Top Free Dispersed Camping near Dillon, CO

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Dillon? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Dillon just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Dillon, CO (148)

    Camper-submitted photo from Bruno Gulch Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Bruno Gulch Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Bruno Gulch Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Bruno Gulch Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Bruno Gulch Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Bruno Gulch Dispersed

    1. Bruno Gulch Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    35 Photos
    1650 Saves

    Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    2. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    49 Reviews
    96 Photos
    1317 Saves

    Five miles north of Nederland, National Forest System Road (NFSR) 226, commonly known as Gordon Gulch, turns east off of Colorado Highway 72. NFSR 226 intersects other forest roads: NFSR 314, 228, 233 and their off-shoots. There are 15 numbered, designated campsites scattered along the road system within 1.5 miles east of Highway 72. Camping is permitted in designated sites only. Take care when driving in this area. Snow and mud can persist through most of the year. The free Boulder Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map displays National Forest System (NFS) routes open to motorized travel and is available online and at the Boulder Ranger District offfice.

    Streams; treat water for drinking.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Ute Pass Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Ute Pass Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Ute Pass Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Ute Pass Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Ute Pass Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Ute Pass Dispersed Camping

    4. Ute Pass Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    26 Photos
    809 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    5. Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    15 Reviews
    64 Photos
    1019 Saves

    Dispersed Camping information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd577265.pdf

    With a few exceptions, dispersed camping is allowed on national forest public lands. Camping in the national forest at one location is limited to 14 consecutive days. The campsite must then be moved a minimum of three miles. Camping can then continue for an additional 14 days. Camping is restricted to a maximum of 28 days in any 60-day period.

    More than 40% of lands within the Arapaho National Forest boundary are private or otherwise owned. A map showing land ownership is recommended. It is YOUR responsibility to know if you are on private, city, county, state, national park or national forest land.

    Pack out all trash. There are no services.

    Practice Leave No Trace ethics

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed

    6. Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    27 Photos
    610 Saves

    There are many dispersed camping opportunities on the forest ranging from backpacking to car-camping along designated Forest Roads. Visitors are encouraged to minimize resource impacts by utilizing established sites rather than creating new ones. Dispersed camping sites along Forest Roads are shown on Motor Vehicle Use Maps, which are available free of charge at ranger district offices. Visitors are permitted to drive vehicles up to 300 feet from designated routes for purposes of dispersed camping as long as no resource damage is incurred in the process. Dispersed camping within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and forest system trails is prohibited unless otherwise designated. Campers may stay for a maximum of 14 days. Some areas may have additional special restrictions. This dirt road begins at the paved Red Sandstone Road near Vail and ends at either Piney Lake or Hwy 131 north of Wolcott: This road gets heavy vehicle traffic and also a fair number of mountain bike riders, so please share the road. The climb is gradual and steady, and all but the very lowest of passenger cars can handle this relatively easy dirt road. The road winds its way up along Red Sandstone Creek and then Indian Creek with occasional views south over Vail Mountain, before reaching its high point near the trailhead for Lost Lake Trail. Here you can choose to head west toward Muddy Pass and Hwy 131, or head toward Piney Lake as your destination. Enjoy the peace and beauty here or take a hike up the Upper Piney River Trail, but remember that the lake is surrounded by the Eagles Nest Wilderness and is closed to bikes.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    7. Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    14 Reviews
    26 Photos
    274 Saves

    Free camping (dispersed) is allowed on most national forest lands except in highly developed areas - such as trailheads, campgrounds and picnic sites - and in some of our most visited places. Be sure to check for regulations in advance and look for signs in the area to indicate if camping is allowed.

    Some areas allow camping in designated sites only.

    Know Before You Go

    Check the weather and road closures before heading up. Follow Leave No Trace principles. There are no facilities or trash receptacles. Pack out what you pack in. Make sure camping is allowed. Many lands within the national forest boundary are private or otherwise owned. Check that you’re on National Forest lands: maps. Don't stay too long. Camping is limited to 14 days within any continuous 30-day period at any location within the same 20-mile radius. See Order Plan on building a campfire? Campfire restrictions can occur any time of year. Check for fire restrictions and if you build a campfire, know how to extinguish it.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Kirby Gulch
    Camper-submitted photo from Kirby Gulch
    Camper-submitted photo from Kirby Gulch
    Camper-submitted photo from Kirby Gulch
    Camper-submitted photo from Kirby Gulch
    Camper-submitted photo from Kirby Gulch

    8. Kirby Gulch

    9 Reviews
    38 Photos
    476 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia DCampground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia DCampground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia DCampground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia DCampground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia DCampground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia DCampground

    9. West Magnolia DCampground

    26 Reviews
    69 Photos
    1222 Saves

    West Magnolia Trailhead provides access to eight miles of singletrack trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding west of the Peak-to-Peak Highway south of Nederland. An additional eight miles of Forest Roads are open seasonally (check the Road Status Table before your visit) to motorized and non-motorized activities. Along these roadways are designated campsites. Camping is allowed within 50 feet of the campsite markers. There are no facilities of any kind. The free Boulder Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map displays National Forest System (NFS) routes open to motorized travel and is available online and at the Boulder Ranger District offfice. Recreational shooting closures exist in this area. Click here for more information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Crystal Lake- Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Crystal Lake- Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Crystal Lake- Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Crystal Lake- Dispersed Camping

    10. Lower Crystal Lake- Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    4 Photos
    395 Saves

    Make sure to camp at least 100 feet from water Forest Order: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd896594.pdf

    Please DO NOT drive on alpine vegetation as it is a very fragile ecosystem.

    This area has beautiful alpine scenery with views of the Tenmile Range. A 4WD road leads to Lower Crystal Lake and then a hiking trail continues for approximately 2 miles to Upper Crystal Lake. The road will take you through numerous alpine meadows which are fed by the tributaries of Crystal Creek. The road rises onto a shelf with Lower Crystal Lake nestled against the mountain walls.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
Showing results 1-10 of 148 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Dillon

712 Reviews of 148 Dillon Campgrounds


  • N
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Chandler Dispersed
    Oct. 20, 2024

    Camp Chandler Dispersed

    Beautiful Place.

    Bumpy ride up, but we were able to do it in our car SLOWLY. Absolutely beautiful place. Lots of campsite options. I was under the impression fires were allowed, as there were fire pits, but signs everywhere stating no campfires. Columbine Lake is a pretty hefty hike from the trailhead, but so worth the view. Had the entire place to ourselves pretty much all Friday. Beautiful beautiful beautiful

  • Landon C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bailey Area Dispersed
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Bailey Area Dispersed

    Difficult road to get to but beautiful views

    The road here has some gnarly washboards. 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. However, the views are incredible and it was well worth the effort. Cell signal from Verizon is extremely good, I am getting 5G UWB and download speeds of 180mbps. There’s some cool hills to climb and many great views.

  • Leah K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Overlook Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Twin Lakes Overlook Dispersed Camping

    Great Camping Spot

    This was a great camping spot. There are several campsites by the water and other campsites, not by the water. The campsites are kind of close together, but not terrible. I went early on a Friday and got a beautiful spot by the water. By the end of the day, all the sites around the water were full. So if that's important to you, be sure to get there early. There were still plenty of other gorgeous campsites, not by the water available all weekend. There are also hiking trails located here. One of which is called "Interlaken Trail." It's about a 5 mile hike total and takes you to a "Ghost Resort" called "Inter-Laken" that was abandoned around WW1. You can even go inside one of the buildings, and there are Historical Marker plaques that talk about the abandoned resort. The signal is great so I had cell service and data the entire time. Highly recommend!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    Trash+long term campers

    The place fills up on the weekend. I drove through most of the trail system and did not find a spot. Came back during the week and took a closer spot so as not to risk it. Trash is everywhere. Multiple poop spots are within 100ft of the fire pit with copious amounts of used tp lying around. Trees are slashed, cut, and the forest is not doing well. There are multiple long term campsites here so watch out for squatters. I stayed near the start and then a bit deeper, which prompted me to take photos. I forget the site numbers but honestly it’s not looking good in most places. At the very back are what look like a few nicer spots because they are hard to get to with a non off-road vehicle. It breaks my heart how this campground exists.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia DCampground
    Oct. 16, 2024

    West Magnolia DCampground

    ‘Long term’ campsites&trash

    Couldn’t find any spots over the weekend. Drove through the whole campground. There is an absurd amount of trash everywhere, especially at closer campsites. There are multiple ‘long term’ campsites by the looks of the trash, gear, and supplies left out. The forest is not in good shape either.

    Came back mid week and stayed at site #4 because it was close and I did not want to roll the dice on not securing a spot again.

    Keeping it brief: -I thought someone had been through my campsite when I was sleeping due to things moved -I might have met the squatter at the site. Couldn’t be sure, but determined there were red flags after talking to the guy and did not want to stick around to find out -so much trash it breaks my heart

    The county needs to do something about this campsite and the similar one North of Ned.

  • Lori L.
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia DCampground
    Oct. 13, 2024

    West Magnolia DCampground

    Fall camping

    Great location with single tracks for hiking and mountain biking. Camping spots are well-marked. WiFi was decent. The sad part was the trash left behind from former encampments in some of the camping spots.

  • Andria R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 12, 2024

    Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    4x4 and tents only

    Beautiful, but really need a compact 4x4 to get into and out of parking lot and there are tent sites only. We almost didn’t make it out with our 24 ft van (checked it out but didn’t stay overnight). Very crowded on a Saturday at 4:30pm.

  • Conner The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Breckenridge Overlook
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Breckenridge Overlook

    Sleep in car only - park on the edge of a cliff with breathtaking views

    Just one mile further up the road or so you will reach Destinated camp sites which I prefer.

    Although I saw 5 camp cars parked on the side of the road (this is a Monday night) facing the cliff that night and like 2 the next morning when I left for work. I was jealous a little bit of their views

  • Adam D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bellyache Road
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Bellyache Road

    Super rutted out, but unbelievable views

    Definitely would advise 4x4, and not for travel trailers at all. Bringing one up could lead to a serious situation , since there are no places to turn around whatsoever. That said, views were absolutely breathtaking. We also lucked out and saw the northern lights while at site.

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Pass
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Stillwater Pass

    Easy Spot, Trash Left Behind

    This spot was really easy to get to and had at least one bar of service for Verizon and T Mobile. The spot was nice and secluded, but there was some trash left behind from previous campers:(

  • Savannah B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    Perfect for a quick overnight trip

    My husband bought a new tent so we just wanted to find something kinda close to Denver but still beautiful for just a quick overnight trip. Our goal was Chinns lake but stupid Apple Maps took us here instead. It was still beautiful and there were a handful of spots still open for us. I wouldn’t recommend for a big group unless you get there early and claim the whole top but we really enjoyed it! The lake was low but still beautiful.

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Oct. 3, 2024

    Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    Great spot, minus the “no camping” signs

    We camped here after a Red Rocks show. The spot is a great area. About 20 minutes off of I-70. There are many pull offs along this road that could theoretically be good camp sites. However there are “no camping” signs, which is why I gave it 3 stars. Everything is great besides that: beautiful stars, good tent site, safe parking area.

    The spot we chose is a bit farther down the road than the one listed here. It’s in between the bend in the road. We parked at the pull off and walked down a small hill to find a good tent site and a fire ring.

    Also be aware it’s pretty chilly compared to just a few miles up the road. It was in the mid 30s at night.

  • Dwight R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Twin Lakes Dispersed

    Late Sept Fall colors

    We had a blast with this spot, arrived late at night and woke up inside an aspen grove. There is a lot of hiking trails and some cool spots to visit down by the lakes.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Pass
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Stillwater Pass

    Stillwater drive

    Plenty of spots available. But land and trees are decimated from fire in 2020. But hey it’s a free spot to sleep

  • t
    Camper-submitted photo from Spruce Creek/Crystal Creek Designated Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Spruce Creek/Crystal Creek Designated Dispersed Camping

    Autumnal leaf-peeping and star-gazing

    Site 4 featured 3 well established campfire rings, one with a lean-to. The three spots are separated enough to enjoy with seclusion, also had plenty of parking. There are a number of easily accessible trails nearby. Surrounded by pines there weren't a lot of Aspens turning for the season visible from camp, but the hikes in the area led to some beautiful vistas and meadows that afforded opportunities to see seas of leaves turning. This site required AWD and good clearance to get to, but well worth it and offered a good out of the way camping experience and great star gazing opportunity as there was a new moon when we went, so saw plenty of shooting stars and the milky way!

  • Drew M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Black Hawk
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Dispersed Camping Black Hawk

    Great Spot

    Wish I had more time to spend at this spot! The views are amazing! The road up was designed for more of an off-road rig. Fire ban was in effect. Just like the rest.. you will here atvs all night ripping trails in the distance. And the trains !! Still a great area!!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Sep. 29, 2024

    Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    Great Spot, Bright Construction Lights

    Overall a very fun spot if you have a vehicle with some ground clearance to get to the nice sites by the reservoir. My Peak Edition Atlas handled it well. Only complaint is the damn project at Gross reservoir is a 24 hour site and the lights are ridiculously bright.

  • h
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed

    Beautiful, but a little busy

    Went out late on a Friday night. My timing was wrong to get a good spot, but I was hoping there would be at least one spot left, unfortunately all the established sites I could reach were taken! I couldn't get more than a few miles up the road, the first few were manageable in my Impreza but having a higher clearance vehicle is definitely ideal. I was able to find a spot to pitch my tent for the night, but it was far from level or smooth. Still, incredible views of the stars and absolutely gorgeous to see the Aspen leaves changing!

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia DCampground
    Sep. 28, 2024

    West Magnolia DCampground

    Good potential, poor experience

    I have lived in the Boulder/Nederland area for over 30 years and have always enjoyed this part of the state. The West Magnolia area has great potential for dispersed camping. My wife and I tried to camp here this past week after not having camped at this location for many years. As others noted, it could make for a convenient base camp for tons of activities in the area. 

    Unfortunately, we were unable to find any usable campsite. All sites were occupied, even during the middle of the week. Many of those sites were occupied by long term campers as made clear by the multiple tents and bags of trash piled up. A couple primo sites had been abandoned by long term campers who left their trash, broken tents and chairs, food containers and other refuse in the campsites. It was really creepy coming upon these sites. Sadly, West Magnolia has become an extreme heavy use/abuse area. As someone who has spent years in the outdoors for days and weeks at a time, I would even question the health and safety of staying in some of these heavily used sites due to obvious lack of care and stewardship (think human waste close to camp). If you decide to camp here, and can find a suitable site, please be mindful of keeping yourself and gear away from potential health hazards.

    West Magnolia is still a nice place to hike and bike, but I cannot recommend it for overnight camping.



Guide to Dillon

Camping near Dillon, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just soaking up nature, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Many campers rave about the hiking opportunities. One visitor at Glacier Basin Campground said, "The hiking trail to Sprague Lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters."
  • Fishing: The lakes and rivers nearby are great for fishing. A camper at Stoll Mountain Campground mentioned, "Take a canoe, kayak, or fishing poles and enjoy a day on the lake with a great view of the mountains."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at East Portal Campground shared, "We saw elk and mule deer in the campground on multiple occasions."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful landscapes. A review from Moraine Park Campground highlights, "Just beautiful and in the park so don’t deal with timed entry."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Chatfield State Park Campground noted, "The staff is really nice and you have all the services that you need."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful environment. One reviewer at Prospector Campground said, "I can't say enough about Prospector. One of my favorite places to camp in Summit County."

What you should know:

  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Glacier Basin Campground is open from May 23 to September 11.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Dakota Ridge RV Park mentioned, "The bathrooms never have soap and they are from the 70’s."
  • Crowded Sites: Some areas can get busy. A visitor at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake noted, "It gets windy in the afternoon so might want to skip the awning/canopy."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. One camper at East Portal Campground said, "Big playground and not crazy expensive."
  • Clean Facilities: Choose campgrounds known for cleanliness. A visitor at Chatfield State Park Campground mentioned, "Very well kept with nice clean bathrooms."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Kids will love seeing wildlife. A camper at Moraine Park Campground shared, "Camping at this campground also gives you a time+ entry permit good for Bear Lake Road."

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Look for campgrounds that accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Chatfield State Park Campground noted, "The group campsite was spacious."
  • Electric Hookups: Ensure your campground has electric hookups. A camper at Stoll Mountain Campground mentioned, "There are no hookups, trashy."
  • Check for Noise: Be aware of noise from nearby areas. A visitor at Dakota Ridge RV Park said, "Noise from the bar goes till around 11 and construction sounds begin around 6 am."

Camping near Dillon, Colorado, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Dillon, CO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Dillon, CO is Bruno Gulch Dispersed with a 4.8-star rating from 13 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 148 dispersed camping locations near Dillon, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.