Best Tent Camping near Firestone, CO
Dispersed tent camping dominates the landscape surrounding Firestone, Colorado, with several primitive options within a 30-mile radius. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area and Dream Canyon offer tent-friendly sites in Roosevelt National Forest, while Allenspark Dispersed Camping provides more remote tent camping opportunities at higher elevations. Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir features established tent sites with picnic tables approximately 35 miles west of Firestone.
Most primitive tent sites require campers to be self-sufficient with no drinking water available. Fire regulations vary significantly by location and season, with Dream Canyon prohibiting fires entirely while other areas maintain designated fire rings. A recent review noted that "bear-proof food storage is provided at each site" in some areas, though most dispersed camping zones require visitors to bring their own bear canisters or practice proper food storage. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many tent sites, particularly those along forest service roads. Vault toilets are rare at dispersed sites, so campers should be prepared with waste disposal tools and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Tent campers frequently find solitude at sites farther from main roads, though proximity to Boulder means weekend crowds can be substantial. One camper shared that "the sites are nice right next to a creek, with very few mosquitos," highlighting the natural water features available at some locations. Walk-in tent sites offer greater privacy than drive-up options, with some requiring short hikes of less than half a mile. Summer temperatures at higher elevation tent sites remain cool even during July and August, often dropping into the 30s overnight. Most tent camping areas near Firestone provide access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and wildlife viewing, though campers should be vigilant about proper food storage as bears are active throughout the region.
