Best Dispersed Camping near Crested Butte, CO

The mountains around Crested Butte have several free dispersed camping areas for those who don't mind going without facilities. About a mile past Oh Be Joyful Campground, you'll find spots where you need to bring everything you need, including water and waste disposal solutions. Some campers head to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park for even more remote camping away from crowds. These areas require strict adherence to Leave No Trace practices - pack out everything you pack in. Forest Service rules state that you must camp at least 100 feet from any streams or roads in the area. You can stay up to 14 days before needing to move to a different location. Many of the best dispersed sites near Crested Butte sit at the end of rough dirt roads that need vehicles with good clearance to navigate. The area frequently has fire bans during dry periods, so check with the local ranger station before planning to have a campfire.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Crested Butte, Colorado (109)

    1. Washington Gulch - Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Crested Butte, CO
    6 miles

    "10/10 will go back in a heartbeat. We came on a Sunday-Monday and not a lot of campers. Ton of people driving the pass, hikers, bikers and dirt bikes. This is first come first serve!!"

    "Dry Bathrooms near sites 6-8.

    Bugs not too bad.

    Had several deer sightings while there.

    Chilly nights and nice days.

    Incredible views!"

    2. Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

    28 Reviews
    Aspen, CO
    23 miles
    Website

    "The further along the path you travel, the more rugged it becomes; so most people seemingly settled for the first few spots. Personally, site 5, 8, and 11 are best."

    "No water so bring in your own, or filter from the running stream/lake surrounding camp."

    3. Pearl Pass Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Crested Butte, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 319-2670

    "It is site #10 in the BC campground.

    100% need 4x4 high clearance to get to this site."

    "Would highly suggest site 7, it was really large space and has a path to your own private creek area!"

    4. Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

    20 Reviews
    Gunnison, CO
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 642-4940

    "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."

    5. Jack’s Cabin Pass

    2 Reviews
    Almont, CO
    13 miles

    "Stayed at the first site off the dirt road through the parking area to the left of the main dirt road. High clearance needed for sure; but made it up the road in a stock Subaru Forester. Camp ring."

    6. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Snowmass Village, CO
    17 miles
    Website

    "to turn around."

    "The last campsite had the most people, which was the one by Snowmass Lake."

    7. Lincoln Creek Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Aspen, CO
    23 miles

    "Very secluded, lots of dispersed spots. There's a lake with a campground and additional spots at the end of the road."

    "We had left the site for about an hour with a few personal items to indicate we were staying there for the evening, but ended up having a few inconsiderate folks steal the site from us."

    8. Throughline/Coal Creek TH (Dispersed)-Paonia RD

    1 Review
    Somerset, CO
    18 miles

    "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."

    10. Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

    57 Reviews
    Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, CO
    46 miles
    Website

    "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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Crested Butte, CO

515 Reviews of 109 Crested Butte Campgrounds



Guide to Crested Butte

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Crested Butte, Colorado, where stunning landscapes and serene environments await outdoor enthusiasts. This area offers a variety of options for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Crested Butte, Colorado

  • Make sure to bring your own water, as many spots like Lincoln Creek do not provide drinking water or other amenities.
  • Be prepared for wildlife encounters; sites such as Pearl Pass Dispersed Camping are known bear territory, so pack bear canisters and food storage solutions.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during peak seasons, as places like Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping can fill up quickly.

Dispersed campers should check out Lincoln Creek

  • The Lincoln Creek area features designated spots that are well-spaced, providing a sense of privacy amidst the trees.
  • This location offers easy access to hiking trails, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.
  • Visitors have reported sightings of moose, adding to the unique experience of camping in this beautiful area.

Enjoy breathtaking views while free camping near Crested Butte

  • The Paradise Divide Dispersed Camping area is renowned for its stunning mountain vistas, perfect for photography and relaxation.
  • Many sites here come equipped with fire rings, allowing for cozy evenings under the stars while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
  • The road to Paradise Divide can be challenging, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended to fully enjoy this picturesque location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping locations near Crested Butte?

The Crested Butte area offers exceptional dispersed camping opportunities. Jack's Cabin Pass is highly rated, with sites available off the dirt road, though high clearance vehicles are recommended. It's less than 30 minutes from town with established camp rings. Four Mile Road Dispersed offers various camping options from large group sites to small, private spots along water sources. Some areas feature spectacular mountain views, while others are nestled in dense vegetation. Remember that all dispersed sites require you to pack out all trash, and most have no amenities like toilets or water. The best sites fill quickly during peak summer months, so arrive early, especially on weekends.

Where can I find BLM land for camping around Crested Butte?

BLM lands near Crested Butte offer numerous dispersed camping opportunities. Previously, Slate River Road featured BLM sections before reaching Forest Service land, but check current regulations as dispersed camping status changes. The area is approximately 20 minutes from town, though some sections may now prohibit dispersed camping. Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground on BLM land provides additional options. When camping on BLM land, remember to stay on established sites, keep 100-200 feet from water sources, and follow fire restrictions. Most BLM areas have 14-day stay limits. For the most current information and maps of available BLM camping areas, stop by the Gunnison Field Office or visit the BLM Colorado website before your trip.

Is there free camping available in the Crested Butte area?

Yes, free camping is abundant around Crested Butte on public lands. Forest Road 130 offers stunningly beautiful free dispersed camping sites, described as dispersed camping at its best. These primitive sites require no fees but follow standard dispersed camping regulations including pack-in/pack-out ethics. Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping also offers free camping with spacious sites and proximity to hiking trails. It's within reasonable driving distance to towns for supplies. Most free sites have no amenities like toilets, water, or established fire pits, so come prepared with everything you need, including a waste disposal plan and enough water. Stay limits typically range from 7-14 days depending on the specific area.

What specific roads lead to dispersed camping in the Crested Butte area?

Several key roads provide access to dispersed camping around Crested Butte. Four Mile Road is accessible without high clearance or 4WD vehicles and offers numerous sites along the route. Sites range from roadside to more secluded spots deeper in, with no cell service in many areas. North Cottonwood Trailhead access road leads to camping opportunities near wilderness trailheads. Other notable roads include Kebler Pass Road, which connects to various dispersed sites, and Pearl Pass Road for more remote options. Road conditions vary seasonally, with spring often bringing muddy conditions and winter typically closing higher-elevation routes. Always check current forest service motor vehicle use maps (MVUMs) for the most up-to-date access information.