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.