Best Dispersed Camping near Coalmont, CO
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Best Dispersed Sites Near Coalmont, CO (83)
1. Buffalo Pass Dispersed
Steamboat Springs, Colorado16 Reviews•66 Photos•737 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
2. FR-302 Dispersed Camping - Rabbit Ears Pass
Steamboat Springs, Colorado8 Reviews•20 Photos•359 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
3. Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping
Walden, Colorado4 Reviews•6 Photos•52 SavesWalden Reservoir is a picturesque lake full of wildlife outside of Walden, Colorado. The Walden Reservoir is an easily accessible destination in a seldom seen portion of northern Colorado for birders, hunters, and those looking for a free, isolated place to rest.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
4. Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251
Steamboat Springs, Colorado3 Reviews•10 Photos•105 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
5. Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite
Grand Lake, Colorado14 Reviews•47 Photos•663 SavesFree camping (dispersed) is allowed on most national forest lands except in highly developed areas - such as trailheads, campgrounds and picnic sites - and in some of our most visited places. Be sure to check for regulations in advance and look for signs in the area to indicate if camping is allowed.
Some areas allow camping in designated sites only.
Know Before You Go
Check the weather and road closures before heading up. Follow Leave No Trace principles. There are no facilities or trash receptacles. Pack out what you pack in. Make sure camping is allowed. Many lands within the national forest boundary are private or otherwise owned. Check that you’re on National Forest lands: maps. Don't stay too long. Camping is limited to 14 days.within any continuous 30-day period. at any location within the same 20-mile radius. see Order Plan on building a campfire? Campfire restrictions can occur any time of year. Check for fire restrictions and if you build a campfire, know how to extinguish it.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
6. Seymour Lake State Wildlife Area
Coalmont, Colorado1 Review•4 Photos•26 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
7. Laramie River Road Dispersed
Red Feather Lakes, Colorado7 Reviews•20 Photos•689 SavesLocated on the southern end of the Medicine Bow Mountain Range in north central Colorado, Rawah Wilderness was designated by the Wilderness Act of 1964 and now contains 73,868 acres. "Rawah" is a Native American term meaning "wild place."
Elevations in the Rawah Wilderness range from 8,400 to 13,000 feet. The high peaks were carved by glaciers, resulting in spectacular cirque lakes and moraines. There are twenty-five named lakes, ranging in size from five to 39 acres. This high alpine area contains the headwaters of the McIntyre, Rawah, and Fall Creeks, as well as the Laramie River.
The Rawahs are host to mammals such as elk, moose, mule deer, black bear, bighorn sheep, marmot and beaver. There are many species of birds including the red-tailed hawk, white-tailed ptarmigan, golden eagle, raven, Steller's Jay and a variety of warblers. Lakes and streams are inhabited with lake, cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout. Graylings are also found in this area.
The Rawah Wilderness is very popular with summer backpackers, hikers and anglers. It is also popular with hunters in the fall. To encounter the fewest people, plan your trip for mid-week and use less popular trails.
Always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep this area wild, clean and pristine.
Motorized equipment, or mechanized transportation is prohibited, including motorcycles, chain saws, bicycles or carts. Wheelchairs are exempt. Group size is limited to 12 people and/or livestock combined. Camping and campfires are prohibited within 200’ feet of all lakes, streams and trails to protect water quality, sensitive vegetation and to help assure solitude. Thin soils and mountain vegetation are easily damaged by fire and fires scar rocks and soil. Use a stove, a fire pan or an existing fire ring when and where fires are allowed. Campfires are prohibited in the alpine areas above 10,800 feet. Campfires consume scarce vegetation and leave permanent scars on the fragile soils of the area. Pets must be on a handheld leash at all times if hiking. Equestrian riders can have dogs under voice control.
- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
8. FSR-296 - Dispersed Campsite
Steamboat Springs, Colorado2 Reviews•16 Photos•125 SavesThe Steamboat Springs area is east and north of Steamboat Springs, Colo. It is managed by the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District with a Ranger Station/Visitor Center in the town of Steamboat Springs. Recreation sites along Buffalo Pass and Rabbit Ears Pass are located within this area to include the popular waterfall hike, Fish Creek Falls. The area lies against the western ridge of the Continental Divide and the Routt National Forest. Multiple wilderness areas are nearby. The area is bountiful with recreation opportunities such as mountain biking, hiking, camping, and fishing, as well as winter sports such as skiing and snowmobiling, just to name a few. Setting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed on most of the national forests. From getting away from it all to just enjoying a weekend with friends, dispersed camping can make for a great story. Across the forests, opportunities range from dispersed camping miles into wilderness or just off a forest road in designated dispersed areas. Make sure to bring everything you need when dispersed camping, as water, restrooms, and fire rings may not be available nearby, and always remember to follow Leave No Trace principles.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
9. Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40
Steamboat Springs, Colorado3 Reviews•17 Photos•157 SavesPlease honor any signs that mention "private land" or "no camping" when in a dispersed area. Please practice Leave No Trace.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
10. Base Camp Trailhead
Steamboat Springs, Colorado1 Review•18 Photos•32 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Coalmont
142 Reviews of 83 Coalmont Campgrounds
- D
Dillon R.
Traveler
Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251
Great fall spot!
Camp sites were plenty when I visited on a Thursday. Only people I saw were the forest service workers who were friendly and just out reminding people of the fire ban.
- Lizzy A.
Scout
FR-302 Dispersed Camping - Rabbit Ears Pass
Oct 13 good spot not many people
Doggies loved it, not many people
- GGrace S.
Guide
Stillwater Pass
Easy Spot, Trash Left Behind
This spot was really easy to get to and had at least one bar of service for Verizon and T Mobile. The spot was nice and secluded, but there was some trash left behind from previous campers:(
- ppaul S.Scout
Pleasant Valley Roadside Camp on Hwy 40
Great views, rough terrain
Place has very good views from the mountain, however, the terrain isn't level. I found it difficult to get a good spot for my camper to be leveled.
- Lark H.Traveler
Pingree Road Dispersed Camping
Far enough, close enough
-Moderate to heavy foot traffic -Busy, mostly big groups staying at sites having their own fun but plan ahead for finding a site -Friendly and respectful people -Very well maintained sites, trails, signage, and other infrastructure -I’d recommend at least AWD but 2wd should absolutely be able to go on the main road and access most sites (2-4) wil require awd/4wd
- PPaul K.Guide
Stillwater Pass
Stillwater drive
Plenty of spots available. But land and trees are decimated from fire in 2020. But hey it’s a free spot to sleep
- VVictoria P.Traveler
Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite
Cozy
No one around
Matthew L.Scout
Lake Granby
Awesome Primitive Beach Campsite
There are tons of options along the shore of the lake in this area. We kayaked into our campsite from Sunset Point campground on Labor day weekend and didn't have any issues finding a spot. There was lots of boat activity during the day but it slowed down in the evening.
Robert D.Scout
Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping
Quiet place to overnight; Terrible day experience
We showed up at night and it was very quiet, no problem finding a spot to camp. However, during the day the gnats, bugs, and ants were everywhere. Literally crawled up our boots and bodies. Great place to over night, but terrible place to hang out during the day unless you have a bug net.
Mati C.TravelerStillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite
Beautiful View!
This was our first time dispersed camping and it was definitely an adventure. There wasn’t a single person alive around us and we were hidden in trees so it was a little scary at first but once all the stars came out, it was so beautiful. The lows reached 40° so it definitely got chilly at night, but you can’t beat that sunrise over the mountains.
- JJason
Legend
FSR-296 - Dispersed Campsite
Quiet fire road camping
Very quiet spot. There were many other campers all around but did not hear any noise other than from highway nearby which wasn't disturbing at all. Easy access off highway although I didn't drive too far into the road as it was raining.
- LLorene N.Guide
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Dispersed Camping
Enjoyable views
Stayed here over a weekend and wanted to stay longer. Pulled our 33’ travel trailer and there were good spots off the road.
Paul L.ScoutPleasant Valley Roadside Camp on Hwy 40
Steamboat - Beautiful view looking west.
Summer is over, Labor Day evening, nobody except me here. 5-6 potential spots all in a row, lined up on dirt road that parallels 40 and far enough away to be quiet. Convenient to Steamboat 15 min.
- Justin R.Scout
Stillwater Pass Grand Lake Colorado - Dispersed
Big sites!
Love all the room in the big sites! Area can be busy but keep going down the road and you’re bound to find a spot! Great area with lots of spots!
- QQuinn M.Scout
Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping
On th beach
simple, and easy place to get to… flat awesome sunset
Kelly L.Scout
Bear River Designated Dispersed
beautiful area
However what I found was designated site only camping mostly on the side of the road and they were not free. $10/night
michael H.Guide
Spring Creek Colorado- Dispersed Camping
Quiet and Secluded
Found a great little location on the creek. The area was busy, but the spots were separated very well. Off the main road we found a lightly traveled side road that led to the perfect camping spot. While the main road is well taken care of, some of the side roads definitely require an off-road vehicle. This is definitely going to be a place that we revisit.
- VVeronica G.Traveler
Manhattan Road Dispersed Camping & OHV
Forest Road 171J
We did not find a campsite right on the pin we drove up a little ways and came to a couple different dispersed spots. When you hit a Y in the road head left you will come across a couple fire pits. Great camping for dirt bikes, four wheelers and toys. We were right next to private property but the only ones out here.
Voyager D.GuidePingree Road Dispersed Camping
Great area, tons of spots
Great area all up Pingree Park Rd. The spots you can stay in without being bothered are all in the first mile or two. Good road, rather washboarded, but go slow and you'll be fine.
The first main area, and the top of the first hill is the best. Two areas of sites, and the one on the left as you go up has access to the rocks on the hill, which are from another world. Best sunset spot by far.
Farther up, there's a road, 127, off to the left with even more spots. The ones at the top of here have a veiw of the mountains on the north side of Estes park: Stormy, Evaline, the Mummy Range, etc.
- CColyer D.Guide
Buffalo Pass Dispersed
Our First Stop
This was our first stop on a week long road trip from Colorado Springs to the Oregon Coast and, honestly, we could have just hung out there and saved all the miles.
It was a such a beautiful area mid September. All the leaves were changing, it was cool and misty, the view was spectacular, yes it was rough as hell to get there, but totally worth it if you’ve got the rig for it.
My only note for the area was that there were a lot hunters walking through and around our camp, but everyone was polite and respectful.
- ZZachary D.Scout
Long Draw Road Campsites
Beware campsite crashers
I had an awesome site but I guess it was too good to be true. Not one but two other cars came, one pulling a horse trailer crashed on my site. It’s a campsite not a campground. Then, the day I was leaving, someone else came and dumped a trailer on the site. I packed up and left. That would never happen in Montana or Idaho where people actually have manners!
- MMaggie H.Scout
Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite
definitely camping here again
there are a number if dispersed campsites on this road. they’re all lovely and pretty spaced out but if you’ve got a rowdy bunch in the spot next to yours you’ll definitely hear them. but the views here were great and it isn’t too far of a drive from granby/rmnp. also i had pretty good service here! definitely coming back to this spot next time i’m here :)
Kevin W.Guide
Chambers Lake Dispersed Camping
Great For Large Groups
We drove up here on July 3rd hoping to camp at Barnes Meadow Reservoir. You can't drive in to Barnes Meadow so we took County Road 103 north around Chambers lake and found a lot of open spots beneath lodgepole pines. Several spots have a large pull in parking area where you could have a large RV, truck and trailer, or park several cars. I couldn't help thinking this area is perfect for a large group to set up several tents and have several individual campsites with their own fire right next to each other.
There is no water, electrical or toilets, but there are toilets at the Lost Lake trailhead which is a 2-3 minute drive up the road or a 15 minute walk.
We did walk down to the lake right behind our campsite. The bank is steep but passable by kids so most people can get down there and back up. We fished a bit in Chambers and Lost Lake. On the other side of the lake is the improved Chambers Lake Campground but it's a 15 minute drive around to the other side of the lake. And a further drive up Rd 103 takes you to lots of stream fishing, hiking trails, and more dispersed camping.
Donovan A.TravelerFR-302 Dispersed Camping - Rabbit Ears Pass
Travel Trailer
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 that has a fairly large rock fire pit and good loop for when leaving. Great parking area to drop and go scout with your vehicle first and I'd recommend doing so.
Mosquitos are definitely worse than usual, but otherwise a lovely spot. The tree coverage is affecting my solar generation enough where I may need to move sooner than I'd like
- Donovan A.Traveler
Buffalo Pass Dispersed
Must have Suspension
Just to update this since the last review had it closed. The road leading up to the summit is back open, but it is ROUGH. I had just done Rock Creek's drive up to dispersed near Dillon and thought that was bad, but this was worse.
You will not be able to get anything low clearance or anything you're towing that does not have independent suspension + high clearance (I dropped my 18' TT at Walmart and went to scout - glad I did) While I was 1/4 up into the climb, a Sprinter Van was stopped at what is probably the worst portion of the road. If you can make it past that first choke point, you'll pass a park then walk-in camp site on the left and then shortly after another camp spot on the right that is more van friendly. Both are not good for trailers. It is after those two sites the road goes from bad to worse.
If you have a Camper on a F350 or high clearance + tent, it has some of the best views I've seen at a park spot. It's worth the drive up there for pictures if you're curious, but I would unhook anything you're carrying before doing so.
Aly E.GuideStillwater Pass Grand Lake Colorado - Dispersed
So perfect
This area is huge on Stillwater road so keep going for a spot! We are here in July and found a spot completely secluded and some of the large lots have vault toilets! Which is a real treat when you spent two weeks on dispersed areas all over the west with no bathrooms. Mosquitoes are a little heavy so bring spray. No wildlife spotted but this area did suffer a wild fire so a lot of the trees are burnt. A lot of the spots have fire pits made by rocks but bring wood! The first stops have more Mountain View’s and the farther you drive is next to the water!
- SShane W.
Ranger
Base Camp Trailhead
Little ways back from US-40
I wouldn’t bring anything back here towing behind me except an overland trailer, personally. It’s rocky a good most of the way, but high clearance isn’t needed. A few off camber spots, but nothing horrible. I passed a Subaru Crosstrack coming in. Once you get back it is beautiful with great views. There is a creek below the spot with crystal clear water. You have to hike to Fishhook Lake from here on the Basecamp Trail (Wyoming Trail). It’s very secluded and quiet. Mosquitoes were very bad, be aware.
Guide to Coalmont
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Coalmont, Colorado, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers
- The Buffalo Pass Dispersed area offers breathtaking views, especially during the fall when the leaves change color, making it a picturesque spot for photography enthusiasts.
- At FR-302 Dispersed Camping - Rabbit Ears Pass, campers can enjoy wildflowers and stunning vistas, particularly during the summer months when the landscape is in full bloom.
- For those looking for a peaceful retreat, the Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 provides a lush forest setting with plenty of tree coverage, perfect for a secluded camping experience.
Top Activities While Free Camping Near Coalmont
- Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at South Delaney Lake, where the calm waters are ideal for a relaxing day on the lake.
- Hiking is a must at the Base Camp Trailhead, which serves as a gateway to scenic trails leading to Fishhook Lake, offering both adventure and stunning views.
- Wildlife watching is abundant at Elk River Dispersed, where visitors can spot elk and other wildlife in their natural habitat, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
Unique Features for Dispersed Campers
- The Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping area is known for its beautiful sunsets and serene atmosphere, perfect for those looking to unwind after a day of exploration.
- Campers at Pleasant Valley Roadside Camp on Hwy 40 can enjoy easy access to the highway while still being surrounded by stunning mountain views, making it a convenient stop for travelers.
- The Middle Fork Elk River Camp offers a spacious area for larger groups, with plenty of room for tents and RVs, making it ideal for family gatherings or group outings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Coalmont, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Coalmont, CO is Buffalo Pass Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Coalmont, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 83 dispersed camping locations near Coalmont, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.