Dispersed camping near Evergreen, Colorado ranges from sites at 8,000 feet to more remote areas above 11,000 feet, creating distinct temperature variations between camps. Nighttime temperatures at higher elevations like Fall River Reservoir can drop below 40°F even in summer months, while lower sites near Idaho Springs remain 10-15 degrees warmer. Many accessible sites are located along forest service roads with varying degrees of maintenance and seasonal closures.
What to do
Mountain biking access: Buffalo Creek Recreation Area features an extensive trail network suitable for riders of different skill levels. "Great camping spot, esp. if you like mountain biking... plenty of trails for various ability levels," notes Andrew B. about Buffalo Creek. Another visitor adds: "Excellent mountain biking and hiking!"
Fishing opportunities: Fall River Reservoir and surrounding streams offer productive fishing spots within walking distance of campsites. "With perfect views of the mountains and streams in all directions. Our tent was literally right next to a stream of water which was good fishing as me and my friend caught our daily limit of fish very quickly," reports Larry S. about Fall River Reservoir.
Scenic hiking: West Magnolia provides direct access to hiking trails with minimal elevation gain. "Great place to spend a day to a few weeks depending on lifestyle... Fire pits and hiking near," explains a camper about Buffalo Creek Recreation Area. Sites at higher elevations like Chinns Lake connect to more challenging alpine trails.
What campers like
Solitude at higher elevations: Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping provides seclusion despite its popularity. "Epic lake front spots! This lake is in my top 3 Colorado camping spots," shares Joel G.. Most visitors note that weekday camping offers significantly more privacy than weekends.
Accessibility from Denver: Many dispersed sites are within 45-60 minutes of Denver. York Gulch Road offers convenient access while maintaining a wilderness feel. "I'm currently here and it's pretty great. Nice campgrounds. Not close to anyone. Road up is 2wd. Keep heading up the small road to get to all the secluded camp grounds," reports Heather P..
Site spacing: Most areas feature well-separated campsites. "The sites are VERY spaced apart," notes a visitor to West Magnolia Campground. Another camper adds: "Our site was downset from the road so we had a little privacy and the sites are large and far apart from each other."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to Chinns Lake and Fall River requires high-clearance vehicles. "Note you will need a 4 x 4 vehicle to reach this campsite as the road starts to get bumpy due to boulders and rocks on the road towards the end," warns a visitor to Fall River. Another camper adds: "The road is a mixture of rocks, small water crossings, and potholes."
Site competition: Arrive early, especially for weekend camping. "It is very difficult to find a spot on a weekend. We got up there around 6:30pm on Friday night and after driving around for a couple hours ended up bailing and going home," reports a camper at Buffalo Creek Recreation Area.
Seasonal closures: Higher elevation sites like Chinns Lake often remain inaccessible until late June. "Still impossible to get to by off-roading. Snow drifts towards the top still too deep for vehicles," reports a May visitor. Another adds: "Got to within 1/8 mi and had to stop. Camped there and watched at least ten jeeps try and fail to get up."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for safety: Lower elevation sites provide easier access but less privacy. "This place is great for outdoor enthusiasts. We stayed here a couple weekends in a row and we were able to try out some different spots and trails close to those spots," explains a visitor to Buffalo Creek Recreation Area.
Weather preparation: Nights remain cold even in summer at higher elevations. "We camped right next to a running stream. Which was amazing! Just bring lots of bug spray," advises Steve B. about Fall River Reservoir. Afternoon thunderstorms are common July through September.
Wildlife awareness: Multiple campers report fox sightings at dispersed sites. "We spotted a silver fox on the camp site! It was definitely scared of us but clearly came up to this site and areas nearby often to scavenge for food," reports a camper at a pull-off site. Bear activity increases in late summer and fall.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed areas accommodate smaller RVs only. "If you have anything bigger than a sprinter van, I wouldn't try this," warns Melanie S. about York Gulch Road. Another visitor adds: "We looked a little further ahead and the road got rough. A lot of off road vehicles and the road is narrow in spots."
Leveling challenges: Sites rarely offer perfectly level parking. "There is a slope around the area so will possibly need leveling blocks," notes a camper about a roadside pull-off. Multiple visitors recommend bringing additional leveling equipment.
Advanced scouting: Experienced RVers recommend scouting routes before committing to narrow roads. "This is one of those places where you kind of think you're lost the entire time but then every couple minutes you'll pass another campsite," reports a visitor to Hidden Wilderness sites. Some roads become impassable after heavy rain.
