Best Dispersed Camping near Cañon City, CO

Several dirt roads around Canon City lead to dispersed camping spots on BLM land, where you won't find any facilities. Most sites sit at least 30 minutes from town, so bring everything you need including water and waste bags. The Canon City Recreation Area has some remote spots, but you'll need to follow Leave No Trace principles strictly. Fire bans are common in summer and fall - check with the local BLM office before your trip. Camp at least 200 feet from any streams or water sources in the Colorado National Forest areas. Many access roads become difficult after rain, and high-clearance vehicles are necessary for reaching the better sites. You can stay up to 14 days in any one spot before needing to move. The closest grocery stores and gas stations are in Canon City itself, so stock up before heading out. Bears and other wildlife roam these areas, making proper food storage essential. Weather can change quickly, especially in afternoon thunderstorms during summer months. Despite the lack of amenities, the quiet and space between campsites give you a true wilderness experience.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Cañon City, Colorado (74)

    1. Penrose Common Rec Site

    11 Reviews
    Penrose, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-8500

    "Road in is rough, but manageable with a high clearance vehicle. Plenty of space to spread out. Popular with those ATV things. Pit toilet, no trash."

    "Easy access and not too far out of Pueblo or Cañon City. We didn't venture much further than the gate at the latrine, but we saw people coming out so I can assume there are spots further in."

    2. Phantom Canyon

    5 Reviews
    Penrose, CO
    11 miles

    "I’m a rooftop tent camper and the views are amazing but was hoping to be close to the water and isolated from other campers."

    "Dispersed area that is very spread out so you are not near others. Also has access to climbing walls right by sites."

    3. Oil Well Flats

    2 Reviews
    Cañon City, CO
    7 miles

    "Did the shelf trail from cripple creek to canon city. Was good place to camp for the night quite a few spots, flat, big. Amazing views! Incline getting up to isn’t bad, TT’s might have some trouble."

    4. Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off

    1 Review
    Cañon City, CO
    8 miles

    "Every summer I go on a road trip , camping ,backpacking and visiting national parks , while driving through Colorado we drove through phantom canyon road and we stopped about 20 times through our drive"

    5. Penrose BLM sites

    2 Reviews
    Penrose, CO
    11 miles

    "These are blm campsites. There are pit toilets right when you cross into blm land and a sign that explains that you have to camp in designated areas. Like most blm locations there is a 14 day max."

    "I was the only one around camping when I was there. Super peaceful! The reservoir is 10 minutes away too which is great for fishing and paddle boarding."

    6. BLM Rec. Trail Dispersed

    1 Review
    Penrose, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-8500

    7. Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Victor, CO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "Amazing location right next to Boehmer Creek. There are 5 or 6 sites mainly for tents. You might be able ti get an rv in there but low hanging trees and narrow rutted trails would be a problem."

    "Make sure to bring your bug spray. Nice fire pit and gorgeous views. Saw fish in stream a couple of deer and tons of chipmunks. Saw a little trash here and there."

    8. Cripple Creek BLM Area

    3 Reviews
    Victor, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-8500

    "We travelled from Tennessee to find some wonderful back country primitive camping and man did we find it."

    "The dispersed sites aren’t far from the road since most of the road goes down a valley with hills on both sides however there’s a nice creek running down the whole way."

    9. Lake Deweese state wildlife area

    7 Reviews
    Westcliffe, CO
    21 miles
    Website

    "This is dispersed camping. There are pit toilets but no other services or amenities."

    "This is a great dispersed camping spot with outhouses around the lake for convenience, well kept and clean! DO NOT let kids or dogs in water, as there is a level red warning for toxic algae!!"

    10. clyde dispersed camping

    4 Reviews
    Victor, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-8500

    ".  It sits in the meadow right next to the creek. There are two sites one of which is definitely big enough for a decent size rig."

    "The coordinates provided get you onto Gold Camp Road but you have to drive way further. There is a super cool tunnel which means you are close. There is a lack of fire wood around some spots."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cañon City, CO

316 Reviews of 74 Cañon City Campgrounds


  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 15, 2024

    The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    Wild and Untamed

    Backcountry dispersed camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park offers an unforgettable and truly unique wilderness experience. If you’re seeking solitude and raw, untamed landscapes, this is the perfect spot to pitch your tent. With no designated sites, you have the freedom to find your ideal spot beyond the busy dunes and under an expansive star-filled sky.

    The journey begins with a hike deep into the park’s rugged terrain, where you’re surrounded by towering sand dunes, alpine forests, and sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The lack of light pollution makes stargazing an absolute highlight—this is one of the best places to witness the Milky Way.

    Keep in mind, this is true backcountry camping: no facilities, no water sources, and you must pack out all waste. Permits are required, so be sure to plan ahead. The environment can be challenging, with extreme temperature swings and strong winds that shift the sand beneath your feet. Good preparation and Leave No Trace practices are a must.

    The rewards are well worth the effort. From sunrise hikes to the serene sound of nothing but wind across the dunes, this camping experience immerses you in nature’s raw beauty like few others can. It’s an adventure you’ll carry with you long after you’ve left the dunes behind.

    Highly recommend skipping the tent and sleeping under the stars!

  • Doug C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 10, 2022

    Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

    Choose Your Own Adventure From Rampart Range Road

    Rampart Range Road is the main dirt road that has plenty of smaller trails branching off of it to keep you busy exploring all summer. Rampart Range Road is accessible by 2wd vehicles while some of the smaller trails that branch off of Rampart Range Rd do better with a 4wd with high clearance. The southern portion of the road (south of Devils Head Trail) is open year around while the northern half of the road is closed seasonally during winter. Easily accessible outside of Woodland Park on the south end of the road and west through Sedalia. Lots of dispersed camping sites along the road, some are very large and could easily accommodate a large RV or large groups. Other campsites are tucked away off the road a little which is great because this road can be very busy & dusty in the summer. All in all, this place makes for a fun and easy weekend getaway as long as some ohv traffic doesn’t bother you too much. The best part of Rampart Range Road is the several forest service roads that branch off with dispersed camping. These smaller trails and dispersed camping make for a much more relaxing and peaceful weekend, I highly recommend if you have a 4x4. Find the right forest service road and you’ll feel like you are a million miles from it all.

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2023

    Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping

    Good but not great

    Tarryall creek dispersed camping. The road in is a bit bumpy. I would not trade in a low clearance vehicle. Four-wheel-drive is needed if it should get wet or slippery. Once you get onto the road, the sites are big and spacious. This is dispersed camping, so there is no water no electric and very little cell service. We have periodic two bars of Verizon. The sites are definitely big enough to accommodate big rigs. You just have to take the road really slowly on the way up. If you carry on all the way up to 10, you get to fenced areas where there is no camping so we took 293 off to the left and immediately after the Turner a couple of sites. We followed it all the way down for a long way. The road is incredibly bumpy and four-wheel-drive is absolutely necessary. Along with high clearance. I would not advise it for big rigs. The Site that we got just on the left after the turn walls reasonably wide. Big enough to get a big rig into. It’s pretty flat too but it’s also very exposed. There’s not a lot of shelter for our tent or our gazebo. The views are OK but nothing spectacular.

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2023

    Fraile’s Campground - Dispersed

    Huge sites on gnarly road

    CR 290 off Tarryall Rd. Campsites are all designated on 290 but there are numerous firepits on the side roads. The road to get up is very rutted. I recommend a high clearance vehicle. Definitely four wheel drive is required. I did see a Subaru forester up near the top. The sites are wide open once you get onto the plateau at the top. Easily could accommodate a big rig, but the issue would be getting it up the road. The views from the top are really nice. It opens out and you get some spectacular views of Pike National Forest. The sites are spacious with some pine tree coverage for tent campers. This would definitely be a possible back up spot if nothing on Matukat rd was available. Because they are dispersed there is no electrical hook ups or water. There’s no Creek running through the area. I imagine it would be really quiet and remote up here because the road to get in is going to deter a lot of people. We did find some spots with fire pits, but not sure you can camp there given there is no sign post reading designated campsite but they are off the main road so give it a try.

  • Izzy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2022

    Penrose Common Rec Site

    Delightful af

    Road in is rough, but manageable with a high clearance vehicle. Plenty of space to spread out. Popular with those ATV things. Pit toilet, no trash. Not many trees, but a great view of the surrounding area. T-mobile service was good enough to get some work and school done. Close enough to groceries and other stores. Love this spot.

  • Monte P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 23, 2020

    Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    A small price for freedom

    If you enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies, drive in dispersed camping and putting your off-roading skills to the test, this dispersed campsite is a must visit! My 9 yr old son and I happened upon this mountain top paradise somewhat by accident. We were looking for a less challenging day hike with low traffic and decided to try the Mt. Herman trailhead. My ever burning desire for a view and solitude lead us up Mt. Herman rd to the location I marked on the map for this listing. Access was challenging, even with our 4x4 Jeep seeing as there was pretty deep snowfall accumulation, steep grades, and hairpin switchbacks heading up. However in warmer seasons this would be easy access for most stock 4x4 vehicles. No lift necessary, just a desire for the boundless views afforded at the summit. There are multiple pull offs, relatively low traffic aside from the occasional off-roading convoy passing through spreading merriment and good cheer. There are some really cool fire ring setups and plenty of epic views to make your own. If Colorado’s what you want, here’s a great place to experience the back country without having to drive for hours to access it. We had a blast! Please ALWAYS remember, be Kind & rewind!! Wait... wrong slogan😅 LEAVE NO TRACE & PACK IT OUT! Thanks & have fun! Photos are in my phone, I’ll update with photos... sure to amaze! 😉✌🏾

  • Silouan A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 27, 2025

    Marshall Pass Dispersed

    Dispersed camping spots with amazing views

    Turn off Hwy 285 at “Mears Junction” and head up Marshall Pass Rd. The first few miles are through private property, but then it opens up into the National Forest, with dispersed campsites interspersed regularly along the roads. There are easy camper friendly spots, and tent spots, as well as some areas where a group could be easily accommodated. The views are fantastic, there are numerous trailheads, and Poncha Creek and other seasonal creeks are running beautifully.

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2023

    Route 31 Camp

    Close to perfect if you’re in the right spot

    County Road 31 dispersed camping On entering the area, there is immediately a sign that reads that OHV’s are prohibited. At least in this area you know you’re going to get some peace and quiet. The road to get in is mainly washboard. Totally possible even with a low clearance 2 Wheel Dr. vehicle. The sights designated only. Once you get past the information board you’ll see turn off‘s on the left and right wave Campers and fire pits. If you continue down County Road 31 spectacular. The biggest issue I can see again is a lack of firewood. There appears to be no downed trees or burned trees in the area. You need to bring in your own. There’s also no water source in this area so come well prepared. Since this is dispersed camping, there is no reservation or electric hook ups or sewer hook ups. These sites are plenty big enough for big rigs, and most of them appear to be pull through sites. Tent campers the sites do appear to be a little bit too exposed. There are sites with better tree coverage for tent campers when you go further into the back areas of some of the side roads the downside is you lose the views of the surrounding mountains. If you keep going further back, CR 31 connects to 896, and there are sites way back there that give you the impression that you’re just even further removed from everybody else. There are so many sites in this area. This could be a good back up spot for Matukat Road if it’s not available. There is a site on 896 right before the no camping sign, which is designated as a campsite, and it has some tree coverage, and all the mountain views. 896 is a very tough road requiring high clearance and four-wheel-drive. Numerous places have deep holes and you need to take it very slow.

  • Steve & Ashley  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2019

    Marshall Pass

    ATV Dispersed Camping

    This site is on Marshall Pass Road off of highway 285. The dispersed sites are near the intersection of Marshall Pass Road and Forest Service Rod 200. This intersection at the base off the access road up to Ohaver Lake Campground. The primitive sites are spread along the creek just off the Forest Service Road. Like many dispersed camps, the sites only have flat cleared areas with fire pits and no other amenities. The area is a great spot for ATV Riders to trailer into area as well as horse trailers to park and access the mountain roads and trails. The location is not the best for scenery and can get busy in the summer especially on weekends since it’s so close to the highway and Salida, Colorado.


Guide to Cañon City

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cañon City, Colorado, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376

  • This area offers a stunning drive and a chance to find secluded spots along the creek, making it a favorite for those seeking tranquility. Check out Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 for a beautiful camping experience.
  • Campers have noted the charm of the location, with many sites featuring fire pits and picturesque views, perfect for evening gatherings.
  • Keep in mind that amenities are limited, so be prepared to bring your own water and firewood for a comfortable stay.

Scenic views and fishing at Lake Deweese State Wildlife Area

  • The Lake Deweese State Wildlife Area is known for its beautiful scenery and opportunities for fishing, making it a great spot for anglers and nature lovers alike.
  • While the area is popular, some campers have reported issues with litter, so it's essential to practice Leave No Trace principles and clean up after yourself.
  • The proximity to Westcliffe, a charming mountain town, adds to the appeal, offering a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and local culture.

Outdoor activities while free camping near Cañon City at Phantom Canyon

  • Phantom Canyon is a hidden gem for those looking to explore stunning landscapes and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and climbing.
  • Campers appreciate the secluded spots along the creek, providing a peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds, especially during weekdays.
  • Be prepared for limited cell service and amenities, which enhances the experience of disconnecting and immersing yourself in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Cañon City?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Cañon City. Phantom Canyon offers amazing views for rooftop tent campers, located about 14 miles down a dirt road. The area provides isolation from other campers with several pull-off spots. Another popular option is Penrose Common Rec Site, which features rough but manageable roads with high clearance vehicles. This area has ample space to spread out, pit toilets, and good cell service. Both areas require no reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Other dispersed options include Oil Well Flats and BLM Recreation Trail areas, all requiring you to follow Leave No Trace principles and camp in previously established sites.

What dispersed camping options are available near Royal Gorge?

Near Royal Gorge, you'll find several dispersed camping options on public lands. Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off offers scenic dispersed sites with basic toilet facilities. The road follows the historic narrow-gauge railroad route between Cañon City and Cripple Creek, providing picturesque camping opportunities. BLM Rec. Trail Dispersed is another option with free camping and toilet facilities. These areas typically have no designated sites or hookups, requiring self-sufficiency. Most dispersed areas near Royal Gorge require high-clearance vehicles, though some spots are accessible with standard vehicles in dry conditions. Remember to camp in previously used sites, maintain at least 100 feet from water sources, and follow fire restrictions which are common in this area during summer months.

Is there free camping available near Cañon City, CO?

Yes, free camping is available near Cañon City on public lands. Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed offers free camping options with drive-in access. No reservations are needed—just find an established site and set up camp. Another excellent free option is Route 31 Camp, which is accessible even with a low-clearance 2WD vehicle despite the washboard road conditions. This area prohibits OHVs, ensuring a peaceful experience. Both locations require you to be self-sufficient with your own water and waste disposal. Standard dispersed camping rules apply: stay in established sites, camp at least 100 feet from water sources, and observe current fire restrictions. Free sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving mid-week or early in the day is recommended.