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Dispersed Camping near Granby, CO

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    Reservations fill fast in the Grand Lake corridor through July and August, which makes Granby a practical entry point for dispersed camping on Arapaho National Forest land with fewer competing campers. Forest roads north and west of town branch out toward the Troublesome Creek drainage and the Williams Fork Mountains, giving campers more options than the developed sites near the lake. Grand Lake is about 8 miles away, and dispersed sites around Grand Lake cover the national forest access closer to Rocky Mountain National Park's west entrance.

    The Dyrt campers checking in here note that shoulder season, specifically May through June and September through October, is the most consistent window for road access and availability. No water, no restrooms at dispersed sites. Winter Park is about 18 miles south and has its own national forest access off the forest roads heading toward Berthoud Pass.

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    Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Granby (174)

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      1. Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite

      4.2(20)11mi from GranbyTents

      "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"

      "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."

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      2. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

      3.6(55)23mi from GranbyTents

      "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."

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      3. Stillwater Pass

      4.3(9)11mi from GranbyRVs, Tents

      "Some sites need high clearance, our minivan was able to manage most of the road. There's vault toilet in the beginning of the road. View is not the nicest, but the our site was large and convenient."

      "Also many trees blown over perfect for firewood!"

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      4. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

      4.2(35)22mi from GranbyRVs, Tents

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

      "You are pinned up against private property around the lake, the camp sites are in the dirt area when you get to the lake down to the left."

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      5. Meadow Creek Reservoir Fishing Site

      4.7(7)9mi from GranbyRVs, Tents

      "My partner and I met up with some friends out here on a Friday around 4:30 (after getting passes from Granby - the pay station is not in operation), and we spent the weekend burning wood and appreciating"

      "We were Van Camping and stayed there for 8 days total. I was blown away how insanely gorgeous it was there."

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      6. Hot Sulphur Springs SWA - Joe Gerrans Unit

      4.4(7)11mi from Granby

      "Nice area to set up camp and fish on the Colorado River. There is a bear-proof dumpster and a portapotty (BYO TP) available."

      "This is a free, very primitive campground right off of highway along the Colorado River."

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      7. Camp Chandler Dispersed

      4.8(5)9mi from GranbyRVs, Tents

      "I was under the impression fires were allowed, as there were fire pits, but signs everywhere stating no campfires. Columbine Lake is a pretty hefty hike from the trailhead, but so worth the view."

      "There's several spots for tent camping behind the pull off spots on the side of the road after the reservoir."

      8. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

      4.4(24)21mi from Granby

      "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."

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      9. Ute Pass Dispersed Camping

      4.2(13)16mi from GranbyRVs, Tents

      "Just got back from a solo camping trip at the Ute pass dispersed camping site. My usual spot was under a fire ban, but I acted quick and found this place."

      "We came here after failing to find a dispersed location closer to Silverthorne. It turned out to be a hidden gem with lots of secluded sites."

      10. NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest

      3.8(8)12mi from GranbyRVs, Tents

      "Everything is burned as far as you can see from the 2020 colorado east troublesome fire. 25 min drive to RMNP gate entrance.

      Ocasional OHV traffic (maybe 5-10/day) but nothing into the night."

      "You can drive for miles up this area and find a whole area all to yourself! The views alone are insane. Mosquitos will carry you away so lots of bug spray."

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    Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Granby, CO

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    Dispersed Camping Reviews near Granby, CO

    822 Reviews of 174 Granby Campgrounds

    • Paulina B.
      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!

    • TThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jan. 22, 2026

      Nice view of Gold Lake

      Great views, rough road, high wind

      Beautiful views of gold lake, this specific spot has a rough road that will require high clearance. The other spots are off of a well maintained fire road if you’re in a low clearance vehicle. High 38mph winds all night long at 24 degrees F. Lake is private and there’s lots of private property lines to look out for. The only reason it’s not a 5/5

    • Catherine L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 7, 2023

      Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251

      Great forest camping spot

      Recommend 4x4 high clearance to get to the campsites. If you have low clearance, there are a couple right at the start but they don't have much tree clearance. 

      We drove about a quarter mile down the road and got a campsite that was lush with a ton of tree coverage. It felt like we were alone in the world, no other campsites in site. We even saw elk walking around the mossy ground. Bring bug spray!

      Dog friendly, no amenities.

    • 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!

    • 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.

    • A L.
      Aug. 21, 2017

      Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping

      Gorgeous getaway within minutes from Longmont

      My son and I joined a friend from Longmont and headed to this trail to camp for a couple days. Very accessible road, lots of spots to choose from (we showed up on Thursday, it did get a little busier on Friday and Saturday). Our spot was set back from the trail, right next to the stream. Just an amazing view, ample room for lots of tents, nice fire rings and huge logs around them for sitting. Fire wood abounds but it was all a little wet still from the rains they've been getting. Some folks didn't seem to be aware of the "leave no trace" rule when it comes to going to the bathroom, which was a little gross. Overall, great experience, pretty trail views, caught lots of trout (none big enough to keep). A great getaway.

    Guide to Granby

    Dispersed camping near Granby offers sites with varying accessibility across Arapaho National Forest's rugged terrain. Much of the area stands between 8,000-9,000 feet elevation, with summer temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than Denver. Weather conditions can change rapidly at these higher elevations, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months.

    What to do

    Fishing from camp: At Meadow Creek Reservoir Fishing Site, campers enjoy catching trout directly from their sites. "We could hear anyone else, saw a couple moose and got to fish right off our campsite!" reports Connor T., highlighting the accessible fishing.

    Wildlife viewing: The recovering forest areas provide excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "We were surrounded by wildlife the whole time with no other busy city noises. We saw a bunch of moose and even had one wander into our site," notes Emma C. from Stillwater Pass.

    Stargazing: Clear mountain skies offer stellar night viewing. A camper at Ute Pass Dispersed Camping shared, "Clear skies offered lots of sunshine and beautiful star gazing," making this activity particularly rewarding at higher elevation sites.

    What campers like

    Lake views: At Beaver Park Reservoir, the scenic setting draws consistent praise. "Beautiful lake with several good sized RV spots. We have a 25 foot camper and feet nicely in," notes James S., though some sites offer better views than others.

    Flowing water sounds: Many prefer creekside sites for natural sound barriers. "We went to the second to last spot on the campgrounds to the left of the private property...the best spot for a tent right but the fast flowing river," described Jenna G., appreciating how water sounds mask other noises.

    Early season wildflowers: The burn recovery areas have transformed into wildflower havens. "The area was decently trafficked so you might show up at night with no spots available," warns Marasha L., suggesting arriving earlier both for spot selection and enjoying daylight views.

    What you should know

    Road conditions vary seasonally: Roads can deteriorate quickly with weather. "The road is a bit rough and rocky but not far to get back to the sites by the river," explains Molly J. from Ute Pass, emphasizing careful driving when accessing deeper forest sites.

    Fire restrictions: Burn bans are strictly enforced in many areas. At Camp Chandler Dispersed, Olivia D. warns, "Permanent campfire ban taken very seriously, forest rangers around giving tickets for fire. $500 each. Don't be stupid!"

    Cell service spotty: Connectivity varies dramatically by location. "I was able to get some service with Verizon periodically. Was able to send some texts but no pictures," reports a Beaver Park Reservoir camper, suggesting downloading offline maps before arrival.

    Tips for camping with families

    Easy hiking options: Many sites offer gentle terrain for young explorers. "There is a super easy family-friendly mini hike with great view and a little cell access. If you are facing the lake, to your right just behind you there are some rocks. Walk toward them and then maybe 30 yards away from the lake you can walk right up," recommends johny R.

    Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for possible animal sightings with safety protocols. A camper at Allenspark Dispersed Camping noted, "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."

    Water accessibility: Sites near water keep children engaged. "We were able to walk to the reservoir to paddle board, and there was a close parking lot with a dumpster and an outhouse," shares Zoe K., noting these amenities make family camping more manageable.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection for larger vehicles: Pre-scouting helps avoid tight situations. "We have 20' truck pulling 22' trailer and had no problems getting to our spot. Just scout the area first so you know where last turn around is," advises kyran at Arapaho National Forest sites.

    Leveling challenges: Many free sites require work to level larger rigs. "Only a few places to camp and none are level," warns Steve M., suggesting bringing extra leveling blocks for Stillwater Pass Dispersed areas.

    Seasonal accessibility: Snow persists into early summer at higher elevations. "May 9 2025- you will get stuck. There's still at least 3 feet or more of snow and ice on this trail," cautions Jason W., recommending calling ranger stations for current conditions before bringing an RV to remote sites.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where are the best spots for dispersed camping around Lake Granby?

    The Granby area offers several excellent dispersed camping options. Stillwater Pass is one of the most popular spots near Lake Granby, providing drive-in access with sites suitable for various vehicle types, including larger RVs. For a more secluded experience, Meadow Creek Reservoir Fishing Site near Tabernash offers beautiful lakeside camping with multiple access options including drive-in and hike-in. Most sites around Lake Granby feature stunning mountain views and convenient access to fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Look for established fire rings which indicate previously used camping spots. Most dispersed areas require high-clearance vehicles, and spots fill quickly during summer weekends, so arrive early to secure a good location.

    What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Granby, Colorado?

    Dispersed camping around Granby follows standard Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest regulations. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. Camp at least 100 feet from water sources, trails, and developed recreation sites. Use existing fire rings when possible, and follow all fire restrictions, which vary seasonally. At locations like Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, you'll find both numbered and unnumbered sites accessed via Forest Service roads. Camp Chandler Dispersed and similar areas require proper waste management – pack out all trash and use portable toilets or dig catholes at least 6 inches deep for human waste. Vehicles must stay on established roads and within 300 feet of designated routes. Always check current regulations with the local ranger district before your trip.

    Can you camp for free near Granby, Colorado?

    Yes, free camping is widely available near Granby, Colorado. The Arapaho National Forest surrounding Granby offers numerous free dispersed camping opportunities. NFSR 120 Dispersed Site provides free camping with drive-in access and can accommodate larger vehicles and RVs. Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 is another free option, though high clearance 4x4 vehicles are recommended for accessing the best sites with tree coverage. Most dispersed sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system or fees. These free camping areas typically lack amenities like water, toilets, or trash service, so come prepared to be self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles.

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