Best Dispersed Camping near Georgetown, CO
Multiple free dispersed camping areas surround Georgetown, Colorado, primarily located on U.S. Forest Service land in the Arapaho National Forest. Campers can access primitive sites at Chinns Lake, Fall River Reservoir, Peru Creek, and along York Gulch Road. Many of these areas feature existing fire rings and allow camping without facilities in natural clearings. The region includes numerous pull-off sites with fire rings along forest roads, particularly suitable for tent camping and smaller vehicles. Camping tends to concentrate around mountain lakes, gulches, and reservoir access points where terrain permits flat camping areas.
Road access to most dispersed sites requires careful navigation with many routes demanding high-clearance vehicles. Fall River Reservoir, Chinns Lake, and Stevens Gulch primitive areas have unpaved, rough forest roads leading to camping areas. Peru Creek designated sites require permits, while most other locations remain free with standard 14-day limits. Several roads become impassable during winter months and spring snowmelt. Fire restrictions apply seasonally throughout the region, with campfires permitted at established fire rings when no bans are in place. No drinking water, toilets, or waste facilities exist at most sites, requiring visitors to pack out all trash and human waste.
The dispersed areas around Georgetown provide excellent access to hiking trails, mountain lakes, and peaks including Grays and Torreys. Primitive camping at higher elevations offers cooler temperatures but requires preparation for weather changes. "Definitely need a high clearance 4x4. I made it all the way in my f250. Well worth the drive. Found several good level spots on the way to the lake," notes one visitor to Bill Moore Lake. Wildlife sightings, including foxes, are common at some sites, with one camper reporting: "We were joined by 2 small fox, who were very curious. Beautiful view, traffic was very light." Sites near popular trailheads often fill early during summer weekends, with some experiencing early morning activity from hikers beginning alpine ascents before dawn.
