Dispersed camping near Foxfield, Colorado offers free overnight stays on public land at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 feet, depending on location and season. Most sites experience temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night, with summer highs around 75-85°F dropping to 45-55°F after sunset. Pine and aspen forests dominate the landscape, creating natural windbreaks at many established campsites.
What to do
Mountain biking at Buffalo Creek Recreation Area: This area features numerous trails for various skill levels, with routes ranging from beginner-friendly to technical challenges. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area attracts riders throughout the summer months. "Great camping spot, esp, if you like mountain biking. Not whistler in terms of terrain but plenty of trails for various ability levels. Much of the area still shows scars from the 1996 fire here, but the sprouts and smaller trees show you a preview of how nature heals," notes one visitor.
Hiking to Rampart Reservoir: From Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping, follow Rainbow Gulch trail to reach the reservoir. The moderate 3-mile round trip starts with a wooded descent to a creek that guides you to the water. "Nearby is the Rampart Reservoir via Rainbow Gulch trail I recommend walking from the site due to limited parking at the trailhead. We took this hike and it was absolutely fantastic - a majestic walk through the woods brings you to flowing creek that you follow all the way down to the reservoir," according to one camper.
Explore aspen groves in fall: West Magnolia campground provides access to golden aspen viewing in late September to early October. "Lots of Aspen! I spent multiple days at this site due to its remote beauty. Campsites far apart, and it was quiet other than the occasional atv. Lots of chipmunks and hummingbirds due to the many wild flowers," shares one visitor.
What campers like
Well-marked sites along Redskin Creek Road: The designated camping areas make finding a spot straightforward when you arrive early enough. "About 32 or more spots along redskin creek road that goes back a few miles with spots with fire rings along the dirt road. Eventually there is a campground that is pretty packed on the weekends, but some great spots with room for cars and groups, most are secluded from others," notes one camper at Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite.
Elevated views from Rampart Range Road: Many sites offer panoramic mountain vistas, particularly for sunset viewing. "Beautiful sun sets. I had great phone service. There are three campsites running along three different fingers. The second one has a portable bathroom," reports a camper. Another notes, "Looking for a quick spot to stay the night as we were traveling through. Easy drive up, found a pull out fairly close to the main road with established fire ring. Great views of the city lights and then sunrise."
Natural isolation at Mount Herman: Many sites provide seclusion despite proximity to towns. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping offers "Beautiful views, ~50 minutes of rocky gravel road to reach the top but doable in any vehicle depending on the weather. Tons of spots and easy to be secluded. Very few other campers up there at the time we visited," according to a recent visitor.
What you should know
Weekday arrivals recommended: Most areas fill completely by Friday morning, often earlier on holiday weekends. "This is a very nice area with many walking/biking trails. It is clear the sites are heavily used though, with small pieces of plastic and glass scattered about. The area is busy and can easily fill for the weekend by Thursday mid-day," explains one Buffalo Creek camper. Another notes, "Hard to find spots on a weekend. Beautiful spot with easy access to lots of trails and Wellington lake. Only downside is that it is very difficult to find a spot on a weekend."
Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads range from well-maintained to challenging. "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," reports one camper at Rampart Range Road. At Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, "This dispersed site is pretty and is close to the highway, the road seemed a little sketchy in the snow but my RAV4 AWD made it just fine to most of the sites."
Campfire restrictions: Fire bans are common throughout summer and early fall. Check current restrictions before heading out. "Only downside is that it is very difficult to find a spot on a weekend. We got up there around 6:30pm on Friday night and after driving around for a couple hours ended up bailing and going home," notes one camper.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites near water features: Children enjoy exploring creek areas at several campgrounds. "The trailhead parking lot has one giant rut that you must be careful to navigate around. 2 Wheel Dr. and low clearance vehicles can do it, but should be extremely careful in how they approach. Parking lot is a short walk to some beautiful views of the canyon!" writes a visitor to Dream Canyon Campsites.
Pack extra layers: Temperature drops of 30+ degrees after sunset are common. "I camped at sites 15, 18, 22(twice), 26 (twice), and there's two sites close to Wellington lake that I've stayed three times. Yes it's a good place to camp and only about an hour from Denver. My visits were between May to October," reports a Redskin Creek camper.
Plan for noise at some locations: ATV and dirt bike activity can be heavy in certain areas. "Campsite 21 is the best for privacy but the road is a bit rugged getting back there. I recommend a high clearance vehicle to enjoy. There are decent amount of campsites to pick from," advises a West Magnolia camper.
Tips from RVers
Site scouting recommended for larger rigs: Most locations have at least some RV-accessible spots, but require advance knowledge. "Finally, a nice campsite on a road that isn't horrible. There are 30+ designated, numbered, dispersed campsites on this road. Each of them have a parking area right along the road with a fire ring a short distance away surrounded by awesome rock outcroppings. The parking areas tend to be very unlevel and there are only a few that you can pull right up to your campsite."
Level surfaces are limited: Bring leveling blocks for most sites. "There's about 30 or so sites. First come first serve but are free. Nice large sites many have room for RV's. Good distance between sites for privacy as well. Fills up very fast on the weekends," notes one Buffalo Creek visitor.
Be prepared for washboard roads: Drive slowly and secure items inside RVs. "To get to this spot from Rampart range road was a bit tricky pulling a 28ft trailer with a Chevy Suburban 2500. The road up after Loy Creek rd was EXTREMELY washboard for the next few miles we drove very slow."
