Best Dispersed Camping near Commerce City, CO

The mountainous terrain surrounding Commerce City, Colorado features numerous dispersed camping opportunities within a 1-2 hour drive. National Forest lands northwest of the city host popular free camping areas like Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area near Nederland and Allenspark Dispersed Camping, where primitive sites accommodate both tent and small RV camping. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, located southwest of the city, provides over 40 dispersed sites with established fire rings. Most camping options in this region are undeveloped, with Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping and Beaver Park Reservoir offering scenic waterfront locations at higher elevations.

Road conditions present significant challenges for accessing many dispersed sites. High-clearance 4WD vehicles are essential for reaching remote locations like Chinns Lake, where one camper noted, "We drove our 4x4 Revel and were nervous the entire trip up and back. It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging driving." Fire restrictions frequently affect the region, particularly during summer and fall months. Seasonal considerations include cold nights at elevation even during summer, with temperatures dropping into the 30s at sites above 9,000 feet. Many access roads become impassable during spring runoff or after heavy rains, with several campers reporting getting vehicles stuck or towed from washed-out roads.

Mountain views and water features rank as primary attractions at most sites. Campers consistently mention scenic vistas as compensation for difficult access, with one visitor to Fall River Reservoir noting, "If you can tackle it, it is absolutely worth it!" Wildlife sightings are common, with foxes and small mammals frequently observed. Weekend crowding affects popular areas, especially those closest to Denver. As one Buffalo Creek visitor explained, "We headed out 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." Trash management remains problematic at some locations, with multiple reviewers mentioning the need to clean sites upon arrival. Cell service varies significantly by location, with better coverage reported at Hell Canyon Dispersed camping.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Commerce City, Colorado (61)

    1. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    38 miles
    Website

    "So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."

    "Like the title suggests, this campsite is typical for a free forest service campground. Prior campers have left some trash, bullet casings and obviously neglected to dig cat holes."

    2. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    33 miles
    Website

    "Was desperate to find "something" after driving 11 hours that day, and normal paid camp grounds were full. HOWEVER I was pulling a smaller trailer, and that turned out to be a real issue."

    "Went on a Tuesday afternoon and there was foot traffic around our spot from people headed on hikes."

    3. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    33 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    41 miles
    Website

    "We were right up on the lake but turns out it's private property and you cannot even go up to the water."

    "You are pinned up against private property around the lake, the camp sites are in the dirt area when you get to the lake down to the left."

    4. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    38 miles
    Website

    "Oe of my family's fav places, beautiful views, camping spots super far away from one another so awesome privacy, and completely free. Spots fill up quick on weekends, you can stay 14 days."

    "The roads around the whole campground were a little rough but i did okay in my Ford Escape. All of the sites seems to be really spread out.

    There were several people in the campground."

    5. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    43 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! "

    6. Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    28 Reviews
    Allenspark, CO
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Fire ban was in effect when we went, but lots of fire circles available otherwise. Bring bug spray, the flies are bold."

    "Was super simple to access. the coordinates take   you to the beginning of the rural part of Ski road."

    7. Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Definitely need a high clearance vehicle. I saw a low clearance vehicle at site 6 & no idea how they got there.. they had to have gotten scraped up."

    "Great camping about 31 dispersed spots most with tables and a fire ring decent trout fishing a great kayaking feels remote without being so remote."

    8. Hell Canyon Dispersed

    29 Reviews
    Pinewood Springs, CO
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "4x4 drive is a requirement. Good Verizon signal. Narrow road, however not busy at all. Stayed here for 4 days, no issue. The Google Maps directions is slightly wrong."

    "Turn just before or after Yogi Bear Campground and go up the decently maintained dirt road. (You will pass RVs at the beginning of the road as you head up)."

    9. Gold Lake Area Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    37 miles

    "My GPS from the coordinates just took me to the nearest town of Ward, CO.

    This is how I got there coming from the North:

    Take RT72 South to County Road 100."

    "Many spots along the CR once you find it, came in around 4pm on a Friday and there were still plenty of spots but started filling up fast. By 7pm, people were turning around as no spots were left."

    10. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Empire, CO
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 567-4382

    "It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving.

    Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake. "

    "Just outside of Idaho Springs, take the exit for Co Rd 275 off of I-70. It's a scenic drive up a curvy paved road for about 15 minutes."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Commerce City, CO

429 Reviews of 61 Commerce City Campgrounds



Guide to Commerce City

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Commerce City, Colorado, where nature meets adventure. These spots offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle while enjoying the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Commerce City, Colorado

Enjoying outdoor activities while free camping near Commerce City

  • Hiking enthusiasts will love the proximity to trails at Forest Road 332 Dispersed, which offers beautiful views and quiet surroundings.
  • For those interested in fishing, Farewell Gulch provides access to nearby waters, making it a great spot for a relaxing day by the lake.
  • Mountain biking is popular in the area, especially around Roosevelt National Forest Near Dream Canyon, where trails cater to various skill levels.

Dispersed campers should check out Gross Reservoir

  • The road to Gross Reservoir Dispersed is best navigated with a vehicle that has good ground clearance due to its rough terrain.
  • This area is known for its stunning views and is a favorite among those looking to escape into nature while still being close to Boulder.
  • Be prepared for bright lights from the dam project at night, which can affect the camping experience, so plan accordingly when choosing your site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Commerce City, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Commerce City, CO is Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area with a 3.6-star rating from 54 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 61 dispersed camping locations near Commerce City, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.