Dispersed camping areas in Roosevelt National Forest provide free accommodation with limited or no amenities. Sites typically require self-sufficiency for water, waste disposal, and navigation. Most dispersed camping zones near Fort Collins follow a 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period.
What to do
Explore local trails: Forest Service Road 700 Designated Dispersed Camping offers unique rock formations perfect for scrambling and hiking. "The Flowers Trail is a great hike nearby," notes one Pingree Road Dispersed Camping visitor.
Paddle on mountain lakes: Beaver Park Reservoir supports small watercraft activities during summer months. "Beautiful lake with several good sized RV spots... 10 minutes from Estes Park, lots of local places to go," explains a visitor who stayed at Hell Canyon Dispersed.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer prime wildlife observation opportunities. A camper at Allenspark Dispersed Camping reported, "The second day staying there we ran into a bear and scared him off. Two hours later he came back and we scared him off again."
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Many campers prefer sites with water features for ambiance. "Most spots sit on a creek that gives a good ambiance. Few spots need 4x4 or really good tires, but there's a spot for everyone," writes a camper at Allenspark.
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the spacing at many dispersed locations. According to a Lost Lake Dispersed review, "While it is a pretty busy area, there is a good amount of space between sites creating more privacy than a traditional campsite."
Proximity to town services: Some sites balance wilderness with nearby conveniences. "Red feather is a very chill little town they offer free spring water(but be kind and donate a couple bucks) they got an ace hardware liquor store pot belly, ice cream store convienance stores all within 15-30 minutes depending on where you setup camp," reports a Lost Lake visitor.
What you should know
Road conditions vary: Access requirements differ significantly between sites. At Beaver Park Reservoir, "Road is passable by standard cars. No cell service. Layout can be crowded with little space between but was pretty empty through the week."
Limited site availability: Popular areas fill quickly, especially on weekends. "It was pretty rough driving in, there were so many 'private' lands even when you hit the national forest. The dispersed camping we found had 3 sites stacked on top of each other," notes a Canyon Lakes visitor.
Bear activity awareness: Food storage protocols are essential in all areas. One Allenspark camper warned, "Beautiful, secluded and right next to a creek. BUT a huge bear got into my tent while I was gone for 2 hours and absolutely destroyed it."
Tips for camping with families
Select safer swim spots: Some water features are more family-friendly than others. A Forest Service Road 700 visitor advised, "Big campsites, no one close, bring water!! Completely free and loved the unique landscape!"
Short hiking options: Several areas offer manageable trails for younger hikers. "There is a super easy family-friendly mini hike with great view and a little cell access. If you are facing the lake, to your right just behind you there are some rocks," explains a Beaver Park Reservoir camper.
Site selection for children: Flat, debris-free areas are preferable for family camping. A visitor to Pingree Road noted, "The first main area, and the top of the first hill is the best. Two areas of sites, and the one on the left as you go up has access to the rocks on the hill, which are from another world. Best sunset spot by far."
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Many dispersed sites accommodate specific vehicle sizes. "We have a 25 foot camper and feet nicely in. Road in was good as well (May 2025). Some pots are close to each other and others have more space," reports a Beaver Park Reservoir visitor.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at many sites. One camper at Gordon Gulch observed, "Not all campgrounds are really that flat but it's free and it's Boulder, CO environment so I can't complain."
Access road specifics: Main roads generally support RVs while side routes may not. A visitor to Pingree Road reported, "Moderate to heavy foot traffic. I'd recommend at least AWD but 2wd should absolutely be able to go on the main road and access most sites (2-4) will require awd/4wd."
