Dispersed camping sites near Fairplay provide accessible options throughout Pike and San Isabel National Forests. At 9,953 feet elevation, Fairplay experiences significant temperature fluctuations even in summer, with daytime highs typically reaching 70°F and nighttime lows often dropping to 40°F. Many dispersed sites require proper waste management as facilities are limited or nonexistent.
What to do
Mountain biking on nearby trails: Forest Road 130 offers multiple trails suitable for mountain biking with varying difficulty levels. One camper noted, "The road appeared to be rarely traveled and it took some effort just to get my Tacoma to the start of the dispersed camping with no hopes of making it further down the road due to deep snow. Plenty of firewood and gorgeous views."
Hiking to alpine lakes: McCullough Gulch provides access to stunning mountain lakes with waterfalls. A visitor explained, "My partner and I hiked the McCullough Gulch Waterfall trail and camped at this campground. Couldn't have been a better location for the hike! No problem getting a site and the roads were fine to get to with our non-4wd rental car."
Fishing in stocked ponds: Middlefork RV Resort maintains a catch-and-release trout pond ideal for beginners. A reviewer mentioned, "We got to do a little fishing on the stream fed trout pond, but most of all got to take in the South Park region which was great."
What campers like
High-elevation solitude: Campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere at higher elevations. At Boreas Pass Road, a reviewer shared, "Our site was far enough from the neighboring spots that we couldn't see or hear other campers, making it feel peaceful and secluded. From our site, we could easily walk down to a peaceful little valley and open space."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area hosts diverse wildlife including moose and birds. One camper at Boreas Pass observed, "Wildlife was another highlight—there were clear signs of moose activity nearby, and fellow campers just up the road mentioned seeing a moose wander around their site."
Cooler summer temperatures: The elevation provides relief from summer heat. A Forest Road 130 camper noted, "Definitely the place for some space and solitude without hiking out to a spot. Just up the road from Turquoise Lake and away from the apparent popularity of that spot you can drive up this well-maintained forest road for some peace and quiet and minimal bugs!"
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Many forest roads require high-clearance vehicles, especially early or late in the season. At Kite Lake, a reviewer warned, "The 6 mile road up to kite lake is dirt and high clearance 4wd is recommended for some sketchy sections."
Fire restrictions change frequently: Always check current fire regulations before your trip. At McCullough Gulch, campers are advised: "Check Summit County website before lighting a fire. When dry, fires are restricted and carry a hefty fine."
Cell service is unpredictable: Coverage varies significantly by location and carrier. One Forest Road 130 camper shared, "I work remotely so sadly cell signal is something I look for and I've had consistent reception here. It's usually 5G, sometimes drops to LTE but still usable."
Tips for camping with families
Choose shaded sites in summer: Buffalo Springs Campground offers well-shaded sites for comfort during warm days. A camper noted, "Spaces are a fair distance apart from each other, making for a quiet atmosphere. The hosts were polite and graciously delivered firewood to my campsite."
Look for dog friendly campgrounds near Fairplay: Most dispersed areas permit pets but lack facilities. Buffalo Springs welcomes pets and provides basic amenities. A visitor observed, "Very rustic campground. No hook ups, Vault toilets available. ATV trails nearby. Some sites have zero shade, others are well shaded - I suggest getting satellite view to find well shaded spot."
Pack extra layers for children: Due to temperature fluctuations, multiple clothing layers are essential even in summer. A Kite Lake camper advised, "We went in Late September and there were only 3 other people camping. The temps got way down into the low teens that night so it was a chilly one."
Tips from RVers
Verify site dimensions before booking: Many campgrounds have size limitations. At White Star Campground, a visitor observed, "Sites were well shaded and comfortable during the day. It got quite cool in the evening."
Consider water access points: Limited water sources at most dispersed sites mean planning ahead. At Buffalo Springs, a camper noted, "Located a short drive off of 285, this campground has well dispersed sites with trees and privacy. Sites are large and offer views of nearby mountain ranges."
Watch for sudden weather changes: Mountain storms develop quickly, requiring secure setups. A Middlefork RV Resort visitor shared, "It snowed the night we were there and they had cleared by 6 am."
