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Best Dispersed Camping near Cripple Creek, CO

317 Reviews

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.

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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

    19 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. clyde dispersed camping

    4 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."

    5. 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."

    6. Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite

    12 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"

    7. 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."

    8. 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."

    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

    8 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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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Cripple Creek, CO

274 Photos of 69 Cripple Creek Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cripple Creek, CO

317 Reviews of 69 Cripple Creek Campgrounds

  • dThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 27, 2024

    Oil Well Flats

    Great views

    Did the shelf trail from cripple creek to canon city. Was good place to camp for the night quite a few spots, flat, big. Amazing views! Incline getting up to isn’t bad, TT’s might have some trouble. Everyone else should be fine.

  • Doug C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 10, 2022

    Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

    Choose Your Own Adventure From Rampart Range Road

    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. Rampart Range Road is accessible by 2wd vehicles while some of the smaller trails that branch off of Rampart Range Rd do better with a 4wd with high clearance. The southern portion of the road (south of Devils Head Trail) is open year around while the northern half of the road is closed seasonally during winter. Easily accessible outside of Woodland Park on the south end of the road and west through Sedalia. Lots of dispersed camping sites along the road, some are very large and could easily accommodate a large RV or large groups. Other campsites are tucked away off the road a little which is great because this road can be very busy & dusty in the summer. All in all, this place makes for a fun and easy weekend getaway as long as some ohv traffic doesn’t bother you too much. The best part of Rampart Range Road is the several forest service roads that branch off with dispersed camping. These smaller trails and dispersed camping make for a much more relaxing and peaceful weekend, I highly recommend if you have a 4x4. Find the right forest service road and you’ll feel like you are a million miles from it all.

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2023

    Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping

    Good but not great

    Tarryall creek dispersed camping. The road in is a bit bumpy. I would not trade in a low clearance vehicle. Four-wheel-drive is needed if it should get wet or slippery. Once you get onto the road, the sites are big and spacious. This is dispersed camping, so there is no water no electric and very little cell service. We have periodic two bars of Verizon. The sites are definitely big enough to accommodate big rigs. You just have to take the road really slowly on the way up. If you carry on all the way up to 10, you get to fenced areas where there is no camping so we took 293 off to the left and immediately after the Turner a couple of sites. We followed it all the way down for a long way. The road is incredibly bumpy and four-wheel-drive is absolutely necessary. Along with high clearance. I would not advise it for big rigs. The Site that we got just on the left after the turn walls reasonably wide. Big enough to get a big rig into. It’s pretty flat too but it’s also very exposed. There’s not a lot of shelter for our tent or our gazebo. The views are OK but nothing spectacular.

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2023

    Fraile’s Campground - Dispersed

    Huge sites on gnarly road

    CR 290 off Tarryall Rd. Campsites are all designated on 290 but there are numerous firepits on the side roads. The road to get up is very rutted. I recommend a high clearance vehicle. Definitely four wheel drive is required. I did see a Subaru forester up near the top. The sites are wide open once you get onto the plateau at the top. Easily could accommodate a big rig, but the issue would be getting it up the road. The views from the top are really nice. It opens out and you get some spectacular views of Pike National Forest. The sites are spacious with some pine tree coverage for tent campers. This would definitely be a possible back up spot if nothing on Matukat rd was available. Because they are dispersed there is no electrical hook ups or water. There’s no Creek running through the area. I imagine it would be really quiet and remote up here because the road to get in is going to deter a lot of people. We did find some spots with fire pits, but not sure you can camp there given there is no sign post reading designated campsite but they are off the main road so give it a try.

  • Izzy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2022

    Penrose Common Rec Site

    Delightful af

    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. Not many trees, but a great view of the surrounding area. T-mobile service was good enough to get some work and school done. Close enough to groceries and other stores. Love this spot.

  • Monte P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 23, 2020

    Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    A small price for freedom

    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! My 9 yr old son and I happened upon this mountain top paradise somewhat by accident. We were looking for a less challenging day hike with low traffic and decided to try the Mt. Herman trailhead. My ever burning desire for a view and solitude lead us up Mt. Herman rd to the location I marked on the map for this listing. Access was challenging, even with our 4x4 Jeep seeing as there was pretty deep snowfall accumulation, steep grades, and hairpin switchbacks heading up. However in warmer seasons this would be easy access for most stock 4x4 vehicles. No lift necessary, just a desire for the boundless views afforded at the summit. There are multiple pull offs, relatively low traffic aside from the occasional off-roading convoy passing through spreading merriment and good cheer. There are some really cool fire ring setups and plenty of epic views to make your own. If Colorado’s what you want, here’s a great place to experience the back country without having to drive for hours to access it. We had a blast! Please ALWAYS remember, be Kind & rewind!! Wait... wrong slogan😅 LEAVE NO TRACE & PACK IT OUT! Thanks & have fun! Photos are in my phone, I’ll update with photos... sure to amaze! 😉✌🏾

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2023

    Route 31 Camp

    Close to perfect if you’re in the right spot

    County Road 31 dispersed camping On entering the area, there is immediately a sign that reads that OHV’s are prohibited. At least in this area you know you’re going to get some peace and quiet. The road to get in is mainly washboard. Totally possible even with a low clearance 2 Wheel Dr. vehicle. The sights designated only. Once you get past the information board you’ll see turn off‘s on the left and right wave Campers and fire pits. If you continue down County Road 31 spectacular. The biggest issue I can see again is a lack of firewood. There appears to be no downed trees or burned trees in the area. You need to bring in your own. There’s also no water source in this area so come well prepared. Since this is dispersed camping, there is no reservation or electric hook ups or sewer hook ups. These sites are plenty big enough for big rigs, and most of them appear to be pull through sites. Tent campers the sites do appear to be a little bit too exposed. There are sites with better tree coverage for tent campers when you go further into the back areas of some of the side roads the downside is you lose the views of the surrounding mountains. If you keep going further back, CR 31 connects to 896, and there are sites way back there that give you the impression that you’re just even further removed from everybody else. There are so many sites in this area. This could be a good back up spot for Matukat Road if it’s not available. There is a site on 896 right before the no camping sign, which is designated as a campsite, and it has some tree coverage, and all the mountain views. 896 is a very tough road requiring high clearance and four-wheel-drive. Numerous places have deep holes and you need to take it very slow.

  • Charles L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Phantom Canyon

    Late July camping trip

    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. Definitely was isolated and found one spot that worked out well for rooftop camper. Like 14 miles on dirt road, on the right, 20 feet before a sign that reads “leaving public land.” Had fire ring and more than enough room. About 20 yards away from creek. Quiet. No Att cell service but don’t expect anyone can get service in that canyon.

  • Elias M.
    Jan. 23, 2025

    Penrose BLM sites

    Beautiful views of the mountains and the town

    These are blm campsites. There are pit toilets right when you cross into blm land and a sign that explains that you have to camp in designated areas. Like most blm locations there is a 14 day max.

    We got our 19 foot travel trailer into a spot with icy conditions, but the road does get quite a bit rougher if you keep going in. Great T-Mobile and Verizon service (2+ bars of 5g)

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

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cripple Creek, Colorado?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Cripple Creek. Oil Well Flats offers spacious, flat sites with stunning views and is accessible for most vehicles, though travel trailers might find the incline challenging. Phantom Canyon provides isolated camping spots about 14 miles down a dirt road with beautiful scenery. Both areas are drive-in accessible and don't require reservations. Additional dispersed camping can be found throughout Pike National Forest surrounding Cripple Creek. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with a typical 14-day stay limit. For the best experience, arrive mid-week when competition for sites is lower, bring all necessary supplies, and practice Leave No Trace principles.

Is there BLM land for camping around Cripple Creek?

Yes, BLM land is available for camping around the Cripple Creek area. Penrose BLM sites offer designated camping areas with a 14-day maximum stay. These sites have pit toilets at the BLM land entrance and are accessible by properly equipped vehicles, though roads can become challenging in adverse weather conditions. Tarryall Creek Dispersed Camping is another option in the region, featuring spacious sites but requiring high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles for access, especially if conditions are wet. BLM lands generally don't provide amenities like water or electricity, so campers should come prepared with all necessary supplies and be ready for primitive camping conditions.

What rules and regulations apply to dispersed camping in Cripple Creek?

Dispersed camping in the Cripple Creek area follows standard public land regulations. At Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping, you must camp in established sites only, with vehicle access restricted to existing roads and trails. Route 31 Camp prohibits off-highway vehicles (OHVs), ensuring quieter camping experiences. Throughout the region, the 14-day maximum stay limit is strictly enforced. Campfires are permitted only in existing fire rings, and may be restricted during fire bans. Pack-in/pack-out policies apply for all trash, and human waste must be properly buried away from water sources. Camping is typically allowed only in designated dispersed sites, not randomly throughout the forest. Check current conditions and restrictions before your trip, as rules can change seasonally.

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