Best Dispersed Camping near Cripple Creek, CO

Dispersed camping around Cripple Creek, Colorado offers numerous free options on public lands. Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 provides creekside camping with flat, spacious sites and panoramic mountain views. Rampart Range Road features multiple dispersed sites branching off the main dirt road, with options for both tent and RV camping. The Cripple Creek BLM Area and Phantom Canyon provide additional primitive camping opportunities. According to recent visitors, the Shelf Trail from Cripple Creek to Canon City offers "amazing views" with "quite a few spots, flat, big" for overnight stays.

Most dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, with many roads becoming increasingly rutted the farther you travel from main access points. Four-wheel drive is essential during wet conditions or when exploring side roads. No drinking water is available at most locations; campers must pack in all necessary water supplies. Cell service varies significantly by location, with Verizon and T-Mobile coverage reported at some sites but completely absent in canyon areas. Fire restrictions are common throughout the region, particularly during summer months. Always check current fire regulations before your trip.

National Forest and BLM lands have different camping regulations. Sites are typically designated by existing fire rings, though some areas require camping within specific distances of established roads. Several campers note that the best sites often require traveling deeper into the forest road systems. As one reviewer mentioned about Rampart Range Road, "The smaller trails and dispersed camping make for a much more relaxing and peaceful weekend... Find the right forest service road and you'll feel like you are a million miles from it all." The 14-day maximum stay limit applies to most dispersed camping areas around Cripple Creek.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Cripple Creek, Colorado (69)

    1. Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Victor, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "Amazing location right next to Boehmer Creek. There are 5 or 6 sites mainly for tents. You might be able ti get an rv in there but low hanging trees and narrow rutted trails would be a problem."

    "Make sure to bring your bug spray. Nice fire pit and gorgeous views. Saw fish in stream a couple of deer and tons of chipmunks. Saw a little trash here and there."

    2. Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park

    21 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    19 miles

    "A Long rocky and dirt road lays ahead of these dispersed camping areas. This park has set up campgrounds, but we chose to drive off road a bit and set up camp on the edge of a rocky overlook."

    "Had to walk a bit but thats ok. Great veiws no one around. Sadly no campfires, so early to bed. Very close to great trialheads"

    3. Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "Rampart Range Road is the main dirt road that has plenty of smaller trails branching off of it to keep you busy exploring all summer."

    "Tucked back in National Forest land."

    4. Cripple Creek BLM Area

    3 Reviews
    Victor, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-8500

    "We travelled from Tennessee to find some wonderful back country primitive camping and man did we find it."

    "The dispersed sites aren’t far from the road since most of the road goes down a valley with hills on both sides however there’s a nice creek running down the whole way."

    5. clyde dispersed camping

    3 Reviews
    Victor, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-8500

    ".  It sits in the meadow right next to the creek. There are two sites one of which is definitely big enough for a decent size rig."

    "The coordinates provided get you onto Gold Camp Road but you have to drive way further. There is a super cool tunnel which means you are close. There is a lack of fire wood around some spots."

    6. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    35 Reviews
    Monument, CO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "If you enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies, drive in dispersed camping and putting your off-roading skills to the test, this dispersed campsite is a must visit!"

    "It took us about 15 minutes driving past the coordinates (trailhead) to start seeing campsites. There was nobody around, and we picked a very spacious one with a great view."

    7. Phantom Canyon

    5 Reviews
    Penrose, CO
    14 miles

    "I’m a rooftop tent camper and the views are amazing but was hoping to be close to the water and isolated from other campers."

    "Dispersed area that is very spread out so you are not near others. Also has access to climbing walls right by sites."

    8. Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite

    10 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "We were going from direction Divide town using provided coordinates. All went fine until we ended up in a dead end road with private residence."

    "Rough road getting there though"

    9. Penrose Common Rec Site

    11 Reviews
    Penrose, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-8500

    "Road in is rough, but manageable with a high clearance vehicle. Plenty of space to spread out. Popular with those ATV things. Pit toilet, no trash."

    "There’s lots of trails in the area (OHV) but other than that, not much else to do. There is a clean vault toilet at the entrance, no trash services. Plenty of spots as you keep driving up the hill."

    10. Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide

    7 Reviews
    Woodland Park, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "This dispersed camp site has numerous spots with rock fire pits. There are a lot of dirt bikes and atvs driving during the day however I didn’t find it overly disruptive."

    "If you like dispersed camping with 360 views this is the place for you. This was our second time dispersed camping and off-roading here."

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Showing results 1-10 of 69 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cripple Creek, CO

295 Reviews of 69 Cripple Creek Campgrounds



Guide to Cripple Creek

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cripple Creek, Colorado, where nature meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and a variety of sites, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Cripple Creek, Colorado

  • When visiting Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed, be prepared for a busy atmosphere, especially on weekends, and arrive early to secure a good spot.
  • At Phantom Canyon, it's essential to pack out what you pack in, as litter can detract from the natural beauty of the area.
  • If you're looking for a more rugged experience, Forest Service Road 250 Dispersed features rougher roads that require a high-clearance vehicle, but rewards you with secluded sites and stunning mountain views.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Tarryall Creek

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cripple Creek, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cripple Creek, CO is Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed with a 4.5-star rating from 14 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cripple Creek, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 69 dispersed camping locations near Cripple Creek, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.