 4WD for the last stretch of road up to the reservoir."
"Resources were running low on a Friday night so it was great pull off great views close to idaho springs down town , nice hiking trails as well traffic is pretty much non existent after 9pm"
"Any unpaved areas around it are not flat."
"Was desperate to find "something" after driving 11 hours that day, and normal paid camp grounds were full. HOWEVER I was pulling a smaller trailer, and that turned out to be a real issue."
"Went on a Tuesday afternoon and there was foot traffic around our spot from people headed on hikes."
"Take the exit onto Fall River Road from the highway, a short road. You are then soon connected with forest service road of sorts York gultch."
"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!"
"There were some mixed reviews about needing a high clearance vehicle/4x4. We took our Subaru Crosstrek and the drive up was rough."
"Leading to Loch Lommond, as well as plenty of sites around the lake.
Really nice loop trail around the lake, not too difficult. Also a direct trail to James Peak which sits a little above 13,200ft."
"For those that can't find it, putting "Hidden Wilderness Rd" in the GPS should help. It's a dirt road at the top of the neighborhood road. You'll want 4wd for sure."
"The road is very rocky and bumpy and requires 4WD."
"We were right up on the lake but turns out it's private property and you cannot even go up to the water."
"You are pinned up against private property around the lake, the camp sites are in the dirt area when you get to the lake down to the left."
RangerKirby Gulch is a fantastic spot for anyone seeking a peaceful, off-the-grid camping experience near Grant, Colorado. Situated off Route 1038, this dispersed camping area offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife watching.
The campsites are well-spaced, providing plenty of privacy, and the area is generally clean, thanks to considerate campers. Since it’s a dispersed site, there are no amenities like water or toilets, so make sure to come prepared. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing some of the sites, especially after rain or snow.
What makes Kirby Gulch truly special is its tranquility. You can enjoy the sound of the wind through the trees, the crisp mountain air, and dazzling stargazing at night. It’s also a great starting point for exploring nearby trails or simply soaking in the serene environment.
If you’re comfortable with primitive camping and leave-no-trace principles, Kirby Gulch is a hidden gem worth checking out.
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
GuideWe drove our BRAND NEW 4x4 Revel and were nervous the entire trip up and back. We are a high profile vehicle, luckily we had plenty of clearance but it was very nerve wracking both up and back. It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving.
Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake. When you arrive, there are several dispersed campsites around the lake. All the spots have beautiful views and tons of space between other campers. There are firepits (even though CO is on a fire ban) that will be nice for future visits. We visited on Sept 17-19, 2020, so the evenings are cold and the days short. Additionally, the water level was very low.
The area is nice for hiking and exploring, and especially to get away from it all. No cell phone service.
As the weekend approached, there were several ATV's heading up for the day. While we were there, only 3 other groups camping on the weekend.
You will be at 11,000 feet looking at the Continental Divide! THIS is Colorado camping! Enjoy and please remember to leave no trace!
LegendStevens Gulch Road (321) is a dirt road off of I-70 west of Denver in the Arapaho & Rosevelt National Forests and the Pawnee National Grasslands. It has amazing scenery and access to gorgeous hiking trails to summit Gray’s, Torrey’s and Kelso Peaks. It is a fairly mellow SUV road with plenty of space to pass other vehicles and you will occasionally see passenger cars as well. The road leads to a large parking lot that fills up fast with car overflow parking spilling down both sides of the road. There are pit toilets and bear proof trash cans at the parking lot. The road continues past the parking lot a very short ways to some dispersed campsites by a river that have stone campfire rings. Definitely filter this water as there are uphill toilet paper gardens along the climb to summit.
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!
GuideThis is beautiful camping close to keystone and likewise gets crowded in the summer months. If you want a spot on a weekend, get there early. There are a few pull offs along the road suitable for most cars, but if you have a high clearance 4WD you can go on a few offshoot roads and find more spacious spots. No cell phone signal or water, and frequent fire bans in the summer.
GuideWent up Rollins pass road (you can access it from the Lakota Trail neighborhood or down the road a bit on 80). The first gate was open but not the second or third to get to the top where there are def more spots and fire rings. You can only camp places where there are dots on the side of the road on the official county map. Check the Rollins pass website it’s very informative and a sacred land so leave no trace. We got one of the like 3-4 spots we saw with a fire ring that wasn’t taken yet. (No fire ban 6/14/25 I check don’t worry :).. Some back trails are very hairy, pretty busy with motor vehicles but a lot of the new electric dirt bikes which don’t make much noise, probably 10-15 ppl the entire night riding by only once. Got great weather and the main trail is pretty easy up to the second gate which is supposed to be open June 15-Sept 15 I think.
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
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Black Hawk, Colorado, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping near Black Hawk, Colorado?
The area around Black Hawk offers several dispersed camping options. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area is a popular choice with about 15 numbered sites along road 233.1, plus many unnumbered sites further down the road that offer more privacy and scenic views. For those willing to drive a bit further, Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping provides additional opportunities with designated spots marked by dots along the roadside. Both areas require varying levels of vehicle clearance, with some sites accessible to standard vehicles while others need 4WD. Arrive early on weekends during summer months as these areas fill up quickly.
Is York Gulch Road a good area for dispersed camping near Black Hawk?
York Gulch Road is indeed a viable option for dispersed camping near Black Hawk. This area offers free camping opportunities in the national forest land. The road provides access to several unofficial camping spots, but be prepared for dirt road conditions that may require vehicles with decent clearance. For similar experiences with potentially better road access, consider Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping, which offers spots set back from the trail near a stream and is noted for its accessibility. When camping at either location, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and camp only in established sites.
Are there any free dispersed camping options around Black Hawk?
Yes, the Black Hawk area offers several free dispersed camping options. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping provides free sites with stunning mountain views, though be aware it requires navigating about 7 miles of dirt road and 4 miles of challenging terrain that demands high-clearance 4x4 vehicles. Another option is Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp, which features scattered camping spots along the road rather than concentrated in one area. For all dispersed camping in this region, follow forest service rules: camp at least 100 feet from water sources, use existing fire rings, and pack out all trash. No permits are required, but 14-day stay limits typically apply.
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