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 (111)

    1. Washington Gulch - Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Crested Butte, CO
    6 miles

    "On a friend’s recommendation, we ventured out to this fantastic camping area, just 20 minutes outside of Crested Butte."

    "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!!"

    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

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

    "Pearl Pass is nested in a beautiful area between Aspen and Crested Butte. "

    "It is site #10 in the BC campground.

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

    4. Horse Ranch Park (dispersed)-paonia Rd

    1 Review
    Crested Butte, CO
    10 miles
    Website

    "Found this place late afternoon and fell in love with Gunnison National Forest! Lost Lake was right across the road from where we camped. Found a beautiful spot with a great view!"

    5. 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."

    6. 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."

    7. 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."

    8. 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."

    9. 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. Hartman’s Rocks Dispersed Site

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

    "I got out here around 7:30 and got the first one I could find, there’s a bunch of roads so it’s kind of a pick your own adventure deal. ended up about 200 yards from the next site but that didn’t bother"

    "Dispersed camping with designated sites off dirt roads. Perfect place to rock climb, hike or dirt bike or ATV."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Crested Butte, CO

526 Reviews of 111 Crested Butte Campgrounds


  • Matthew V.
    Oct. 9, 2020

    Four Mile Road Dispersed

    Easy drive. Tons of sites

    Had a quick stop over here on the way to Dinosaur National Monument. No ATT phone service beyond a certain point. This is all primitive camping and heavily used by 4x4 ATVs. There are no facilities ie: Toilets, power, water or fire pits. The road was easy no need for high clearance or 4wheel drive. Heavy wildlife area, had a fox come right up to my car as I was making coffee. Only 30 minutes from Glenwood Springs. Would stay again 9/10 would recommend.

    Remember to pack in pack out.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2023

    Forest Road 130

    Absolutely awesome

    Stunningly beautiful dispersed camping at its best. To find the most precious spot you need to get to Forest service Road 130 S as in South. There is a forest service ranger station on the south side of Leadville where you can get a motor vehicle use map MVUM. But even without a map the roads are marked. 130 starts near Highway 24 on the west side across from massive lakes, near a large bank of mailboxes. You'll see a sign asking you to respect the private property owners rights. Just keep going up the hill and you will find the forest service signage indicating the public lands. Many people don't go much further. But the truly spectacular sites are a couple miles further. The roads are narrow and steep but manageable. Keep going down 130 until you reach an intersection with 130A and 130 B, A goes north and B goes south. But keep going till you reach a T intersection. 160 goes north and 130 S goes south. Go left, south till you reach a slightly challenging switch back. Just on the other side of the switchback is a wide open space with room for many rigs including good size trailers. Very quiet with very little traffic of any kind. The Leadville 100 foot race goes right by every August.

  • Riley F.
    Aug. 21, 2020

    Slate River Road Designated Dispersed - DISPERSED NO LONGER ALLOWED

    Unbelievable location!

    Just past the Oh Be Joyful Campground. GPS Coordinates: 38.93123,-107.05068 I spent two nights in a row here in mid August. There were plenty of people near by but I didn’t feel over crowded. Things to know: •Verizon service was decent •15-20 min from Crested Butte proper •Vaulted toilets near my coordinates •River/stream near by for rinsing off if need be, be warned tho it is quite cold. •If, by chance, this location is full, you can continue driving along the road and there are miles and miles of available spots.

    Oh do enjoy!

  • 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!!

  • Morgan Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2020

    Brush Creek Dispersed - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Beautiful Dispersed Camping Near MTB Trails

    Travel 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.

  • 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.

  • Jeff L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2023

    Four Mile Road Dispersed

    4 mile dispersed

    There are many sites all over the place up there. Some are big enough for groups of RV's some are small, private tent spots. Some offer magicians views others are in dense vegetation along water. We found no cell reception for miles. There are easy sites next to the main gravel roads and more secluded sites off of many various "Jeep trails". No services, no running water, no electric, no cable TV, no bathrooms, no showers, no dump stations, no picnic tables, etc. It's the forest.

  • g
    Jun. 12, 2021

    Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Top tier site

    4x4 recommended, I managed to get in to a deeper site with my Prius though. Bugs not bad, creek water tastes great (with filter). Some of the best views I’ve seen in CO. 20 minutes from Crested Butte. Very quiet and serene. 10/10 go here!

  • Alex V.
    Oct. 19, 2020

    Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

    Capable rig

    The sites are plentiful large, but you’ll require a decent 4x4 vehicle to get you there. 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. Almost every site has a bear-proof box you can store food (or hide?) within, which is nice. Sites are also far enough apart to mitigate any privacy concerns, and albeit the current fire ban - come equipped with existing fire pits.


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.