Dispersed camping options near Erie, Colorado extend from foothills to subalpine zones, with elevations ranging from 5,500 to 9,000 feet. The terrain transitions from ponderosa pine forests to lodgepole and aspen stands at higher elevations. Most accessible sites experience seasonal closures from November through May due to snow accumulation, with road conditions deteriorating rapidly after rainfall.
What to do
Hiking from campsites: At Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping, the trail follows the St. Vrain river with numerous tent spots along the route. "It was a short hike to some of the campsites. Beware there are signs stating to not build fires and be within 1/4 mile of creek," notes Jordan D. The trail offers streamside camping with established fire rings.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at Gordon Gulch provide opportunities for wildlife observation. "Moose visitors at dawn and evening, and hungry bears scavenging for food at night is a common occurrence," reports Amanda V. Campers should maintain proper food storage as wildlife encounters are frequent.
Paddling activities: Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir offers kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities with specific regulations. "You can only launch your boat at the boat launch on the southeast side of the reservoir that is monitored by a ranger. He requires you to have a life vest, whistle, and your name written on your boat," advises Karl G. Swimming is prohibited as this is Denver's drinking water supply.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Allenspark Dispersed Camping features well-spaced sites with natural barriers. "Lots of spots available. Just keep driving along Ski Road and pick one that looks good. Lots of fire pits already built and most camp spots are along the creek," explains Jason H. Sites are distributed to minimize neighbor noise.
Stream access: Many tent campers appreciate the ambient sound of running water. "We camped a very short walk from the parking lot. Amazing camp site with not many people around," notes Sawyer S. at Dream Canyon. The white noise from streams helps mask other camping sounds and provides a natural soundtrack.
Temperature variations: Tent sites at higher elevations offer cooler conditions during summer heat waves. "We went on a Sunday, the weekend after the 4th of July. It was quite easy to find a campground for dispersed camping with other sites marked. Recommend a 4-wheel drive vehicle to reach some of the spots, especially if there is poor weather," reports Quinton T. about Gordon Gulch.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to most tent camping areas requires careful driving. "The drive in was no joke (prepare for a bit of an adventure), and there was some construction going on across the lake that echoed over to our site," mentions Amanda R. about Winiger Ridge. Many areas become impassable after rainfall.
Fire restrictions: Regulations change frequently based on conditions. "There are signs stating to not build fires and be within 1/4 mile of creek," notes Jordan D. Campers must check current fire bans before arrival, as violations carry significant penalties.
Wildlife precautions: Bear activity requires proper food storage at tent sites. "We were about to go to bed around 11pm when our dogs started barking. My wife went to quiet them down and when I shined my head lamp toward the tent I saw a mountain lion perched above where we were camping on some rocks about 30 feet away," recounts Dani S. about Ceran St. Vrain. Bear canisters are recommended for all tent camping.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible hiking: Hermits Hollow Campground offers family-friendly trails. "The Kruger Rock Trailhead is inside the campground, and it is a nice hike with an amazing view of the Rockies and Estes at the top. Bring your crayons - there are two trailmarkers on the trail that you can do rubbings of," suggests Erin K. This provides educational opportunities for children.
Site selection for tent camping: Choose locations with natural boundaries for family privacy. "Each campsite had a bear box, picnic table, and fire ring. There are plenty of trees for shade and some privacy, but you are still near other campers," notes Hannah F. The established facilities reduce setup challenges for families with young children.
Weather planning: Summer thunderstorms occur frequently in the afternoons. "This dispersed site is pretty and is close to the highway, the road seemed a little sketchy in the snow but my RAV4 AWD made it just fine to most of the sites. It snowed on me overnight and the road was still very passable," reports Catalina H. Families should plan morning activities and prepare for afternoon weather changes.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Most dispersed areas have significant restrictions for larger vehicles. "Gnarly ass road, not for trailers/sedans. Camp sites are nice, but except for a few (~5) the rest require a serious climb (drive) up a gnarly hill with deep ruts. I wouldn't try this with a camper/RV, or anything that doesn't have high clearance and power," warns Graham S. about Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir.
Alternative RV options: Aspen Meadows Campground provides more reliable access for RVs with designated sites. "Nice natural features, shade is appreciated in the summer," notes Alicia A. The established campground includes amenities tent camping Erie locations typically lack.
Seasonal considerations: RV access becomes extremely limited after precipitation. "Decent drive and not hard to find. This is not meant for travel trailers, pop ups, or anything except texts. Even then, while the 1 area was tiny, the second was large and open for the ground was all dust-ash," cautions Kelly L. about Allenspark. Spring and fall typically offer better road conditions for RV access.
