Best Dispersed Camping near Golden, CO

Golden is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Golden is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Golden camping trip.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Golden, Colorado (115)

    1. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    51 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

    20 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."

    "Safe for car camping. Make sure you follow the stay on road signs."

    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

    7 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

    15 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

    28 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

    18 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. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    29 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    31 miles
    Website

    "We were right up on the lake but turns out it's private property and you cannot even go up to the water."

    "Pretty average dispersed campsites. Far enough apart that you can’t see or hear your neighbors which was nice. Fire pits existed on the sites but no grates or bathrooms."

    10. York Gulch Road

    5 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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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Golden, CO

640 Reviews of 115 Golden Campgrounds



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

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Golden, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Golden, CO is Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area with a 3.6-star rating from 51 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Golden, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 115 dispersed camping locations near Golden, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.