Delta is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Delta, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Delta. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
"Location was right off the road but once you drive about 5 minutes down the road you cannot hear any traffic. No other campers. Road was packed gravel almost like highway."
"Primitive camping but close to the main road, so access is easy. No shade, water, or amenities."
"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."
"Pretty spot right along the river, bit of a bumpy road to get here but nothing requiring 4WD (when dry at least) or high clearance, I bet even a sedan could make it here."
"I found a turn off just before the coordinates and stayed there. Large space with lots of room for cars at this site. Right along the river, absolutely beautiful."
"We stopped here on a roadtrip back to Denver as it was close to grand junction but far enough to feel secluded and boy I am happy we did. It’s on ridge line so the views are as expected - gorgeous."
"Like other reviews, the highway noise was a bit loud but nothing too crazy, especially really late. There were other campers spread out nicely, you wouldn’t even know they were there."
"+ came late at night, 10pm, was able to find a spot
- drove a high clearance 4x4 and the spot I was in needed AWD at minimum, sedans will get banged up
- spot was decent but awful leveling
- plenty of"
"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."
"You can camp at a designated campground right on the lake, or you drive up 24 and find a lot of dispersed camping available - all the way up to the little lakes (great for fishing too)."
"Our site was hidden by trees off a short dirt drive which wasn’t too bad."
"Im in a class B van with low clearance and had no issues getting in & out. I'll be back there again!"
"Go in 1/4 mile and turn Right down dirt path to large camping site. There is nobody for 1/2 mile or more around you."
"Went here in May when a lot of other places weren’t accessible yet. Easy drive up for any vehicle."
TravelerFound this spot and was very happy with the setup. Like other reviews, the highway noise was a bit loud but nothing too crazy, especially really late. There were other campers spread out nicely, you wouldn’t even know they were there. The road is a bit iffy so snagging a spot at the front would be best if you don’t have 4WD (my Nissan car struggled, we had to back up & turn around). Overall great spot for tent camping! Remember to leave no trace 🫶🏼🏕️🌎
TravelerI 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.
TravelerReach 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!
ScoutLocation was right off the road but once you drive about 5 minutes down the road you cannot hear any traffic. No other campers. Road was packed gravel almost like highway. We have camper van and our site and most of them were flat and had established fire rings. Dry and dessert landscapes.
GuideThis 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). I got in at around 7/8pm. I slept in my car and enjoyed it! You can totally car/tent camp or RV it; whatever. Just respect the land. The roads further in are "fun". My stock-wheeled SUV did ok on them but if you have a trailer, it might be hard to turn around. If you're low-to-the-ground car, don't bother going back there. All-terrainers will be fine. Some sites look like they're made for one, but you can probably squeeze in 2 or 3 for anyone traveling as a group. Megafauna: I saw deer on my way out. I was fearful of bears but the natl park literature I got later didn't list them. So you're probably good. Obviously, no toilets except at the park.
Verizon LTE unstable 1-2 bars. So close to the park that you can get there early and beat the crowds.
LegendStocked reservoir with rainbow and brook trout. Smaller fish but fun fishing.
The dispersed camping is located on the east side of the reservoir. Vault toilets located here and no water(except the reservoir). All camping is first-come, first-serve. Bring bug spray as the mosquitoes are pretty bad here.
RangerQuiet and secluded. The previous reviewer did a great job talking about details and she and I were in slightly different locations. I'll let her words stand. For me a sense of tranquility washed over me as I sat by the river for hours sipping on a few well-earned beers. I wish I had spent more than one night here but I was on a bike headed to Monticello, Utah.
Leave no trace.
GuideGood luck finding an Air BNB in Crested Butte. If you're smart, you'll bring a tent and set up camp here off of Slate River road. The camping incredible. The dispersed spots fill up quickly though, especially in the summer but it's obvious why. Don't expect typical campground amenities, these are just dirt pull offs with the occasional fire ring from the previous visitors. Mountain bikers frequent the area and line the road in the summer months. Some single track trails are close to some of the more southeastern spots but you're still not a very far drive from town out here. Slate River runs through the valley where the dispersed camping exists and offers a cool reprieve on the warm summer days and the rising ridge lines on either side are beautiful. If you take the road far enough, you can get to iconic crystal mill as well but I haven't made the trek so I can't speak to what that drive looks like. As far as this dispersed camping goes, no need for a 4WD or high clearance, these sites are easily accessible.
LegendLocated about 20 minutes from the town of Crested Butte, Slate River Road is home to a bunch of campgrounds. Note: These areas differ from the BLM section you will drive through. After the Oh Be Joyful BLM land, you will then make your way into Forest Service operated areas where there is tons of dispersed camping and it is free.
We spent some time here around 4th of July and all the spots were filled as expected. Camp grounds are all dispersed, free and have no amenities at the site except some areas have vault toilets. There are a few campgrounds on the left side of the road and if those are all full there are many other spots just along the sides of the roads. The spot where the pin is for this site is one of the few “Camp grounds” where there is a small parking lot built and spots are somewhat defined.
Most of them were big enough for multiple cars and tents as well as full sized RV’s. The forest service does patrol this area and we saw them writing tickets for people who were parked in areas they should not be in. It seems they used rocks to define camping areas and people were parked beyond them. Keep that in mind when selecting a spot.
If you cannot find a spot in one of these campgrounds, keep driving. A good portion of the road is Forest Service and camping is allowed on the sides of the road. We saw people camping for miles up the road.
As is with most of Crested Butte, there is tons to do in this area. Drives, hikes, mountain biking, fishing…the list goes on. We spent a long weekend here, it was a great base camp spot however our spot was pretty exposed to the sun.
Bonus: We saw tons of wildlife every day right across the river from our camp chairs. Deer. Moose and a Bear!
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Delta, Colorado, where nature meets tranquility. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots offer a perfect escape for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dispersed camping free in Delta, Colorado?
Yes, dispersed camping is free in the Delta area. Black Canyon Dispersed Camping offers cost-free camping on BLM land, providing an economical alternative to expensive hotels or crowded campgrounds. Similarly, Dry Creek Ditch Camp off Forest Road 90 offers free dispersed camping about 9 miles from Montrose on BLM land. Most dispersed sites around Delta follow the standard 14-day stay limit typical of public lands. While free, remember these areas typically lack amenities like water, trash service, or restroom facilities, so come prepared to pack out everything you bring in and practice proper waste disposal techniques.
Where can I find dispersed camping near Delta, Colorado?
Several excellent dispersed camping areas surround Delta, Colorado. Escalante Canyon Road Dispersed (650 Rd) offers flat sites with established fire rings along a packed gravel road, providing desert landscapes about 5 minutes from the main road. Another popular option is Nine Mile Hill, where you'll find nicely spaced camping spots that offer privacy despite some highway noise. For water-adjacent camping, look to areas like Twin Lake Dispersed Area, Gunnison Gorge National Conservation, and Overland Reservoir. Most dispersed sites in the region are on BLM or Forest Service land, requiring appropriate vehicles for access as road conditions vary from paved to rough gravel.
What makes Delta, Colorado a charming escape for dispersed camping?
Delta's charm for dispersed camping lies in its diverse landscapes and tranquil settings. At Gateway Recreation Area Dispersed, BLM, campers experience remarkable tranquility by the river—perfect for relaxing with breathtaking views. Overland Reservoir (Dispersed)-Paonia RD offers fishing for rainbow and brook trout in a stocked reservoir. The region features everything from desert vistas to mountain backdrops, riverside retreats to reservoir shores. Many sites provide established fire rings and flat camping spots suitable for various setups from tents to RVs. The area's relative seclusion means you can enjoy nature without crowds, while still being reasonably close to amenities in Delta and surrounding towns.
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