Top Free Dispersed Camping near Crawford, CO

Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Crawford? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Crawford, CO (57)

    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping

    2. Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    74 Photos
    1530 Saves

    The Washington Gulch Trail #403 begins a quarter mile north of the Gothic Campground and ends when it intersects the Washington Gulch Road, FSR #811. The heads southeast with a few switchbacks and then parallels Rock Creek for approximately 1.5 miles. It then crosses the creek, turns south, and begins to climb in elevation. It comes to an end at Washington Gulch Road. This is a very scenic trail and makes a great day hike. It is also very popular with mountain bikers and campers. All roadside vehicle and tent campers are required to camp ONLY in designated sites: Sites are designated by the presence of a 6in X 6in wooden post with a site number and camping symbol along with a permanent metal fire ring. All sites are first come first serve, if a site is occupied please look for another site. Fires are only permitted in the established metal fire rings. Extinguish all fires so they are cold to the touch. Sites are limited to two vehicles only per site.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate River Road Designated Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate River Road Designated Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate River Road Designated Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate River Road Designated Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate River Road Designated Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate River Road Designated Dispersed

    3. Slate River Road Designated Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    40 Photos
    583 Saves

    All roadside vehicle and tent campers are required to camp ONLY in designated sites. Accessibility is not guaranteed. Please use caution when venturing down forest roads. Sites are designated by the presence of a 6in X 6in wooden post with a site number and camping symbol along with a permanent metal fire ring. All sites are first come first serve, if a site is occupied please look for another site. Fires are only permitted in the established metal fire rings. Extinguish all fires so they are cold to the touch. Sites are limited to two vehicles only per site. Finding a site to camp and enjoy dispersed recreation activities in remote areas or in relative solitude has become a popular form of camping throughout the Forest. At some more popular areas,toilet facilities may be provided. Contact the local Forest Service office for current information and refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for each forest (Grand Mesa, Gunnison, and Uncompahgre National Forests). Dispersed camping is permitted in most areas of the Forest. Some caution should be used in selecting a site because of intermingled private lands within the National Forest. Recreation maps are available at all local Forest Service offices. Personnel at each office can answer questions on specific sites. Unlike developed campgrounds which are designed and maintained to protect the vegetation, soils, and natural setting, camping in undeveloped areas require more from the camper to help keep the site in the condition in which it was found. Dispersed camping must not occur within 100 feet of water sources (rivers, streams, ponds, or wetlands) or within 100 feet of any road or system trail. In some areas, dispersed camping is restricted to specific sites, contact the local Forest Service office for current information. Campsites can be occupied for no more than 14 days, then the site must be moved at least 3 miles away. Camping is also limited to a total of 28 days in a 60 day period. In areas closed to the use of vehicles off forest roads, where developed parking sites are not provided, and where not otherwise prohibited, direct access to a suitable parking site within 300 feet of the road is permitted. Such travel must not damage the land or streams. Please select your route carefully, and do not cut live timber. Off road travel should be limited to when the ground is dry. The public is encouraged to camp in locations where others have previously camped and utilized existing routes to those camp areas. Campers are required to leave a clean camp, not to damage vegetation or pollute streams and lakes on the National Forest and implement “Leave No Trace” practices.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed River Site - Gunnison Gorge National Conservation
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed River Site - Gunnison Gorge National Conservation
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed River Site - Gunnison Gorge National Conservation
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed River Site - Gunnison Gorge National Conservation
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed River Site - Gunnison Gorge National Conservation
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed River Site - Gunnison Gorge National Conservation

    4. Dispersed River Site - Gunnison Gorge National Conservation

    5 Reviews
    20 Photos
    109 Saves

    Dispersed Vehicle Camping is allowed in the remainder of the NCA for up to six consecutive nights, unless otherwise posted. Check BLM maps, signs and website for camping information.

    Camping is allowed only at the Cottonwood Grove campground and designated river campsites identified on BLM maps and signs. Use of portable toilet system is required in all river sites without restrooms. Maximum stay length is six nights/seven days for sites downstream of Gunnison Forks.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

    5. Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    46 Photos
    369 Saves

    Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY. Overview Hartman Rocks Recreation Area includes over 14,000 acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management and 160 acres (The Base Area) owned and managed by The City of Gunnison, and Gunnison County. Hartman Rocks has 45 miles of singletrack trail, 45 miles of roads, 50 designated dispersed campsites, and countless climbing crags. Singletrack trails are perfect for mountain biking, dirt biking, hiking, and trail running. Roads are often traveled by 4x4 trucks, ROVs and ATVs. In the winter months, 16 miles of roads are groomed as cross-country ski trails for classic and skate skiing; and some single-track trails are groomed as winter singletrack for fat biking. For more information, please contact the Gunnison Field Office. Know Before You Go Camping There are 50 dry/primitive campsites available. All sites are first come, first serve. No fees. No hookups! No potable water or developed facilities. Need a Map? Hartman Rocks Recreation Area Map- Climbing, Bouldering, and Rock Climbing Areas Hartman Rocks Trail__Map Helpful Links Visit: Gunnison Field Office ADA Access: Sea of Sage, Lost Dog and Broken Shovel Trails are wide trails used by hand cycles. Accessible restrooms are located at The Base Area and at the intersection of BLM Roads 3505 and 3500.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lake Dispersed Area - Grand Valley Rd
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lake Dispersed Area - Grand Valley Rd
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lake Dispersed Area - Grand Valley Rd
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lake Dispersed Area - Grand Valley Rd
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lake Dispersed Area - Grand Valley Rd
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lake Dispersed Area - Grand Valley Rd

    6. Twin Lake Dispersed Area - Grand Valley Rd

    8 Reviews
    24 Photos
    334 Saves

    10,300-foot elevation.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Firewood Available
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)
    Camper-submitted photo from Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)
    Camper-submitted photo from Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)
    Camper-submitted photo from Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)
    Camper-submitted photo from Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)
    Camper-submitted photo from Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)
    Camper-submitted photo from Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD
    Camper-submitted photo from Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD
    Camper-submitted photo from Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD
    Camper-submitted photo from Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD
    Camper-submitted photo from Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD
    Camper-submitted photo from Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD

    10. Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD

    4 Reviews
    25 Photos
    77 Saves

    Overland Reservoir lies approximately 22 miles north of Paonia near the divide between the Grand Mesa National Forest and the Gunnison National Forest.This area offers a very beartiful setting, with the deep blue reservoir, grassy parks and thick green timber. It is stocked every year by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife with Rainbow and Brook Trout. The average size fish caught is 6 to 8 inches. The reservoir is drained every fall, so the fish have no chance of reaching larger sizes. The fisherman with a boat may have better luck than fishing from the bank. There are many dispersed camping spots located on the east side of the Reservoir.

    • Pets
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
Showing results 1-10 of 57 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Crawford

211 Reviews of 57 Crawford Campgrounds


  • Alexia L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Nine Mile Hill
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Nine Mile Hill

    Great Views, Secluded

    Found this spot and was very happy with the setup. Like other reviews, the highway noise was a bit loud but nothing too crazy, especially really late. There were other campers spread out nicely, you wouldn’t even know they were there. The road is a bit iffy so snagging a spot at the front would be best if you don’t have 4WD (my Nissan car struggled, we had to back up & turn around). Overall great spot for tent camping! Remember to leave no trace 🫶🏼🏕️🌎

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed
    Oct. 10, 2024

    Black Canyon Dispersed

    Great spot, rough roads

    Some of the roads were really rutted out, but we were lucky and everything was dry so we were able to get thru in my forester. There are some spots at the beginning of the property but there are more if you follow the dirt road back another two miles or so. Beautiful views, quiet and secluded. We did find a few deer legs left behind, so keep an eye out for Mountain Lion

  • Kiet D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 2, 2024

    Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

    Great for visiting Black Canyon.

    Visited the first week of October 2024. Had beautiful weather, no bugs and few campers. Sites are dirt so I can see it be being messy when wet. Only few sites at entrance for larger campers. We got into with a Bean teardrop np.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Nine Mile Hill
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Nine Mile Hill

    Perfect off the highway spot!

    Stayed one night on the way to Colorado. Super easy to find right off the highway and plenty of spots. I was the only one there when I stayed. Highway noise isn’t too much of an issue but I did have some loud and strong winds all night.

  • a
    Camper-submitted photo from Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)

    Cab be windy in the canyon

    Made camp here for 1 night traveling west. Many sites available both by the highway and down in the canyon. Canyon road was in good shape and even the largest RV could go down it. Sites were pretty level. No toilets, etc.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed 2
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Washington Gulch Dispersed 2

    Nice sites and views

    I camped for 2 nights a few days apart in different sites. The first one was WG30 and it had an amazing view. I forgot to take note of the second one, but it was a little bit more down the road. Fire pits here which is nice. There’s a few spaces in the wide open and some nestled into some trees.

    Both nights that I stayed here there was a site that had a tent and table, but no one came back that night. Tuesday night and Friday night and nothing had changed. Kind of a bummer when someone snags a nice spot like that and isn’t there for multiple days.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd)

    Quiet, reasonably convenient

    I was going to head 11 miles down the road but decided I’d rather have WiFi. It was a good call. Just past Labor Day, there were three of us last night about 1/2 mile off the main drag. Enough places to pull off though you can still hear some main road traffic.

    The area was clean except one site with broken glass. Clear skies with great stargazing.

    No amenities here whatsoever but that’s just fine. Comes with the free price.

  • Evan B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

    Nice spot

    Very close to Black Canyon park, nice private spots, road was a little gutted out but the corolla made it through no problem 🤟. some coyotes howling at night and my site was pretty close to the road

  • Jennine R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 22, 2024

    Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping

    Best view in all the US

    I will say that views of creste butte rival any spots I have camped at in Az, Montana, Utah or Wyoming. I would rate this place is 1 of the best camping views in all of the US that you can get your car too.

  • Voyager D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dark Canyon Trailhead (Dispersed)
    Aug. 21, 2024

    Dark Canyon Trailhead (Dispersed)

    Not Dispersed

    Not an actual site. Pin took me to a feild with horse/cows (pics attached for cuteness). The actual site is in the campground on Google Maps, but IT ISNT ALLOWED!!!

    VERY CLEARLY SIGNED CAMPING IN CAMPGROUND SITES ONLY!!!

    There is a small fire ring by the trailhead, as description says, but the signs on the road are VERY clear. Also lots of rangers patrolling, so don't risk it!!

    So, unless you wanna pay a RIDICULOUS fee for a night, not worth it at all. Would've given it one mark, but figured someone later might find a touch of value.

  • Caitlin W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Portland Road Dispersed
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Portland Road Dispersed

    Close to town on 4x4 road

    Great dispersed camping close to town with a decent number of spots that feel secluded, but people were NOT exaggerating about the road. I took my 4Runner up and spun in a few spots, though I also saw someone manage to get a teardrop up with some careful maneuvering. Overall great spot if you’re in Ouray with a vehicle that can handle some ruts

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed 2
    Aug. 16, 2024

    Washington Gulch Dispersed 2

    Multiple spot per marker

    I stayed in the main WG dispersed area just before the "Narrow & Steep" road sign an that appears to be the divider between WG & WG2. WG2 has more spread out locations, and there are multiple RV spots within the single sign posts. It's best to go inspect them on foot as some are on steep hills.  No cows in the WG2 area.

  • Brian E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Grand Mesa Colorado FSR 100
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Grand Mesa Colorado FSR 100

    Secluded Dispersed Camp spot next to a 5 acre lake

    Well groomed dirt/gravel road just West of Rte 65. Go in 1/4 mile and turn Right down dirt path to large camping site. There is nobody for 1/2 mile or more around you. If this site is not good, up FSR 100 maybe 1/2 mile on the Right is a site up in the trees. Very secluded. This site is at 10,700 feet elevation. The lake is stream fed and looks like good trout fishing. There are free range cows in the area.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
    Aug. 8, 2024

    Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

    Easy access

    The location shown looks like it’s super far out but you can find campgrounds pretty close to the entrance(10 minutes from parking lot). There is also a portapotty within walking distance of the first camping loop, and the site has a table and fire ring. You do need to know how to drive on and around rock in the road though.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 31, 2024

    Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping

    Mosquito Alley

    Absolutely beautiful views but beware of the mosquitos! Do not come here without a net or a lb of bug spray. It was also extremely packed on a Monday so if you want a spot get there early. You will more than likely be side by side with someone but that didn’t bother me too much.

  • AJ F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

    Great late night spot

    Nestled right on the access road to Black Canyon of The Gunnison NP, camps did not require a ton of dirt driving to access. Camp sites are neatly nestled into the trees to provide a decent level of privacy, the trees also provide protection from the wind. Given that this land is adjacent to a National Park, be aware that less than friendly wildlife can be in the area. Overall the campground was easy to access, there was not trash any where in eyesight. I was also able to locate a camp site at 9:30p on a Saturday without much issue.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Black Canyon Dispersed

    Great stop For Black Canyon

    Drove to the end of Jones Draw. Large fire pit already established. The site I chose was large enough to handle two jeeps and two large tents. I felt there was adequate separation between sites. The trail had few spots with deep ruts, but very manageable when dry. The location of this dispersed camping area was about a mile from the entrance to Black Canyon, which made it ideal for getting into the park first thing in the morning. Only stayed for one night, but was not displeased. Met my expectations.

  • Mary P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crested Butte - Gothic dispersed camping
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Crested Butte - Gothic dispersed camping

    Is this even a camping location?!?

    This location is absolutely breathtaking but I worried about getting towed and getting in trouble for camping here. It dropped me off in a location you weren’t allowed to walk on much less camp on so I kept driving until I entered the national forest. I was only there for about 5 hours, so I’m not sure if I was allowed to be there or not.

  • Mary P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping

    Perfection

    There are significantly less spots here than there could be, which leads to amazing dispersed camping. The wildlife here is unbeatable and the flowers are breathtaking. Unfortunately I was not able to spend the night because there were no spots available but so imagine that waking up there would be the best day of my life

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 17, 2024

    Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful sites and close to Crested Butte

    We arrived mid-afternoon on a Sunday in mid-July, and had to search numerous sites before we found an open one. At our side road with 5 sites, 4 were taken with tents that saw no one using them for three days ... not cool to "reserve" sites when you're not actually using them. Wildflowers are peaking, and are spectacular.

  • David L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pearl Pass Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 16, 2024

    Pearl Pass Dispersed Camping

    High clearance and rocky

    Just past the ghost town of Ashcroft you start your travels off road. A sign tells you only the numbered sights 1-9 are authorized for fires in metal pits. Before long you come across site 1 directly across from a stream, shortly followed by site 2. The road turns and steepens you drive for a while and come to site 3. This is where I camped. We had a stream across the road and one behind us. The noise from the water was tranquil. Mesquitos were present as well as ants. Did not view any wildlife. We camped in a tent and the site was mostly level with some rocks. I walked up to site 4 and it had many more rocks. I did not investigate further. We only stayed one night. It was beautiful though not much to see in nearby Aspen (very expensive for supplies).

  • Aaliyah B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Wood Lakes #1-4
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Cotton Wood Lakes #1-4

    Cotton Wood Lake #3

    This was a great spot, it was hidden but there were a ton of people, they recently redid the back roads to get here and it was extremely busy (we had a rig pull up right next us at 1 am because there werent any spots). It is really pretty and close to Grand Junction. The misquote r pretty bad also, tons of spots, if there aren't a ton of people. Lots of lakes though and great fishing!



Guide to Crawford

Camping near Crawford, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: The trails around the area are fantastic. At the South Rim Campground — Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one reviewer mentioned, "This is a dark sky park. Took photos of the stars," highlighting the beauty of the night sky after a day of hiking.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, the Elk Creek Campground is a great spot. A camper shared, "Fly fishing in the Gunnison as well as great fishing and swimming in Blue Mesa Reservoir is a short walk or drive."
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife. One visitor at the Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area noted, "You can jump in and rinse off if you’re bold enough," suggesting the fun of being close to nature.

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like the Black Canyon Dispersed Camping, lack amenities like drinking water and toilets. A camper noted, "No bathrooms or amenities."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can get busy. One reviewer at the Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping mentioned, "All sites were saved or taken in anticipation of the 4th."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife. A camper at the North Rim Campground warned, "Saw black bear cub hanging around one afternoon."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Shade: Many campgrounds have limited tree cover. A family camping at the Bogan Flats Campground Grp S suggested, "Bring mosquito repellent in summer!" to keep the bugs at bay.
  • Plan for Activities: Choose a campground close to activities. One camper at Elk Creek Campground said, "There are several hiking trails near to enjoy as well as off-road exploring."
  • Safety First: Always keep food secured. A camper at the Gunnison National Forest Lake Irwin Campground noted, "Bear spray may be a good idea."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A reviewer at the Black Canyon Dispersed Camping mentioned, "The road was a little gutted out but the Corolla made it through no problem."
  • Electric Hookups: If you need power, look for campgrounds with electric hookups. The Elk Creek Campground offers this feature, making it easier for RVers.
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Arrive early during peak times. A camper at the Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping advised, "Get there early."

Camping near Crawford, Colorado, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but being prepared can make all the difference!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Crawford, CO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Crawford, CO is Black Canyon Dispersed Camping with a 4.3-star rating from 44 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Crawford, CO?

    TheDyrt.com has all 57 dispersed camping locations near Crawford, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.