89 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent camping near Gould, Colorado provides access to both established campgrounds and dispersed backcountry sites within the Roosevelt National Forest and surrounding wilderness areas. Tent campsites near Gould range from free walk-in options with vault toilets and picnic tables to primitive sites with open mountain views and minimal facilities. Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite offers tent campers a free option with walk-in sites and basic amenities including vault toilets and picnic tables. For those seeking more solitude, Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping provides primitive tent camping opportunities in Jackson County with open views and minimal facilities. Vic & Sigrid Hanson Memorial Park features walk-in tent sites with picnic tables and toilets for a more established camping experience.
Most tent campgrounds in the Gould area operate seasonally, with higher elevation sites typically accessible from late May through October. Fire restrictions are common throughout summer months, with complete bans often in place during dry periods. Bear activity requires proper food storage at all camping locations. Tent campers should prepare for significant temperature fluctuations, as elevations around 9,000 feet can experience freezing temperatures even in summer months. Many primitive tent sites lack potable water, requiring campers to bring their own supply or filter from natural sources. High clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing remote tent camping areas on forest service roads.
The backcountry tent camping near Gould offers exceptional stargazing opportunities and wildlife viewing. According to reviews, campers at Stillwater Pass should be aware of "snag hazards" from fire-damaged trees and make camp in clearings for safety. One visitor to Walden Reservoir noted that while the area provides quiet overnight tent camping, daytime insects can be problematic without proper protection. The area's high elevation tent sites provide cool relief during summer months but require appropriate cold-weather gear for comfort. Walk-in tent sites throughout the region offer greater privacy than drive-up locations, with many primitive areas allowing campers to position tents near streams or with mountain views.
"Crags Loop Campground in State Forest State Park is a TENT ONLY site and RVs, campers, and trailers are NOT allowed."
"Small campground with potable water and vault toilet. Most camp sites have mountain views. Moose frequent the area."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"Site had plenty of space and a good amount was flat. No fire ring, but there was a burn ban anyways. Nice and secluded but could still hear the neighbors a bit but it wasn’t bothersome."
"there are a number if dispersed campsites on this road. they’re all lovely and pretty spaced out but if you’ve got a rowdy bunch in the spot next to yours you’ll definitely hear them. but the views here"
"Private, room to roam, and a shaded pine grove."
"We found this site and several others while exploring around State Forest State Park. These sites are very remote and off grid."
from $120 - $150 / night
Check Availability"Arrived on a Monday, practically had the place to ourselves all week, though filled on Friday. 8 tent sites, water pump, vault toilet, and dozens of moose."
"Hiking trails within a short drive, but hiking around the lake is perfect. Lots of Moose too!"
"Better for campers/cans as there isn’t much privacy for tent campers. Not enough trees for bathrooms so you may want to bring a hide-able set up."
"We ended up driving too far and just parking next to the lake for the night to camp. Lots of dirt trails near the lake, maybe not for camping but we showed up after driving 6 hours."
"Our spot was near the creek, the sound was beautiful. The only downside was absolutely no cell service."
"Fire ban was in effect when we went, but lots of fire circles available otherwise. Bring bug spray, the flies are bold."
"The camp sites near the top of Longs Peak in the Boulderfield are worth the long hike (6 miles up steep terrain)."
"Amazing hikes and plenty of wildlife. The spaces are small but accommodate an RV or a single tent. Bear boxes and toilets close to everything."
"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."
"Prior campers have left some trash, bullet casings and obviously neglected to dig cat holes. After a quick clean up, the site was fine for my purposes."
Guide# 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!
TravelerIt’s awesome, but only if you have a very capable 4wd. There’s a great spot to camp at as soon as you start going up the hill. Past the first spot, the road becomes REALLY rough. So just be aware.
GuideIt was a great site. Not hot surrounded on three sides by rocks. Lake was dried up but Colorado was dry this year.
GuideThe campground itself is great! The sites can be pretty hit or miss. Some are very exposed and crowded up with other sites; some are set back in the trees and lovely! If you have strong preferences, be careful when picking your site.
TravelerFrom a Sprinters point of view.
Sites are $45.00 a day plus parking
Sites were sloped, we took the flattest one we could find and it took 6” to block our van level.
Pit toilets were very clean.
Sites had trees and boulders, spaced roughly 50’ apart, but there visible traffic on the main road below.
It was a nice campground but we liked the Bobcat Campground a couple miles farther up the road.
See separate review.
TravelerWe took our Sprinter for its maiden voyage, this camp ground was beautiful, private and secluded.
Camping was $45.00 a day plus a parking fee.
Paid at the entry point to an extremely friendly attendant. Reservations can be made on line ahead of time and highly recommended in peak season, especially on weekends.
Site were 50’ to 100’ apart.
Sites were wooded and tucked into granite boulders.
In the 24 hours we were there we saw one car and two people walking their dogs.
Sites were pretty level, each with fire pits and picnic tables.
The pit toilets were very clean and with in 100’ of most sites.
Road in had signs stating you had to be in four wheel drive to avoid damaging the roads but they were very well graded.
GuideI 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.
GuideTakes you to a private road. After walking around probably someone parking towards the back pinned the location Follow the coordinates on the other Gordon Gulch and its easy to find
GuideSpent 3 nights here with full hookups. Campground is very open, few trees, nice views of mountains all around, good space between sites, with only a handful of campers here. A full campground would probably feel quite different. Each site has a cement pad with picnic table and fire pit. Shower house like new, clean and worked very well. Great location to explore State Forest SP.
The Roosevelt National Forest surrounding Gould, Colorado offers tent camping options at elevations of 8,000 to 10,000 feet. Many dispersed camping areas require visitors to pack out all trash and provide their own water supply. Temperatures can drop below freezing even in July and August, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months.
Hiking near Stillwater Pass: During summer months, numerous trails provide access to alpine meadows and mountain views. "Large sites. We found a nice spacious one a little off the road, there was a ditch between the road and the site so some higher clearance helped avoid scraping," notes Ryan L. about Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite.
Wildlife viewing at Walden Reservoir: This shoreline camping area offers opportunities to observe migratory birds and waterfowl. "Amazing views but lacks tree coverage... Smells like sage and fresh air. Quiet as can be," reports Terri about her experience at Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping.
Mountain biking trail access: Forest roads around Allenspark provide connections to numerous single-track trails. A camper named Brett notes, "It was gorgeous! Lots of spots, and also lots of people. Some folks coming in late night. It's definitely a bumpy ride in."
Creek-side camping options: Many sites at Allenspark offer natural white noise and water access. "About 1 hour from Boulder. Was super simple to access... Lots of spots available. Just keep driving along Ski Road and pick one that looks good. Lots of fire pits already build and most camp spots are along the creek," shares Jason H. about Allenspark Dispersed Camping.
Late-season availability: Some sites remain accessible into October when other areas close. According to Bobby J., "Very close to Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park. Didn't look like there were too many spots but the spots I did see were nice. Had no trouble finding a spot on a Sunday evening."
Wildflower viewing: Early to mid-summer brings colorful blooms throughout the area. Amie M. observed, "Even though this forest was impacted by the troublesome fire in 2020, this place is still very beautiful. We found a great camping spot close to a hiking/biking trail. The flowers are absolutely gorgeous and the Columbine flower is scattered amount the wildflowers."
Fire restrictions and hazards: Many camping areas near Gould have experienced wildfires in recent years. "I think this would be a wonderful place to camp, however due to the forest fires that happened, I won't lie it's a bit depressing to be around all of the burned trees... it made it so there was little to no shade at all at really any of the campsites," notes Stephanie S.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes and biting insects can be prevalent, especially near water. A camper at Walden Reservoir observed: "We showed up at night and it was very quiet, no problem finding a spot to camp. However, during the day the gnats, bugs, and ants were everywhere. Literally crawled up our boots and bodies. Great place to overnight, but terrible place to hang out during the day unless you have a bug net."
Road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas require vehicles with adequate clearance. Brian C. reports about Stillwater Pass: "The coordinates are a bit early on 4. Roads are easy to navigate. Continue up the road for multiple flat locations. Some of the roads were closed but 4 is open."
Bathroom access planning: Most dispersed tent camping near Gould lacks established facilities. "BETTER for campers/cans as there isn't much privacy for tent campers. Not enough trees for bathrooms so you may want to bring a hide-able set up," advises Liv M.
Campsite selection timing: Arrive early for best options, especially during summer weekends. Sydney R. shared about Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite: "Great site and location about 10 minutes from downtown Grand Lake. The sites had tons of space and a great view of the mountains. Only downside, there's only a few sites along this road and they filled up fairly quick on a Friday."
Bear safety measures: Proper food storage is essential throughout the area. One camper at Allenspark reported: "The second day staying there we ran into a bear and scared him off. Two hours later he can back and we scared him off again. He's afraid of humans but he did try to get into the car while we were sleeping."
Site leveling challenges: Many dispersed sites require additional equipment for level parking. Steve M. notes about his experience: "Not at all a beautiful area, only a few places to camp and it's a bumpy road and the access points are not good, none of the sites are level, and if you want to go further on to the next dispersed camping area which I did not, you have to drive 10 Mi through private property on a cruddy Road."
Free overnight options: Vic & Sigrid Hanson Memorial Park in Walden provides services within walking distance. Robert T. shares: "Call the sheriff on +1 (970) 723-4242 and leave name and number. There are some picnic tables with a bit of shelter. As of July 2023, LOTS of mosquitoes. Great restaurant on Main Street. Reasonable grocery store at gas station."
Alternative camping areas: When primary sites are full, several backup options exist within short driving distance. Aly E. noted: "We stayed here last year and came back this year but there's a gate up blocking the entire dispersed area. Thankfully there's plenty of other places to stay!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gould, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gould, CO is The Crags Campground — State Forest State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Gould, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 89 tent camping locations near Gould, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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