Best Dispersed Camping near Denver, CO

Over 60 dispersed camping sites across Denver, Colorado's national forest areas provide great camping opportunities near Denver within an hour's drive of the city, offering mountain access without traditional campground constraints. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area features around 15 numbered sites plus additional unnumbered locations accessible via 4x4 vehicles, while Buffalo Creek Recreation Area offers well-marked, spacious campsites popular for quick weekend trips. The best dispersed camping near Denver requires early arrival on weekends, as popular spots like West Magnolia Campground and Mount Herman Road fill quickly despite their remote mountain locations.

Mountain terrain around Denver creates diverse boondocking opportunities from accessible car camping sites to challenging backcountry locations requiring high-clearance vehicles. Gross Reservoir Dispersed features 31 sites with fire rings and decent trout fishing, though rough access roads demand careful navigation. BLM camping near Denver remains limited, with most free camping occurring on national forest land at elevations between 8,000-11,000 feet. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping involves 7 miles of dirt roads including 4 miles of challenging terrain, rewarding adventurous campers with Continental Divide views at 11,000 feet elevation.

Complete self-sufficiency becomes essential for free dispersed camping near Denver, as most locations provide only fire rings left by previous users. Primitive camping near Denver means packing in water, supplies, and waste disposal materials, with leave-no-trace principles crucial due to heavy recreational use. The 14-day camping limit applies to all national forest dispersed sites, while seasonal considerations include cold nights even in summer due to mountain elevation and potential fire restrictions during dry periods.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Denver, Colorado (68)

    1. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    51 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    38 miles
    Website

    "So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."

    "Like the title suggests, this campsite is typical for a free forest service campground. Prior campers have left some trash, bullet casings and obviously neglected to dig cat holes."

    2. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    28 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    36 miles

    "About as good as it gets for drive up dispersed, free camping. Well marked, spaced out, large campsites and not too far from Denver. We love coming here for quick weekend trips."

    "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."

    3. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    21 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    34 miles
    Website

    "Was desperate to find "something" after driving 11 hours that day, and normal paid camp grounds were full. HOWEVER I was pulling a smaller trailer, and that turned out to be a real issue."

    "Safe for car camping. Make sure you follow the stay on road signs."

    4. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    37 miles
    Website

    "Oe of my family's fav places, beautiful views, camping spots super far away from one another so awesome privacy, and completely free. Spots fill up quick on weekends, you can stay 14 days."

    "The roads around the whole campground were a little rough but i did okay in my Ford Escape. All of the sites seems to be really spread out.

    There were several people in the campground."

    5. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    31 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    43 miles
    Website

    "We were right up on the lake but turns out it's private property and you cannot even go up to the water."

    "You are pinned up against private property around the lake, the camp sites are in the dirt area when you get to the lake down to the left."

    6. Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Definitely need a high clearance vehicle. I saw a low clearance vehicle at site 6 & no idea how they got there.. they had to have gotten scraped up."

    "Great camping about 31 dispersed spots most with tables and a fire ring decent trout fishing a great kayaking feels remote without being so remote."

    7. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    35 Reviews
    Monument, CO
    48 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. Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    24 Reviews
    Allenspark, CO
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Fire ban was in effect when we went, but lots of fire circles available otherwise. Bring bug spray, the flies are bold."

    "Was super simple to access. the coordinates take   you to the beginning of the rural part of Ski road."

    9. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    Empire, CO
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 567-4382

    "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. "

    "Just outside of Idaho Springs, take the exit for Co Rd 275 off of I-70. It's a scenic drive up a curvy paved road for about 15 minutes."

    10. Gold Lake Area Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    39 miles

    "My GPS from the coordinates just took me to the nearest town of Ward, CO.

    This is how I got there coming from the North:

    Take RT72 South to County Road 100."

    "Many spots along the CR once you find it, came in around 4pm on a Friday and there were still plenty of spots but started filling up fast. By 7pm, people were turning around as no spots were left."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 68 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Denver, CO

457 Reviews of 68 Denver Campgrounds



Guide to Denver

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Denver, Colorado, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations offering stunning views and outdoor activities, it's the perfect escape for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Denver, Colorado

  • Make sure to arrive early, especially on weekends, as spots can fill up quickly. Many visitors have reported difficulty finding available sites at popular locations like Buffalo Creek Recreation Area.
  • Bring your own water and supplies, as many dispersed camping areas, such as Gross Reservoir Dispersed, do not provide drinking water or trash disposal.
  • Be prepared for rough roads; some sites, like Dream Canyon Campsites, require a vehicle with good clearance to navigate the terrain.

Enjoy mountain biking while free camping near Denver

  • The Buffalo Creek Recreation Area is a popular spot for mountain biking, with numerous trails that cater to various skill levels, making it a great choice for biking enthusiasts.
  • If you're looking for a quieter experience, consider Forest Road 332 Dispersed, where you can enjoy serene rides without the crowds.
  • Many dispersed camping areas, like N Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping, offer easy access to biking trails that lead to breathtaking views and natural beauty.

Dispersed campers should check out Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp

  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp provides stunning vistas and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for unwinding in nature.
  • Be aware that some roads leading to these sites can be challenging; visitors to Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp recommend having a vehicle with good clearance.
  • This area is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure, making it a great choice for families and pet owners alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Denver, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Denver, CO is Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area with a 3.6-star rating from 51 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Denver, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 68 dispersed camping locations near Denver, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.