Dispersed camping near Castle Pines, Colorado provides direct access to parts of Pike National Forest at elevations ranging from 7,000 to 9,000 feet. The camping season typically runs from May through October, with July and August seeing the heaviest visitor traffic. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day and can drop to 40-50°F at night.
What to do
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: Buffalo Creek Recreation Area features extensive trail networks for various skill levels. According to one visitor, "Great camping spot, esp, if you like mountain biking. Not whistler in terms of terrain but plenty of trails for various ability levels" and "Much of the area still shows scars from the 1996 fire here, but the sprouts and smaller trees show you a preview of how nature heals."
Hiking to Rampart Reservoir: From Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite, hikers can access Rainbow Gulch trail. As one camper describes: "Lots of spots available. Easy to get to. Don't need 4WD. Popular spot, there were some neighbors a couple hundred feet away on a Sunday night." This site also offers "great views of Pikes Peak from up here."
Off-roading adventures: The Rainbow Falls Dispersed Camping area provides access to numerous ATV and 4x4 trails. A visitor notes: "Nice area that has some flat or flatish spots for smaller RV and campers. It is normally busy with atv, dirt bike and jeeps. 15 min drive from woodland park."
What campers like
Well-spaced sites: Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite offers 32+ designated sites along a navigable road. A camper reports: "About 32 or more spots along redskin creek road that goes back a few miles with spots with fire rings along the dirt road. Eventually there is a campground that is pretty packed on the weekends, but some great spots with room for cars and groups, most are secluded from others."
Proximity to water recreation: Many campers appreciate access to nearby water features. One visitor to Rampart Range notes: "We took this hike and it was absolutely fantastic a majestic walk through the woods brings you to flowing creek that you follow all the way down to the reservoir."
Established fire rings: Most sites feature established fire rings and access to natural firewood. According to a camper at Redskin Creek: "Sites are spaced well apart, some sites are covered in trees while others are wide open... Only a fire ring is provided, everything else you'll need to bring AND PACK OUT when you leave."
What you should know
Extremely high weekend demand: Free sites fill very quickly, especially Thursday through Sunday. A visitor to Mt. Herman Road Dispersed Site 2 noted: "Only saw one site taken on a cold Thursday morning in May, not sure what it's like in warmer months."
Road conditions vary significantly: Many access roads feature washboard sections requiring slow travel. One camper reported: "The road up is rough but totally doable with pickup truck with slide in camper. This campsite was nice and level."
Site cleanliness issues: Multiple campgrounds have reported problems with litter and improper waste disposal. At Bailey Area Dispersed, a camper warned: "I give this site 3 stars cause of all the broken glass & shot guns shells. There was very minimal trash, but man, my dog couldn't walk anywhere cause of all the glass."
Tips for camping with families
Scout sites in advance: For weekend camping with children, advance planning is essential. A visitor to Bailey Area Dispersed advised: "Try to get there as early as possible, maybe you can secure the sites in the woods!"
Choose sites with natural features: Look for spots that offer natural exploration opportunities. One visitor described their experience: "This area is great! There are a lot of sites to choose from and some that are super open. Some within the trees where I stayed. There are many sites with beautiful views."
Be prepared for temperature swings: Pack both warm and cool weather clothing, as temperatures can fluctuate 30-40 degrees between day and night. A camper noted: "The nights were cold some lows 32° and it snowed the first night which we were hoping for. The sunrises were stunning watching the sunlight slowly shed light on the golden aspens."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs, with specific limitations for larger units. At Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping, a camper warned: "Don't go up if you are pulling anything larger than a tear drop trailer. I didn't go all the way up, so I don't know if there is any kind of turn around up there."
Leveling challenges: Many sites require significant leveling. According to one RVer: "The parking areas tend to be very unlevel and there are only a few that you can pull right up to your campsite. #6 had a level spot large enough for my van and the camping area just a few steps away."
Resource planning: No services are available at dispersed sites. One camper shared their experience: "We stopped at a campground in Woodland park on the way in and were able to fill up with water before heading up the mountain for $10. If you are heading south from Woodland park on highway 24 to the left is a brown wooden sign that says PROPANE."
