Dispersed camping near Dinosaur, Colorado sits at approximately 6,000 feet elevation where the high desert climate creates dramatic temperature variations between day and night. Free camping opportunities exist throughout the surrounding national forest and BLM lands with most sites accessible via unpaved roads. Winter camping requires four-wheel drive vehicles due to snow and mud conditions on access roads.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area surrounding East Park Campground offers excellent wildlife spotting along nearby scenic routes. "Within a few miles of the campground we saw 4 moose," reports Jennifer C., who enjoyed exploring the Red Cloud Loop Scenic Byway.
Fishing access: Fish stocking programs maintain populations in several lakes. "Great fishing! Although I would recommend that you go over by the dam for the best fishing. The fish are stocked and its kinda neat to watch the trucks unload them on the boat dock," shares Cortney M. about East Park Campground.
Stargazing sessions: Dark skies make this region ideal for astronomy enthusiasts. Heidi L. notes about dispersed camping near Dinosaur National Monument: "Having a fire pit was great along with star gazing!"
What campers like
Solitude and quietness: Many dispersed sites offer isolation from crowds. Byron M. reports about dispersed camping at Dinosaur National Monument: "I'm the only one here besides the wildlife! Got a spot under the tree with a canal making me sleep to the sound of following water amongst where Dino's used to roam."
Seasonal wildlife viewing: Fall brings hunters to Forest Service Road 217 Dispersed camping areas. Rebecca S. mentions: "I'm here in October and though chilly it's gorgeous! There are a lot of hunters here with their four wheels but no one has bothered me. Be warned though you definitely will hear the gunshots of them hunting in the forest below."
Lake accessibility: Several campgrounds provide direct lake access for water activities. Natalie B. recommends at Oaks Park Campground: "If you drive past the main designated camping area to the left there are several campsites that are larger and closer to the lake."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between camping areas. Greg L. notes about FS #049 Road Dispersed Camping Area: "Area is shielded from hwy 191 noise. However it has a strong ATT cell signal (no Verizon or TMobile)." In contrast, at East Park Campground, he found "NO cell service of any provider."
Weather considerations: The area experiences rapid weather changes that can affect road conditions. Brian R. warns about dispersed camping near Dinosaur National Monument: "There is a sign at the beginning of the dirt road prohibiting trailers. I assume because if it rains the mud roads become unusable."
Limited facilities: Most horse campgrounds near Dinosaur, Colorado operate with minimal amenities. Greg L. describes East Park: "Nice CG, paved FS rd all the way except last 1/2 mile of gravel from FS rd #20. CG has 20 camp sites, no reservations. $10 nite, vault toilets but NO water or garbage."
Tips for camping with families
Reservoir selection: Choose campgrounds with shallow water access for younger children. "Nice little campground. Camping spots are to close to each other. Bathrooms located in the campground and by the boat dock are kept clean. Short walk to the lake," notes Cortney M. about East Park Campground.
Site spacing considerations: Many campgrounds have closely positioned sites that may limit privacy. Oaks Park offers "Nice clean quite little campground. Sites are kinda close together but I've never seen more than one or two groups camping here at a time," according to Cortney M.
Primitive facilities preparation: Most equestrian camping sites near Dinosaur lack developed facilities. Greg L. describes Kaler Hollow Campground as having "crappy tables, uneven sites, not usable for travel trailers, tiny vault toilet with bullet holes in door, no reason to camp here, no water no trash, no cell signal."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for trailers: Horse trailer parking requires careful planning at most dispersed sites. Shayli L. notes about dispersed camping near Dinosaur National Monument: "We didn't end up staying here because the fire pit was small, maybe six rocks. It's right on a ledge and you're barely off the road. Not really enough space to feel comfortable with traffic coming through the monument."
Alternative equestrian camping: For those with horses seeking dispersed options, several forest service roads provide better trailer access. Ian L. reports about Forest Service Road 217: "It's a nice spot. Plenty of space. There are a ton of off-road people but not too bad."
Campground occupancy patterns: Weekends bring higher visitation to established horse campgrounds. Cortney M. mentions about East Park: "Campground is usually pretty full every weekend."
