Georgetown is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Georgetown campgrounds just for you. Discover great camping spots near Georgetown, reviewed by campers like you.
"It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving.
Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake. "
"Just outside of Idaho Springs, take the exit for Co Rd 275 off of I-70. It's a scenic drive up a curvy paved road for about 15 minutes."
"Tons of dispersed campsites in various places all the way up to the reservoir.
Be warned, this road is no joke."
"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."
"Resources were running low on a Friday night so it was great pull off great views close to idaho springs down town , nice hiking trails as well traffic is pretty much non existent after 9pm"
"Any unpaved areas around it are not flat."
"Most SUVs will be fine on this AWD access road. There's not many difficult sections and since there are pull offs to camp or let others pass, navigating the road isn't much problem."
"with 30 campsites, in a cool old mining area, a few of the campsites are across a creek which was probably 18” deep when I crossed but will likely lower later in the season, I’d recommend a mid-high clearance"
"Kirby Gulch is a fantastic spot for anyone seeking a peaceful, off-the-grid camping experience near Grant, Colorado."
"Plenty of trail heads nearby and had moose visitors right by camp each day which was cool but be sure to respect the wildlife and give them space."
"So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."
"Like the title suggests, this campsite is typical for a free forest service campground. Prior campers have left some trash, bullet casings and obviously neglected to dig cat holes."
"Stevens Gulch Road (321) is a dirt road off of I-70 west of Denver in the Arapaho & Rosevelt National Forests and the Pawnee National Grasslands."
"Great location - it’s advised you have a good 4WD vehicle for the uphill dirt road."
"There were some mixed reviews about needing a high clearance vehicle/4x4. We took our Subaru Crosstrek and the drive up was rough."
"Leading to Loch Lommond, as well as plenty of sites around the lake.
Really nice loop trail around the lake, not too difficult. Also a direct trail to James Peak which sits a little above 13,200ft."
"We arrived around Monday lunchtime. There are 19 sites in this area as they are all designated. There were only two available when we arrived so we selected site number three."
"Great spots hidden in the trees. Dispersed free spots."
"Take the exit onto Fall River Road from the highway, a short road. You are then soon connected with forest service road of sorts York gultch."
"Sites weren’t marked like other places I’ve been but I expected it being dispersed. Had a wonderful time the sky was pretty it was secluded and lots of space for dogs to run!"
RangerKirby Gulch is a fantastic spot for anyone seeking a peaceful, off-the-grid camping experience near Grant, Colorado. Situated off Route 1038, this dispersed camping area offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife watching.
The campsites are well-spaced, providing plenty of privacy, and the area is generally clean, thanks to considerate campers. Since it’s a dispersed site, there are no amenities like water or toilets, so make sure to come prepared. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing some of the sites, especially after rain or snow.
What makes Kirby Gulch truly special is its tranquility. You can enjoy the sound of the wind through the trees, the crisp mountain air, and dazzling stargazing at night. It’s also a great starting point for exploring nearby trails or simply soaking in the serene environment.
If you’re comfortable with primitive camping and leave-no-trace principles, Kirby Gulch is a hidden gem worth checking out.
ScoutDon’t believe the navigation apps and go through lyons, it’s private property ; furthermore if you like I did make the drive though Estes park, have 4WD high clearance and a small vehicle… maybe you’ll make it to this brutally elusive last free camping spot off the main mountain roads
LegendStevens Gulch Road (321) is a dirt road off of I-70 west of Denver in the Arapaho & Rosevelt National Forests and the Pawnee National Grasslands. It has amazing scenery and access to gorgeous hiking trails to summit Gray’s, Torrey’s and Kelso Peaks. It is a fairly mellow SUV road with plenty of space to pass other vehicles and you will occasionally see passenger cars as well. The road leads to a large parking lot that fills up fast with car overflow parking spilling down both sides of the road. There are pit toilets and bear proof trash cans at the parking lot. The road continues past the parking lot a very short ways to some dispersed campsites by a river that have stone campfire rings. Definitely filter this water as there are uphill toilet paper gardens along the climb to summit.
GuideWe drove our BRAND NEW 4x4 Revel and were nervous the entire trip up and back. We are a high profile vehicle, luckily we had plenty of clearance but it was very nerve wracking both up and back. It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving.
Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake. When you arrive, there are several dispersed campsites around the lake. All the spots have beautiful views and tons of space between other campers. There are firepits (even though CO is on a fire ban) that will be nice for future visits. We visited on Sept 17-19, 2020, so the evenings are cold and the days short. Additionally, the water level was very low.
The area is nice for hiking and exploring, and especially to get away from it all. No cell phone service.
As the weekend approached, there were several ATV's heading up for the day. While we were there, only 3 other groups camping on the weekend.
You will be at 11,000 feet looking at the Continental Divide! THIS is Colorado camping! Enjoy and please remember to leave no trace!
RangerSo the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites. I am reviewing one of these unnumbered campsites in particular, because this one had the best view. Before you read too far, I can't guarantee you will be able to reach this campsite without a 4X4 high clearance vehicle. We got to the site with a Jeep Wrangler and Toyota Tacoma TRD so we had no problems... I can't definitely say a Subaru would make it though. In the pictures I have included a map of the Gordon Gulch trail system. Entering through the Gordon Gulch entrance and taking 226.1 to 233.1 is the hardest route - there is one very steep and washed out spot. Entering via 120J/Switzerland Trail from the Peak to Peak Hwy and then turning right onto 233.1 is the easier option. On that map I have marked the general area of the campsite with a pink dot and here are the coordinates.
DMS: 40°01'18.5"N 105°28'37.6"W
DD: 40.021814, -105.477103 - if you type this into Google Maps it will locate it
As for the actual campsite, it is a great option for spring/fall camping in Colorado. The elevation is about 8,800 ft and it is on the south side of a hill so it gets a lot of sunlight and is protected from northern winds. In terms of privacy, there are no other campsites that can be seen from this one. However, Gordon Gulch is a popular off-roading area so dirt bikes and Jeeps pass by frequently. This campsite is set up high above and away from the road though, so it is really not that bad. Another thing to point out is that this is a popular area for shooting as well, so if you absolutely hate guns it may not be the place for you. Also, as stated before, this is a dispersed campsite the only thing it has is a fire ring. Pack it in, pack it out!
LegendTarryall creek dispersed camping. The road in is a bit bumpy. I would not trade in a low clearance vehicle. Four-wheel-drive is needed if it should get wet or slippery. Once you get onto the road, the sites are big and spacious. This is dispersed camping, so there is no water no electric and very little cell service. We have periodic two bars of Verizon. The sites are definitely big enough to accommodate big rigs. You just have to take the road really slowly on the way up. If you carry on all the way up to 10, you get to fenced areas where there is no camping so we took 293 off to the left and immediately after the Turner a couple of sites. We followed it all the way down for a long way. The road is incredibly bumpy and four-wheel-drive is absolutely necessary. Along with high clearance. I would not advise it for big rigs. The Site that we got just on the left after the turn walls reasonably wide. Big enough to get a big rig into. It’s pretty flat too but it’s also very exposed. There’s not a lot of shelter for our tent or our gazebo. The views are OK but nothing spectacular.
LegendCR 290 off Tarryall Rd. Campsites are all designated on 290 but there are numerous firepits on the side roads. The road to get up is very rutted. I recommend a high clearance vehicle. Definitely four wheel drive is required. I did see a Subaru forester up near the top. The sites are wide open once you get onto the plateau at the top. Easily could accommodate a big rig, but the issue would be getting it up the road. The views from the top are really nice. It opens out and you get some spectacular views of Pike National Forest. The sites are spacious with some pine tree coverage for tent campers. This would definitely be a possible back up spot if nothing on Matukat rd was available. Because they are dispersed there is no electrical hook ups or water. There’s no Creek running through the area. I imagine it would be really quiet and remote up here because the road to get in is going to deter a lot of people. We did find some spots with fire pits, but not sure you can camp there given there is no sign post reading designated campsite but they are off the main road so give it a try.
GuideWent up Rollins pass road (you can access it from the Lakota Trail neighborhood or down the road a bit on 80). The first gate was open but not the second or third to get to the top where there are def more spots and fire rings. You can only camp places where there are dots on the side of the road on the official county map. Check the Rollins pass website it’s very informative and a sacred land so leave no trace. We got one of the like 3-4 spots we saw with a fire ring that wasn’t taken yet. (No fire ban 6/14/25 I check don’t worry :).. Some back trails are very hairy, pretty busy with motor vehicles but a lot of the new electric dirt bikes which don’t make much noise, probably 10-15 ppl the entire night riding by only once. Got great weather and the main trail is pretty easy up to the second gate which is supposed to be open June 15-Sept 15 I think.
GuideThis is beautiful camping close to keystone and likewise gets crowded in the summer months. If you want a spot on a weekend, get there early. There are a few pull offs along the road suitable for most cars, but if you have a high clearance 4WD you can go on a few offshoot roads and find more spacious spots. No cell phone signal or water, and frequent fire bans in the summer.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Georgetown, Colorado, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy stunning landscapes and a sense of adventure. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping near Georgetown, Colorado?
Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Georgetown. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping is accessible via a challenging 7-mile dirt road that requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles but rewards with stunning mountain views. Another popular choice is Grays Peak Summer Trailhead Dispersed Camping located off Stevens Gulch Road (321), offering spectacular scenery and access to hiking trails for summiting Gray's, Torrey's, and Kelso Peaks. For those seeking alternatives, York Gulch Road and Loch Lomond areas also provide dispersed camping opportunities within reasonable driving distance from Georgetown.
What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Georgetown?
Dispersed camping sites near Georgetown are truly primitive with minimal amenities. At Tarryall Creek Dispersed Camping, you'll find spacious sites but no water, electricity, or services - just the basics of established fire rings and flat tent spaces. Similarly, Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp offers scattered campsites along the road with fire rings but no facilities. You must bring all necessary supplies including water and waste disposal equipment. Cell service is typically limited or non-existent. Some areas may have vault toilets at trailheads nearby, but this shouldn't be expected. Always prepare for self-sufficient camping with proper waste management practices.
What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Georgetown, CO?
Dispersed camping near Georgetown follows standard Forest Service regulations. At Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, camping is restricted to designated numbered sites (approximately 15 marked sites) with additional unnumbered sites available further down road 233.1. Most areas enforce a 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping requires camping only in established sites with existing fire rings. Pack-in/pack-out trash policies apply universally, and some areas may have seasonal fire restrictions. Always check with the local ranger district office before your trip as regulations can change based on conditions and time of year.
What is the best time of year for dispersed camping in Georgetown, Colorado?
The prime season for dispersed camping around Georgetown is late June through early September when mountain roads are generally clear of snow and temperatures are moderate. Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping is typically accessible during summer months when gates open, though higher elevation sites may remain snow-covered into July. Kirby Gulch and similar areas offer pleasant conditions during summer when daytime temperatures range from 60-80°F, dropping significantly at night. Fall brings spectacular foliage but colder nights. Many dispersed areas become inaccessible after first heavy snowfalls, usually by mid-October. Always check road conditions before heading out as weather can change rapidly in the mountains.
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