Best Dispersed Camping near Denver, CO
Several dispersed camping areas sit within an hour or two of Denver, where campers can find free spots on public land. These sites lack facilities – no toilets, no water, no trash service – so you'll need to bring everything and take it all back out with you. The Forest Service land around Denver follows standard rules: camp at least 100 feet from any water source, stay no more than 14 days, and always check current fire restrictions before your trip. Many of the better dispersed sites require driving rough dirt roads, so a vehicle with decent clearance helps, especially after rain. The national forests west of Denver contain most of the dispersed camping options, with varying elevations that affect temperatures significantly. Summer brings the most comfortable camping weather, though afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August. Winter dispersed camping happens too, but you'll need serious cold-weather gear and possibly snow equipment for access. Grocery stores and gas stations in mountain towns like Idaho Springs or Evergreen make good supply stops before heading to your site. Most dispersed areas around Denver have no cell service, so download maps and tell someone your plans before going.
