Dispersed camping areas near Carbondale, Colorado range in elevation from 6,000 to over 10,000 feet, creating distinct temperature variations between sites. Summer temperatures typically reach 70-85°F during the day but can drop to 30-40°F at night, especially at higher elevations. Most dispersed sites remain accessible from late May through October, with seasonal closures affecting certain areas during winter months.
What to do
Hiking from campsites: Four Mile Road Dispersed sites provide direct access to several trailheads. "Visited here back in early season May 2025. There are probably less than 10 spots when you go all the way up the long drive, all with great views, most are on the small side," notes one camper at Four Mile Road Dispersed.
Fishing opportunities: Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground offers excellent fishing access. A visitor reports, "You can also set up down by the river and listen to the river all night, although during the day you'll get the occasional people fishing along the bank. We never saw bears, but often woke to new claw marks on the trees so make sure to keep a clean campsite!"
Climbing access: Multiple established climbing routes can be reached from Deep Creek Trailhead Camp. According to one camper, "This is a beautiful spot and definitely needs 4WD as it's a rough rocky drive up but amazing creek with spots to swim and dive. Also spots to climb near by."
Trail running: Coffee Pot Road Dispersed camping areas connect to several mountain trails suitable for trail running. "Pretty sweet 230+ degree view from west to east (roughly). North facing slope behind me and not too much wind! Only seen one car since 7 and only 3 other people on the long road!" reports a Coffee Pot Road Dispersed camper.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Four Mile Road offers significant privacy between sites. One visitor explains, "The sites were beautiful and well separated. Would highly recommend."
Water features: Deep Creek Trailhead Camp provides riverside camping. "Easy to find the site, ours was near the river. Lots of bugs so bring bug spray. Very calming and felt safe," shares a Deep Creek Trailhead Camp visitor.
Mountain views: Lincoln Creek sites feature panoramic vistas. A camper notes, "We initially tried to get one of the spots along the creek before the reservoir but had no success. So we kept driving past the Portal Campground where the road turned rough and ended up with a GORGEOUS camp site!" Another adds, "You will need a high clearance vehicle to drive the road past Portal, but if you can make it, there are plenty of dispersed sites with incredible views."
Wildlife viewing: Basalt Mountain Dispersed camping offers opportunities to spot local wildlife. "Very remote but easy access, we car camped to be near a trailhead the next morning," explains a Basalt Mountain Dispersed visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal access: Many roads close during winter months. "Travel up a dirt road 4 to 10 miles and find many sites. It is popular in hunting season. Road closed Oct 1st to May 31st," notes a Basalt Mountain camper.
Navigation challenges: Finding specific sites can be difficult without preparation. As one Four Mile visitor explains, "You have to go a long way up and down Country Road 117 before you start seeing campsites. They're there. Look for a reasonably flat space and maybe a campfire ring. It's wild camping."
Road conditions: Many free camping areas near Carbondale require appropriate vehicles. A camper at Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground reports, "Overall, a fantastic campground near the top of Independence Pass. This is small campground with 7 sites, we stayed in site #6. All sites are first come, first serve."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between sites. As one Coffee Pot Road visitor noted, "Only seen one car since 7 and only 3 other people on the long road! Pretty solid little two truck site!"
Tips for camping with families
Bear safety practices: All family campsites require proper food storage. "There are bear-proof boxes, but no other amenities. You are close to Aspen at this campground but it isn't easy to get in and out of," shares a Lincoln Creek camper.
Site selection for kids: Choose sites with natural features for exploration. "Our site was very large with plenty of choice spots for tents. Our two big tents took up only a small part of the space. Plenty of trees for hammocks as well," notes another Lincoln Creek visitor.
Water access considerations: Sites near water require extra supervision. A Upper Colorado River BLM Dispersed camper explains, "Great views overlooking the Colorado River. It is an open area with some flat spots and some areas requiring leveling. Can handle big rigs, but space is limited."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly, especially with children. "Even on the sunniest day, I would not set out on this trail without proper rain gear and lots of layers in my pack. It also gets quite cold up here!" advises a Maroon Bells-Snowmass visitor.
Tips from RVers
Parking logistics: Most free camping areas have limited level spots for larger vehicles. An Upper Colorado River BLM camper notes, "Dirt lot as others stated but far enough off the interstate to be quiet. Good view of Colorado River. Train track on other side of the river, but no intersections so no horns blasting."
Turn-around considerations: Many forest roads lack adequate turn-around space for larger rigs. "It will take you about 45 minutes to go 14 miles so be ready. Be warned, cattle trucks use this road also. I pulled over for 3 of them to pass on the barely wide enough for two cars road," reports a White River National Forest visitor.
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven parking at most dispersed sites. A Coffee Pot Road camper writes, "We were able to find a small site to park at and set up on a Saturday night in July. There was a fire pit but a fire ban in place so we couldn't use it."
Water conservation: No hookups mean planning water usage carefully. "Camped here 6/26/21 and had an awesome time. No campfires allowed. After about a 25 minute drive up that road, there are plenty of awesome spots for tents or RVs," shares a Four Mile Road visitor.
