Best Dispersed Camping near Cimarron, CO

Dispersed camping options near Cimarron, Colorado cluster around Mount Herman Road and Rampart Range areas, with sites scattered along forest service roads. Most locations require navigating unpaved mountain roads that can be challenging in spots. A review noted, "Road was very rutted and bumpy, definitely best to have 4x4." Sites typically offer more privacy the further up the mountain you travel, with views of Pikes Peak from higher elevation spots.

These primitive camping areas provide no amenities - no water, toilets, or hookups. Most sites feature established fire rings, though several areas have seasonal fire restrictions. Camping is free, with numerous pull-offs available along the roads. Sites can become crowded on weekends, especially during summer months. A camper mentioned, "We stayed along Mt Herman Road and it was gorgeous...sites well spread out so no noise concerns." Be prepared for variable conditions including afternoon rain showers at higher elevations and occasional heavy winds.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Cimarron, Colorado (36)

    1. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    35 Reviews
    Monument, CO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "If you enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies, drive in dispersed camping and putting your off-roading skills to the test, this dispersed campsite is a must visit!"

    "It took us about 15 minutes driving past the coordinates (trailhead) to start seeing campsites. There was nobody around, and we picked a very spacious one with a great view."

    2. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    34 miles

    "So busy that we had to go in the middle of the week to get a spot, so plan ahead here and expect crowds. That being said, each spot is unique and we loved it."

    "We stayed here a couple weekends in a row and we were able to try out some different spots and trails close to those spots. This free campground is perfect! "

    3. Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park

    21 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    34 miles

    "A Long rocky and dirt road lays ahead of these dispersed camping areas. This park has set up campgrounds, but we chose to drive off road a bit and set up camp on the edge of a rocky overlook."

    "Easy to access for any mobility-level or age. Peaceful and quiet except for the occasional passing car which is to be expected. Spots are relatively well spaced apart. Fire-pits galore!"

    4. Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "Rampart Range Road is the main dirt road that has plenty of smaller trails branching off of it to keep you busy exploring all summer."

    "Tucked back in National Forest land."

    5. Mt. Herman Road Dispersed Site 2

    5 Reviews
    Palmer Lake, CO
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    6. Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite

    12 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "We were going from direction Divide town using provided coordinates. All went fine until we ended up in a dead end road with private residence."

    "Rough road getting there though"

    7. Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Woodland Park, CO
    30 miles
    Website

    "Lots of shade in the morning at our spot. We were by a dirt road and did have a few vehicles drive by but not bad. There is bear scat, not old and not new, in the area but no wildlife was seen."

    "Terrain was interesting on the drive in, some of the pull off camping spots are pretty steep off the road. However, the sights were beautiful and it was very quiet and peaceful when we visited :)"

    8. Ice Cave Rd Dispersed Site - Pike National Forest

    5 Reviews
    Palmer Lake, CO
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "RWD accessible."

    "Someone has built a den next to the firepit. The only downside to camping on Rampart Range is the noise from target shooting which we heard frequently. "

    9. Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite

    9 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    34 miles

    "Over 30 dispersed campsites along a moderately smooth dirt road. Sites are spaced well apart, some sites are covered in trees while others are wide open."

    "About 32 or more spots along redskin creek road that goes back a few miles with spots with fire rings along the dirt road."

    10. Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Woodland Park, CO
    32 miles

    "This free campsite is about 40 minutes from Colorado Springs, which sounds kinda far, but the gorgeous views on the way up are stunning, so it makes it feel like a shorter drive!"

    "We reserved the site ahead of time, right above the reservoir with an easy path down to the water . Garbage and bathrooms available . Spacious sites with a good amount of privacy from neighbors ."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cimarron, CO

242 Reviews of 36 Cimarron Campgrounds


  • Doug C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 10, 2022

    Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

    Choose Your Own Adventure From Rampart Range Road

    Rampart Range Road is the main dirt road that has plenty of smaller trails branching off of it to keep you busy exploring all summer. Rampart Range Road is accessible by 2wd vehicles while some of the smaller trails that branch off of Rampart Range Rd do better with a 4wd with high clearance. The southern portion of the road (south of Devils Head Trail) is open year around while the northern half of the road is closed seasonally during winter. Easily accessible outside of Woodland Park on the south end of the road and west through Sedalia. Lots of dispersed camping sites along the road, some are very large and could easily accommodate a large RV or large groups. Other campsites are tucked away off the road a little which is great because this road can be very busy & dusty in the summer. All in all, this place makes for a fun and easy weekend getaway as long as some ohv traffic doesn’t bother you too much. The best part of Rampart Range Road is the several forest service roads that branch off with dispersed camping. These smaller trails and dispersed camping make for a much more relaxing and peaceful weekend, I highly recommend if you have a 4x4. Find the right forest service road and you’ll feel like you are a million miles from it all.

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2023

    Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping

    Good but not great

    Tarryall creek dispersed camping. The road in is a bit bumpy. I would not trade in a low clearance vehicle. Four-wheel-drive is needed if it should get wet or slippery. Once you get onto the road, the sites are big and spacious. This is dispersed camping, so there is no water no electric and very little cell service. We have periodic two bars of Verizon. The sites are definitely big enough to accommodate big rigs. You just have to take the road really slowly on the way up. If you carry on all the way up to 10, you get to fenced areas where there is no camping so we took 293 off to the left and immediately after the Turner a couple of sites. We followed it all the way down for a long way. The road is incredibly bumpy and four-wheel-drive is absolutely necessary. Along with high clearance. I would not advise it for big rigs. The Site that we got just on the left after the turn walls reasonably wide. Big enough to get a big rig into. It’s pretty flat too but it’s also very exposed. There’s not a lot of shelter for our tent or our gazebo. The views are OK but nothing spectacular.

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2023

    Fraile’s Campground - Dispersed

    Huge sites on gnarly road

    CR 290 off Tarryall Rd. Campsites are all designated on 290 but there are numerous firepits on the side roads. The road to get up is very rutted. I recommend a high clearance vehicle. Definitely four wheel drive is required. I did see a Subaru forester up near the top. The sites are wide open once you get onto the plateau at the top. Easily could accommodate a big rig, but the issue would be getting it up the road. The views from the top are really nice. It opens out and you get some spectacular views of Pike National Forest. The sites are spacious with some pine tree coverage for tent campers. This would definitely be a possible back up spot if nothing on Matukat rd was available. Because they are dispersed there is no electrical hook ups or water. There’s no Creek running through the area. I imagine it would be really quiet and remote up here because the road to get in is going to deter a lot of people. We did find some spots with fire pits, but not sure you can camp there given there is no sign post reading designated campsite but they are off the main road so give it a try.

  • Monte P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 23, 2020

    Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    A small price for freedom

    If you enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies, drive in dispersed camping and putting your off-roading skills to the test, this dispersed campsite is a must visit! My 9 yr old son and I happened upon this mountain top paradise somewhat by accident. We were looking for a less challenging day hike with low traffic and decided to try the Mt. Herman trailhead. My ever burning desire for a view and solitude lead us up Mt. Herman rd to the location I marked on the map for this listing. Access was challenging, even with our 4x4 Jeep seeing as there was pretty deep snowfall accumulation, steep grades, and hairpin switchbacks heading up. However in warmer seasons this would be easy access for most stock 4x4 vehicles. No lift necessary, just a desire for the boundless views afforded at the summit. There are multiple pull offs, relatively low traffic aside from the occasional off-roading convoy passing through spreading merriment and good cheer. There are some really cool fire ring setups and plenty of epic views to make your own. If Colorado’s what you want, here’s a great place to experience the back country without having to drive for hours to access it. We had a blast! Please ALWAYS remember, be Kind & rewind!! Wait... wrong slogan😅 LEAVE NO TRACE & PACK IT OUT! Thanks & have fun! Photos are in my phone, I’ll update with photos... sure to amaze! 😉✌🏾

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2023

    Route 31 Camp

    Close to perfect if you’re in the right spot

    County Road 31 dispersed camping On entering the area, there is immediately a sign that reads that OHV’s are prohibited. At least in this area you know you’re going to get some peace and quiet. The road to get in is mainly washboard. Totally possible even with a low clearance 2 Wheel Dr. vehicle. The sights designated only. Once you get past the information board you’ll see turn off‘s on the left and right wave Campers and fire pits. If you continue down County Road 31 spectacular. The biggest issue I can see again is a lack of firewood. There appears to be no downed trees or burned trees in the area. You need to bring in your own. There’s also no water source in this area so come well prepared. Since this is dispersed camping, there is no reservation or electric hook ups or sewer hook ups. These sites are plenty big enough for big rigs, and most of them appear to be pull through sites. Tent campers the sites do appear to be a little bit too exposed. There are sites with better tree coverage for tent campers when you go further into the back areas of some of the side roads the downside is you lose the views of the surrounding mountains. If you keep going further back, CR 31 connects to 896, and there are sites way back there that give you the impression that you’re just even further removed from everybody else. There are so many sites in this area. This could be a good back up spot for Matukat Road if it’s not available. There is a site on 896 right before the no camping sign, which is designated as a campsite, and it has some tree coverage, and all the mountain views. 896 is a very tough road requiring high clearance and four-wheel-drive. Numerous places have deep holes and you need to take it very slow.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2023

    Manchester Creek Trailhead

    Good free dispersed camping

    We use to camp here a lot when we lived in colorado springs. Near town of divide for supplies. A water station is availanle on hwy 67 in divide. The forest rd is quite rough. A high clearance vehicle is a good idea. Lots of ATVs on the weekends. So lots of atv noise and dust. Lots of places to camp. I have taken my 37' 5th wheel there. No cell service and no amenities

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2022

    Matukat Road Dispersed Camping

    Rock Formations

    AT&T between 1-3 5G in certain camp spots. Rock fire pits, wood around. No water, garbage, nor toilets. Cool temps, road in is rough go slow. Nice shady trees. First few spots you encounter left, then right seem ok. If you go back on road about 1/2 mile or so you come to a right turnoff. If you go down the road there preferably 4x4 a nice hidden secluded spot up hill. Continue down road only saw 1 more on left, not too hidden next to road. Overall a good 3-5 day stay I would say. Check out rock hiking mountains nearby. Bring water.

  • Charles G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2021

    Matukat Road Dispersed Camping

    Scenic and Quiet Dispersed Camping

    Initially looked for camping along the South Platte at Happy Meadows but with a 1 year old, we figured campers wouldn't want to hear him screaming in the middle of the night or the cries of my wife as she struggles with her sanity. We pushed a little further north and took the right hand turn onto Matukat road. We drove a couple of miles up the decently maintained dirt road and found the second dispersed camping spot and decided to set up our roof top tent for the night. 

    Looking at a map, it looks like the road goes on for quite a ways but we never explored past the spot we stayed in. Up to the point where we camped, 2-wheel drive was more than enough to get us to our spot nestled in the rocks. The dispersed camping spots we saw seemed very easy to get to and we never needed to put our truck in 4WD. 

    Since these sites are dispersed camping, don't expect any toilets or amenities. Some spots did have pre-made (from campers before) fire pits and there seemed to be an abundance of dead wood but actual wood cutting in the Pike National Forest needs to have a permit so keep that in mind. We dealt with some crazy wind so a fire wasn't even in question. Be sure to check with the local ranger station before starting a fire in the area, especially since this is a burn area.

  • Anthony P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2020

    Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    big and busy

    We headed out to these spots on memorial day weekend and it was busy. So busy that we had to go in the middle of the week to get a spot, so plan ahead here and expect crowds. That being said, each spot is unique and we loved it. We ended up staying as far up the road as possible and found a large spot big enough for a trailer and a few cars. 

    Keep in mind there is buffalo creek campground ($) and buffalo creek rec area that is free with dispersed camping. The dispersed camping is where we stayed and i believe there are over 40+ spots if you explore all the roads. A lot of the spots are large enough to accommodate a trailer or small RV. No bathrooms on site ad fire rings are made of rocks. Most spots are near the road, as you can see from my photo but the further up the road you get, the traffic will calm down. We did not see this as a problem at all. This are is prone to wildfires and has been in a fire ban since the winter. 

    Plenty to do up here as well, hiking, biking and world class fishing just down the road in Deckers.

    Get here early and find a spot that fits you.


Guide to Cimarron

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cimarron, Colorado, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Cimarron, Colorado

Scenic views for dispersed campers

Dispersed campers should check out local wildlife

  • Keep an eye out for wildlife while camping at Beaver Creek Rd Dispersed Site, where visitors have spotted various animals in their natural habitat.
  • The area around FR 933 is known for its diverse ecosystem, making it a great spot for birdwatching and observing local fauna.
  • Campers at Winding Stairs Road Dispersed Site have reported encounters with foxes and other wildlife, adding to the charm of the camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is dispersed camping allowed in Cimarron?

Dispersed camping is allowed in several areas around Cimarron. Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping offers spacious sites along a bumpy road that requires high clearance and four-wheel drive vehicles, especially in wet conditions. Another option is Fraile's Campground - Dispersed located on CR 290 off Tarryall Road, featuring designated campsites on the main road with additional spots on side roads. Both areas are free but have no facilities such as water or electricity. Be aware that roads can be challenging, with Fraile's being particularly rutted, making high clearance vehicles recommended for accessing these dispersed camping areas.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cimarron, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cimarron, CO is Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping with a 4.2-star rating from 35 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 36 dispersed camping locations near Cimarron, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.