Best Dispersed Camping near Castle Rock, CO

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Castle Rock, CO (50)

    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    1. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    32 Reviews
    101 Photos
    1169 Saves
    Monument, Colorado

    Part of Pike and San Isabel National Forests Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. Mount Herman Trail begins at a small parking area on a switchback on Mount Herman Road. This trail provides a 2-mile one-way hike to the summit of Mt. Herman.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    2. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    26 Reviews
    78 Photos
    1735 Saves
    Buffalo Creek, Colorado

    The Buffalo Creek Recreation Area contains over 50 miles of multi-use, non-motorized trails that tie into the Colorado Trail in several places. There are numerous options available for riding or hiking. Some of the old logging roads provide two-track while connecting trails offer single track. It takes about an 1.5 hours to drive to this area from Denver. Please know and respect local area restrictions including; parking and camping in designated sites only. Developed camping is available at nearby Forest Service campgrounds including Buffalo, Green Mountain, Kelsey, and Meadows Group Campground.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park

    3. Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park

    19 Reviews
    78 Photos
    664 Saves
    Green Mountain Falls, Colorado

    Primitive camping off Rampart Range Road. Some fire rings.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Matukat Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Matukat Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Matukat Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Matukat Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Matukat Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Matukat Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite

    6. Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite

    9 Reviews
    17 Photos
    417 Saves
    Green Mountain Falls, Colorado

    Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".

    Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.

    Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:

    In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping

    7. Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    10 Photos
    369 Saves
    Woodland Park, Colorado

    The Rainbow Falls area offers many motorized roads and trails for four-wheel drive and off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts. This area contains several motorized trails open to motor vehicles 50 inches, or less, in overall width. The roads and trails in this area connect to the North Rampart Range OHV riding area as well. The North Rampart Range riding area is managed by the South Platte Ranger District. Be sure to consult with the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for offical Forest Service routes that are open to motorized vehicles. Free Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) are available at your local Forest Service Ranger District office. Please pick up a MVUM before you head out. These maps identify the designated Forest Service roads, and the designated motorized trails, that are open to motorized use. They also and identify what types of vehicles are allowed on the different types of routes that are displayed on the MVUM.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Cave Rd Dispersed Site - Pike National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Cave Rd Dispersed Site - Pike National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Cave Rd Dispersed Site - Pike National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Cave Rd Dispersed Site - Pike National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Cave Rd Dispersed Site - Pike National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Cave Rd Dispersed Site - Pike National Forest

    8. Ice Cave Rd Dispersed Site - Pike National Forest

    5 Reviews
    17 Photos
    178 Saves
    Palmer Lake, Colorado

    Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".

    Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.

    Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:

    In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide
    Camper-submitted photo from Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping

    10. Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    43 Photos
    736 Saves
    Lake George, Colorado

    Per camper review, high clearance 4x4 vehicle recommended

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
Showing results 1-10 of 50 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Castle Rock

272 Reviews of 50 Castle Rock Campgrounds


  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide
    Nov. 10, 2024

    Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide

    Fun in the snow

    There were a lot of options for us to pull off and camp. We had gone the day after a snow storm and the road was decent. I guess snow plows go through often since there’s nearby residential. Each campsite was decently spaced and far enough from the road so that you can U turn it and it doesn’t feel like you’re just pulling off to the side (accommodated out RTT nicely) There were great views and the pups enjoyed it.

  • Landon C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bailey Area Dispersed
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Bailey Area Dispersed

    Difficult road to get to but beautiful views

    The road here has some gnarly washboards. I had to slow down to a crawl at points because it was thrashing my rig around so much. There is also one turn on the road where if you’re not careful, I could imagine getting stuck. However, the views are incredible and it was well worth the effort. Cell signal from Verizon is extremely good, I am getting 5G UWB and download speeds of 180mbps. There’s some cool hills to climb and many great views.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Oct. 3, 2024

    Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    Great spot, minus the “no camping” signs

    We camped here after a Red Rocks show. The spot is a great area. About 20 minutes off of I-70. There are many pull offs along this road that could theoretically be good camp sites. However there are “no camping” signs, which is why I gave it 3 stars. Everything is great besides that: beautiful stars, good tent site, safe parking area.

    The spot we chose is a bit farther down the road than the one listed here. It’s in between the bend in the road. We parked at the pull off and walked down a small hill to find a good tent site and a fire ring.

    Also be aware it’s pretty chilly compared to just a few miles up the road. It was in the mid 30s at night.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Sep. 29, 2024

    Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    Great Spot, Bright Construction Lights

    Overall a very fun spot if you have a vehicle with some ground clearance to get to the nice sites by the reservoir. My Peak Edition Atlas handled it well. Only complaint is the damn project at Gross reservoir is a 24 hour site and the lights are ridiculously bright.

  • Bryce B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 26, 2024

    Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

    Great site

    Pretty great dispersed site. Beautiful sun sets. I had great phone service. There are three campsites running along three different fingers. The second one has a portable bathroom. I talked to some locals who said grabbing deadfall was fine for fire wood. Quick 20 minute drive to get back into town for supplies. No water sources so you’ll have to pack out water. All the fire pits are hand build and being on the finger you’re pretty exposed to the wind keeping the fires small and not very hot. Most of the sites are not flat. If you enjoy camping with little amenities you’ll like this site 

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide

    Beautiful Spots

    Wanted to stay for two nights but only did two days, because a mountain lion tore a deer to shreds about a day or two prior to my arrival by my campsite and i was spooked. Had two dogs but had an eerie feeling and left early but it was gorgeous. Loads of OHVs tho

  • Lily R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide

    Great spots along ATV trail

    Tons of level, large spots. Road is meant for ATV use, and was a fair amount of traffic throughout the day but tolerable. Hardly any at night. Restrooms at base of road. Found our spot 2.5 miles up the road, definitely needed AWD.

  • Lily R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

    Secluded sites along creek

    Drove ~3 miles along the service road to find our spot, it was the second pull off “open-area” with several fire pits to choose from. Road was a little bumpy but would be fine with a 2WD. Gorgeous, secluded spot next to the creek. No Verizon service.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    Road Closed Mid-September

    There is no discernible reason that the road is closed 2 miles before where this app says the site is. Internet search says it should be open til middle of November unless there is some weather or other issue. Lovely weather, locked gate.

  • Wil L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from York Gulch Road
    Sep. 8, 2024

    York Gulch Road

    Great place dark skies lots of space

    Sites weren’t marked like other places I’ve been but I expected it being dispersed. Had a wonderful time the sky was pretty it was secluded and lots of space for dogs to run!

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
    Sep. 8, 2024

    Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

    great spot by creek

    loved this spot even stayed a couple extra days right by nice size creek the cooler weather was nice and meant not alot of bugs. more traffic on road than expected but not bothersome. people close by but not close enough to hear or bother you in anyway. site was clean. there were more shaded ones but we chose next to water. were a couple empty close by on a holiday weekend.

  • Annie N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    Nice large paved pulloff with uneven grassy area and fire ring

    The pulloff is one of many along the road. It's big, gets you quite far back from the road. Very little traffic on the road at night, I didn't notice any. Peaceful area. Not sure you could get a tent set up off of the pavement, but you could set one up on the gravel. I slept in my car.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Creek Recreation Area
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    Labor Day

    Spent two nights here, lots of traffic but not enough to bother!

    The only thing to dislike is the washboards but any reasonable suspension you’ll be fine.

  • Amy K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Sep. 3, 2024

    Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    Spot guarantee

    Went a little further up to a different pull out (same road, maybe 1/2 mile or less up), which ended up being a little more secluded. No outstanding views but a good spot. No cars at night so it was very quiet. If you keep driving on the same road you’ll find a bunch of pull off spots. No internet but starlink was great.

  • Megan J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Sep. 3, 2024

    Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    Lost phone !

    Please text 603 404 8514 if you find a phone at site 15 ! 

    Great spacious spot with picnic  table and walkable to the reservoir

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kirby Gulch
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Kirby Gulch

    People and bugs are the same problem

    There was about 36 spots on a Friday morning (@1000am), was lucky to grab a spot that had a pull through and the spot was beautiful. We were lucky enough to find some leftover firewood when we got here and we were close enough to the river. The two major problems are the flys that will not leave the dogs alone and the constant cars that come through since the camping spots are so close to the road. Lots of campsites had spots saved 👎🏻 (if your friends wanna come up, tell them to get there on time 😒) other than that, great site, close access to shelf lake trail, which was beautiful and absolutely worth it.

  • Lesa L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Matukat Road Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Matukat Road Dispersed Camping

    Excellent!

    We spent 10 days at the top of the mountain. There were a few people that came in for a night or so, but not even close enough to hear them or see lights. The views are breathtaking! I am from NY. Drove all the way here just too camp. Was not disappointed!!! Can not wait to come back.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Dispersed Site
    Aug. 27, 2024

    Rampart Range Dispersed Site

    Great free camping stay

    Dispersed is further up the mountain but what a beautiful drive! We found a wooded spot that was super private and cozy! Climbed nearby rocks for some amazing views 🏔️

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    Great dispersed camping close to denver

    There are many great spots much closer to the road (i.e. 20m less driving). Beautiful area. Relatively clean where we parked. Not crowded. Close to denver.

  • Lidia B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Round Mountain
    Aug. 24, 2024

    North Round Mountain

    Nice place to sleep under the stars

    We got there late at night and it was plenty of space. Unpaved road but no problem to get there with a campervan. Really close to the hwy but not noisy at all. Good option to spend the night.

  • Heather P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from York Gulch Road
    Aug. 21, 2024

    York Gulch Road

    Amazing spot. Secluded.

    I’m currently here and it’s pretty great. Nice campgrounds. Not close to anyone. Road up is 2wd. Keep heading up the small road to get to all the secluded camp grounds.



Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Castle Rock, CO is Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping with a 4.1-star rating from 32 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 50 dispersed camping locations near Castle Rock, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.