Dispersed camping in the Blue River area offers numerous options at elevations ranging from 9,000-11,000 feet, with temperatures dropping into the 30s-40s even during summer nights. Sites at Hoosier Pass Dispersed Camping sit at over 11,000 feet elevation, requiring visitors to acclimate before settling in for extended stays. The White River National Forest surrounds the Blue River area, providing both free and fee-based camping options with varying levels of accessibility.
What to do
Mountain biking on nearby trails: Peak One Campground provides quick access to mountain biking trails that connect to the area's extensive trail network. "We really enjoyed this spot! Those sites on the lake seem primo but our site still had some good space and not too close to others... even some mountain biking for our 9 year old. Did a hike at Lily Pad Lake and a quick trip into downtown Frisco," notes one visitor to Peak One.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Lowry Campground near Lake Dillon offers water recreation access within a mile of the campsite. A camper reports, "The area around Dillon Lake is really beautiful. Lowry was a great spot to stop and enjoy the lake." Another mentions, "Dillon is a beautiful town. The campground was clean with vault toilets and electric hook ups."
Hiking McCullough Gulch: Camp at McCullough Gulch Designated Dispersed Camping for direct access to the waterfall trail. "My partner and I hiked the McCullough Gulch Waterfall trail and camped at this campground. Couldn't have been a better location for the hike! No problem getting a site and the roads were fine to get to with our non-4wd rental car," states a recent visitor.
What campers like
Separation between sites: Campers consistently mention site privacy as a plus. At Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping, one visitor noted, "One of the best parts was the privacy. Our site was far enough from the neighboring spots that we couldn't see or hear other campers, making it feel peaceful and secluded."
Direct lake access: Many sites around Dillon Reservoir provide water access. A visitor to Pine Cove Campground shared, "This camp is along the Dillon Reservoir & close to town. The camp sites are right along the water and the views are exceptional, even though you're close to all the amenities of Frisco."
Established facilities at developed sites: At Prospector Campground, a camper appreciated the amenities: "Got here late and left early but this was a solid FCFS spot for tenting. Stakes went in easy, vegetation was like a cushion. Very pleasant weather - didn't need to sleep with the rainfly, and got some great views of the stars."
Wildlife sightings: Campers report moose encounters at several sites. One camper at Boreas Pass shared, "Wildlife was another highlight—there were clear signs of moose activity nearby, and fellow campers just up the road mentioned seeing a moose wander around their site."
What you should know
Altitude challenges: Campgrounds in the Blue River area sit at high elevations. A Hoosier Pass camper noted, "Its also very high altitude like over 11k feet so if you haven't adjusted to elevation I would not recommend this as a first stop."
Variable road conditions: Many dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. At McCullough Gulch, a camper reported, "Road was rocky but not that rough, easy to handle in a Crosstrek so 4x4 and high clearance vehicles should be fine. Very narrow with branches on both sides so beware of that if you have a wide vehicle."
Weekend crowding: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. At Boreas Pass, one reviewer observed, "We arrived late afternoon on a Sunday in July. All 23 spots were taken. We're in a van, and while some spots would have been great, not all would work for our van."
Insect presence: Prepare for mosquitoes during summer months. A visitor to Boreas Pass reported, "The only downside is that there were a million mosquitoes, but thats probably the case everywhere right now."
Tips for camping with families
Select sites with activity options: Families appreciate campgrounds with recreation amenities. At Prospector Campground, a camper noted, "Great views of lake dillon and each spot is tucked into trees so you don't see neighbors even if you can hear them. Short Hiking trail connected to the campground plus so many trail options close by."
Consider weather preparation: Temperature swings can be extreme. A visitor to Boreas Pass mentioned, "Being at a higher elevation, one person in our group did experience some mild altitude discomfort, even though we're from the Denver area—something to keep in mind if you're sensitive to elevation changes."
Look for sites with bathroom facilities: While many dispersed sites lack facilities, established campgrounds provide toilets. At Lowry Campground, a visitor mentioned, "The bathrooms also amazing! The cleanest, nicest pit toilet I've ever used."
Tips from RVers
Limited turn-around space: Many forest roads lack adequate turn-around space for larger rigs. A camper at McCullough Gulch noted, "If you are in a tent, these may provide some great options. We went by the first 6 sites. Even with our lifted AWD van, there were sites we didn't want to drive up to."
Check available hookups: Most dispersed sites offer no hookups, while some developed campgrounds have electric. At Tiger Run RV Resort, a reviewer explained, "This is not camping. This is renting a driveway with access to power, water, sewer, internet, and cable. It is EXPENSIVE. It's also the only place near Breckenridge that offers all of these amenities."
Consider pull-through availability: Some sites accommodate easier access. At Prospector Campground, a camper mentioned, "This was our first time staying in site 105 for a single night in between stays at other campgrounds. It is a pull-through site that comfortably fit our 29' Class C, Tow Dolly, and Towed Vehicle with room to spare."
