Best Dispersed Camping near Cotopaxi, CO

Several dispersed camping options exist around Cotopaxi, Colorado, primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forest lands. Hayden Creek Roadside Camp, Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area, and Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site provide free primitive camping opportunities in the region. Additional sites include Cotton Creek Trailhead, Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead, and Marshall Pass, all located within reasonable driving distance of Cotopaxi. These areas generally allow tent and RV camping without reservations on public land.

Access roads to most dispersed sites require careful navigation and often demand high-clearance vehicles. The majority of roads are unpaved, with conditions ranging from washboard dirt surfaces to deeply rutted paths. Forest Service Road 250 and County Road 31 are frequently mentioned in reviews as particularly rough in sections. Many sites have no water sources, so campers must bring their own supply. Most areas permit campfires in established fire rings, though seasonal fire bans are common during dry periods. The standard 14-day camping limit applies throughout BLM and Forest Service lands in the region.

The dispersed camping areas around Cotopaxi offer varying degrees of seclusion and natural beauty. Sites at higher elevations provide expansive mountain views, while locations along creeks offer the soothing sounds of running water. Wildlife sightings, including deer, coyotes, and various bird species, are common. Proximity to towns like Salida allows for supply runs when needed. The camping experience can vary significantly based on season and location. According to one camper, "There are sites with better tree coverage for tent campers when you go further into the back areas of some of the side roads, though you lose the views of the surrounding mountains." Another noted that "The deeper you go back, the better the sites appear to be. You get more privacy and the views are better."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Cotopaxi, Colorado (87)

    1. Hayden Creek Roadside Camp

    4 Reviews
    Coaldale, CO
    7 miles

    "Quite a few flat tent spots right by the creek although there are boulders from preventing you from driving too far into the woods."

    "level, shaded, right by nice size creek. perfect for exploring and quiet. we were in tent but saw several largeRV. some traffic but never heard another person. were a few spots right next to us but we"

    2. Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area

    2 Reviews
    Hillside, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-8500

    "Entry road has multiple water runoff ditches that make the road best for vehicles with decent clearance. If dry 4x4 not necessary."

    "Be careful of cactus, bring firewood, download the off-line maps. The trails can get confusing so remember your way in!"

    3. Lake Deweese state wildlife area

    8 Reviews
    Westcliffe, CO
    17 miles
    Website

    "This is dispersed camping. There are pit toilets but no other services or amenities."

    "This is a great dispersed camping spot with outhouses around the lake for convenience, well kept and clean! DO NOT let kids or dogs in water, as there is a level red warning for toxic algae!!"

    4. Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area

    16 Reviews
    Poncha Springs, CO
    26 miles
    Website

    "If you ever been to any of the BLM camping locations around Salida, Mt. Shavano is not anything different."

    "Totally Boondocking, no hookups, but close to town to refill water and such."

    5. Salida BLM Land

    4 Reviews
    Salida, CO
    18 miles

    "There’s two outhouses at the Race Track trailhead."

    "Well labeled from Highway 50 just before entering Salida. About or greater than 20 camping spots (but we didn't venture to the last site)."

    6. Cotton Creek Trailhead

    3 Reviews
    Crestone, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 657-3321

    "Do not route via Apple Maps, it will try to take you through a private road. Don’t follow the “major trail” signs, just find the side road this spot is on and drive up and you’ll find it."

    "The road is very rocky & very rough, so you'll want to have decent clearance and be prepared to take it slow. I've never seen so many stars!"

    7. Marshall Pass

    7 Reviews
    Poncha Springs, CO
    24 miles
    Website

    "There were sites you could pull into off of the road, but we car camped along the side since we were leaving early. Finding a spot can be difficult, but the views and location are nice."

    "Awesome group sites and very easy access to lake!"

    8. Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead

    3 Reviews
    Crestone, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 657-3321

    "Several good spots with fire pits right near the trailhead. A few bugs in late August but nothing terrible. Very quiet except for the sound of the rushing creek."

    9. Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site

    18 Reviews
    Nathrop, CO
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "Found an area right off the Colorado Trail trailhead. You don’t really need 4wd, but it is a dirt road and some parts are less smooth than others. Very close drive to the Mt Princeton Hot Springs"

    "It is gorgeous and so easy to access. From the 285 going north turn left on County road 270 until it becomes the 272 we went straight to the 274."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cotopaxi, CO

273 Reviews of 87 Cotopaxi Campgrounds


  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 15, 2024

    The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    Wild and Untamed

    Backcountry dispersed camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park offers an unforgettable and truly unique wilderness experience. If you’re seeking solitude and raw, untamed landscapes, this is the perfect spot to pitch your tent. With no designated sites, you have the freedom to find your ideal spot beyond the busy dunes and under an expansive star-filled sky.

    The journey begins with a hike deep into the park’s rugged terrain, where you’re surrounded by towering sand dunes, alpine forests, and sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The lack of light pollution makes stargazing an absolute highlight—this is one of the best places to witness the Milky Way.

    Keep in mind, this is true backcountry camping: no facilities, no water sources, and you must pack out all waste. Permits are required, so be sure to plan ahead. The environment can be challenging, with extreme temperature swings and strong winds that shift the sand beneath your feet. Good preparation and Leave No Trace practices are a must.

    The rewards are well worth the effort. From sunrise hikes to the serene sound of nothing but wind across the dunes, this camping experience immerses you in nature’s raw beauty like few others can. It’s an adventure you’ll carry with you long after you’ve left the dunes behind.

    Highly recommend skipping the tent and sleeping under the stars!

  • Lise F.
    Apr. 8, 2021

    Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping

    Space and Views!!

    We camped here for 4 nights in August 2020. It was so peaceful. Big wide dispersed camping spaces. Plenty of nice hiking - especially Brown's Creek area. Great location with easy drive to Buena Vista & Salida & Mt. Princeton. The only drawback was, well, August dryness & no water nearby. This was our first dispersed camping experience and we realize no facilities. There is one bathroom near the Brown's Creek trailhead about 2 miles away from where we camped, but we had a camper. Also, no picnic tables at all. AND cows roam freely throughout the area - drive slowly & respect them - listen for moos & coyote howls. Great bird-watching too. We enjoyed it so much!!

  • Tommie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2018

    North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping

    Ranger Review: Wild Zora Foods at North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camp

    Bare bones but beautiful camping opportunity conveniently located near the trailhead to the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area in Colorado

    Campground Review:

    Needing a spot to serve as a staging area for a planned backpacking trip into the Collegiate Peak Wilderness Area of Colorado, my group discovered this gem. County roads (CR) that access national forests in Colorado often have primitive but established camping spots. Since we were going to start our backpacking trip from the North Cottonwood Trailhead, we searched online to make sure that the access road, CR 365 offered dispersed camping.

    After a nice meal in nearby Buena Vista, Co, we headed out on the 7-8 mile drive to the trailhead. Now 7-8 miles on a CR isn’t always the same as a similar distance on a paved road. The first 3 miles on the drive from town center were paved and were navigated quickly and easily. The next few miles were not and driving became more of an adventure and slowed dramatically. While in the end we saw 2 WD vehicles at the trailhead, I would suggest that at a minimum you should have a high clearance FWD vehicle. Our Subaru Outback AWD served us well. The drive took us around 30 minutes.

    2 miles away from the trailhead, you pass a Colorado Trail access point with parking and vault toilets. IMPORTANT: there are no toilets past this point on CR 365 and no facilities at the North Cottonwood Trailhead.

    We ended up driving all the way up to the trailhead to know what to expect for the next morning when we would start the hike. We then headed back down CR 365 about a mile to some of the more attractive looking camping sites along the road. In all, I would suspect you pass 15-20 opportunities along the road. Some of them are small, single vehicle, single tent areas and others could handle multiple groups.

    We ended up finding a pull off point that had a gravel road that accessed several campsites. You are encouraged to find sites that have been used in the past and most will have a fire pit. Always check with the ranger stations to see if fires are allowed in the area at the time.

    Since this site had a gravel road that took you 50-100 yards off the CR, you really felt the seclusion. The CR is not heavily traveled (maybe 6 cars used it from 7pm to 6am the next morning while we were there), being off the road really made this a nice site. The sites that are accessed via side gravel roads do have road designations. The one we chose was 365B and was clearly marked with a reflective post sign.

    The sites are adorned with pines and aspens. We were also near a stream that provided us beautiful sounds to fall asleep to. Spacing between sites is significant so you do feel remote and won’t hear much if anything from other campers. Our site had a rock fire ring but firewood is scarce so if you want a campfire, you will need to bring some with you. There is no running water at these sites but the stream is flowing and with a filtration system, you can easily fill up. No tables or benches are in the area.

    Does a bear … in the woods? Well yes and you will need to as well. This area’s minimum suggested practice was to dig your “cat hole” at least 6 inches deep, 100 feet or more away from water, camping and trail locations. Degradable toilet paper, no wipes, was suggested.

    The site was beautiful, primitive, remote, and convenient. Everything we were looking for. We experienced temperatures of 70’s during the day and mid 40’s at night. We did have the typical misty rain in the evening but it didn’t last long and the ground absorbed it well. You are at around 9500 feet above sea level so you may feel the effects of the altitude. It served as a great place for this “flatlander” to get acclimated.

    Not a site for someone that needs amenities. But if you love the thought of a controlled, primitive site, this will be right up your alley!

    Gear Review: Wild Zora Foods

    See a quick video summary of the product HERE.

    As a Dyrt Ranger gear tester, I often get opportunities to evaluate camping related products during my outdoor adventures. On this outing, I was able to pack a variety of Wild Zora snacks and meals to help fuel this physically demanding trip.

    The genesis for Wild Zora began in 2011 with a family that discovered the benefits of Gluten-Free, Paleo, and Primal foods. After developing their own, sharing with friends and family, the founders decided to package and offer their creations to the public. They offer meat and veggie bars, paleo meals to go, soups and teas. All are claimed to be prepared with minimally processed, high quality ingredients. The company states that it is mindful of diet restrictions and allergies.

    Testing conditions:

    I tested the product over several weeks under somewhat adverse but consistent conditions. The food was used to fuel a physically demanding trip where calorie dense foods were needed. I needed to be able to consume around 4000 calories a day to be able to backpack for miles and to climb 14,000 foot Colorado peaks. Space and weight were taken into consideration as well. We would be preparing the meals at high elevation which would affect how long and effective reconstitution of the dehydrated food would take. During most of the cooking times, temperatures were between 40-60 degrees.

    Things that stood out:

    · Conveniently packaged. Durable with no excessive packaging.

    · Shelf life was way longer than what I needed for this trip so if any was left over, it would keep for my next trip.

    · The meals and flavors offered are not limited to your common camping meals offered by others. CHECK OUT SOME OF THESE FLAVORS!

    · There is no shortage of flavor in the meals. Nothing bland about them.

    · Ingredients are top shelf and the meals and snacks have such a short but impressive ingredient list, you know you are doing your body good.

    My preferences for improvement:

    · Adjustment needed in how I ate it because of the dimensions of the meal packages. Narrow and tall vs short and wide made me adjust how I consumed the meal.

    Summary of experience with Wild Zora:

    These meals are POPPING with flavor! Since what we like in our meals is a personal preference, some may not like the strong flavors but I loved them. I am a little adventurous with my food and the flavors in all the meals I tried were distinct and pleasing – think gourmet vs fast food.

    The food is packaged with the outdoor enthusiast in mind. Easy to tuck away in my backpack without being a space or weight hog and the snacks were perfect when I went “peakbagging” with a smaller daypack. Calorie dense. I was able to easily take 4 meat/veggie bars with my on mountain climbs and averaged 120 calories a bar. The bars provided satisfying protein and fat calories that complimented my quick carb foods I packed.

    Will absolutely be a part of my meals on future adventures. See a quick summary of the product HERE.

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2023

    Fraile’s Campground - Dispersed

    Huge sites on gnarly road

    CR 290 off Tarryall Rd. Campsites are all designated on 290 but there are numerous firepits on the side roads. The road to get up is very rutted. I recommend a high clearance vehicle. Definitely four wheel drive is required. I did see a Subaru forester up near the top. The sites are wide open once you get onto the plateau at the top. Easily could accommodate a big rig, but the issue would be getting it up the road. The views from the top are really nice. It opens out and you get some spectacular views of Pike National Forest. The sites are spacious with some pine tree coverage for tent campers. This would definitely be a possible back up spot if nothing on Matukat rd was available. Because they are dispersed there is no electrical hook ups or water. There’s no Creek running through the area. I imagine it would be really quiet and remote up here because the road to get in is going to deter a lot of people. We did find some spots with fire pits, but not sure you can camp there given there is no sign post reading designated campsite but they are off the main road so give it a try.

  • Izzy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2022

    Penrose Common Rec Site

    Delightful af

    Road in is rough, but manageable with a high clearance vehicle. Plenty of space to spread out. Popular with those ATV things. Pit toilet, no trash. Not many trees, but a great view of the surrounding area. T-mobile service was good enough to get some work and school done. Close enough to groceries and other stores. Love this spot.

  • Silouan A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 27, 2025

    Marshall Pass Dispersed

    Dispersed camping spots with amazing views

    Turn off Hwy 285 at “Mears Junction” and head up Marshall Pass Rd. The first few miles are through private property, but then it opens up into the National Forest, with dispersed campsites interspersed regularly along the roads. There are easy camper friendly spots, and tent spots, as well as some areas where a group could be easily accommodated. The views are fantastic, there are numerous trailheads, and Poncha Creek and other seasonal creeks are running beautifully.

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2023

    Route 31 Camp

    Close to perfect if you’re in the right spot

    County Road 31 dispersed camping On entering the area, there is immediately a sign that reads that OHV’s are prohibited. At least in this area you know you’re going to get some peace and quiet. The road to get in is mainly washboard. Totally possible even with a low clearance 2 Wheel Dr. vehicle. The sights designated only. Once you get past the information board you’ll see turn off‘s on the left and right wave Campers and fire pits. If you continue down County Road 31 spectacular. The biggest issue I can see again is a lack of firewood. There appears to be no downed trees or burned trees in the area. You need to bring in your own. There’s also no water source in this area so come well prepared. Since this is dispersed camping, there is no reservation or electric hook ups or sewer hook ups. These sites are plenty big enough for big rigs, and most of them appear to be pull through sites. Tent campers the sites do appear to be a little bit too exposed. There are sites with better tree coverage for tent campers when you go further into the back areas of some of the side roads the downside is you lose the views of the surrounding mountains. If you keep going further back, CR 31 connects to 896, and there are sites way back there that give you the impression that you’re just even further removed from everybody else. There are so many sites in this area. This could be a good back up spot for Matukat Road if it’s not available. There is a site on 896 right before the no camping sign, which is designated as a campsite, and it has some tree coverage, and all the mountain views. 896 is a very tough road requiring high clearance and four-wheel-drive. Numerous places have deep holes and you need to take it very slow.

  • Steve & Ashley  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2019

    Marshall Pass

    ATV Dispersed Camping

    This site is on Marshall Pass Road off of highway 285. The dispersed sites are near the intersection of Marshall Pass Road and Forest Service Rod 200. This intersection at the base off the access road up to Ohaver Lake Campground. The primitive sites are spread along the creek just off the Forest Service Road. Like many dispersed camps, the sites only have flat cleared areas with fire pits and no other amenities. The area is a great spot for ATV Riders to trailer into area as well as horse trailers to park and access the mountain roads and trails. The location is not the best for scenery and can get busy in the summer especially on weekends since it’s so close to the highway and Salida, Colorado.

  • Charles L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Phantom Canyon

    Late July camping trip

    I’m a rooftop tent camper and the views are amazing but was hoping to be close to the water and isolated from other campers. Definitely was isolated and found one spot that worked out well for rooftop camper. Like 14 miles on dirt road, on the right, 20 feet before a sign that reads “leaving public land.” Had fire ring and more than enough room. About 20 yards away from creek. Quiet. No Att cell service but don’t expect anyone can get service in that canyon.


Guide to Cotopaxi

Dispersed camping near Cotopaxi, Colorado, offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Dispersed campers should check out Marshall Pass

  • Located near Salida, Marshall Pass features numerous dispersed sites along the scenic Marshall Pass Road, making it a great spot for both relaxation and adventure.
  • The area is well-known for its ATV trails, providing ample opportunities for off-road enthusiasts to explore the rugged terrain and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
  • Campers can enjoy the peaceful ambiance with the option to have campfires, making it an ideal location for evening gatherings under the stars.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Cotopaxi, Colorado

  • When visiting Lake Deweese State Wildlife Area, be prepared for a more communal experience, as sites are close together, but the stunning views of the lake make it worthwhile.
  • For those seeking solitude, Hayden Creek Roadside Camp offers a serene environment with flat tent spots right by a flowing creek, perfect for a peaceful night’s sleep.
  • If you're looking for a picturesque backdrop, Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area provides well-maintained sites with a good distance from neighbors, allowing for a more private camping experience.

Scenic views and outdoor activities for dispersed campers

  • The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is a prime location for those who enjoy fishing and hiking, with easy access to trails and stunning river views.
  • For a unique experience, consider camping at Poncha Pass Dispersed, where you can explore miles of trails and enjoy the nearby O'Haver Lake for fishing and relaxation.
  • The Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead offers a quiet setting with several camping spots near a rushing creek, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate the sounds of nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Cotopaxi, Colorado?

Several excellent dispersed camping options surround Cotopaxi. Route 31 Camp offers accessible sites with washboard roads manageable even with low-clearance 2WD vehicles. Marshall Pass Dispersed provides numerous sites along the road after turning off Hwy 285 at Mears Junction. Other nearby options include Texas Creek Dispersed OHV area and Hayden Creek Roadside Camp. For those willing to drive a bit further, areas near Salida and Buena Vista offer additional dispersed camping opportunities. Most sites are located on Forest Service or BLM land, with varying levels of accessibility and amenities.

What are the rules for dispersed camping near Cotopaxi?

Dispersed camping near Cotopaxi follows standard Colorado public land regulations. At Penrose Common Rec Site, you'll find pit toilets but no trash service, so pack out all waste. Most areas follow the 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. Campfires are permitted in existing fire rings when no fire restrictions are in place. Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping and similar areas require camping in previously used sites at least 100 feet from water sources. Vehicle use is restricted to established roads and trails. Always check current fire restrictions with the local Forest Service or BLM office before your trip.

Do I need a 4WD vehicle for dispersed camping areas in Cotopaxi?

Vehicle requirements vary significantly among dispersed camping areas near Cotopaxi. Fraile's Campground - Dispersed has very rutted roads requiring high clearance and 4WD, though some adventurous Subaru owners have managed the journey. In contrast, Phantom Canyon involves about 14 miles on dirt roads but remains accessible for various vehicle types including rooftop tent setups. Many sites closer to main roads can be reached with standard vehicles during dry conditions, but road quality deteriorates quickly after rain or snow. For the most flexibility in campsite selection, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.