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Best Dispersed Camping near Curecanti National Recreation Area

345 Reviews

Black Canyon Dispersed Camping offers free primitive sites just outside the south entrance to Black Canyon National Park, approximately 15 miles from Montrose. The dirt access road requires high clearance and 4WD, especially after rainfall when mud becomes slippery and treacherous. Multiple dispersed sites with existing fire rings line the road, providing alternatives when the national park campgrounds fill up.

Several free camping areas surround the Curecanti region, including Red Creek Road dispersed camping and Hartman Rocks Recreation Area. Red Creek Road features several well-established sites with creek access, some offering natural shade. "A perfect spot with a creek running right next to the campsite," noted one visitor about Red Creek Road. Soap Creek Road provides additional options but requires careful navigation. As one camper warned, "Any of the spots in this area are difficult to get into unless you have a high clearance vehicle and rig."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Curecanti National Recreation Area (75)

    1. Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

    61 Reviews
    Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, CO
    21 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."

    2. Red Creek Rd Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Curecanti National Recreation Area, CO
    7 miles

    "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?)."

    3. Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

    21 Reviews
    Gunnison, CO
    22 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."

    4. Soap Creek Road

    1 Review
    Curecanti National Recreation Area, CO
    5 miles

    "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."

    5. Soap Creek Camp

    1 Review
    Crawford, CO
    6 miles

    6. Red Creek Road

    1 Review
    Powderhorn, CO
    6 miles

    7. Hartman’s Rocks Dispersed Site

    8 Reviews
    Gunnison, CO
    21 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."

    8. red creek primitive

    1 Review
    Powderhorn, CO
    6 miles

    9. Black Canyon

    2 Reviews
    Crawford, CO
    20 miles

    "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."

    "this site was easy to find and not too far from the main road but very quiet. we arrived at night and there was plenty of spots. we camped in the car just for the night but plenty of flat land for tents"

    10. Soap Creek Corral & Coal Mesa Horse Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Curecanti National Recreation Area, CO
    5 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Curecanti National Recreation Area

249 Photos of 75 Curecanti National Recreation Area Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Curecanti National Recreation Area

345 Reviews of 75 Curecanti National Recreation Area Campgrounds

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2018

    Anvil Dispersed Campground- ROAD CLOSED

    Dispersed camping next to the creek

    Dispersed camping along the South Mineral Creek. This is dry camping with a vault toilet- no hook ups. This is popular with RV’ers and OHV’ers as it is free. The limit is the usual fourteen days. Some “sites” have fire pits, and there are a few picnic tables scattered about. There are a few sites right on the water. Further back in at some larger sites that could accommodate small rvs. The plus is the free camping right on the “river”. The minus is that the road to the forest service campground and the Ice Lake trailhead is very close, very busy, and very dusty.

  • 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.

  • K
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Twin Lake Dispersed Area - Grand Valley Rd

    Beautiful and Quiet

    I was up there on a Tuesday-Wednesday so it was very quiet and there was no one else at the site. It’s right on the water although there is a drop off you have to climb down, but it’s not bad. There were some cattle that walked through as I was setting up but otherwise very chill. All sites had areas for parking and fire rings. Driving off the forest road and onto the small road getting up to the campsite, 4WD isn’t required but highly recommended, it is a very rough road. High clearance is necessary. The sites seemed kinda close to each other however there are trees and stumps that define each site. Amazing views, light rain, and still my favorite forest.

  • Whitney J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2021

    Last Dollar Road

    Amazing views and good cell service

    There is not a ton of campsites once you get up here. But there are a handful that have absolutely amazing views . Some of the best in Colorado. I had good cell service too (working remotely). There are some larger dispersed campgrounds near the top trailhead that are more in the woods. Road from Ridgeway was well maintained but definitely a little rocky getting closer to the top of the road. Road gets washed out in the rain so heads up. But just go slow if you’re in a lower clearance vehicle and you’ll be fine if it’s dry.

    https://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-hidden-gem-last-dollar-road

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 15, 2024

    Blue Lakes Trailhead Dispersed

    Remote Wilderness

    Blue 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.

  • S
    Aug. 29, 2020

    Last Dollar Road

    Full of RVs

    A site with amazing views that were all blocked by large RVs and campers, no privacy for tent camping or between sites, it was also very crowded by early morning. 4WD and high clearance is needed to continue on Last Dollar Rd if you’re hoping to find more dispersed camping up the mountain.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Dry Creek Ditch Camp off Forest Road 90

    A free camp for a night

    Reach 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!

  • Glen T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2025

    Portland Road Dispersed

    Beautiful and secluded

    Beautiful and secluded but a rough drive. Most definitely need a high clearance vehicle. We weren't able to make it to the top because there is a wash out in one area we could not clear with our 4Runner. But we did find an amazing spot anyway.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2022

    Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

    Awesome Rock Formations

    AT&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.

Guide to Curecanti National Recreation Area

Dispersed camping near Curecanti National Recreation Area in Colorado offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of sites, this area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado

  • Many sites, like Black Canyon Dispersed Camping, allow for campfires, making it easy to enjoy evenings under the stars with a warm fire.
  • Access to these areas can vary; for instance, some roads may require high-clearance vehicles, so it's wise to check road conditions before heading out.
  • Most dispersed sites, such as Hartman Rocks Recreation Area, do not require permits, allowing for spontaneous trips without the hassle of reservations.

Black Canyon National Park for dispersed campers

  • The proximity of Black Canyon Dispersed makes it an ideal spot for those wanting to explore the park early in the morning, as it's just a short drive away.
  • Campers have reported that the sites here offer a good level of privacy, nestled among trees that provide shelter from the wind.
  • Wildlife encounters are common, so be prepared for the possibility of seeing deer or hearing coyotes at night.

Dispersed campers should check out Hartman’s Rocks

  • Hartman’s Rocks Dispersed Site is known for its vast open spaces and unique rock formations, perfect for hiking and biking.
  • The area is popular among off-road vehicle enthusiasts, so expect to see some traffic, especially on weekends.
  • With excellent cell coverage in some spots, you can stay connected while enjoying the great outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Curecanti National Recreation Area?

Dispersed camping in Curecanti National Recreation Area follows standard regulations: 14-day maximum stay within a 30-day period, camping at least 100 feet from water sources, and pack-in/pack-out waste management. Campfires are permitted in established fire rings only when fire restrictions aren't in effect. At FSR #689 Dispersed, like other dispersed areas, you'll find no amenities – no water, trash service, or restrooms. Twin Lake Dispersed Area - Grand Valley Rd exemplifies typical dispersed sites with minimal development but waterfront access. Vehicles must stay on established roads and camping is only allowed in previously used sites. Always check current regulations at the visitor center, as rules may change seasonally, particularly regarding fire restrictions.

Is dispersed camping allowed near Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and how far is it from Curecanti?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which is approximately 20-30 miles from Curecanti National Recreation Area. Dry Creek Ditch Camp off Forest Road 90 offers BLM dispersed camping about 9 miles from Montrose with good access roads until the final mile. Hartman Rocks Recreation Area provides additional dispersed camping opportunities between Curecanti and Black Canyon. When camping near Black Canyon, you'll need to follow BLM or National Forest rules rather than National Park regulations, which typically means a 14-day limit, no services, and pack-in/pack-out policies. The drive between Curecanti and Black Canyon takes about 30-45 minutes, making it possible to explore both areas during the same trip.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Blue Mesa Reservoir in Curecanti National Recreation Area?

Dispersed camping near Blue Mesa Reservoir is available at several locations around Curecanti National Recreation Area. Red Creek Road offers drive-in access for dispersed camping with scenic views of the reservoir. Soap Creek Road provides additional dispersed camping opportunities near the water. These areas typically require no reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Most dispersed sites around Blue Mesa have no amenities, so come prepared with water and pack-out waste bags. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many of these areas, especially after rain. The standard 14-day stay limit applies throughout the recreation area. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and check with the visitor center for current conditions.

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