Best Dispersed Camping near Carbondale, CO

Looking for the best Carbondale dispersed camping? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Carbondale's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Carbondale, Colorado (79)

    Emma B.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Four Mile Road Dispersed near Carbondale, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Four Mile Road Dispersed near Carbondale, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Four Mile Road Dispersed near Carbondale, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Four Mile Road Dispersed near Carbondale, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Four Mile Road Dispersed near Carbondale, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Four Mile Road Dispersed near Carbondale, CO

    1. Four Mile Road Dispersed

    18 Reviews
    54 Photos
    975 Saves
    Carbondale, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    Nathan M.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground near Aspen, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground near Aspen, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground near Aspen, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground near Aspen, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground near Aspen, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground near Aspen, CO

    2. Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

    27 Reviews
    132 Photos
    1303 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
    Heather E.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping near Crested Butte, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping near Crested Butte, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping near Crested Butte, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping near Crested Butte, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping near Crested Butte, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping near Crested Butte, CO

    3. Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    74 Photos
    1549 Saves
    Crested Butte, Colorado

    The Washington Gulch Trail #403 begins a quarter mile north of the Gothic Campground and ends when it intersects the Washington Gulch Road, FSR #811. The heads southeast with a few switchbacks and then parallels Rock Creek for approximately 1.5 miles. It then crosses the creek, turns south, and begins to climb in elevation. It comes to an end at Washington Gulch Road. This is a very scenic trail and makes a great day hike. It is also very popular with mountain bikers and campers.

    All roadside vehicle and tent campers are required to camp ONLY in designated sites:

    Sites are designated by the presence of a 6in X 6in wooden post with a site number and camping symbol along with a permanent metal fire ring. All sites are first come first serve, if a site is occupied please look for another site.

    Fires are only permitted in the established metal fire rings. Extinguish all fires so they are cold to the touch.

    Sites are limited to two vehicles only per site.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Lord of A.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Yeoman Park near White River National Forest, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Yeoman Park near White River National Forest, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Yeoman Park near White River National Forest, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Yeoman Park near White River National Forest, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Yeoman Park near White River National Forest, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Yeoman Park near White River National Forest, CO

    4. Yeoman Park

    8 Reviews
    32 Photos
    241 Saves
    White River National Forest, Colorado

    ** Due to recent drought conditions, bear activity has been increasing. For this reason a "food storage order" is in effect at the Yeoman Park Campground, requiring all food and refuse to be stored in hard-sided vehicles or approved bear-resistant containers, or supended at least 10 feet clear of the ground at all points and four feet horizontally from any supporting tree or pole. This order has been issued to provide for public safety and wildlife conservation. Hopefully it will reduce wildlife habituation problems. ** At an elevation of 9,000 feet, Yeoman Park Campground is located on the edge of a wetland meadow near Brush Creek and is partly within a mature spruce forest. There are beautiful views of Craig peak (11,902 ft). Yeoman Park campground has 24 campsites with picnic tables, fire ring grills and 11 sites have tent platforms; 15 of the sites are within a forested area while the other 9 are in the open. Eighteen sites can accommodate RV's 15-30 feet long and 6 sites have room for vehicles longer than 30 ft. Part of the campground has been redesigned to accommodate visitors with disabilities. Two campsites, one on either side of the accessible vault toilets in Loop A, are equipped with a modified picnic table and a low fire grill. There is also a fishing platform on Brush Creek near the park entrance. Yeoman Park is a good place to view an extensive beaver colony. There are many opportunities to watch small mammals such as tree and ground squirrels and to see birds of prey like the red-tailed hawk. The Yeoman Park Discovery Trail (200 yards) is accessible to those who have disabilities. There are interpretive signs encouraging visitors to use their senses to experience the nature of Yeoman Park. The Lake Charles Trail #1899 (5.35 miles) begins near the Fulford Cave Campground and goes into the Holy Cross Wilderness. From this trail you can also connect with Ironedge Trail #1873. Fulford Cave Trail #1875, will take you to the entrance of Fulford Cave. A visit to the historic mining town of Fulford is just a few miles up Forest Road 418. Foundations of an old Civilian Conservation Corps camp built in the 1930's can be seen in the meadow northwest of the campground. View a printable Recreation Quicksheet (.pdf) for this campground.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $8 / night

    Molly R.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Deep Creek Trailhead Camp near Gypsum, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Deep Creek Trailhead Camp near Gypsum, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Deep Creek Trailhead Camp near Gypsum, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Deep Creek Trailhead Camp near Gypsum, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Deep Creek Trailhead Camp near Gypsum, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Deep Creek Trailhead Camp near Gypsum, CO

    5. Deep Creek Trailhead Camp

    5 Reviews
    15 Photos
    100 Saves
    Gypsum, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Dispersed
    Melissa G.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Basalt Mountain Dispersed near Basalt, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Basalt Mountain Dispersed near Basalt, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Basalt Mountain Dispersed near Basalt, CO

    6. Basalt Mountain Dispersed

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    Basalt, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    kelianne K.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Washington Gulch Dispersed 2 near Crested Butte, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Washington Gulch Dispersed 2 near Crested Butte, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Washington Gulch Dispersed 2 near Crested Butte, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Washington Gulch Dispersed 2 near Crested Butte, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Washington Gulch Dispersed 2 near Crested Butte, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Washington Gulch Dispersed 2 near Crested Butte, CO

    7. Washington Gulch Dispersed 2

    8 Reviews
    22 Photos
    600 Saves
    Crested Butte, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Isabelle K.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Dispersed Camping near Snowmass Village, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Dispersed Camping near Snowmass Village, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Dispersed Camping near Snowmass Village, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Dispersed Camping near Snowmass Village, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Dispersed Camping near Snowmass Village, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Dispersed Camping near Snowmass Village, CO
    Corey M.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Hubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM near Silt, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Hubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM near Silt, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Hubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM near Silt, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Hubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM near Silt, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Hubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM near Silt, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Hubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM near Silt, CO
    Rachel H.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Forest Road 130 near Leadville, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Forest Road 130 near Leadville, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Forest Road 130 near Leadville, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Forest Road 130 near Leadville, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Forest Road 130 near Leadville, CO
    Camper-submitted photo at Forest Road 130 near Leadville, CO

    10. Forest Road 130

    18 Reviews
    65 Photos
    803 Saves
    Leadville, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    • Drinking Water
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Showing results 1-10 of 79 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Carbondale, Colorado

251 Reviews of 79 Carbondale Campgrounds


  • Corey M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM
    Aug. 20, 2021

    Hubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM

    Muddy but free

    This campground was really the epítome of BLM land. It was just a big dirt patch. It got suuuuuuper muddy overnight which was unpleasant to get off our shoes in the morning. And it was quite small really only space for a few cars. But for free camping area near rifle mountain park it’ll certainly do for a weekend climbing trip. Tent camping wouldn’t be very fun here. Kinda creepy and muddy. We slept in my car

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 1 West
    Aug. 23, 2021

    Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 1 West

    Many options

    There are several campgrounds in the area, some free and some with a fee. For free at the top of the hill high above the twin lakes and even above the Mt. Elbert Forebay is national forest dispersed camping. It's very popular on the weekends with many tent campers who sometime party well into the night. The views are epic. On the south-east end of the Twin Lakes is the Reservoir camping area, dispersed camping on bureau of reclamation land. The roads get rough as you reach the more desirable sites. Paid camping is available at Dexter Point, a parking lot with pit toilets and dumpsters within walking distance to the shore. Lake View campground is large with 6 or more loops, toilets, maintained roads, some big rig friendly sites, awesome views, but packed in pretty tight, but so is the dispersed camping. White star campground is a fee area right on the lake front for boaters, etc. In August it's a busy area, off season may be closed. Highway 82 goes to independence pass, a detour route if I-70 is closed due to landslides. 7/21.

  • Justin G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
    Sep. 14, 2016

    Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

    Lincoln Creek Trail

    My girlfriend and I drove in late to the dispersed camping on Lincoln Creek Road off of 82 (Independence Pass) towards Aspen. We set up at campsite 18 and highly recommend that site or traveling up past Grizzly Resevoir for primitive camping. The site goes about 100 yards back and has area for multiple vehicles or tents and is completely wooded. There's a path that walks back to the creek and if you follow it in either direction you have incredible views of waterfalls, Aspens, and Truro Peak.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Throughline/Coal Creek TH (Dispersed)-Paonia RD
    Jul. 29, 2020

    Throughline/Coal Creek TH (Dispersed)-Paonia RD

    Great spots along the river

    This BLM land is well trafficked, the sizes are big and there are 5-6 in the first few miles of the road. They sit right along the river slow flowing. There is ZERO cell service or gas for 15+ miles. So pack accordingly. Great to unplug and explore.

  • Elsa Y.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
    Aug. 6, 2020

    Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

    so amazing!!

    Lincoln Creek is an absolutely incredible dispersed camping spot! there are 22 total spots up until the reservoir (about an hour to an hour and a half in) and after that, everything is a campsite! Very bumpy and rock filled road, but with any 4wd you should be fine! Beautiful views and lots of places to hike and play in the river! (It does get buggy when you are close to the water...)

  • Heather E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tigiwon Road
    Sep. 1, 2021

    Tigiwon Road

    Great spot

    Nice dispersed camping spot. There are a few along the road, we went just passed the Tigawon community house and found a great spot with a view, and fire pit!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Homestake Reservoir Rd Milemarker 3 - Dispersed
    Sep. 8, 2023

    Homestake Reservoir Rd Milemarker 3 - Dispersed

    Homestake reservoir

    Beautiful drive all the way up to the reservoir multiple dispersed, camping spots along the road fresh water source coming from the reservoir hundreds of feet away from camping sites. Beautiful scenery. Plenty of critters to see. Pretty cool place to explore.

  • Eat · See · RV L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping CR 48
    Aug. 27, 2020

    Dispersed Camping CR 48

    Beautiful free camping near Turquoise Lake

    There are three camping pull offs on the left of CR 48. The first of which is where camped. We later walked down the road toward Turqouise Lake and realized there were more spots, the furthest having the best mountain views. The roads to the dispersed camping spots was a bit bumpy but we saw rigs of all types and sizes here so it's definitely do able. About a 2.5 mile round trip walk/hike to turqouise lake from the farthest campground (the 1st pull off). This place was pretty busy but people kept their distance. We were there in late August and temps got cold at night. But it's a beautiful and quiet spot in the woods.

  • Fain H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Four Mile Road Dispersed
    Apr. 19, 2019

    Four Mile Road Dispersed

    White River National Forest

    My first winter camping trip in Colorado. Just south of Glenwood Springs and west of Carbondale is Sunlight Mountain Resort, an awesome little mountain with great tree skiing and untracked powder that can be found days after a storm. It sits in the western side of the White River National Forest in the Sopris Ranger District. From Glenwood or Carbondale follow directions to the resort and just about a mile before you get there you'll take a right to stay on Four Mile Rd or county road 117. Travel about 2 miles after turning and you'll come to a parking area on your left, in the winter its mainly used by cross country skiers and snowmobiles. From here we took off on foot in our winter boots down 2 miles of groomed snow covered road until you reach an intersection with a bunch of signs giving you several different options in directions and places to go. We strapped on our snow shoes and headed west up Fourmile Park- North through 16 to 24 inches of snow for an additional mile and settled at the 2nd camping spot we came to on our left. The low that night was 19 but I stayed warm most of the time until around 4 or 5 and finally had to get up and move around. The best part about the trip was we got to ski before and when we got back the bar was still open. I loved living in Glenwood Springs and choose this area for its proximity to so many awesome places, can't wait to get back.

  • samuel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 130
    Jul. 16, 2024

    Forest Road 130

    Awesome

    Good dispersed camping, quiet the night I stayed and free of bugs! I find this to be much more satisfying than nearby dispersed sights, and location to Elbert and massive and surrounding slopes are perfect.

  • Isabelle K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Lake Camp
    Aug. 23, 2017

    Blue Lake Camp

    Dispersed Camping at Blue Lake

    A few miles past Wolcott is the Castle Peak Wilderness Study Area which holds quite a few little known idyllic camping spots. Blue Lake is by far one of the most serene glacial lakes in the area and offers multiple primitive camp sites designated by fire rings. The lake is accessible by hiking trails and by 4x4 roads, if driving I would highly recommend a high clearance vehicle as many of the ruts on the road are very deep. I have camped here many times, in the summer you are likely to be sharing the lake with another group or two but it is never crowded. I have spent a few weekends here throughout the fall and had the place all to myself. The water is crystal clear and lovely for a dip (if you can handle the cold!). A few kind souls have even left their row boats in the woods next to the lake, to my knowledge they still leave these here for others to enjoy, just please remember to put the boats and paddles back where you find them! There are also quite a few nice hiking trails around the area which are well marked with signs.

  • Kayla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Yeoman Park
    Jul. 6, 2023

    Yeoman Park

    Pure magic!

    My husband and I stayed 1 night at Yeoman and it was nothing short of wonder, joy and fun! There was a park ranger on site at the time we were there so that provided a sense of security while being more in the back country. The restrooms were abundant and always well stocked with toilet paper. The campsites come stocked with twigs and logs. Brush creek is clear and cool and provided us with the most perfect cold plunge for a warm summer day! We have been to many dispersed camp sites but this one takes the prize!

  • Emma B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Four Mile Road Dispersed
    May. 16, 2021

    Four Mile Road Dispersed

    Great primitive camping (May 2021)

    Spent three nights here (5/13 - 5/16). To start, we camped with a teardrop trailer, but once you pass the White River National Forest sign and parking lot for the babbish trail head, it’s not easy to turn around unless you find a campsite. Once you pass this you’ll see the first two campsites after about 4 bends in the road, both are walking distance to the trailhead. The first is a larger open space right off the road and the second is a much more private spot. The road to access this is just beyond the first campsite, which is where we stayed (see photos). We loved this spot!

    If you continue up the road you’ll eventually reach a fork, if you hang right and continue up there are 4 more dispersed sites. These would not work for trailers but are great tent spots. We had a very hard time trying to turn around.

    There are no services (no bins, no toilets, no cell service) and these sites are super clean so let’s keep it that way. The aspens hadn’t bloomed quite yet but in a few weeks it’ll be pretty spectacular.

    Additionally the main trailhead with access to beaver creek trail is not open until June 14th so most other dispersed sites won’t be accessible until then.

  • Jeana P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lake Dispersed Area - Grand Valley Rd
    Jul. 9, 2018

    Twin Lake Dispersed Area - Grand Valley Rd

    Can't beat the view!

    You can camp at a designated campground right on the lake, or you drive up 24 and find a lot of dispersed camping available - all the way up to the little lakes (great for fishing too). The dispersed camping is above the lakes which offers incredible views but is first come, first serve. Definitely bring your paddle boards, kayaks, etc.

    This is one of my favorite places in Colorado - but beware of the altitude! Drink lots of water, you will forget how high you are and a little altitude sickness might creep up on you, even if you've been here before without issues. It's also very close to Mt. Elbert and you should take Independence Pass to Aspen for a gorgeous drive and lots of wildlife!

  • Jeni N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Four Mile Road Dispersed
    Jul. 1, 2021

    Four Mile Road Dispersed

    Great view and quiet

    The road up to the campsites is pretty well maintained but you do gain a good amount of elevation. The scenery is beautiful with lot of wild flowers and tall, towering trees. It rained before we got there and there was some moisture on the tent the morning after. Make sure to follow the road to Four Mile Park and continue up the road for another 20 minutes or so. You will see a pull off to the right with a sign for the White River National Forest. Continue on to find some more campsites

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mirror Lake Dispersed and TH
    Aug. 3, 2024

    Mirror Lake Dispersed and TH

    Mirror Lake TH dispersed

    Only dispersed camping I found from here to Trappers Lake. 4 sites, only the one in open area is suitable for TTs. Rest are more overland spots. No tables, no toilet, no wayer, no trash. No Cell signal.

  • Amelia W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
    Sep. 15, 2023

    Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

    Dispersed as you get further out

    Lots of good level spots for dispersed camping further away from the reservoir. Please use common sense and don’t just pull on to ground cover—pick spots that more clearly have been used/designated/won’t damage small plants under your tires.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed 2
    Jun. 20, 2024

    Washington Gulch Dispersed 2

    Disappointed in people

    Very disappointed to see the amount of site saving here. Came up on Thursday for the weekend and ended up getting skunked on spots because half of them were saved with miscellaneous coolers, lone chairs, etc.

    Dispersed camping is first come first served! Spot saving is not okay.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD

    Peaceful location

    Stocked reservoir with rainbow and brook trout. Smaller fish but fun fishing. 

    The dispersed camping is located on the east side of the reservoir. Vault toilets located here and no water(except the reservoir). All camping is first-come, first-serve. Bring bug spray as the mosquitoes are pretty bad here.

  • Rhonda C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed
    Sep. 28, 2021

    Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed

    Absolutely beautiful

    Road was REALLY rough. One portion looked like someone had just run around digging random holes in the road; however, once you got past the road, it was everything you'd want in a primitive site. Beautiful aspens, pines and a babbling stream made it one of our top picks for dispersed camping.

  • Nick E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed
    Aug. 7, 2024

    Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed

    Good free option right outside of Vail

    Plenty of dispersed camping up Red Sandstone Road. Go 2.5 miles up a smooth dirt road once you leave the paved road to reach the start of camping (head right at a junction after those 2.5 miles). The road gets much more rough here, so take it slow, definitely some clearance needed (I was clear in my Subaru Forester). I found a great spot for 2 nights just before the Piney Lake Road junction. Seemed like there were plenty more options on the way up to that junction and leading up to the Lost Lake Trailhead. Managed to camp here on a Friday and Saturday summer night without any issue. Super quiet and beautiful spot. Hard to find any better option for free in this area.

  • Eileen S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Brush Creek Dispersed - CLOSED
    Nov. 11, 2021

    Brush Creek Dispersed - CLOSED

    Beautiful Crowded Camping Near Crested Butte

    This is really great dispersed camping close to Crested Butte and likewise very popular. It switched to designated dispersed only in 2021 (with numbered sites). All first come first serve, recommend arriving early (midweek) to guarantee a spot in the summer. Some of the spots on the road to get to the spots farther back are a little rough.

    Map of dispersed sites around CB:

    https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1u_4Lmsl-PTZAN2KlJeFQd9PGknToupcz&hl=en&ll=38.91279049802887%2C-106.9393966&z=12

  • Eric B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cow Creek Dispersed
    May. 24, 2023

    Cow Creek Dispersed

    Out of the way camp

    The Cow Creek Information Kiosk has two or three nice camping/parking spots. 

    No bathrooms, water, etc.  Just pure dispersed camping. 

    Cow Creek does offer fresh water if it's running.  There is a water crossing to get to the kiosk area, so during spring runoff, it may be inaccessible without a high-clearance vehicle.

  • Mary P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping

    Perfection

    There are significantly less spots here than there could be, which leads to amazing dispersed camping. The wildlife here is unbeatable and the flowers are breathtaking. Unfortunately I was not able to spend the night because there were no spots available but so imagine that waking up there would be the best day of my life

  • Lyds F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 2 West
    Jun. 20, 2022

    Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 2 West

    Views, Trails, Lots of Spaces

    Great dispersed camping, easy to get to only a short way off the main road. We arrived 4pm on a Friday and all the spots with the best views were taken. Plenty further into the woods though we had multiple options still. The Colorado trail/CDT passes close by and was a great evening hike from our camp. We ended up leaving around 9pm because there were 3-4 campfires around us, one super smoky and we have a baby. A bummer for us but normal people probably wouldn’t have minded. Expect to have neighbors!

  • Joey P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from White River National Forest
    Jul. 24, 2020

    White River National Forest

    Its lonely at the top

    The road up is gravel and well maintained. 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. Lots of dispersed camping. Fire pits. No toilets. Pack it in, pack it out.

  • Grant B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 130
    Jan. 18, 2021

    Forest Road 130

    Limited winter access

    I drove up this past weekend for some mid January winter camping and was not disappointed. The road appeared to be rarely traveled and it took some effort just to get my Tacoma to the start of the dispersed camping with no hopes of making it further down the road due to deep snow. Plenty of firewood and gorgeous views, will definitely be returning when it’s a little warmer out.


Guide to Carbondale

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Carbondale, Colorado, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of camping options, this area is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Stunning Views at Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Dispersed Camping

  • This area offers breathtaking views and a chance to experience the tranquility of nature while camping in a remote setting.
  • Campers can enjoy the privacy of well-maintained sites, often accompanied by nearby streams for water.
  • The Four Pass Loop trail provides an excellent opportunity for backpacking, making it a favorite among outdoor adventurers.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Carbondale, Colorado

  • Arrive early to secure a spot, especially at popular locations like Deep Creek Trailhead Camp, as sites can fill up quickly.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; many areas, such as Four Mile Road Dispersed, do not offer running water or trash services, so pack out what you pack in.
  • Bring bug spray and be ready for wildlife encounters, as areas like Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD are known for their natural beauty and abundant wildlife.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Yeoman Park

  • This location features beautiful views and easy access for various camping setups, including tents and RVs.
  • Campers can enjoy the nearby stream and the chance to see local wildlife, such as deer and moose, enhancing the outdoor experience.
  • The site is well-suited for those looking for a peaceful retreat, with plenty of space to explore and enjoy nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Carbondale, CO is Four Mile Road Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 18 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 79 dispersed camping locations near Carbondale, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.