Best Dispersed Camping near Craig, CO
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Best Dispersed Sites Near Craig, CO (33)
1. Buffalo Pass Dispersed
Steamboat Springs, Colorado16 Reviews•66 Photos•737 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
2. Sawmill Creek
Slater, Colorado1 Review•9 SavesSawmill Campground is closed. Dispersed camping is allowed with the pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy. No facilities available. Located in the California Park/Black Mountain Area and is managed by the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District.
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
3. White River National Forest dispersed
Meeker, Colorado1 Review•2 Photos•22 SavesThere are many dispersed camping opportunities on the forest ranging from backpacking to car-camping along designated Forest Roads. Visitors are encouraged to minimize resource impacts by utilizing established sites rather than creating new ones. Dispersed camping sites along Forest Roads are shown on Motor Vehicle Use Maps, which are available free of charge at ranger district offices.
Visitors are permitted to drive vehicles up to 300 feet from designated routes for purposes of dispersed camping as long as no resource damage is incurred in the process. Dispersed camping within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and forest system trails is prohibited unless otherwise designated. Campers may stay for a maximum of 14 days. Some areas may have additional special restrictions.
Reduce Resource Damage
Avoid making new impacts. Whenever possible, use an existing campsite rather than creating a new one. Dispose of human waste, including toilet paper, carefully. Use self-contained waste disposal systems whenever possible. When unavailable, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 – 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, camp sites, and roads or trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Properly manage sanitation. Dispose of waste, gray water, sewage, and sewage treatment chemicals from self-contained toilets at authorized facilities provided for that purpose. Pack it in, pack it out. Do not leave behind any waste or litter. Leave no trace. Leave established sites in better condition than you found them. Leave new sites in as natural condition as you found them. Don’t move firewood. Moving firewood long distances can help spread harmful pests. Use only locally sourced or dead or downed firewood. Be bear aware. You are in bear country. Leave food, trash, and all items with fragrance (e.g., toothpaste, deodorant) in vehicle, bear-proof canisters, or suspended in bear bags. Do not eat in your tent. Visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife's web site for more information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. Yellowjacket Pass
Meeker, Colorado1 Review•3 Photos•36 SavesThere are many dispersed camping opportunities on the forest ranging from backpacking to car-camping along designated Forest Roads. Visitors are encouraged to minimize resource impacts by utilizing established sites rather than creating new ones. Dispersed camping sites along Forest Roads are shown on Motor Vehicle Use Maps, which are available free of charge at ranger district offices.
Visitors are permitted to drive vehicles up to 300 feet from designated routes for purposes of dispersed camping as long as no resource damage is incurred in the process. Dispersed camping within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and forest system trails is prohibited unless otherwise designated. Campers may stay for a maximum of 14 days. Some areas may have additional special restrictions.
Reduce Resource Damage
Avoid making new impacts. Whenever possible, use an existing campsite rather than creating a new one. Dispose of human waste, including toilet paper, carefully. Use self-contained waste disposal systems whenever possible. When unavailable, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 – 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, camp sites, and roads or trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Properly manage sanitation. Dispose of waste, gray water, sewage, and sewage treatment chemicals from self-contained toilets at authorized facilities provided for that purpose. Pack it in, pack it out. Do not leave behind any waste or litter. Leave no trace. Leave established sites in better condition than you found them. Leave new sites in as natural condition as you found them. Don’t move firewood. Moving firewood long distances can help spread harmful pests. Use only locally sourced or dead or downed firewood. Be bear aware. You are in bear country. Leave food, trash, and all items with fragrance (e.g., toothpaste, deodorant) in vehicle, bear-proof canisters, or suspended in bear bags. Do not eat in your tent. Visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife's web site for more information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
5. FR-302 Dispersed Camping - Rabbit Ears Pass
Steamboat Springs, Colorado8 Reviews•20 Photos•359 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
7. Allen Basin Reservoir Dispersed
Yampa, Colorado1 Review•4 Photos•132 SavesThis Reservoir is located in Yampa, CO
The reservoir is accessed by Trail #1181. You must either hike in one mile on foot or by motorized ATV/OHV in the summer or by snowmobile in the winter. Note that ATV/OHV's must be under 50” wide.
Nearby to the trail is dispersed camping opportunities, as well as further down the road at Crosho Lake.
Both Crosho Reservoir and Allen Basin Reservoir provide good trout fishing opportunities.
Car camping opportunities at no cost are also located at Crosho Lake.
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
8. Mirror Lake Dispersed and TH
Yampa, Colorado1 Review•15 Photos•3 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
9. Pleasant Valley Roadside Camp on Hwy 40
Steamboat Springs, Colorado3 Reviews•1 Photo•47 SavesSetting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed in most places. From getting away from it all to just enjoying a weekend with friends, dispersed camping can make for a great story.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
10. Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40
Steamboat Springs, Colorado3 Reviews•17 Photos•158 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
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Craig
58 Reviews of 33 Craig 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
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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
Greg L.Legend
Mirror Lake Dispersed and TH
Mirror Lake TH dispersed
Only dispersed camping I found from here to Trappers Lake. 4 sites, only the one in open area is suitable for TTs. Rest are more overland spots. No tables, no toilet, no wayer, no trash. No Cell signal.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
Fernando D.ScoutOff Highway 40 Dispersed
Pull off from highway 40
We were hoping to stop at the loop just beofre this spot coming from Steamboat Springs butt here we're three other vehicles there. This stretch of road has a number of pulloffs but beware they are not flat. I was able to.level our travel trailer but only after busting a jack.
- SShane W.Ranger
Falls Road Dispersed Campsite
Minimal road noise
Stopped for the night for a quick eat and sleep. Road was wet in places. Some areas I wouldn’t pull a trailer too far in. A Mercedes van was 200 yards down from me, so not horrible. In the trees, lots of firewood available, and very pretty. No facilities. Completely dispersed. Pack in and out.
Tyler C.Guide
Steamboat Springs Colorado Dispersed Camping
Best view out here, gonna be windy
Unfortunately the road is closed right now, I’m not even supposed to be here idt but I foraged through the woods from the campsites further back north on the dirt road. But I figured I’d at least let yall know there is a campsite here.
christian L.TravelerFSR-296 - Dispersed Campsite
Short pit stop
The camping is directly off is route 40, a minute or two drive until campsites. Decided to park in the asphalt/gravel lot. There is camping directly behind this in the grass land though. Easy road to access camping. Staying for 2 nights and continuing on. Seems to be fairly rig friendly, as it was easy for my 25ft travel trailer
- CColleen C.Scout
Buffalo Pass Dispersed
Campground closed - no telling of when it will open
Road closed right by buffalo Pass campground. No way of getting through to spots and no sign of when the road will open
Erika L.Guide
Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40
Can you complain about THIS review!?
Great spot to rest and catch some views!
Barbara L.Guide
Robbers Gulch Road
Quiet and Pretty
The coordinates get you here but there is nothing at the coordinates. You have to drive just a short distance further to find a spot. It is super quiet and very pretty. 4 bars Verizon.
- Maxwell N.Scout
Sand Wash Basin
Perfect for an overnight
Great quiet spot with a bathroom and some great views for just off the highway
GeorgeTravelerRobbers Gulch Road
Quiet less than a mile from highway
A good spot to find. No services. No cell. Just a couple of spots but no one else around the 1st of October. A traveler's overnight spot
- EElizabeth F.Scout
Buffalo Pass Dispersed
Weekend visit to Buffalo Pass
The forest road was a bit washed out in some places and required decent clearance but outside of a few big bumps the road was a fun ride! Campsites were many but pretty full upon my late arrival. Would recommend daylight arrival if possible as many spots didn’t appear obvious in the night!
- RRachael W.Traveler
Buffalo Pass Dispersed
Worth the Drive
The drive up Buffalo Pass is tricky, and definitely requires clearance the further up you go. We found an amazing spot over Labor Day weekend with wildflowers and great views. The spot was at a bit of an angle. The rain paid off with incredible rainbows!
ConnerGuide
Elk River Dispersed
Great for drive in/hike in
DONT FORGET TO VISIT CLARK STORE, its very close
drove here in toyota prius. There is a parking lot at the entrance to the dispersed camping where it forks into two roads to access parking spots. The forest service road was in amazing condition to access it.
I decided to hike up ontop a large rock formation because i wanted the killer views. Just enough dirt up there to pitch a tent.
There is dispersed camping along the river where a lot of rv’s were pitched up. I didnt want to be near any of them cause im tent camping
Matt C.TravelerFR-302 Dispersed Camping - Rabbit Ears Pass
Great spot close to Steamboat
Perfect for a night. Lots of places to park/camp. My only complaint were the mosquitos. Tons. But if you have spray you'll be fine.
Anna S.RangerBuffalo Pass Dispersed
Breathtaking solitude
Yes, the road is rough, especially the higher up you go - take your time and have an appropriate vehicle. But it's worth it. So many options - spots with overlooks, tree-covered spots, open field spots. Something for everyone. It was hard to pick! I pulled off and found a place behind some rocks with nice grass and a fire ring, and several more grass/fire rings, but pitched my tent on some rocks. It was stunning. Didn't hear a single person or noise. I wish I had had more time. I will be back!!
- RRobert S.Traveler
Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251
Good pull off spot
Lots of places to throw your tent out and get some rest, but if you’re close to the road you’ll hear cars. If your vehicle has a high center you’ll find nicer spots past the gate about 200 yards from the highway. Nice that it’s at about 9500 elevation too.
Mosquitos there, but not awful.
Catherine L.TravelerRabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251
Great forest camping spot
Recommend 4x4 high clearance to get to the campsites. If you have low clearance, there are a couple right at the start but they don't have much tree clearance.
We drove about a quarter mile down the road and got a campsite that was lush with a ton of tree coverage. It felt like we were alone in the world, no other campsites in site. We even saw elk walking around the mossy ground. Bring bug spray!
Dog friendly, no amenities.
Guide to Craig
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Craig, Colorado, where nature lovers can find solitude and stunning landscapes. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Dispersed campers should check out Sawmill Creek
- Nestled in the mountains, Sawmill Creek provides a private camping experience with breathtaking views that make it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
- This location is perfect for those who enjoy hiking in, as it requires a bit of effort to reach, ensuring a peaceful retreat away from crowds.
- With no permits required and essential amenities like drinking water available, it’s an ideal spot for a hassle-free camping experience.
Top activities while free camping near Craig
- Enjoy the thrill of hiking and exploring the rugged terrain around Yellowjacket Pass, where you can find multiple sites and experience the beauty of the White River National Forest.
- Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby waters, making Allen Basin Reservoir a great choice for those looking to cast a line while enjoying the serene environment.
- For those who love off-roading, the access roads to White River National Forest dispersed offer a thrilling adventure, leading to stunning views and secluded camping spots.
Scenic attractions for dispersed campers
- The Trout Creek Dispersed Camping area is located near a creek, providing a picturesque setting for relaxation and nature observation.
- If you're seeking a more remote experience, Mirror Lake Dispersed and TH offers limited sites that are perfect for those wanting to escape into the wilderness.
- The tranquil surroundings of Crosho Lake Recreation Area make it an excellent choice for campers looking to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature while being close to water activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Craig, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Craig, CO is Buffalo Pass Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Craig, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 33 dispersed camping locations near Craig, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.