Best Dispersed Camping near Fort Collins, CO
Several dispersed camping areas surround Fort Collins, where campers can find free sites on public lands without developed facilities. You'll find good spots in the Poudre Canyon about 30 minutes west of town, with pull-offs along dirt roads that lead to established fire rings. The drive from Fort Collins toward Wyoming passes through Roosevelt National Forest, which has multiple dirt roads with dispersed sites marked by previously-used clearings. Most sites sit at higher elevations, making them cooler options during hot summer months. These areas have no bathrooms, trash service, or water sources, so you'll need to bring everything and haul it all back out. Many roads become difficult or impassable after rain, especially in spring when snowmelt creates muddy conditions. Most dispersed areas around Fort Collins enforce the standard 14-day stay limit. Cell service drops quickly once you leave the main highways. Fire bans frequently affect this region during dry periods, so bring a camp stove for cooking. The closest grocery stores and gas stations are in Fort Collins itself, though smaller supplies can be found in communities like Laporte and Bellvue.
