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Best Dispersed Camping near Golden, CO

738 Reviews

Dispersed camping areas near Golden, Colorado provide primitive, no-fee options for campers seeking solitude in the Front Range. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area and West Magnolia Campground offer established sites at elevations around 9,000 feet, while Dream Canyon Campsites provide more secluded options. Several campers note that Gordon Gulch has approximately 15 numbered sites with additional unnumbered sites accessible via forest service roads. These areas typically feature simple fire rings and occasional flat tent pads, but no other amenities.

Vehicle access varies significantly between sites. High-clearance 4WD vehicles are strongly recommended for most areas, particularly after rain or during spring snowmelt. According to reviews, roads to Gordon Gulch can become severely washed out, with several visitors reporting seeing vehicles requiring tow assistance. Most dispersed sites lack drinking water, toilets, trash receptacles, or other facilities. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste following Leave No Trace principles.

Weather conditions can change rapidly at these elevations. Nights remain cold even in summer, often dropping below 40°F. Fire restrictions are common throughout the dry season, so visitors should check current regulations before departure. Cell service is limited or non-existent in most areas. Campers report that weekends fill quickly, especially during summer months, so arriving early on Thursdays or Fridays is advisable. The area sees regular off-highway vehicle traffic and occasional target shooting activity in designated areas. Visitors seeking quieter experiences should consider more remote sites accessible via longer forest service roads.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Golden, Colorado (128)

    1. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    24 miles
    Website

    "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."

    2. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    22 miles
    Website

    "Oe of my family's fav places, beautiful views, camping spots super far away from one another so awesome privacy, and completely free. Spots fill up quick on weekends, you can stay 14 days."

    "The roads around the whole campground were a little rough but i did okay in my Ford Escape. All of the sites seems to be really spread out.

    There were several people in the campground."

    3. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    21 miles
    Website

    "Was desperate to find "something" after driving 11 hours that day, and normal paid camp grounds were full. HOWEVER I was pulling a smaller trailer, and that turned out to be a real issue."

    "Went on a Tuesday afternoon and there was foot traffic around our spot from people headed on hikes."

    4. Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Definitely need a high clearance vehicle. I saw a low clearance vehicle at site 6 & no idea how they got there.. they had to have gotten scraped up."

    "Great camping about 31 dispersed spots most with tables and a fire ring decent trout fishing a great kayaking feels remote without being so remote."

    5. Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp #2

    8 Reviews
    Idaho Springs, CO
    16 miles

    "For those that can't find it, putting "Hidden Wilderness Rd" in the GPS should help. It's a dirt road at the top of the neighborhood road. You'll want 4wd for sure."

    "The road is very rocky and bumpy and requires 4WD."

    6. Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    16 Reviews
    Georgetown, CO
    22 miles
    Website

    "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. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    28 miles

    "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."

    "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! "

    8. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    24 Reviews
    Empire, CO
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 567-4382

    "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."

    9. Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp #1

    6 Reviews
    Idaho Springs, CO
    16 miles

    "First off the campsite locations for hidden wilderness roadside camp is somewhat misleading."

    "The entrance road is hard to find - Drive to the Indian Hot Springs facility in Idaho Springs, take Montane Road. It turns into Hidden Wilderness Road when the pavement ends."

    10. York Gulch Road

    9 Reviews
    Dumont, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "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!"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Golden, CO

512 Photos of 128 Golden Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Golden, CO

738 Reviews of 128 Golden Campgrounds

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 20, 2024

    Kirby Gulch

    Worth the Rough Drive

    Kirby 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.

  • Sun H.
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Pole Hill Rd Dispersed

    Access not worth the trouble

    Don’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

  • Kelly G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2021

    Grays Peak Summer Trailhead Dispersed Camping

    Great base camp for summiting Gray’s/Torrey’s

    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. 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.

  • Meg G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2020

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Spectacular - 4x4 is required to access.

    We 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!

  • Karl G.
    May. 6, 2019

    Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    Dispersed Campsite with Views - Gordon Gulch (4x4 recommended)

    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. 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!

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2023

    Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping

    Good but not great

    Tarryall 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.

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2023

    Fraile’s Campground - Dispersed

    Huge sites on gnarly road

    CR 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.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping

    Great spot close to Winter Park

    Went 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.

  • Eileen S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 1, 2021

    Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping

    Crowded Camping Near Keystone

    This 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.

Guide to Golden

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Golden, Colorado, where nature meets adventure. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll find the perfect spot to unwind and explore the great outdoors.

Enjoy Scenic Views While Free Camping Near Golden

  • Experience breathtaking landscapes at Loch Lomond, where the drive in offers stunning views and opportunities for wildlife encounters.
  • The North Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping area provides ample space and beautiful vistas, making it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts.
  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, York Gulch Road offers dark skies perfect for stargazing, away from city lights.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Gross Reservoir

  • Gross Reservoir Dispersed is a popular choice for those looking to enjoy water activities like fishing and kayaking, with easy access to the reservoir.
  • The area around Gross Reservoir is known for its hiking trails, making it a great base for outdoor adventures and exploration.
  • Be prepared for a rugged drive; a vehicle with good clearance is recommended to navigate the access roads to this stunning location.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Golden, Colorado

  • When visiting Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, arrive early on weekends to secure a spot, as it can fill up quickly.
  • Always pack out what you pack in; many areas, like West Magnolia Campground, have reported issues with litter, so be a responsible camper.
  • If you're looking for a quieter experience, consider visiting during the week, as sites like Dream Canyon Campsites tend to be less crowded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Golden, Colorado?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Golden. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area offers about 15 numbered sites with additional unnumbered spots further down road 233.1, providing more secluded experiences for those with 4x4 vehicles. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping offers spectacular mountain views, though requires high-clearance vehicles to navigate approximately 7 miles of dirt road and 4 miles of challenging terrain. Other options in the greater Golden area include York Gulch Road and Gross Reservoir dispersed camping. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early, especially on weekends, increases your chances of securing a spot.

What's the best time of year for dispersed camping around Golden?

The optimal season for dispersed camping around Golden is late spring through early fall (May-September), when mountain roads are typically clear of snow and temperatures are moderate. Summer offers ideal conditions but brings higher crowds, especially at popular spots like Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping where arriving early on weekends is essential to secure a spot. Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping provides excellent summer access with stunning alpine views. Early fall offers colorful foliage and fewer crowds, while late fall brings colder nights but greater solitude. Always check road conditions before heading out, as high-elevation access can be affected by early or late snowfall.

Is free camping available in Golden, CO and where are the best spots?

Yes, free camping is available around Golden in designated dispersed areas on national forest land. Pole Hill Rd Dispersed offers free camping but requires high clearance 4WD vehicles and careful navigation. Grays Peak Summer Trailhead Dispersed Camping along Stevens Gulch Road (321) provides free sites with amazing scenery and access to hiking trails that lead to Gray's, Torrey's and Kelso Peaks. The road is suitable for SUVs. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area also offers free dispersed camping options. Remember that all dispersed camping requires following Leave No Trace principles, proper waste disposal, and adhering to fire restrictions. Most free sites lack facilities, so come prepared with water and supplies.

What dispersed camping options are available in Golden Gate Canyon?

While Golden Gate Canyon State Park itself doesn't permit dispersed camping, several nearby areas offer this option. Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp #1 features scattered camping spots along the road rather than concentrated in one area. Note that high-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many of these sites. Tarryall Creek Dispersed Camping, though slightly further away, offers spacious sites accessible via a bumpy road requiring 4WD if conditions are wet. West Magnolia Campground near Nederland provides additional dispersed options. Most of these areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis and lack amenities like water or toilets, so come prepared with supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles.

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