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Elizabeth W.
Guide
GuideNorth Round Mountain
Great packed road into the camp. We stayed in November and had the place to ourselves. Lots of sites. We stayed back near the end of the camping area and had a beautiful sunrise and sunset.
Dispersed Camping near Bailey, CO
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Dispersed camping around Bailey runs along the South Platte River corridor in Pike National Forest and the forest roads that branch off U.S. 285 into the surrounding terrain. Moderate elevation compared to the high-country options further west, which means a longer shoulder season and generally more accessible roads in spring and fall. No fees, no water, no restrooms, no trash service. The Dyrt campers using Bailey as a base report that the river access adds appeal for fishing-focused trips, and the proximity to the Denver metro makes it a practical quick-access option when higher-elevation forest is still snow-covered. The overlapping Pike National Forest terrain near Deckers runs about 25 miles southeast along the same road system.
Some sites along the river sit close enough to the highway to pick up road noise, so look at forest road spurs for more separation. The 14-day stay limit applies. Road surface varies from paved to rough dirt, and high-clearance vehicles expand your options on the less-traveled spurs.
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Bailey (179)
1. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area
"We stayed here a couple weekends in a row and we were able to try out some different spots and trails close to those spots. This free campground is perfect! "
"So busy that we had to go in the middle of the week to get a spot, so plan ahead here and expect crowds. That being said, each spot is unique and we loved it."
2. Redskin Creek Rd Designated Campsite
"We only drove into the 30s and turned around to claim site 23. Only a few spots are across from one another or beside each other. Majority of the sites are spaced out which was really nice."
"A large number of established roadside dispersed camping spots to choose from. All spots have metal fire rings, so campfires are allowed even with Stage 1 fire restrictions in place."
3. Bailey Area Dispersed
"Felt safe car camping as there was a thunderstorm. Beware of cows in the road as you enter the area, they’re kind if you are! Verizon cell coverage at the site I parked at was 1-3 bars."
"The first 3 are out in the open and then the remaining 5 are past the trailhead. Nice area for Starlink and solar and dog walks. It’s a burn site."
4. Kirby Gulch
"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."
5. Bruno Gulch Dispersed
"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."
6. Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
"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."
7. Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
"Road is fine for high clearance. But all of us with 4wD ask that you move over for us."
"I can see this area being busy all year around, definitely on 4th of july weekend. Wish I could’ve found an open site to spend a night!"
8. Lost Park Road Dispersed Camping
9. Matukat Road Dispersed Camping
"Rock fire pits, wood around. No water, garbage, nor toilets. Cool temps, road in is rough go slow. Nice shady trees. First few spots you encounter left, then right seem ok."
"We drove a couple of miles up the decently maintained dirt road and found the second dispersed camping spot and decided to set up our roof top tent for the night. "
10. Dispersed camping FSR 239
"Great views, Milky Way was right above us, high ground clearance vehicles recommended, plenty of room for groups of RV’s, good distance between camping spots, but not completely secluded, great for riding"
"We found great dispersed spots along FSR 239. Roads were gravel and a little rough in some spots, but plenty of camping accessible by smaller cars as well. Lots of OHV trails nearby."
Drive Time
- 55 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 4 min from Boulder, CO
- 1 hr 32 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 1 hr 37 min from Greeley, CO
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Bailey, CO
651 Photos of 179 Bailey Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bailey, CO
1009 Reviews of 179 Bailey Campgrounds
Drew M.GuideCaribou Dispersed Site 6
#7
# 7 was a sweet spot - You can get three to four tents in this spot if you tent camp.
Tons of deadfall for firewood
I was able to pick up three pieces of trash. I am saying it's a clean spot!
Super quiet - Saw a moose!
Great area! Easy to get to!- SSarah S.
ScoutFrench Pass Trail Dispersed
Nice area with lots of spots, and a few that will work for a camper van. Gravel road that’s well maintained on the way up. Some road traffic but not too bad. No major views, but peaceful and easy to get to!
- CCaroline B.
TravelerGrays Peak Summer Trailhead Dispersed Camping
In the clouds
So beautiful, dispersed camping at 11,200 feet surrounded by mountains. Area is busy with day hikers, go past the parking lot and set up at one of the handful of spots. Definitely for small rigs or tents, don’t come up here with a non 4x4 vehicle, and trailers would be close to impossible.
- aamber H.Guide
Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
beautiful area too much trash
I was pulling a camper and couldn't make it to the higher up spots. the spots near the entrance are littered with gross trash. I cleaned my area but there's too much . Hiking around has beautiful views.
- JJackson M.Scout
Granite Rock Camp
Granite rock road
Close to the road but also the Arkansas river, decent service for the area. Not an area for trailers
Brent A.ScoutWest Magnolia Campground
West Magnolia Campground
Solid lil campground. Surprisingly busy mid week but everyone seems to be nice and polite. Few sections would be a bit rough for low clearance but sites 1-10 should be easily accessible. The views are gorgeous with the aspens turning this time of year.
- SSarah S.Scout
Jones Pass
Great spot
Several places to pull off and camp along the road with pre-built fire rings. Some traffic comes through but still very peaceful. 22’ AWD camper van was able to make it there with no issues.
- MMary A.Scout
Forest Road 332 Dispersed
No T-Mobile signal
Rough road but doable in a minivan. About 12 minutes from Nederland, which had a lot of good restaurants, bars, and a fair size grocery store. Saw a moose and mountain lion.
Guide to Bailey
Dispersed camping near Bailey, Colorado ranges from 7,700 to 10,500 feet elevation across the Pike National Forest. Overnight temperatures from June through September average 35-50°F with daytime highs of 65-85°F depending on elevation. Winter brings heavy snowfall closing many forest roads from November through April.
What to do
Fly fishing access points: Multiple dispersed sites along Matukat Road provide easy fishing access nearby. "We took a short trip to the Happy Meadows campground for some time in the river. It's close enough that it doesn't warrant staying at Happy Meadows," notes one Matukat Road Dispersed Camping visitor.
Mountain biking trails: The Buffalo Creek area features extensive trail networks suitable for various skill levels. "Great camping spot, esp, if you like mountain biking. Not whistler in terms of terrain but plenty of trails for various ability levels," shares an experienced rider at Buffalo Creek Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and dusk offer prime wildlife spotting opportunities. "Cattle roam freely throughout the property and you can hear coyotes at dusk and dawn," reports a camper at Matukat Road. Another visitor to Bruno Gulch Dispersed notes, "Beautiful area, seen a moose and goats close to our campsite."
What campers like
Natural seclusion: Many dispersed sites provide substantial privacy from neighboring campers. "The sites are well-spaced, providing plenty of privacy, and the area is generally clean, thanks to considerate campers," writes a visitor to Kirby Gulch.
Geological features: The area's unique rock formations create interesting landscapes for exploration. At Matukat Road, a camper found "Such a gem. Campsites went back far from main road you turn on to...Plenty of exploring and climbing around."
Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "We were lucky to find a fantastic, more spacious spot...The views were absolutely breathtaking, with sweeping mountain scenery that made every moment feel special," reports a visitor to Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping.
What you should know
Site availability timing: Weekends fill extremely quickly during summer months. "This is a very nice area with many walking/biking trails. It is clear the sites are heavily used though...The area is busy and can easily fill for the weekend by Thursday mid-day," warns a Buffalo Creek visitor.
Road conditions: Many roads deteriorate significantly after rain. "The road to get in there is pretty gnarly. Definitely need four-wheel-drive. Lots of rocks and deep holes and even some flooded areas," cautions a Kirby Gulch camper.
Cell service variations: Coverage varies dramatically by location and carrier. "We had between two and three bars of Verizon service at the site but no Verizon service at the main road so it is spotty," reports a Matukat Road camper, while a Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite visitor notes, "Cell service with At&t in site 6 is decent. Calling is 2 bars."
Campsite cleanliness: Some visitors report trash issues at popular sites. "30-40 yards behind our fire ring there were 5 piles of human crap with TP smushed on them and with the wind alot of used TP was scattered across the site," reports a disappointed Redskin Creek camper.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Arrive Thursday for weekend camping. "We arrived early Friday morning and most spots were already claimed. There are a total of 35 free camp sites but if you continue down 550 there are some paid camp sites as well," advises a Buffalo Creek visitor.
Weather preparation: Pack for cold nights even in summer. "It did get pretty cool at night, and our kids definitely let us know about it. Luckily we have extra blankets to insulate their bags and another person in our party had a small heater. But even in July, plan for cooler night time temps and rain!" warns a Kirby Gulch family.
Water play opportunities: Several creeks provide safe wading for children. "Sites 25,26 and 27 appear to be good and site number 31 may be on the creek...The creek is a great place for kids to splash and play," notes a Kirby Gulch camper.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Not all dispersed sites accommodate larger vehicles. "We're in a van, and while some spots would have been great, not all would work for our van," notes a Bailey Area Dispersed visitor. "About 32 or more spots along redskin creek road that goes back a few miles with spots with fire rings along the dirt road," explains a Redskin Creek camper.
Leveling challenges: Many sites have uneven parking areas. "The parking areas tend to be very unlevel and there are only a few that you can pull right up to your campsite. #6 had a level spot large enough for my van and the camping area just a few steps away," reports a visitor to Redskin Creek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best spots for dispersed camping near Bailey, Colorado?
Where are the best spots for dispersed camping near Bailey, Colorado?
Several excellent dispersed camping areas surround Bailey. Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping offers spacious sites, though the access road requires high clearance and 4WD, especially in wet conditions. The Bailey area also connects to Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite, which provides free camping and accommodates larger vehicles. For those willing to venture slightly further, the Pike National Forest surrounding Bailey contains numerous unmarked pull-offs with established fire rings. Most sites in this region lack facilities (no water, electricity, or toilets), so come prepared with supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles. Popular areas fill quickly on summer weekends, so arrive early to secure a spot, particularly during peak season (May-September).
Is County Road 31 a good area for dispersed camping near Bailey?
Is County Road 31 a good area for dispersed camping near Bailey?
County Road 31 offers good dispersed camping opportunities near Bailey, though specific conditions should be considered. Similar to nearby Fraile's Campground - Dispersed off Tarryall Road, CR 31 has designated sites with established fire rings. The road can be quite rutted in sections, making high-clearance vehicles recommended and 4WD necessary in wet conditions. Some side roads branching from the main route provide additional camping opportunities for those with appropriate vehicles. The area features beautiful mountain scenery and access to outdoor activities, but lacks amenities like water or toilets. Weekends can become crowded during summer months, so midweek visits or early arrival are advised. Always check current Forest Service regulations before camping, as rules may change seasonally.
Are there any free camping options along Highway 285 near Bailey?
Are there any free camping options along Highway 285 near Bailey?
Yes, free camping options exist along Highway 285 near Bailey. Kirby Gulch is a fantastic free option situated off Route 1038 near Grant, offering peaceful sites with mountain views and convenient highway access. Another option is Bruno Gulch Dispersed, also near Grant and accessible from Highway 285. These areas typically have no facilities (no water, toilets, or hookups), so campers should be self-sufficient. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, requiring no reservations or permits, though you should still follow Forest Service regulations regarding stay limits (typically 14 days maximum). Access roads vary in quality, with some suitable for standard vehicles while others need high clearance. Always pack out all trash and follow fire restrictions, which are common in summer months.
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