Primitive camping near Franktown, Colorado provides access to elevations ranging from 6,500 to 9,000 feet across Pike National Forest's eastern sections. The area experiences wide temperature fluctuations, with summer daytime highs in the 80s dropping to the 40s at night. Free dispersed sites can be found 30-60 minutes from Franktown, with most requiring travel on unpaved forest service roads that vary significantly after precipitation.
What to do
Hike Rainbow Gulch Trail: Located near Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite, this trail leads to Rampart Reservoir through scenic forest. "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," notes a camper who stayed at sites along Rampart Range Road.
Mountain biking trails: The Buffalo Creek Recreation Area offers numerous trails for various skill levels. "Great camping spot, especially if you like mountain biking. Not whistler in terms of terrain but plenty of trails for various ability levels," reports one visitor. The trail system connects with the Colorado Trail for longer rides.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer opportunities to see deer, moose, and foxes at campsites. "We had a moose and deer at our campsite during the mornings so I suggest being weary of wildlife," advises a camper at Pike National Forest Divide. Another camper mentions, "Found a great little campsite and had a fox as a neighbor!" at Mt. Herman Road.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed areas offer good separation between campers. At Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide, "Each spot is far away from another, especially if you drive further down. We didn't hear anyone late into the night due to the distance," according to one review. This allows for quiet evenings away from neighbors.
Cell phone service: Despite being in remote locations, several sites maintain connectivity. At Ice Cave Road, a camper reports, "Cell service with AT&T in site 6 is decent. Calling is 2 bars." Another notes that at Rampart Range Road, "We got cell service at our spot this time. It just depends how high up you are and what side of the mountain."
Established fire rings: Most dispersed sites feature rock fire rings built by previous campers. At Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite, "Each of them have a parking area right along the road with a fire ring a short distance away surrounded by awesome rock outcroppings," according to one reviewer who noted there are over 30 designated sites.
What you should know
Weekend congestion: Sites fill quickly Thursday through Sunday during summer months. "We pushed our luck and went back on Saturday morning and were lucky enough to catch someone as they were leaving, but I can't imagine that would happen again," notes a Buffalo Creek visitor. Another camper at Redskin Creek reports, "Definitely can get busy - all 32 spots were taken at like 3pm on a Saturday."
Trash issues: Pack out what you bring in and consider collecting existing litter. "I had to put on disposable gloves and walk the ground and pick other human beings used TP," reports one frustrated camper at Redskin Creek. At Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping, visitors note "sites have a decent amount of broken glass so be careful with pets/little ones."
Noise factors: Target shooting and OHV activity create noise in many areas. "If you're looking for peace and quiet, this is just not the spot for you. No wildlife of course because of the noise and very few birds," explains one camper at Ice Cave Road. Weekdays tend to have less activity than weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection timing: Arrive midweek for best options with children. "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," explains a family at Mount Herman Road. Thursday arrivals increase your chances of securing suitable sites.
Wildlife education opportunities: Use the area as an outdoor classroom for children. One family camper at Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park shared, "Awesome camp spot. Met a friendly dog and a random turkey. Beautiful scenery," providing unexpected learning moments for their children.
Bring camp activities: Limited built facilities means bringing your own entertainment. "There are so many places to walk and explore and there was still phone signal!" notes a family at Pike National Forest Divide. For rainy days, cell service allows downloading movies or games as backup entertainment.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Large RVs face significant challenges on most forest roads. "Sorry, No photos. It is very beautiful up there. 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," explains one RV owner who struggled with Mount Herman Road. Small trailers under 20 feet fare better.
Level parking concerns: Many sites have uneven parking areas requiring blocks and levelers. At Redskin Creek Road, "The parking areas tend to be very unlevel and there are only a few that you can pull right up to your campsite," according to an RV camper. Site #6 was noted as having a level spot large enough for a van.
