The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Get the app

Dispersed Camping near Fountain, CO

52 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Several dispersed camping areas surround Fountain, Colorado, with Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 offering numerous creekside sites. This area features established fire rings and access to Boehmer Creek, which is suitable for trout fishing. The road can be rutted and narrow in places, making it challenging for larger vehicles. As one camper noted, "The road was pretty bumpy, windy and very narrow in some areas but nothing too crazy."

    Penrose BLM sites provide more accessible options with spacious sites and mountain views. These areas typically allow 14-day stays and include basic vault toilets at entrance points but no other amenities. Rampart Range Road and Mount Herman Road also offer free dispersed camping opportunities with varying road conditions. Most sites are tent-friendly, though some accommodate smaller RVs. A recent review mentioned, "We got our 19 foot travel trailer into a spot with icy conditions, but the road does get quite a bit rougher if you keep going in." All areas require pack-in, pack-out practices as trash service is not provided. Cell reception varies widely, with better connectivity at higher-elevation sites.

    Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Fountain (52)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

      4.5(15)20mi from FountainRVs, Tents

      "Amazing location right next to Boehmer Creek. There are 5 or 6 sites mainly for tents. You might be able ti get an rv in there but low hanging trees and narrow rutted trails would be a problem."

      "Make sure to bring your bug spray. Nice fire pit and gorgeous views. Saw fish in stream a couple of deer and tons of chipmunks. Saw a little trash here and there."

      Check Availability

      2. Penrose Common Rec Site

      3.8(12)23mi from Fountain

      "Road in is rough, but manageable with a high clearance vehicle. Plenty of space to spread out. Popular with those ATV things. Pit toilet, no trash."

      "There’s lots of trails in the area (OHV) but other than that, not much else to do. There is a clean vault toilet at the entrance, no trash services. Plenty of spots as you keep driving up the hill."

      Check Availability

      3. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

      4.1(36)32mi from Fountain

      "If you enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies, drive in dispersed camping and putting your off-roading skills to the test, this dispersed campsite is a must visit!"

      "Not far from the monument exit on I-25. The road is rocky bumpy & rutty in many areas. In others its smooth.  Yet suitable for 2wd vehicles.  Some campsites have mobile data & many do not.  "

      Check Availability

      4. Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

      4.5(21)28mi from Fountain

      "Rampart Range Road is the main dirt road that has plenty of smaller trails branching off of it to keep you busy exploring all summer."

      "Tucked back in National Forest land."

      Check Availability

      5. Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite

      4.6(20)29mi from FountainTents

      "We were going from direction Divide town using provided coordinates. All went fine until we ended up in a dead end road with private residence."

      "Rough road getting there though"

      Check Availability

      6. Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park

      4.2(20)29mi from Fountain

      "A Long rocky and dirt road lays ahead of these dispersed camping areas. This park has set up campgrounds, but we chose to drive off road a bit and set up camp on the edge of a rocky overlook."

      "Had to walk a bit but thats ok. Great veiws no one around. Sadly no campfires, so early to bed. Very close to great trialheads"

      7. Phantom Canyon

      4.4(8)24mi from FountainTents

      "I’m a rooftop tent camper and the views are amazing but was hoping to be close to the water and isolated from other campers."

      "I like there were different sized spots and a clearly marked line where a 4WD/AWD vehicle is needed and no large rigs."

      8. clyde dispersed camping

      4.4(5)23mi from FountainRVs, Tents

      "Just be sure to look into the county’s current fire ban and not the national park! But the sound of the river flowing thru sure made it peaceful at night"

      "It sits in the meadow right next to the creek. There are two sites one of which is definitely big enough for a decent size rig."

      Check Availability

      9. Penrose BLM sites

      4.3(4)23mi from FountainRVs, Tents

      "These are blm campsites. There are pit toilets right when you cross into blm land and a sign that explains that you have to camp in designated areas. Like most blm locations there is a 14 day max."

      "I came up here to shakedown my trailer and myself for boondocking. preparedness. It was far enough away from civilization yet close enough at the same time."

      10. Rampart Reservoir Dispersed

      3.9(11)28mi from FountainRVs, Tents

      "I try to find a different line but it was just very rough road. I got here about 7:00 and although there are many spots here I sleep in the back of my pickup truck so I wanted a level spot."

      "There are three dispersed camping areas on this road. It is close to the rampart reservoir, which is very nice."

      Check Availability
    View all 52 campgrounds

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Fountain Contest

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time

    Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Fountain, CO

    192 Photos of 52 Fountain Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Dispersed Camping Reviews near Fountain, CO

    280 Reviews of 52 Fountain Campgrounds

    • Juliana J.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 14, 2026

      Phantom Canyon

      Love a little history/camping combo!

      Cool spot. I like there were different sized spots and a clearly marked line where a 4WD/AWD vehicle is needed and no large rigs. I found a spot that was visible by the road, but there was water access and cool surroundings. The main road was well paved, but turning into my site was a bit rough and I needed the 4WD. There were large animal (I assume black bear) prints to give that extra bit of camping excitement, but no actual sitings (one day, Juliana. One day). Some mosquitos but not overwhelming. The scenery was gorgeous. Definitely a bit desert-esque but it was legitimately perfect weather in mid September. Cool creek rocks and a stunner of a sunset. Would absolutely return again. No numbered sites. Toilets about 1/4 mile beyond the drive through boulder.

    • Juliana J.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 14, 2026

      Cripple Creek BLM Area

      Worth the trek! Stunning landscape right on the creek

      Quite the drive but worth it. They were repaving some of the road and I personally had no issues getting to a site. It’s gravel, but doable for most vehicles. There was a propane tank and some trash left behind when I got there (always disheartening to find), but it didn’t feel “lived in” like some other spots have so I ultimately felt pretty safe. It was truly beautiful. I got a spot right at the creek that was tucked away from the main road. Maybe a handful of cars passed throughout my stay, so very peaceful and quiet. Zero amenities, so come prepared. No Verizon cell service. Lots of milky quartz laying about, beautiful birds and minimal bugs. Would make the trek here again in a heartbeat.

    • johny R.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 1, 2026

      Beaver Creek Rd Dispersed Site

      Fan favorite

      This middle section of the road has mixed spots some are wooded some are wide open it really just depends on whats available. People pour in around dusk so get there early and get a good spot with a mountain view and maybe you will see a moose like i did. Road is good cell is 1-2 bars in this secrion

    • johny R.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 1, 2026

      Beaver Creek Road

      Prime spots

      This middle section of the road gas some of the best views of pikes peak. Just cruise along the road there are a couple prime.spots you could get a trailer in and then several car sized spots for vans and smaller rigs. Road is 2wd safe but cell is a little spotty

    • Mike & Sarge ..The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 27, 2026

      Manchester Creek Trailhead

      Hidden Gem

      I really enjoyed this spot. I visited towards the end of September 2026 during the start of the changing of the leaves and there were a lot of motorcyclists trying to get in a final ride before the season ends. Most of the spots off the main road were taken but I found a nice secluded spot right off one of the turn-offs. I arrived on a Saturday morning, and most everyone was gone by Sunday afternoon. I plan on staying for 14 days so that should take me to October 2026. Leveling was a little tricky using LevelMateMax, so I always recommend having back-up methods. Wal-Mart is a quick 30-minute trip away if you need groceries or supplies. Colorado Springs is about 45 minutes away. Cell service and internet can be spotty at times, but Starlink worked perfectly.

    • GThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 19, 2026

      Phantom Canyon

      Almost perfect

      I love canyon camping and this was a guddin. Would be a 5 but for trash and traffic. Found a nice little creekside pull through between the tunnels that scratched the itch.

    • BThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 13, 2026

      320A Mt. Herman Dispersed

      An amazing campspot

      i really enjoyed this spot. the road up gets a little interesting, but if i can do it in my ford fiesta, im sure just about any car could!

    • JThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 25, 2026

      Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

      Stunning views and lush greenery

      Such a beautiful drive in and quiet, lush spot. The road isn't too bad, some ruts in a few shots due to recent rain but our 24' RV handled it great. Peaceful open meadow spot near the river. We'll be back!

    Guide to Fountain

    Dispersed camping near Fountain, Colorado provides access to multiple mountainous terrain options at elevations ranging from 5,500 to 9,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-85°F with afternoon thunderstorms common from July through August. Roads to many sites deteriorate significantly after rain or snow, requiring vehicles with higher clearance for safe access.

    What to do

    Fishing access: Gold Camp Road sites offer creek fishing opportunities throughout spring and summer. "I've stayed at some great campsites but I think this one has them beat. HUGE site right next to a creek," notes a camper at Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed.

    Mountain biking: Trails near Rampart Range connect to extensive networks. "There are so many places to camp on rampart range rd that you do not have to camp in the sites right off the main road," explains a visitor to Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite. "Head down one of the many connecting service roads for better options and some peace and quiet."

    Rock climbing: Several sites feature climbing walls for various skill levels. "Sweet spots along the creek side. Dispersed area that is very spread out so you are not near others. Also has access to climbing walls right by sites," reports a camper at Phantom Canyon.

    What campers like

    Creek sounds: Waterside sites provide natural white noise that masks other camping sounds. "The spot was gorgeous and the sound of the creek completely drowned out any noises or people," writes a visitor about their experience at Gold Camp Road.

    Dark skies: Higher elevation sites away from city lights offer superior stargazing. "Very quiet, fairly secluded. Dark skies, direct access to creek. Multiple dispersed loops off this road," notes a camper at Phantom Canyon.

    Privacy options: Many areas offer secluded spots away from main roads. "Endless sites. Every FS road off from Rampart seems to go on forever. We spent 2 hours on one of them and found so many amazing sites!" reports a visitor to Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite.

    What you should know

    Road conditions: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain. "The road in is gravel and pretty choppy, but the weather was good and my car made it fine but I was going like 5 mph. If the weather wasn't good you would probably need 4x4," warns a camper at Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping.

    Trash issues: Some popular sites suffer from litter problems, particularly on weekends. "We arrived and notice the trash not the beauty of the mountain. We cleaned up as much as we could in our camp spot so please, do your part and leave the beautiful place better than you found it," advises a visitor to Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park.

    Seasonal access: Winter conditions can close higher elevation roads from November through April. "We went there in May 3rd week and I loved it despite 'bad weather'. Our city car got stuck in the snow and we had to shovel our way out," reports a camper at Rampart Reservoir Dispersed.

    Tips for camping with families

    Beginner-friendly sites: Penrose BLM areas offer easier access for first-time dispersed campers. "These are blm campsites. There are pit toilets right when you cross into blm land and a sign that explains that you have to camp in designated areas. Like most blm locations there is a 14 day max," explains a visitor to Penrose BLM sites.

    Wildlife viewing: Morning hours increase chances of deer and small mammal sightings. "Saw fish in stream a couple of deer and tons of chipmunks. Saw a little trash here and there. Please be respectful and pack in and PACK OUT!" advises a camper at Gold Camp Road.

    Weekend planning: Arrive Thursday or early Friday to secure family-friendly spots. "Ended up a parking lot by the end of the night. Too busy with inconsiderate neighbors. Beautiful views though. I think it's luck of the draw depending what night you go," notes a visitor to Rampart Range Road.

    Tips from RVers

    Length limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller trailers under 20 feet. "This site is right at the intersection of Gold Camp Road and FR376. It sits in the meadow right next to the creek. There are two sites one of which is definitely big enough for a decent size rig," reports a visitor to clyde dispersed camping.

    Leveling challenges: Bring extra leveling blocks as sites rarely offer flat parking. "Such a beautiful place makes it up for the narrow/bumpy 8 miles road to get there. The creek sound off the noise of the busy road since I camped close to the road with my 21'TT. It wasn't level enough so I don't think I will be back," shares a camper at Gold Camp Road.

    Turn-around options: Scout potential sites without your trailer first when possible. "I recently purchased a 26ft sustainable travel trailer and decided to take it out for the first time. Well the road up is very tight. Very skinny switchbacks. About half way up looking for a way to turn around," cautions a visitor to Mount Herman Road.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where is dispersed camping available near Fountain?

    Several dispersed camping options are available within driving distance of Fountain. Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping offers numerous camping spots along the main dirt road with smaller trails branching off, accessible by 2WD vehicles. For a more scenic option, Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping provides panoramic views of the Rockies. Both areas require a free dispersed camping permit from the National Forest Service. Remember that dispersed sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended.

    Is free boondocking available near Fountain?

    Yes, free boondocking is available near Fountain. Penrose BLM sites offer free camping with a 14-day maximum stay on designated sites. The area has pit toilets at the entrance to BLM land, but no hookups or services. Phantom Canyon also provides free boondocking opportunities about 14 miles down a dirt road, offering isolation and beautiful views. These areas are popular among self-contained RVers and van campers. As with all boondocking locations, pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles.

    What amenities or facilities are available at Fountain dispersed camping areas?

    Dispersed camping areas near Fountain typically have minimal amenities. Penrose Common Rec Site offers pit toilets but no trash service. Tarryall Creek Dispersed Camping features spacious sites but no water, electric, or facilities. Most dispersed areas have established fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally. Cell service varies by location—some areas like Penrose have enough T-Mobile coverage for work and school needs. For water, the town of Divide on Hwy 67 has a water station. Remember to bring everything you need, including waste disposal solutions, as these are primitive camping experiences requiring self-sufficiency.

    Keep Exploring

    3. View all Colorado cities for camping