Join the fun near Crawford. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Crawford, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Crawford, CO. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
"This was my first time using Dyrt and accessing BLM/public land. The campgrounds at Black Canyon OTG were packed and hotels in the area were outrageously priced (2-star hotel for $200)."
"Nestled right on the access road to Black Canyon of The Gunnison NP, camps did not require a ton of dirt driving to access."
"Easy to find BLM land with decent roads and lots of spots. I stayed here 3 days and never saw or heard another person. It’s only 5 miles from the North Rim of Black Canyon National Park."
"Pretty spot right along the river, bit of a bumpy road to get here but nothing requiring 4WD (when dry at least) or high clearance, I bet even a sedan could make it here."
"I found a turn off just before the coordinates and stayed there. Large space with lots of room for cars at this site. Right along the river, absolutely beautiful."
"This BLM land is well trafficked, the sizes are big and there are 5-6 in the first few miles of the road. They sit right along the river slow flowing. There is ZERO cell service or gas for 15+ miles."
"You can camp at a designated campground right on the lake, or you drive up 24 and find a lot of dispersed camping available - all the way up to the little lakes (great for fishing too)."
"While it's easy in the Chaffee County and Arkansas River area to get your dosage of mountain beauty and river time, Twin Lake gives you the opportunity to combine STELLAR mountain views and the calm of"
"We spent 7 days here in what we refer to as spot#5(the best spot) but be advised any of the spots in this area are difficult to get into unless you have a high clearance vehicle and rig."
"My husband and I arrived around 3:30pm on a Tuesday. Camp sites directly on the banks are few, but we managed to score what I thought was the prettiest spot."
"We saw lots of deer & some elk on the drive up."
"Existing campsites lots of space"
"The dispersed site is pretty level, has a fire ring, will see some traffic going further up the road (could be nicer sites?)."
"Fire metal rings, pit toilets in few areas. No water, no garbage (might be garbage at entrance?). Roads spread throughout, pretty rough in some areas. Plenty of places here, views are pretty cool."
"This area is large and has tons of dispersed campsites, but they’re connected by a network of bumpy and rocky roads."
"Primitive camping but close to the main road, so access is easy. No shade, water, or amenities."
"This place is easily accessible off 650 Road. Has a smooth dirt road and a short scenic drive along a shelf road. Highly recommend for a night or two of camping."
TravelerFound 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 🫶🏼🏕️🌎
RangerTravel a few miles down Brush Creek Trail. After passing Strand Hill MTB trail you will get to a split in the road. The left turn will take you up a deeply rutted 4WD road towards Teocalli Ridge MTB trail. Lots of beautiful camping on this road. But it can be tough sledding when it is wet. If you stay to the right you will get to a flat where many people will camp. You can get a smaller RV/Trailer/Sprinter here very easily. If you are intrepid - and have a good 4WD with some clearance - you can continue through the creek and up the hill where superb, quiet dispersed camping exists.
Leave no trace.
RangerBlue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed Camping, located near Mount Sneffels in Colorado, offers an incredibly remote and breathtaking camping experience. If you're looking to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in pristine wilderness, this spot is ideal. The campsites are dispersed along the trailhead, offering peace and solitude with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and alpine lakes.
The beauty of this dispersed camping area is its complete immersion in nature. With no designated campsites or amenities, you get to choose your own perfect spot in the forest, whether it’s near the rushing creek or with views of the towering mountains. This is truly a wilderness experience, so you’ll need to be fully self-sufficient—bring your own water, food, and a solid plan for waste disposal.
The Blue Lakes Trailhead offers some of Colorado’s most scenic hiking, including access to the famous Blue Lakes and a challenging ascent of Mount Sneffels. The hike itself rewards adventurers with awe-inspiring views of alpine lakes, wildflowers, and rugged mountain terrain. It’s perfect for those seeking an immersive backcountry experience.
One downside of this dispersed camping is that the road leading to the trailhead is rough, so it’s best suited for high-clearance vehicles, and be prepared for the possibility of unpredictable weather, as storms can roll in quickly in the mountains.
Overall, Blue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed Camping is an incredible option for experienced campers looking to enjoy the wild beauty of Colorado’s high country. It’s remote, peaceful, and surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in the state.
TravelerReach this BLM dispersed about 9 miles on route 90 from the center of Montrose, good paved until the last mile good graveled. IMMEDIATELY after hairpin switchback, turn left and you'll find a 2 acre mesa with junipers and views, probably can fit 5 camps in there with elbow room. I had 2 neighbors. Shade is limited so it'll be hot in the summer. Only good legal free camping near town!
GuideAT&T 5G off and on 2 bars. Fire metal rings, pit toilets in few areas. No water, no garbage (might be garbage at entrance?). Roads spread throughout, pretty rough in some areas. Plenty of places here, views are pretty cool. Lots of hiking, biking trails. Rock formations are the star of the show. Dog friendly. 14 day limit. Town not too far maybe 5 miles for supplies. Creek near town. Not too bad for 5-14 days.
GuideCamping at designated sites is free for up to 14 days. We stayed at WG 19. Shady and near the river. No water or electric. There is a pit toilet about 1/2 mile up the road. Very quiet area. Our site was level and had extra parking for a second vehicle if needed. Trash must be disposed off in town about 4 miles away.
TravelerThe Good:
Gorgeous landscape and views. The wildflowers were beautiful. The sites are big and spacious. Each site has a metal fire ring. Free camping! Only 15+ minutes to town.
The Good To Know:
No water. No trash. Very limited cell reception -- one bar, but no data. 4WD and higher clearance are necessary for any sites beyond the first handful. The bathrooms are only at the entry and are more than a mile from most campsites up the road. Some sites are in meadows with limited shade, and some are nestled in trees.
The Bad:
BUGS. It might just be the season's moisture and the two very close ponds, but the bugs were terrible. I can't remember the last time I had this many bug bites from a CO camping trip.
There were some funky things happening with sites up there. The site across from us had a tent, chair, and hammock set up. We were there for 3 nights and only saw the person there once. It felt strange the site was being held like that, but not sure of the story behind it.
When we got there, I walked up the road after we found an open site to see what else might be open. I came across a person who was also "holding" the space across from them and would be willing to let us stay if we wanted. We didn't end up needing it.
For better or worse, this campground has no enforcement or oversight. However, enjoyed having the dog off leash!
TravelerThis area is large and has tons of dispersed campsites, but they’re connected by a network of bumpy and rocky roads. You’ll need a high-clearance vehicle with 4WD (like a Jeep Wrangler) - otherwise, don’t even attempt. Take a picture of the map at the entrance too. Once you find a spot though, it’s a beautiful area with lots of rock features and a full starry sky (if lucky enough to have a clear night). We had a great time here
GuideThis was my first time using Dyrt and accessing BLM/public land. The campgrounds at Black Canyon OTG were packed and hotels in the area were outrageously priced (2-star hotel for $200). I got in at around 7/8pm. I slept in my car and enjoyed it! You can totally car/tent camp or RV it; whatever. Just respect the land. The roads further in are "fun". My stock-wheeled SUV did ok on them but if you have a trailer, it might be hard to turn around. If you're low-to-the-ground car, don't bother going back there. All-terrainers will be fine. Some sites look like they're made for one, but you can probably squeeze in 2 or 3 for anyone traveling as a group. Megafauna: I saw deer on my way out. I was fearful of bears but the natl park literature I got later didn't list them. So you're probably good. Obviously, no toilets except at the park.
Verizon LTE unstable 1-2 bars. So close to the park that you can get there early and beat the crowds.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Crawford, Colorado, where nature lovers can find secluded spots to unwind and explore the great outdoors. With a variety of options available, campers can enjoy the serenity of the wilderness while being close to stunning attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Crawford, CO is Black Canyon Dispersed Camping with a 4.2-star rating from 51 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 44 dispersed camping locations near Crawford, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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