Looking for the best dispersed camping near Florissant? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.
Part of Pike and San Isabel National Forests Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. Mount Herman Trail begins at a small parking area on a switchback on Mount Herman Road. This trail provides a 2-mile one-way hike to the summit of Mt. Herman.
Primitive camping off Rampart Range Road. Some fire rings.
The Buffalo Creek Recreation Area contains over 50 miles of multi-use, non-motorized trails that tie into the Colorado Trail in several places. There are numerous options available for riding or hiking. Some of the old logging roads provide two-track while connecting trails offer single track. It takes about an 1.5 hours to drive to this area from Denver. Please know and respect local area restrictions including; parking and camping in designated sites only. Developed camping is available at nearby Forest Service campgrounds including Buffalo, Green Mountain, Kelsey, and Meadows Group Campground.
Per camper review, high clearance 4x4 vehicle recommended
Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".
Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.
Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:
In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.
Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".
Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.
Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:
In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.
Traveler
There were a lot of options for us to pull off and camp. We had gone the day after a snow storm and the road was decent. I guess snow plows go through often since there’s nearby residential. Each campsite was decently spaced and far enough from the road so that you can U turn it and it doesn’t feel like you’re just pulling off to the side (accommodated out RTT nicely) There were great views and the pups enjoyed it.
Ranger
The road here has some gnarly washboards. I had to slow down to a crawl at points because it was thrashing my rig around so much. There is also one turn on the road where if you’re not careful, I could imagine getting stuck. However, the views are incredible and it was well worth the effort. Cell signal from Verizon is extremely good, I am getting 5G UWB and download speeds of 180mbps. There’s some cool hills to climb and many great views.
Scout
Not super busy! Lots of open spaces when we arrived around 6pm.
Traveler
We went on a Saturday and it wasn’t crowded at all. The dispersed sites aren’t far from the road since most of the road goes down a valley with hills on both sides however there’s a nice creek running down the whole way. Definitely check it out if you don’t mind a colder night in a valley. Not much room to explore outside your vehicle unless you’re okay walking down the dirt road to see other sites and views.
Guide
Pretty great dispersed site. Beautiful sun sets. I had great phone service. There are three campsites running along three different fingers. The second one has a portable bathroom. I talked to some locals who said grabbing deadfall was fine for fire wood. Quick 20 minute drive to get back into town for supplies. No water sources so you’ll have to pack out water. All the fire pits are hand build and being on the finger you’re pretty exposed to the wind keeping the fires small and not very hot. Most of the sites are not flat. If you enjoy camping with little amenities you’ll like this site 
Traveler
Was pretty busy, hard to find a spot at first but found a campsite across the stream that you cross a log on. Beautiful drive to get to.
GuideWanted to stay for two nights but only did two days, because a mountain lion tore a deer to shreds about a day or two prior to my arrival by my campsite and i was spooked. Had two dogs but had an eerie feeling and left early but it was gorgeous. Loads of OHVs tho
TravelerTons of level, large spots. Road is meant for ATV use, and was a fair amount of traffic throughout the day but tolerable. Hardly any at night. Restrooms at base of road. Found our spot 2.5 miles up the road, definitely needed AWD.
TravelerDrove ~3 miles along the service road to find our spot, it was the second pull off “open-area” with several fire pits to choose from. Road was a little bumpy but would be fine with a 2WD. Gorgeous, secluded spot next to the creek. No Verizon service.
TravelerLoved being here. In the process of getting an apartment so this spot was perfect for the wait
Scout
This dispersed camping area was extremely small but a convenient place to camp the night before summiting Sherman. It was a bit tricky to find/decipher what was dispersed and what was the intentional campground. Honestly not even sure if the place I found was the actual dispersed area. By other reviews left, it felt right to me. My friend and I car camped here, we had a quiet night. The neighbors were all very quiet and respectful of quiet hours and personal space. The vault toilet was extremely clean with no odor. I enjoyed the washboard road! During our time there were advisories for bear activity in the area.
Guide
Handful of spots stretched out along the road. It was hard to find some open space on a Saturday around 3.
Scout
My friend and I are roadtripping around a couple states and found this cute little camp site!! There is no running water or toilets but we didn’t mind :)) absolutely gorgeous place!
Travelerloved this spot even stayed a couple extra days right by nice size creek the cooler weather was nice and meant not alot of bugs. more traffic on road than expected but not bothersome. people close by but not close enough to hear or bother you in anyway. site was clean. there were more shaded ones but we chose next to water. were a couple empty close by on a holiday weekend.
Guide
Spent two nights here, lots of traffic but not enough to bother!
The only thing to dislike is the washboards but any reasonable suspension you’ll be fine.
GuideCame mid August. Arrived about 5pm on a Saturday and there were a handful of spots left. I was right next to the river. Had 2 groups close to me that I could see, but it wasn’t an issue. Easy enough to get to.
Traveler
There was about 36 spots on a Friday morning (@1000am), was lucky to grab a spot that had a pull through and the spot was beautiful. We were lucky enough to find some leftover firewood when we got here and we were close enough to the river. The two major problems are the flys that will not leave the dogs alone and the constant cars that come through since the camping spots are so close to the road. Lots of campsites had spots saved 👎🏻 (if your friends wanna come up, tell them to get there on time 😒) other than that, great site, close access to shelf lake trail, which was beautiful and absolutely worth it.
Scout
We spent 10 days at the top of the mountain. There were a few people that came in for a night or so, but not even close enough to hear them or see lights. The views are breathtaking! I am from NY. Drove all the way here just too camp. Was not disappointed!!! Can not wait to come back.
TravelerDispersed is further up the mountain but what a beautiful drive! We found a wooded spot that was super private and cozy! Climbed nearby rocks for some amazing views 🏔️
Scout
There are many great spots much closer to the road (i.e. 20m less driving). Beautiful area. Relatively clean where we parked. Not crowded. Close to denver.
Scout
We got there late at night and it was plenty of space. Unpaved road but no problem to get there with a campervan. Really close to the hwy but not noisy at all. Good option to spend the night.
Traveler
First time dispersed camping and it was amazing. Beautiful. The warms days and cold nights were incredible.
Scout
Great site, plenty of room, but there were so many open-range cows wandering around. Really didn’t mind during the day, until they started loudly mooing and screaming during the night. All the reviews here say it was quiet at night, so this must be a new development or we just got unlucky with timing. Never experienced anything like it. Put a damper on what was otherwise a great area for camping
ScoutWe usually take this road up to get to Wellington lake or I’m here to go mountain biking. All dispersed camp sites are numbered and on the side of the road and there’s some really great looking spots but they are always taken. No matter what day of the week or time of day we have gone, not one single spot has been open. It looks like a lot of people are there tent camping and might have just gotten lucky, but I really do think people are poaching these sites and staying semi-permanently in their vans and campers. Good luck getting a spot here! Happy hunting
Traveler
Beautiful views over the valley and mountains. No access to water or hiking trails.
Guide
I just enjoyed a 6 day camping trip at this dispersed camping area. Yes it had one-two short showers each day which cooled things down. Even with the Saturday Night Rave until 2 am it was a great time. Only the fire ring is provided. Pack it in and Pack it out. Two towns close by should you run out of something. Very little bugs.
ScoutI wanted to stay here based on past reviews, but the place was full of ATVs. It was loud, and there were many campsites where people were partying.
This was in late June, so maybe it's different at other times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Florissant, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Florissant, CO is Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping with a 4.1-star rating from 32 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Florissant, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 71 dispersed camping locations near Florissant, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
