Dispersed camping options near Georgetown, Colorado range in elevation from 9,000 to 11,000 feet, with temperatures dropping significantly at night even during summer months. Most tent campsites near Georgetown, Colorado lack cell service and require visitors to pack in all supplies. Water sources at primitive sites are limited and should be filtered or treated before consumption.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail provides easy access to productive fishing spots. "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," notes Larry S., who recommends a 4x4 vehicle for the final stretch of road.
Mine exploration: The Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping area serves as a base for historic mining sites. Daniel B. explains, "The very end of the road is also where this cool abandoned mine of some kind is located... You can access it on foot as well. It's totally worth checking out, just explore safely."
Winter sports: Dispersed tent sites near Georgetown remain accessible for winter camping with proper equipment. Tent campers at Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping report, "I came in October when the aspens and birch still had some leaves. Beautiful colors on bareus pass," according to Conner, who found the roads passable with 2WD.
What campers like
Creek access: Many tent campsites near Georgetown feature streams or creeks for water and ambiance. At Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, Nicci M. found, "The only disappointing thing was right before dusk was about an hour of shooting, constant and annoying. After dark, very quiet even though it was close to the road."
Wildlife viewing: Bill Moore Lake dispersed camping area provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Arthur V. advises: "I've camped here 3 times. The first time we didn't have bug spray and had to pack up after the first night- the mosquitos were literally swarming around us. You can beat the bugs somewhat if you move away from the lake."
Solitude at higher elevations: Less accessible sites offer more privacy and solitude. At The Lost Site - Dispersed Campsite, Ian B. reports, "Right off the highway near Winter Park, this forest service access point has several campgrounds along the road. Fairly quiet, well-trafficked, you can put your RV, trailer, or tent up for the night in any spot you find suitable."
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Camping areas near Georgetown implement strict fire restrictions during dry periods. Trevor F. from Peru Creek warns, "We stopped at one that had a fire ring made from rocks but it wasn't 100' from water. We parked at night so we didn't see the sign that said it wasn't a legal camping spot, then the next day we got a ticket from a park ranger."
Vehicle requirements: Many tent campsites require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. Steve B. cautions about Fall River Reservoir: "Be warned, this road is no joke. We did see a few brave drivers in Subaru's, but most campers had high clearance 4x4 vehicles. The road is a mixture of rocks, small water crossings, and potholes."
Campsite availability: Sites fill quickly on weekends from June through September. Megan Q. advises: "Great spot, drove up Friday night and a lot of spots were open. We did have to change site the second night we were there as the park rangers let us know we were too close to the river, but we found another site easily."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible sites: For families with young children, look for campsites closer to main roads. Pain T. at Peru Creek suggests: "Site 14 has fantastic access/setup for a van. We managed all the way up to the old mine, and used it to turn around and head back down as we scouted sites."
Safety considerations: Be aware of wildlife and terrain hazards with children. At Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir, Melissa M. notes, "There are mountain lions in the area so they national forest recommends not bringing your dogs which also isn't mentioned here at all."
Educational opportunities: Use camping trips for nature education. "There is a super cool teepee stand waiting to be used to camp under at the top!" shares Andrew W. about Fall River Reservoir, adding that the area has "a beautiful creek rushing by most of the camp sites."
Tips from RVers
Designated RV spots: Several dispersed areas can accommodate smaller RVs with careful navigation. "We have a 4wd Sprinter with slightly larger tires, and pulling an off road trailer. We made it with ease. There were potholes to contend with and some mid-sized rocks that did have us rockin' and rollin' from side to side. Slow roll it and you'll be fine," advises Pain T. about Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping.
Site selection: Choose pull-offs with level surfaces for RVs. Jenny B. from Boreas Pass Road notes, "One of the best parts was the privacy. Our site was far enough from the neighboring spots that we couldn't see or hear other campers, making it feel peaceful and secluded."
Seasonal considerations: Mountain roads deteriorate after rainfall or snowmelt. Lori O. cautions: "We drive a lifted Ram 1500 and pull the off-road trailer - the road up was a bit sketchy and narrow in places. I worried if we had to pass anyone coming the opposite direction but the one narrow spot that happened, we all survived unscathed."
