Best Dispersed Camping near Buena Vista, CO

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Buena Vista? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Buena Vista, CO (136)

    Camper-submitted photo from Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site

    1. Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site

    13 Reviews
    46 Photos
    559 Saves
    Nathrop, Colorado

    Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".

    Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.

    Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:

    In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes View Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes View Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes View Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes View Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes View Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes View Dispersed

    2. Twin Lakes View Dispersed

    17 Reviews
    50 Photos
    1265 Saves
    Granite, Colorado

    Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".

    Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area

    3. Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area

    14 Reviews
    21 Photos
    392 Saves
    Poncha Springs, Colorado
    • Electric Hookups
    • Dispersed
    • Market
    • Firewood Available
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 130
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 130
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 130
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 130
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 130
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 130

    5. Forest Road 130

    18 Reviews
    65 Photos
    800 Saves
    Leadville, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo from North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Chaffee County Road 390 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Chaffee County Road 390 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Chaffee County Road 390 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Chaffee County Road 390 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Chaffee County Road 390 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Chaffee County Road 390 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

    8. Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

    27 Reviews
    132 Photos
    1299 Saves
    Aspen, Colorado

    There are 22 dispersed campsites for car camping along Lincoln Creek Road. High Clearance required and 4x4 recommended to access all campsites. All sites are first come first serve. No facilities such as toilets or water are available. Maximum 5 day stay limit.

    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping

    9. Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    44 Photos
    556 Saves
    Poncha Springs, Colorado

    Dispersed camping at the base of Mount Shavano outside Salida, CO.

    WARNING! Hikers descending from Tabequache should not descend into McCoy Gulch! This is a dangerous route and a number of climbers have been injured or killed.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping

    10. Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    73 Photos
    601 Saves
    Nathrop, Colorado

    The Browns Creek trail offers beautiful scenery with changing vistas and vegetation. The trail follows the stream and small waterfalls can be found along the way. The lower portion of the trail begins in primarily a Ponderosa pine environment and gradually moves into spruce/fir forest. At higher elevations the trail travels through pristine meadows that end at Brown's Lake. Camping is not permitted at the trailhead, in order to prevent erosion of the banks along Little Browns Creek. Campers are encouraged to find camp sites further south on County Road 272.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
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Showing results 1-10 of 136 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Buena Vista

481 Reviews of 136 Buena Vista Campgrounds


  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 272 Dispersed Camping
    Dec. 7, 2024

    Forest Road 272 Dispersed Camping

    Spacious Mountain Views with a Few Cow Visitors

    Coordinates: 38.702830,-106.160280

    This dispersed camping area offers stunning mountain views, spacious sites perfect for large groups, and easy access to excellent hiking trails. The September weather was ideal—cool and crisp without being too cold. While the site feels fairly secluded, beware of grazing cows from local ranches that wander through; be sure to secure food and belongings you don’t want damaged. Dog owners should be mindful of cleanup, as cow and dog waste can be an issue. There are two porta-potties onsite that are cleaned weekly, but campers must pack out all their trash to maintain the area’s natural beauty. Overall, it’s a fantastic spot for those looking for a peaceful escape with plenty of room to spread out.

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Lake Backpack Site
    Nov. 24, 2024

    Bear Lake Backpack Site

    Belle of Colorado @ Tourquoise Lake

    Originally quite nice, tent camping, clean area, nice sites, water available, bathrooms, and access to fishing. Weekends tend now to religious services... :( Been 4 times but now prefer less commercial/church interuptions. RV crud makes for noisy generators, bouncy houses, karaoke... :( Some people swim. Boating. Good perimeter trail, biking allowed.

  • Jordana P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful views and great privacy

    I stayed here for 1 night of car camping and will definitely go back. I only went about 4 miles in on the rocky/rutted road (vs the 5 miles that the directions say) and thought the sites were great. I stayed at a big site on the right with beautiful views and a fire ring. Aside from hearing some (maybe - not sure) coyotes at night, I wasn't aware of any other wildlife. I was in a 4Runner and my friend that I was with was driving a Highlander. As another poster commented, I saw a small sedan in one of the sites but wouldn't drive way out in anything but an SUV or truck. I have AT&T and had 2 bars of service.

  • Leah K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Overlook Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Twin Lakes Overlook Dispersed Camping

    Great Camping Spot

    This was a great camping spot. There are several campsites by the water and other campsites, not by the water. The campsites are kind of close together, but not terrible. I went early on a Friday and got a beautiful spot by the water. By the end of the day, all the sites around the water were full. So if that's important to you, be sure to get there early. There were still plenty of other gorgeous campsites, not by the water available all weekend. There are also hiking trails located here. One of which is called "Interlaken Trail." It's about a 5 mile hike total and takes you to a "Ghost Resort" called "Inter-Laken" that was abandoned around WW1. You can even go inside one of the buildings, and there are Historical Marker plaques that talk about the abandoned resort. The signal is great so I had cell service and data the entire time. Highly recommend!

  • Wendy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area

    Great views

    Lots of open spots in mid October. Slow going on rocky and bumpy dirt road but Chevy express 2wd did fine. Low clearance vehicles take extreme caution. Stayed in loop A, also a B&C.

  • Conner The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Breckenridge Overlook
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Breckenridge Overlook

    Sleep in car only - park on the edge of a cliff with breathtaking views

    Just one mile further up the road or so you will reach Destinated camp sites which I prefer.

    Although I saw 5 camp cars parked on the side of the road (this is a Monday night) facing the cliff that night and like 2 the next morning when I left for work. I was jealous a little bit of their views

  • Alice S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 1 West
    Oct. 3, 2024

    Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 1 West

    Not Bad

    The road up to the campground is pretty rough for the first 100 ft or so but then it gets a lot better. Quite a bit of space but no privacy. I would definitely not suggest for large rvs. I’m in a van and didn’t have much problems at all.

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spruce Creek/Crystal Creek Designated Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Spruce Creek/Crystal Creek Designated Dispersed Camping

    Autumnal leaf-peeping and star-gazing

    Site 4 featured 3 well established campfire rings, one with a lean-to. The three spots are separated enough to enjoy with seclusion, also had plenty of parking. There are a number of easily accessible trails nearby. Surrounded by pines there weren't a lot of Aspens turning for the season visible from camp, but the hikes in the area led to some beautiful vistas and meadows that afforded opportunities to see seas of leaves turning. This site required AWD and good clearance to get to, but well worth it and offered a good out of the way camping experience and great star gazing opportunity as there was a new moon when we went, so saw plenty of shooting stars and the milky way!

  • Leah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful & Easy

    We stayed on site 21, arrived around 5pm on a Thursday night and it was amazing! We were shocked the site was still available, a couple other sites also had great views but 21 was definitely impressive. We read the previous reviews which made it easy for us to find. Sunset was beautiful, it was quiet and peaceful, and the moon lit up the entire area. Each site had a stoned fire pit and there are marked site numbers. The road up was busy with people leaf peeping so drive carefully, as of Sept 19th aspens were bright yellow and leaves were changing beautifully.

  • Stacy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping

    Easy to get to, beautiful scenery

    Easy to get to from metro Denver and it's super close to Silverthorne. Dispersed camping sites are still somewhat close together. We could definitely hear other campers around us talking and such. The road to get up was easy (we stayed in #9 - not sure about the ones farther up the road). I had to come in later as I had a work appointment, so I drove up in my Jetta to meet up with my husband. If my little Jetta can make it, almost any car can! Timing wise, we were up Sept 21 & 22 (2024) and the fall colors were GORGEOUS.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 130
    Sep. 21, 2024

    Forest Road 130

    Beautiful open campsites

    We loved this campsite — still open in late September and already had a fire ring waiting for us. There were lots of dispersed spots right off the road and it was quiet and peaceful!

  • Silouan A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate River Dispersed Sites
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Slate River Dispersed Sites

    Great area, lots of available sites

    This is the go to place in this area. Just past Oh Be Joyful campground, there are a few miles of posted sites, fist come first serve.

  • Kaydi R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping

    Tent Camping

    This campsite was gorgeous and fairly easy to get to. We drove a 2WD SUV with average clearance up and as long as you go slow and avoid the divots you’ll be fine. We got our campsite on a Friday morning, most/all campsites were gone by Saturday so it’s definitely a good idea to get there early. Our campsite was a short walk down the hill from the road and it did a good job and keeping our site private.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FourMile Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 16, 2024

    FourMile Dispersed Camping

    Tiny But Convenient

    This dispersed camping area was extremely small but a convenient place to camp the night before summiting Sherman. It was a bit tricky to find/decipher what was dispersed and what was the intentional campground. Honestly not even sure if the place I found was the actual dispersed area. By other reviews left, it felt right to me. My friend and I car camped here, we had a quiet night. The neighbors were all very quiet and respectful of quiet hours and personal space. The vault toilet was extremely clean with no odor. I enjoyed the washboard road! During our time there were advisories for bear activity in the area.

  • Brittany R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from McCullough Gulch Designated Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 15, 2024

    McCullough Gulch Designated Dispersed Camping

    Great campground!

    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. There were a few sites (I’m assuming the ones with the valley view that we couldn’t access in our car though). Highly recommend overall though!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area

    Lots of Options

    A lot of stuff if the road. I was pulling a popup trailer so we didn’t go too far up the road just in case it got choppy. Seemed like there is quite a few spaces. Talked to a few people who had been staying there for around a week.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed 2
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Washington Gulch Dispersed 2

    Nice sites and views

    I camped for 2 nights a few days apart in different sites. The first one was WG30 and it had an amazing view. I forgot to take note of the second one, but it was a little bit more down the road. Fire pits here which is nice. There’s a few spaces in the wide open and some nestled into some trees.

    Both nights that I stayed here there was a site that had a tent and table, but no one came back that night. Tuesday night and Friday night and nothing had changed. Kind of a bummer when someone snags a nice spot like that and isn’t there for multiple days.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hendricks Flat
    Sep. 9, 2024

    Hendricks Flat

    Beautiful little spot

    My friend and I are roadtripping around a couple states and found this cute little camp site!! There is no running water or toilets but we didn’t mind :)) absolutely gorgeous place!



Guide to Buena Vista

Experience the beauty of the Colorado wilderness with dispersed camping near Buena Vista. This area offers stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a chance to connect with nature away from the crowds.

Dispersed campers should check out Twin Lakes View Dispersed

  • Located in Twin Lakes, this area provides ample space for both tents and RVs, making it a versatile option for all campers.
  • Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lakes, perfect for photography and relaxation.
  • The site allows for campfires, so you can gather around the fire after a day of hiking or fishing.

Top activities while free camping near Buena Vista

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Twin Lakes Dispersed, where you can catch small trout in the pristine waters.
  • Hiking is easily accessible, with trails leading to the majestic Mt. Elbert, the highest peak in Colorado, just a short distance from your campsite.
  • For those looking for a bit of adventure, the area around Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area offers rugged terrain perfect for mountain biking and exploring.

Scenic views for dispersed campers at Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site

  • Nestled in the Pike and San Isabel National Forests, Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site boasts stunning views and plenty of space for privacy.
  • The site is known for its beautiful landscapes, making it an ideal spot for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of Colorado.
  • With easy access to hiking trails, you can explore the surrounding wilderness and discover hidden gems in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Buena Vista, CO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Buena Vista, CO is Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site with a 4.8-star rating from 13 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Buena Vista, CO?

    TheDyrt.com has all 136 dispersed camping locations near Buena Vista, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.