Fraser sits at approximately 8,574 feet elevation, with most tent camping sites in the surrounding mountains rising above 9,000 feet. Snow can linger at higher elevations well into June, particularly on north-facing slopes. Most dispersed camping options near Fraser require visitors to bring necessary water filtration equipment as natural sources are generally untreated.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail offers stream and reservoir fishing. As one camper noted, "Our tent was literally right next to a stream of water which was good fishing as me and my friend caught our daily limit of fish very quickly the only day we were there."
Hiking access: Several trails surround the best tent camping near Fraser, Colorado, with varying difficulty levels. A visitor at Diamond Lake shared, "Took the Forth of July Trail to Diamond Lake for some camping and fishing. Ended up camping for 4 nights. Aside from a few random hikers throughout the day, I pretty much had the place to myself."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot native wildlife. At Caribu Lake, one camper reported, "Keep your eyes open for moose as the moose love to frequent this lake in the morning. Lots of wildlife around this lake."
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Many Fraser camping areas feature water access. At Allenspark Dispersed Camping, visitors appreciate the natural soundtrack: "I went down a good ways and found the perfect spot on a creek just below me down a hill. Very quiet and relaxing."
Space between sites: Unlike crowded campgrounds, Fraser dispersed sites often provide privacy. One visitor to Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite mentioned, "The sites had tons of space and a great view of the mountains."
High-elevation temps: Even during summer, Fraser area tent sites cool considerably at night. A reviewer at The Lost Site noted: "Nothing spectacular, quite a few spots along the road and a nice view of winterpark down below. We only stopped for a night, it was a Friday so fairly busy."
What you should know
Road conditions: Most dispersed camping requires navigating unpaved forest roads. A camper at Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area advised: "Recommend a 4-wheel drive vehicle to reach some of the spots, especially if there is poor weather."
Weekend crowds: Arrive early for the best tent camping sites near Fraser, especially Friday-Sunday. One reviewer observed, "Given that it's right next to 72, so traffic sounds, and there's 4 wheelers and dirts bikes, so not exactly quiet. I will only stay the one night, too loud for me."
Bear awareness: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage. An Allenspark visitor 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
Established sites: For camping with children, consider sites with basic amenities. At Robbers Roost Campground, a visitor noted, "Small, beautiful campsite about halfway between I-70 and Grand Lake. All sites are drive-in and fees are on an honor system. One toilet available as well as bear-proof trash facilities and food storage bins."
Proximity to towns: Keep supply runs manageable when camping with kids. One camper at Fall River mentioned, "It's a very beautiful campsite altogether. With perfect views of the mountains and streams in all directions."
Weather preparedness: Pack extra layers regardless of season. A visitor observed, "Went on a bit of a rainy weekend so it got super cold at night. The roads are super rocky as you get up to the reservoir and with the rain there were some large puddles."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle size restrictions: Most dispersed sites cannot accommodate large rigs. As one RVer noted, "A 2wd car can access quite a bit but if you want to go further up Ski road, definitely bring a 4x4 with high clearance."
Limited levelness: Finding flat parking presents challenges. A reviewer commented, "If you have a tent, depending on what sites are left, it can be very tricky to find level ground. Half the sites are on a slope."
Water planning: No hookups exist at dispersed sites around Fraser. One RVer advised, "Wonderful free dispersed camping. The majority of the road isn't that bad, but you'll certainly want something high clearance and 4WD for the last stretch of road up to the reservoir."
