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Dispersed Camping near Colorado Springs, CO

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    Pike National Forest roads west of Colorado Springs cover a wide elevation range, and The Dyrt campers working this corridor tend to note that the route choice matters as much as the destination. Lower foothills sites stay accessible through most of the year. Higher routes close under snow and don't reopen until late spring, which catches people off guard if they don't verify conditions before leaving. No fees or reservations anywhere on these roads, and Colorado Springs tent camping is worth checking when you want water and a defined site without a long drive. Reviewers point to Woodland Park as a reliable resupply stop. High-clearance vehicles handle more of the forest than passenger cars do, though some pull-offs are reachable by either.

    Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Colorado Springs (59)

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      1. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

      4.1(36)16mi from Colorado Springs

      "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!"

      "Not far from the monument exit on I-25. The road is rocky bumpy & rutty in many areas. In others its smooth.  Yet suitable for 2wd vehicles.  Some campsites have mobile data & many do not.  "

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      2. Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

      4.5(21)15mi from Colorado Springs

      "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."

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      3. Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite

      4.6(20)15mi from Colorado SpringsTents

      "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"

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      4. Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park

      4.2(20)15mi from Colorado Springs

      "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."

      "Had to walk a bit but thats ok. Great veiws no one around. Sadly no campfires, so early to bed. Very close to great trialheads"

      5. Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

      4.5(15)16mi from Colorado SpringsRVs, Tents

      "Amazing location right next to Boehmer Creek. There are 5 or 6 sites mainly for tents. You might be able ti get an rv in there but low hanging trees and narrow rutted trails would be a problem."

      "Make sure to bring your bug spray. Nice fire pit and gorgeous views. Saw fish in stream a couple of deer and tons of chipmunks. Saw a little trash here and there."

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      6. Rampart Reservoir Dispersed

      3.9(11)15mi from Colorado SpringsRVs, Tents

      "After a long day of traveling we looked for a campsite close to Colorado Springs. This place was very nice with a great view of Pikes Peak."

      "I try to find a different line but it was just very rough road. I got here about 7:00 and although there are many spots here I sleep in the back of my pickup truck so I wanted a level spot."

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      7. Rampart Range Dispersed Site

      4.3(6)15mi from Colorado SpringsRVs, Tents

      "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 🏔️"

      "Awesome views and close to fishing"

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      8. Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area

      4.4(5)14mi from Colorado Springs

      "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 ."

      9. Mt. Herman Road Dispersed Site 2

      4.6(7)17mi from Colorado SpringsTents

      "You have to travel for several miles to find the disperse sites after you hit dirt road, but it's worth a trip. The first few miles are very rough and bumpy, but our 24 foot Sprinter made it fine."

      "Beautiful location, dead quiet during the week, tons of spots, most better suited for off-road vehicles only."

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      10. 320A Mt. Herman Dispersed

      4.7(3)17mi from Colorado SpringsRVs, Tents

      "The drive up isn’t for the faint of hearts, which probably explains the complete absence of sedans."

      "The view is pretty rad and it's a quiet location. Some traffic comes through but nothing obnoxious and loud. Definitely some evidence of past parties and some broken glass but nothing extreme."

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    Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Colorado Springs, CO

    260 Photos of 59 Colorado Springs Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Dispersed Camping Reviews near Colorado Springs, CO

    347 Reviews of 59 Colorado Springs Campgrounds

    • Juliana J.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 14, 2026

      Phantom Canyon

      Love a little history/camping combo!

      Cool spot. I like there were different sized spots and a clearly marked line where a 4WD/AWD vehicle is needed and no large rigs. I found a spot that was visible by the road, but there was water access and cool surroundings. The main road was well paved, but turning into my site was a bit rough and I needed the 4WD. There were large animal (I assume black bear) prints to give that extra bit of camping excitement, but no actual sitings (one day, Juliana. One day). Some mosquitos but not overwhelming. The scenery was gorgeous. Definitely a bit desert-esque but it was legitimately perfect weather in mid September. Cool creek rocks and a stunner of a sunset. Would absolutely return again. No numbered sites. Toilets about 1/4 mile beyond the drive through boulder.

    • Juliana J.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 14, 2026

      Cripple Creek BLM Area

      Worth the trek! Stunning landscape right on the creek

      Quite the drive but worth it. They were repaving some of the road and I personally had no issues getting to a site. It’s gravel, but doable for most vehicles. There was a propane tank and some trash left behind when I got there (always disheartening to find), but it didn’t feel “lived in” like some other spots have so I ultimately felt pretty safe. It was truly beautiful. I got a spot right at the creek that was tucked away from the main road. Maybe a handful of cars passed throughout my stay, so very peaceful and quiet. Zero amenities, so come prepared. No Verizon cell service. Lots of milky quartz laying about, beautiful birds and minimal bugs. Would make the trek here again in a heartbeat.

    • johny R.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 1, 2026

      Beaver Creek Rd Dispersed Site

      Fan favorite

      This middle section of the road has mixed spots some are wooded some are wide open it really just depends on whats available. People pour in around dusk so get there early and get a good spot with a mountain view and maybe you will see a moose like i did. Road is good cell is 1-2 bars in this secrion

    • johny R.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 1, 2026

      Beaver Creek Road

      Prime spots

      This middle section of the road gas some of the best views of pikes peak. Just cruise along the road there are a couple prime.spots you could get a trailer in and then several car sized spots for vans and smaller rigs. Road is 2wd safe but cell is a little spotty

    • Mike & SargeThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 27, 2026

      Manchester Creek Trailhead

      Hidden Gem

      I really enjoyed this spot. I visited towards the end of September 2026 during the start of the changing of the leaves and there were a lot of motorcyclists trying to get in a final ride before the season ends. Most of the spots off the main road were taken but I found a nice secluded spot right off one of the turn-offs. I arrived on a Saturday morning, and most everyone was gone by Sunday afternoon. I plan on staying for 14 days so that should take me to October 2026. Leveling was a little tricky using LevelMateMax, so I always recommend having back-up methods. Wal-Mart is a quick 30-minute trip away if you need groceries or supplies. Colorado Springs is about 45 minutes away. Cell service and internet can be spotty at times, but Starlink worked perfectly.

    • GThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 19, 2026

      Phantom Canyon

      Almost perfect

      I love canyon camping and this was a guddin. Would be a 5 but for trash and traffic. Found a nice little creekside pull through between the tunnels that scratched the itch.

    • BThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 13, 2026

      320A Mt. Herman Dispersed

      An amazing campspot

      i really enjoyed this spot. the road up gets a little interesting, but if i can do it in my ford fiesta, im sure just about any car could!

    • MThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 4, 2026

      Redskin Creek Rd Designated Campsite

      Beautiful location

      Easy access to main road and plenty of spots. This is a park your vehicle and bring your gear to the fire pit. Flat area for the tent was a blessing and the sunset was amazing! When God paints it looks like this!

    Guide to Colorado Springs

    Pike National Forest offers numerous rustic camping near Colorado Springs, Colorado options at elevations typically between 7,000-9,000 feet. Temperatures often drop below 40°F at night even in summer months due to the high elevation. Many dispersed sites are located along forest service roads that branch off major routes, with varying levels of accessibility depending on recent weather conditions.

    What to do

    Hiking at Rampart Reservoir: A 4-mile loop trail circles the reservoir and connects to several dispersed camping areas. "There was a great 4-mile round trip flat, easy hike walking distance from our campsite to Rampart Reservoir! Highly recommend! We walked it around 7AM - it was so quiet and the water was lovely," shares a camper at Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area.

    Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot deer, foxes, and occasionally larger mammals. "We had a moose and deer at our campsite during the mornings so I suggest being weary of wildlife," notes a visitor at Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide.

    Creekside exploration: Several camping areas feature access to small streams. One camper at Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed reports, "We found a campsite across the stream that you cross a log on. Beautiful drive to get to."

    What campers like

    Proximity to town with wilderness feel: Many sites offer quick access to supplies while maintaining a remote atmosphere. "The Pilot in Monument has showers and was an added bonus for being 15 minutes from our spot," mentions a camper at Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping.

    Varied site options: Different roads offer different camping experiences. "Each spot is far away from another, especially if you drive further down. We didn't hear anyone late into the night due to the distance," reports a visitor at Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide.

    Morning vistas: The areas around Rampart Range provide excellent sunrise viewing. "Great views of the city lights and then sunrise," notes a camper at Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping, while another mentions, "Watching the sunlight slowly shed light on the golden aspens was a beautiful sight."

    What you should know

    Road conditions vary seasonally: Weather impacts accessibility significantly. "We went there in May 3rd week and I loved it despite 'bad weather'. Our city car got stuck in the snow and we had to shovel our way out," reports a camper at Rampart Reservoir Dispersed.

    Weekend crowds: The areas closest to Colorado Springs fill quickly from Friday through Sunday. "We arrived on a Sunday in late September around 2:00pm. This site has an amazing sunset view every night," shares a visitor, suggesting Sunday arrivals can still find good spots.

    Safety concerns: Some areas have reports of rowdy behavior or homeless encampments. "Maybe we hit it at the wrong time, but many of the sites (mostly the best ones) were filled with what appeared to be homeless camps and campers," warns one visitor to Rampart Reservoir Dispersed.

    Tips for camping with families

    Trash awareness: Many reviewers mention litter issues. "Looked at 3-4 different sites all had a decent amount of broken glass so be careful with pets/little ones," advises a camper at Mt. Herman Road Dispersed Site 2.

    Wildlife encounters: The area supports active wildlife populations. "We had a fox as a neighbor!" shares an excited camper at Mt. Herman Road Dispersed Site 2, highlighting the potential for memorable animal sightings.

    Weekday camping: For quieter experiences with children, consider non-weekend visits. "We were the only campers around our area," reports a fall visitor, while summer weekends often fill completely by Friday evening.

    Tips from RVers

    Length restrictions: Many forest roads have tight turns limiting RV size. "I recently purchased a 26ft sustainable travel trailer and decided to take it out for the first time. Well the road up is very tight. Very skinny switchbacks. About half way up looking for a way to turn around," warns a visitor to Mount Herman Road.

    Level site hunting: Finding flat spots for larger vehicles requires persistence. "This campsite was nice and level," reports a truck camper at Mt. Herman Road Dispersed Site 2, while another camper notes, "Tons of level, large spots. Road is meant for ATV use, and was a fair amount of traffic throughout the day but tolerable."

    Road roughness assessment: Most dispersed sites require driving on unpaved roads. "The road gets rougher the further you go in but no problem for a 4x4. Even a small car could get to some nice sites," advises a visitor at Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is there free camping available near Pikes Peak and Colorado Springs?

    Yes, there's excellent free camping near Pikes Peak and Colorado Springs. Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area offers free dispersed camping about 40 minutes from Colorado Springs with stunning mountain views along the drive. Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed provides free sites next to Boehmer Creek, ideal for tent camping. Both areas are located in Pike National Forest surrounding Pikes Peak. These free sites have no amenities—no water, electricity, or trash service—so come prepared with supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles. Most free sites fill quickly during summer weekends, so mid-week arrival is recommended for better site selection.

    Can I go boondocking or car camping around Colorado Springs?

    Yes, Colorado Springs offers excellent boondocking and car camping opportunities. Manchester Creek Trailhead near the town of Divide provides numerous car camping spots, though the forest road is rough and high-clearance vehicles are recommended. You'll find a water station on Highway 67 in Divide for refills. Route 31 Camp offers quieter boondocking with OHVs prohibited, accessible even with 2WD vehicles despite some washboard roads. When boondocking, bring everything you need including water and waste disposal containers. Cell service varies by location but is generally available at higher elevations. Most sites have no facilities, so prepare to be self-sufficient and follow proper waste disposal practices.

    Where can I find dispersed camping near Garden of the Gods?

    For dispersed camping near Garden of the Gods, which is in Colorado Springs city limits, you'll need to head a bit outside the city. Phantom Canyon offers dispersed sites about 45 minutes from Garden of the Gods with amazing views, though it requires navigating about 14 miles of dirt road. Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping provides another option with spacious sites, though it requires 4WD if conditions are wet. For easier access sites, Pike National Forest dispersed camping areas west of Colorado Springs are your best bet. Remember that no dispersed camping is allowed within Colorado Springs city limits or at Garden of the Gods itself, as it's a city park. Plan to drive 30-60 minutes from the park to reach legal dispersed camping areas.

    Where are the best dispersed camping areas near Colorado Springs?

    The best dispersed camping areas near Colorado Springs include Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping and Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping. Rampart Range Road offers numerous smaller trails branching off the main dirt road, accessible by 2WD vehicles, though 4WD with high clearance is recommended for the side trails. Mount Herman Road provides panoramic Rocky Mountain views and drive-in sites, though the road requires moderate off-road driving skills. Both areas are within 30-45 minutes of Colorado Springs and offer spacious sites for various camping setups. Most sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving mid-week or early in the day is recommended during peak season.

    What BLM land is available for dispersed camping near Colorado Springs?

    Penrose BLM sites and Penrose Common Rec Site offer dispersed camping opportunities on BLM land relatively close to Colorado Springs. The Penrose area features rough access roads manageable with high-clearance vehicles. Penrose Common has basic facilities including pit toilets but no trash service, with plenty of space to spread out. These BLM sites are popular with ATV enthusiasts, so expect some traffic and noise, especially on weekends. Most sites offer decent cell service—T-Mobile users report sufficient coverage for remote work. The Penrose area tends to have fewer trees but provides excellent views of the surrounding landscape. Standard BLM camping rules apply: 14-day stay limits, pack out all trash, and use existing fire rings.

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