Best Dispersed Camping near Deckers, CO

Campers looking for dispersed camping near Deckers, Colorado will find several free spots in the surrounding Pike National Forest. The area between Deckers and Woodland Park has multiple pull-offs along forest roads where you can set up camp without facilities. Most sites sit on compact dirt with scattered pine trees that provide some afternoon shade. You'll need to bring everything with you - the closest reliable water and supplies are in Woodland Park, about 20 miles away. Forest Service roads vary from well-maintained gravel to rough dirt tracks that become challenging after rain, so vehicles with decent clearance do best. Fire restrictions change throughout the summer, so check with the South Platte Ranger District before your trip. Remember to camp at least 100 feet from any streams or the South Platte River, and pack out all trash. Cell service is spotty throughout the area, with some coverage on ridgetops. The 14-day stay limit gives you plenty of time to explore nearby fishing spots and hiking trails. During summer weekends, the better sites fill up by Friday afternoon, especially those close to the river.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Deckers, Colorado (94)

    1. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    6 miles

    "So busy that we had to go in the middle of the week to get a spot, so plan ahead here and expect crowds. That being said, each spot is unique and we loved it."

    "We stayed here a couple weekends in a row and we were able to try out some different spots and trails close to those spots. This free campground is perfect! "

    2. Matukat Road Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Lake George, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "We drove a couple of miles up the decently maintained dirt road and found the second dispersed camping spot and decided to set up our roof top tent for the night. "

    "Rock fire pits, wood around. No water, garbage, nor toilets. Cool temps, road in is rough go slow. Nice shady trees. First few spots you encounter left, then right seem ok."

    3. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    35 Reviews
    Monument, CO
    20 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."

    4. Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite

    8 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    7 miles

    "Over 30 dispersed campsites along a moderately smooth dirt road. Sites are spaced well apart, some sites are covered in trees while others are wide open."

    "About 32 or more spots along redskin creek road that goes back a few miles with spots with fire rings along the dirt road."

    5. Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Woodland Park, CO
    10 miles
    Website

    "Lots of shade in the morning at our spot. We were by a dirt road and did have a few vehicles drive by but not bad. There is bear scat, not old and not new, in the area but no wildlife was seen."

    "Terrain was interesting on the drive in, some of the pull off camping spots are pretty steep off the road. However, the sights were beautiful and it was very quiet and peaceful when we visited :)"

    6. Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Lake George, CO
    16 miles
    +1 (719) 836-2031

    "Great dispersed camping for an evening on our way out west. The campground nearby was closed, but it was easy finding a dispersed spot near OHV trails."

    "Tarryall Reservoir is an awesome location. To update from a different review; the ONLY camping is dispersed. There is a day use only area next to the reservoir with no overnight camping."

    7. Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide

    9 Reviews
    Woodland Park, CO
    17 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."

    8. Bailey Area Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    11 miles

    "The first 3 are out in the open and then the remaining 5 are past the trailhead. Nice area for Starlink and solar and dog walks. It’s a burn site."

    "I had to slow down to a crawl at points because it was thrashing my rig around so much. There is also one turn on the road where if you’re not careful, I could imagine getting stuck."

    9. Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park

    21 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    23 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."

    "Easy to access for any mobility-level or age. Peaceful and quiet except for the occasional passing car which is to be expected. Spots are relatively well spaced apart. Fire-pits galore!"

    10. Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    23 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 94 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Deckers, CO

515 Reviews of 94 Deckers Campgrounds


  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 20, 2024

    Kirby Gulch

    Worth the Rough Drive

    Kirby Gulch is a fantastic spot for anyone seeking a peaceful, off-the-grid camping experience near Grant, Colorado. Situated off Route 1038, this dispersed camping area offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife watching.

    The campsites are well-spaced, providing plenty of privacy, and the area is generally clean, thanks to considerate campers. Since it’s a dispersed site, there are no amenities like water or toilets, so make sure to come prepared. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing some of the sites, especially after rain or snow.

    What makes Kirby Gulch truly special is its tranquility. You can enjoy the sound of the wind through the trees, the crisp mountain air, and dazzling stargazing at night. It’s also a great starting point for exploring nearby trails or simply soaking in the serene environment.

    If you’re comfortable with primitive camping and leave-no-trace principles, Kirby Gulch is a hidden gem worth checking out.

  • Kelly G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2021

    Grays Peak Summer Trailhead Dispersed Camping

    Great base camp for summiting Gray’s/Torrey’s

    Stevens Gulch Road (321) is a dirt road off of I-70 west of Denver in the Arapaho & Rosevelt National Forests and the Pawnee National Grasslands. It has amazing scenery and access to gorgeous hiking trails to summit Gray’s, Torrey’s and Kelso Peaks. It is a fairly mellow SUV road with plenty of space to pass other vehicles and you will occasionally see passenger cars as well. The road leads to a large parking lot that fills up fast with car overflow parking spilling down both sides of the road. There are pit toilets and bear proof trash cans at the parking lot. The road continues past the parking lot a very short ways to some dispersed campsites by a river that have stone campfire rings. Definitely filter this water as there are uphill toilet paper gardens along the climb to summit.

  • Meg G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2020

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Spectacular - 4x4 is required to access.

    We drove our BRAND NEW 4x4 Revel and were nervous the entire trip up and back.  We are a high profile vehicle, luckily we had plenty of clearance but it was very nerve wracking both up and back.  It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving.

    Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake.  When you arrive, there are several dispersed campsites around the lake.  All the spots have beautiful views and tons of space between other campers.  There are firepits (even though CO is on a fire ban) that  will be nice for future visits.  We visited on Sept 17-19, 2020, so the evenings are cold and the days short.  Additionally, the water level was very low.  

    The area is nice for hiking and exploring, and especially to get away from it all.  No cell phone service.

    As the weekend approached, there were several ATV's heading up for the day.  While we were there, only 3 other groups camping on the weekend.

    You will be at 11,000 feet looking at the Continental Divide!  THIS is Colorado camping!  Enjoy and please remember to leave no trace!

  • 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.

  • Eileen S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 1, 2021

    Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping

    Crowded Camping Near Keystone

    This is beautiful camping close to keystone and likewise gets crowded in the summer months. If you want a spot on a weekend, get there early. There are a few pull offs along the road suitable for most cars, but if you have a high clearance 4WD you can go on a few offshoot roads and find more spacious spots. No cell phone signal or water, and frequent fire bans in the summer.

  • 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.


Guide to Deckers

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Deckers, Colorado, where nature meets tranquility. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Dispersed campers should check out Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

  • This area offers a range of beautiful spots along the mountainous road, making it a favorite for those seeking scenic views and solitude.
  • Many campers have noted the need for a four-wheel drive to navigate the rugged terrain, especially as you venture higher up the mountain.
  • Enjoy the freedom of camping without permits and the ability to have campfires, making it a great choice for a cozy night under the stars at Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping.

Top activities while free camping near Deckers

  • Buffalo Creek Recreation Area is a well-reviewed spot for mountain biking, with numerous trails accessible right from your campsite.
  • The area is known for its spacious sites, allowing for a peaceful camping experience while still being close to outdoor adventures.
  • Keep in mind that finding an open spot can be challenging on weekends, so plan accordingly if you want to enjoy the trails at Buffalo Creek Recreation Area.

Scenic views for dispersed campers at Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite

  • This location is praised for its breathtaking views of Pikes Peak, making it a perfect backdrop for your camping experience.
  • With numerous sites available, you can find a spot that offers both privacy and stunning scenery, ideal for photography enthusiasts.
  • The area is also known for its accessibility, allowing both tent and RV campers to enjoy the natural beauty at Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is camping allowed near Cheesman Canyon and Cheesman Lake?

Camping near Cheesman Canyon and Cheesman Lake is limited due to watershed protection. Cheesman Lake itself prohibits camping along its immediate shoreline as it's a Denver Water facility. However, nearby areas like Fraile's Campground - Dispersed off Tarryall Road offer dispersed camping options within driving distance. For those wanting to stay closer to Cheesman Canyon, Bailey Area Dispersed provides free camping alternatives. Both require high-clearance vehicles for best access. Always check current regulations with the South Platte Ranger District before planning your trip, as restrictions can change seasonally, especially during high fire danger periods.

Where are the best dispersed camping sites near Deckers, Colorado?

For exceptional dispersed camping near Deckers, check out Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping, which offers numerous campsites along a main dirt road accessible by 2WD vehicles, though 4WD is recommended for the smaller branching trails. The area provides plenty of space for exploration. Another excellent option is Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite, which offers free, drive-in access and is suitable for larger rigs. Both locations provide the authentic Colorado wilderness experience typical of the Deckers area, with stunning mountain views and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and fishing in the South Platte River.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the Deckers area?

Dispersed camping in the Deckers area follows Pike National Forest regulations. Most areas like Route 31 Camp prohibit OHVs in certain sections, so watch for signage. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. Campsites must be at least 100 feet from water sources, 150 feet from roads, and 1 mile from developed campgrounds. At Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping, remember there are no facilities—pack in all supplies and pack out all trash. Fire restrictions vary seasonally; always use existing fire rings when permitted and fully extinguish fires. Some areas require free permits available from ranger stations. Check current conditions and restrictions before your trip.