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Best Dispersed Camping near Boulder, CO

601 Reviews

Multiple dispersed camping areas are located within a 30-minute drive of Boulder, Colorado, primarily on U.S. Forest Service land in the surrounding foothills and mountains. The main options include Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area near Nederland, Dream Canyon Campsites, Beaver Park Reservoir, West Magnolia Campground, Allenspark Dispersed Camping, and several other primitive sites along forest roads. These areas provide no-fee camping on public lands with minimal to no facilities or services.

Access roads to most dispersed sites require careful navigation, with several areas featuring rough terrain that may challenge standard passenger vehicles. Dream Canyon's parking area contains a significant ditch that requires careful navigation, with many visitors recommending high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. Gordon Gulch and North Boulder Creek areas are generally more accessible but may have seasonal restrictions. None of these dispersed camping locations provide drinking water, restrooms, or trash service. Fire restrictions commonly apply during summer months, though fires are permitted at most sites when conditions allow. Camping is limited to 14 days in most areas.

The dispersed sites around Boulder offer varying experiences depending on location, with areas closer to town experiencing higher weekend traffic. Dream Canyon provides scenic views and access to hiking trails but requires carrying equipment from the parking area to tent sites. According to reviews, "There are plenty of dispersed camping, hiking and climbing opportunities" in these areas. Sites further from Boulder, like Allenspark, tend to provide more solitude. Several reviews caution about road conditions: "The ditch getting into the parking lot is brutal so 4WD is necessary" for some areas. Visitors should verify seasonal closures before traveling, as some sites like Gross Reservoir have reported temporary closures for restoration work.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Boulder, Colorado (110)

    1. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    14 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "There isn't much free camping to be had in the Boulder area. So, our family has been grateful for this spot (and Magnolia Ridge nearby)."

    2. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    9 miles
    Website

    "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."

    3. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    33 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    16 miles
    Website

    "We were right up on the lake but turns out it's private property and you cannot even go up to the water."

    "It's about 50 minutes from Boulder, and you lose service about 40 minutes out, so it's great if you plan on staying for a least a couple days."

    4. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    16 miles
    Website

    "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."

    5. Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    28 Reviews
    Allenspark, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "About 1 hour from Boulder. Was super simple to access. the coordinates take   you to the beginning of the rural part of Ski road."

    "Fire ban was in effect when we went, but lots of fire circles available otherwise. Bring bug spray, the flies are bold."

    6. Gold Lake Area Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    12 miles

    "My GPS from the coordinates just took me to the nearest town of Ward, CO.

    This is how I got there coming from the North:

    Take RT72 South to County Road 100."

    "Many spots along the CR once you find it, came in around 4pm on a Friday and there were still plenty of spots but started filling up fast. By 7pm, people were turning around as no spots were left."

    7. Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Definitely need a high clearance vehicle. I saw a low clearance vehicle at site 6 & no idea how they got there.. they had to have gotten scraped up."

    "Great camping about 31 dispersed spots most with tables and a fire ring decent trout fishing a great kayaking feels remote without being so remote."

    8. Forest Road 332 Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "We tent camped one night here, arrived at 3pm on a Friday, and found a site on the north side of the road."

    "If you go further down the road a high clearance vehicle is necessary the road gets worse as you go further. Lots of trash at the campsite. Overall, woke up to a nice view of mountains."

    9. Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Jamestown, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 541-2500

    $1 / night

    "My son and I joined a friend from Longmont and headed to this trail to camp for a couple days."

    "We went here with our 2 dogs for a quick overnighter-only about 45 minutes outside of Boulder. It was a Sunday morning and the lot was almost full when we got there around 9am."

    10. N Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Dirt road for The last mile or so but it’s in great condition."

    "it’s only about 10 minutes from Nederland and 45 minutes from boulder. There are mountains and aspen forests. and wildflowers everywhere!"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Boulder, CO

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Boulder, CO

601 Reviews of 110 Boulder Campgrounds

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 20, 2024

    Kirby Gulch

    Worth the Rough Drive

    Kirby 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.

  • Sun H.
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Pole Hill Rd Dispersed

    Access not worth the trouble

    Don’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

  • Meg G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2020

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Spectacular - 4x4 is required to access.

    We 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!

  • Kelly G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2021

    Grays Peak Summer Trailhead Dispersed Camping

    Great base camp for summiting Gray’s/Torrey’s

    Stevens 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.

  • Nick E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Dispersed Camp Near Dream Canyon

    Tons of sites, super convenient location

    This has become my go-to spot for dispersed camping near Boulder. There are a ton of sites right after you pull off Sugarloaf road. The first few might be taken, but keep going and you should find one. Keep your eyes peeled for the road as it's easy to miss, but GPS should take you right there with the directions in the app. The road gets rougher the further you go and you'll definitely want some clearance, but I was totally fine in my stock Subaru Forester.

  • Karl G.
    May. 6, 2019

    Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    Dispersed Campsite with Views - Gordon Gulch (4x4 recommended)

    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. 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!

  • Jason H.
    Jun. 10, 2024

    Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    Easy Access. Beautiful Setting

    About 1 hour from Boulder. Was super simple to access. the coordinates take   you to the beginning of the rural part of Ski road. Keep driving on Ski road,  you'll see the "Entering National Forrest" sign and soon after that you will see dispersed  camping spots.

    Lots of spots available. Just keep driving along Ski Road and pick one that looks good. Lots of fire pits already build and most camp spots are along the creek. 

    A 2wd car can access quite a bit but if you want to go further up Ski road, definitely bring a 4x4 with high clearance.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping

    Great spot close to Winter Park

    Went 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.

  • A L.
    Aug. 21, 2017

    Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping

    Gorgeous getaway within minutes from Longmont

    My 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.

Guide to Boulder

Dispersed camping areas near Boulder, Colorado, provide opportunities for free camping on U.S. Forest Service land within relatively short drives from town. The elevation in this area ranges from 7,000 to 9,000 feet, creating considerably cooler temperatures than Boulder itself, particularly at night when temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer months. These sites generally operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with weekdays offering better chances for securing spots than weekends.

What to do

Hiking nearby trails: At Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping, campers can access immediate hiking opportunities. One visitor notes, "We went here with our 2 dogs for a quick overnighter-only about 45 minutes outside of Boulder. We packed it in and walked the whole trail looking for the best spot."

Fishing opportunities: Several dispersed camping areas offer stream or lake access for fishing. At Ceran St. Vrain, a camper reports, "caught lots of trout (none big enough to keep)." The running water also provides natural white noise that "helped drown out any noise."

Mountain biking: West Magnolia Campground provides immediate access to mountain biking trails. A visitor mentions, "Great spot for mountain biking, hiking, and camping" with "access to mtb bike trails" directly from the campsites.

What campers like

Solitude in less-traveled areas: At Forest Road 332 Dispersed, campers appreciate the spacing between sites. One reviewer states, "Plenty of space between spots. Not too crowded when we arrived. We picked a site with more trees rather than over looking the mountain."

Accessibility from town: Many campers value how quickly they can reach these free camping areas from Boulder. At N Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping, a visitor noted it's "only about 10 minutes from Nederland and 45 minutes from boulder" with "mountains and aspen forests and wildflowers everywhere!"

Wildlife viewing: The areas surrounding Boulder offer opportunities to observe wildlife. At Beaver Park Reservoir, a camper experienced "lots of wildlife; squirrels, rabbits, and a moose that walked right by our campsite." Another camper at Ceran St. Vrain had a more concerning wildlife encounter: "When I shined my head lamp toward the tent I saw a mountain lion perched above where we were camping on some rocks about 30 feet away."

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Many dispersed camping areas require careful navigation. At Beaver Park Reservoir, a camper reports: "Road is passable by standard cars. No cell service. Layout can be crowded with little space between but was pretty empty through the week."

Cell service limitations: Most dispersed sites have limited or no cell coverage. At N Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping, one camper noted having "1 bar of 5g with t-mobile" while others report no service at all in many locations.

Early arrival recommended: Sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. At West Magnolia Campground, a visitor warned, "It can get busy and can be challenging to find a spot with only 15 sites. Plan on getting there early."

Fire restrictions change seasonally: Check current fire restrictions before your trip. While most sites allow fires when conditions permit, seasonal bans are common in summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping areas near Boulder, Colorado?

Several excellent dispersed camping areas exist within an hour's drive of Boulder. Dispersed Camp Near Dream Canyon has become a go-to spot with numerous sites available just off Sugarloaf Road. For those willing to drive about an hour, Allenspark Dispersed Camping offers multiple camping spots along Ski Road past the "Entering National Forest" sign. Other notable options include West Magnolia Campground near Nederland, Gross Reservoir Dispersed camping areas, and Forest Road 332. Most of these areas require you to camp in established sites with existing fire rings, pack out all trash, and follow Leave No Trace principles. The best sites fill quickly during summer weekends, so arriving early or mid-week is recommended.

Is free camping available near Boulder and what are the restrictions?

Free camping is available near Boulder, primarily on National Forest land. Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping offers free sites along the road with established fire rings. Pole Hill Rd Dispersed is another free option, though access can be challenging. Common restrictions include: 14-day maximum stay within a 30-day period, camping only in established sites with existing fire rings, maintaining at least 100 feet distance from water sources, properly storing food to prevent wildlife encounters, and following seasonal fire restrictions. Most areas require you to pack out all waste and practice Leave No Trace principles. During summer months, fire bans are common due to wildfire risk. Always check current regulations with the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests before your trip.

What are the specific dispersed camping areas like Gordon Gulch and Ruby Gulch near Boulder?

Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area features about 15 numbered sites, with many more unnumbered campsites further down Forest Road 233.1. Some sites offer excellent views and provide a more secluded camping experience. The area allows for privacy for those willing to venture a bit off the main road. Sites typically include existing fire rings and tend to be spacious enough for multiple tents. Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp (near Ruby Gulch area) has sites scattered along the road rather than concentrated in one location. These areas are generally first-come, first-served and can fill quickly on summer weekends. Both locations offer a true dispersed camping experience with no facilities like water or toilets, so campers must be fully self-sufficient and practice proper waste disposal.

Do I need a 4WD vehicle to access dispersed camping sites around Boulder?

Vehicle requirements vary significantly depending on the specific dispersed camping area. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles, with reviews mentioning challenging driving conditions even for properly equipped vehicles. At Grays Peak Summer Trailhead Dispersed Camping, the dirt road is described as a "fairly mellow SUV road," suggesting high-clearance is beneficial but extreme 4WD capability may not be necessary. Some areas closer to Boulder, like Gross Reservoir and certain sites at West Magnolia, are accessible with standard passenger vehicles during dry conditions. Road conditions worsen significantly during and after rain or snow. For the best experience, a vehicle with higher clearance is recommended for most dispersed sites, while remote areas absolutely require 4WD.

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