Best Dispersed Camping near Coalmont, CO
Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout the national forest lands surrounding Coalmont, Colorado, with several free primitive sites available in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Popular areas include Buffalo Pass Dispersed, Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit, and FR-302 Dispersed Camping areas, all offering no-fee camping without designated facilities. These primitive sites typically feature established fire rings and flat areas for tents or small vehicles, though they lack formal boundaries or numbered sites. Most locations remain open seasonally, closing during winter months due to snow and access limitations.
Many forest roads leading to dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, with several campers noting particularly rough conditions on Buffalo Pass Road. According to reviews, "The road leading up to the summit is back open, but it is ROUGH" and "requires decent clearance." Most areas permit camping for up to 14 days, though regulations may vary by specific location. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, with one camper noting "Currently a stage 2 fire ban so no campfires allowed." None of these dispersed sites offer drinking water, trash collection, or toilet facilities, requiring visitors to pack out all waste and bring sufficient supplies.
The dispersed camping areas near Coalmont provide varying levels of seclusion and natural beauty. FR-302 Dispersed Camping on Rabbit Ears Pass receives positive reviews for its accessibility and views. One camper described finding "a beautiful spot 1.9 miles in on the East side of the road" with "a beautiful view and the weather was perfect." Visitors to Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit noted excellent forest coverage, with a reviewer sharing they "got a campsite that was lush with a ton of tree coverage. It felt like we were alone in the world." Wildlife sightings are common, including elk and various bird species. Cell service varies significantly by location, with some areas offering reliable Verizon coverage while others have no signal at all. Mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months, with multiple reviews recommending bug spray.