Dispersed camping options near Broomfield, Colorado include a network of sites spanning the Roosevelt and Arapaho National Forests. Campsites range from 8,800 to 11,000 feet elevation, with nighttime temperatures frequently dropping into the 30s even during summer months. Access roads to these camping areas vary from well-maintained dirt roads accessible to most vehicles to rugged routes requiring high clearance and four-wheel drive.
What to do
Hiking from campsites: Several dispersed camping areas offer direct trail access. At Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping, campers can explore along the river. "We packed it in and walked the whole trail looking for the best spot and ended up backtracking about half way to a site we saw across the St. Vrain," notes one visitor who crossed the creek to reach their preferred spot.
Wildlife viewing: The areas around dispersed campsites frequently host wildlife encounters. Campers at Beaver Park Reservoir report, "Lots of wildlife; squirrels, rabbits, and a moose that walked right by our campsite." Some areas offer remarkable biodiversity with one camper noting, "Lots of chipmunks and hummingbirds due to the many wild flowers."
Mountain biking: The national forest lands surrounding Broomfield contain established mountain biking networks. West Magnolia Campground features "single tracks for hiking and mountain biking. Camping spots are well-marked." Another camper mentions that "the area has many great mountain biking trails and very few hiking trails," making it ideal for cyclists seeking direct trail access from camp.
What campers like
Creek access: Many campers appreciate sites positioned near flowing water. One Allenspark Dispersed Camping visitor reported, "Beautiful, secluded and right next to a creek. Most camp spots are along the creek." The sound also provides natural white noise as "Creek is loud and drowns out noise."
Privacy between sites: Unlike developed campgrounds, many dispersed sites offer significant separation. At Forest Road 332 Dispersed, "Plenty of space between spots. Not too crowded when we arrived." Another reviewer noted, "Sites are spread out in the first half of the road, a bit closer together and better for large groups the further east you go."
Aspen forests: The surrounding forests feature deciduous trees that add seasonal color. N Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping features "mountains and aspen forests, and wildflowers everywhere!" A camper at Gordon Gulch similarly noted, "Incredible views due to its remote beauty. Lots of chipmunks and hummingbirds due to the many wild flowers. Lots of Aspen!"
What you should know
Fire regulations: Fire restrictions fluctuate seasonally throughout the area. Campers should check current regulations before departure. Rangers actively patrol these areas, with one camper at West Magnolia warning, "Ole Johnny Green Jeans and Johnny law love to patrol the area multiple times a day, so do not violate the fire bans. The ticket is a million dollars($510)."
Road conditions: Access to prime spots often requires navigating rough terrain. At Dream Canyon Campsites, "The road passes through lots of private property, which can trick you into thinking you're driving down the wrong road. The trailhead parking lot has one giant rut that you must be careful to navigate around."
Property boundaries: Several dispersed camping areas border private land with strictly enforced boundaries. At Beaver Park Reservoir, "You are pinned up against private property around the lake," and "the owners of the lake have cameras on all sides but there was one section left open for shores access but no swimming, fishing, or use of the lake itself."
Tips for camping with families
Best sites for children: Some areas provide more family-friendly options than others. Near Beaver Park Reservoir, families can find "a super easy family-friendly mini hike with great view and a little cell access. If you are facing the lake, to your right just behind you there are some rocks. Walk toward them and then maybe 30 yards away from the lake you can walk right up."
Wildlife awareness: Teaching children about wildlife safety is essential in these areas. One camper at Ceran St. Vrain reports, "When we got back to our car there was a big dusty bear paw print on our passenger side door. Colorado nature folks!" Another notes bears can be persistent: "We ran into a bear and scared him off. Two hours later he came back and we scared him off again."
Weather preparation: Mountain weather changes rapidly, requiring families to pack accordingly. A camper at Gold Lake Area Dispersed advised, "Just be sure to check the weather before you get there as there is no service, and a storm with high wind caused us to have to tear down camp in the middle of the night."
Tips from RVers
Best RV access points: Several areas accommodate smaller RVs and trailers with proper planning. At Beaver Park Reservoir, "Beautiful lake with several good sized RV spots. We have a 25 foot camper and feet nicely in. Road in was good as well (May 2025). Some spots are close to each other and others have more space."
Road clearance needs: Most free camping near Broomfield requires careful navigation. As one RVer notes about Gold Lake Area, "About 1/4 mile down the road we turned into the first spot with a fire pit, and turned out to be exactly what we were looking for. I made it in a Volkswagen Tiguan while towing a camper. I couldn't get super far down the road but I made it to a nice spot on the top of a hill."
Generator restrictions: Most dispersed areas prohibit generator use. A camper at N Boulder Creek recommends alternative power sources: "I had 1 bar of 5G with T-mobile," which can provide minimal connectivity for essential functions but won't support streaming or heavy data usage.
