Dispersed camping near Coalmont, Colorado offers numerous free options within Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. The area sits at elevations ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 feet with dramatic temperature drops after sunset even in summer months. Most dispersed sites remain snow-covered until late May or early June, with high mountain passes often opening later in the season.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At South Delaney Lake, campers report seeing diverse wildlife including otters. "Nice mountain views, and some wildlife, saw an otter. Though we heard much more through the night, the heavy steps and gutterall sounds nearby," notes one camper.
Fishing access: Lake John Dispersed Camping provides shoreline fishing without the crowds of developed campgrounds. "After driving past the more established Lake John RV Resort we found this spot to park our campervan. Site has a metal tin can fire pit. Very peaceful with private location," reports a visitor.
Hiking opportunities: The Base Camp Trailhead area offers direct access to mountain trails. "You have to hike to Fishhook Lake from here on the Basecamp Trail (Wyoming Trail). It's very secluded and quiet," shares a camper who rated the experience highly despite noting that "Mosquitoes were very bad, be aware."
What campers like
Seclusion and privacy: Many campers value the isolation of dispersed sites. At Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251, one camper reported, "We drove about a quarter mile down the road and got a campsite that was lush with a ton of tree coverage. It felt like we were alone in the world, no other campsites in site. We even saw elk walking around the mossy ground."
Mountain views: The Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40 provides panoramic vistas with minimal effort. "Quick stop overlooking Lake Catamount. This is actually a pull off from the highway but noticed people had camped here so we did too... Very peaceful with beautiful view," a camper notes about this easily accessible option.
Creek access: Several sites offer water features. At Base Camp Trailhead, a camper mentioned, "There is a creek below the spot with crystal clear water." This natural amenity provides both scenic value and a water source for filtering.
What you should know
Mosquito pressure: Bug problems are consistently mentioned across most sites, with varying intensity by season. At Buffalo Pass Dispersed, one visitor warned, "This place is beautiful, found multiple spots on Monday June 30th that were beautiful and had fire pits. HOWEVER, When you see other reviews that say there are lots of bugs... they were not exaggerating, there are massive swarms of mosquitoes everywhere."
Road conditions: Access roads to prime sites often require appropriate vehicles. A camper at Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit advised, "Recommend 4x4 high clearance to get to the campsites. If you have low clearance, there are a couple right at the start but they don't have much tree coverage."
Weather variability: Mountain weather changes rapidly. At Walden Reservoir, a camper noted the area has "flat, no trees and darned few bushes taller than sage," making campers exposed to wind and weather shifts common in mountain environments.
Tips for camping with families
Consider site accessibility: Choose locations based on your vehicle capabilities. At FR-302 Dispersed Camping - Rabbit Ears Pass, a camper advised, "Leaving this review for anyone else pulling trailer. You can get a small TT into the first 4-5 sites. I would not continue after what I think is site 5 on the right... Great parking area to drop and go scout with your vehicle first and I'd recommend doing so."
Plan for bugs: Pack appropriate supplies for insect protection. "SO many mosquitoes and biting ants but the sunsets are gorgeous and make it worth it," reported a camper at Walden Reservoir who recommended bringing "a hide-able set up" for bathroom privacy due to limited natural cover.
Explore beyond campsites: Many areas offer exploration opportunities directly from camp. At FR-302 Dispersed Camping, a visitor shared, "We enjoyed walking and exploring and could go quite a ways straight from the site without having to go out to the road."
Tips from RVers
Scout first: For larger rigs, advance reconnaissance is essential. A full-time RVer at FR-302 Dispersed Camping reported, "We are full-timers and have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and had scouted the area a day before arriving with the RV. There are several sites along FR-302, which is actually in pretty decent shape."
Leveling challenges: Be prepared with leveling equipment. The same experienced RVer noted, "This site was surprisingly level too, almost didn't need to level at all," but mentioned passing up another beautiful site because "the stretch of dirt road between them was deeply rutted and potholed."
Solar considerations: Tree coverage affects power generation. At FR-302, a camper noted, "The tree coverage is affecting my solar generation enough where I may need to move sooner than I'd like," highlighting the trade-off between shaded comfort and solar efficiency.
