Join the fun near Cascade. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Cascade, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"Drive on million dollar HWY - read reviews below. Do not take the weird route it tried to take you to.
Made it in a 2WD camper van. You’ll be fine just take it slow."
"Dispersed camping, no amenities, but beautiful location. Little streams running nearby, wildlife viewing, the drive up the slope is beautiful as well"
"Perfect lake views, snow capped mountain tops, and wildflowers for days."
"You need 4x4 and high clearance vehicle and good tires."
"FF a year (Father's Day weekend), we stopped by to check capacity on a Saturday night at 6pm and found the opposite with only 4 of 6 tent sites taken and plenty of parking for small RV/van camping."
"Pulled into this area late one evening on a fall camping trip across Colorado. Totally expected it to be full but there were a couple areas left to setup thankfully."
"We went up the mountain and found a beautiful pond to camp next to. There was no one that far up there. Bring bug spray there are so many mosquitos in this area!"
"We camped right at the Hermosa creek trail head next to the creek. It was amazing mid June!"
"When you first pull in you will see several dispersed sites up and to your right. These are nice, but they fill up quickly."
"Lodging isn’t always easy to find in the Telluride area especially if you find yourself passing through as we were but this is an absolutely amazing free camp spot 11 miles out of town."
"Do NOT stay in one spot more than 14 days. There was one unit out there everyone was saying had been there for weeks. The water is glacial so you won't be swimming! Come with your own power source."
"Dispersed sites on the way to Ice Lake(which is currently closed due to forest fire Devistation). These are kinda cool little sites, a bit rocky, with a vault toilet and nice stone fire rings."
"I would recommend going too much further (there’s a sign that says medium clearance recommended) as the road gets pretty tough. I have a 6inch lift on my Tacoma and it was great."
"Lime Creek and Cascade falls are where I'm headed now."
"I just drove up in June of 2025 and it was a really nice dirt road and my two-wheel drive ProMaster had no trouble so not sure why the four-wheel drive ideas in the other comments
If I'm like four or"
"Had to head farther uphill to scout a good spot 4wd was best for and private"
"We probably saw upwards of 15 (Probably more) dispersed camping spots until you hit hermosa camping loup where a lot of people bike."
"Multiple established camping areas with great shade. Plentiful water. Zero mobile coverage. No issues with bears, but the goats were very persistent."
RangerThis BLM at San Juan National Forest is gorgeous! (Se pics) the spots are kinda leveled, the road to get there is a dirt road but not that bad (I have a converted sprinter full of sh$&@$ and I did it great) it is primitive so no hook ups, restrooms nor trash cans, so PLEASE Leave no Trace! Everything was super clean so I guess people is finally getting it. Te river passes right next to you and the views are amazing! There are a few trails next (like the Rainbow trail). Awesome place to stargaze!
LegendDispersed camping along the South Mineral Creek. This is dry camping with a vault toilet- no hook ups. This is popular with RV’ers and OHV’ers as it is free. The limit is the usual fourteen days. Some “sites” have fire pits, and there are a few picnic tables scattered about. There are a few sites right on the water. Further back in at some larger sites that could accommodate small rvs. The plus is the free camping right on the “river”. The minus is that the road to the forest service campground and the Ice Lake trailhead is very close, very busy, and very dusty.
LegendWhen you first pull in you will see several dispersed sites up and to your right. These are nice, but they fill up quickly. Instead, take a left onto Galloping Goose Trailhead road and pick one of the sites that back up to trees and have gray Mountain View’s. Be careful though as further down the road it becomes private property with no camping. Also, watch for winds if you want a fire. This is dispersed, so no toilet (tho there is one across the highway at the entrance) and no picnic tables. Fire rings made of stacked rocks mark sites. Also, be bear aware and keep your food inside your locked car.
LegendSmall rough road FREE dispersed area. 7 day camping limit. Lake is a pothole weedy area not really good for floating IMO..go to the public access at the much larger Trout Lake. Nine designated campsites are all walk in tent sites. One small vault toilet, no dumpsters or water. NO TTs allowed as NO turnaround. No big RVs either. Access road is rough rocky.
TravelerThis is a beautiful area and many camp sites at the bottom by the creek. However during 4th of July it was packed. We went up the mountain and found a beautiful pond to camp next to. There was no one that far up there. Bring bug spray there are so many mosquitos in this area! Must have a high clearance & 4 wheel drive vehicle to access the top of the mountain.
ScoutThere is not a ton of campsites once you get up here. But there are a handful that have absolutely amazing views . Some of the best in Colorado. I had good cell service too (working remotely). There are some larger dispersed campgrounds near the top trailhead that are more in the woods. Road from Ridgeway was well maintained but definitely a little rocky getting closer to the top of the road. Road gets washed out in the rain so heads up. But just go slow if you’re in a lower clearance vehicle and you’ll be fine if it’s dry.
https://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-hidden-gem-last-dollar-road
GuideOnly free place near Durango in the winter. We called and asked the BLM & Forest Service. Easy access, lots of space. Bumpy access road and highway noise.
RangerBlue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed Camping, located near Mount Sneffels in Colorado, offers an incredibly remote and breathtaking camping experience. If you're looking to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in pristine wilderness, this spot is ideal. The campsites are dispersed along the trailhead, offering peace and solitude with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and alpine lakes.
The beauty of this dispersed camping area is its complete immersion in nature. With no designated campsites or amenities, you get to choose your own perfect spot in the forest, whether it’s near the rushing creek or with views of the towering mountains. This is truly a wilderness experience, so you’ll need to be fully self-sufficient—bring your own water, food, and a solid plan for waste disposal.
The Blue Lakes Trailhead offers some of Colorado’s most scenic hiking, including access to the famous Blue Lakes and a challenging ascent of Mount Sneffels. The hike itself rewards adventurers with awe-inspiring views of alpine lakes, wildflowers, and rugged mountain terrain. It’s perfect for those seeking an immersive backcountry experience.
One downside of this dispersed camping is that the road leading to the trailhead is rough, so it’s best suited for high-clearance vehicles, and be prepared for the possibility of unpredictable weather, as storms can roll in quickly in the mountains.
Overall, Blue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed Camping is an incredible option for experienced campers looking to enjoy the wild beauty of Colorado’s high country. It’s remote, peaceful, and surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in the state.
ScoutA site with amazing views that were all blocked by large RVs and campers, no privacy for tent camping or between sites, it was also very crowded by early morning. 4WD and high clearance is needed to continue on Last Dollar Rd if you’re hoping to find more dispersed camping up the mountain.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cascade, Colorado, where nature meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots offer a perfect escape for camping enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is dispersed camping available in Cascade, Idaho?
Dispersed camping is available in several areas around Cascade, Idaho. The Boise National Forest surrounding Cascade offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities on Forest Service roads. West Fork Dispersed provides gorgeous spots with somewhat level areas accessible via dirt roads that are manageable for most vehicles. Box Factory Park offers remote dispersed camping with stunning views. When camping in these areas, remember that facilities are primitive with no hookups, restrooms, or trash services, so practice Leave No Trace principles.
What are the rules for dispersed camping near Cascade Reservoir?
Dispersed camping near Cascade Reservoir follows standard Forest Service regulations. The typical stay limit is 14 days within a 30-day period, as practiced at sites like Anvil Dispersed Campground. Camping must be at least 100 feet from water sources and 150 feet from roads. Only use existing fire rings, and fires may be restricted seasonally. Pack out all trash as there are no dumpsters available. Some areas like Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area have specific restrictions such as no travel trailers allowed and designated tent sites only.
Is dispersed camping free in the Cascade area?
Yes, dispersed camping in the Cascade area is generally free. Areas like FSR #689 Dispersed and Cherry Creek Gravel Lot offer free camping opportunities with no developed amenities. These sites typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. While free, these areas usually have stay limits of 14 days within a 30-day period. Remember that dispersed sites provide no services—no water, trash collection, or toilets—so campers must be fully self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles.
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