Best Dispersed Camping near Grand Lake, CO

Dispersed camping around Grand Lake, Colorado offers numerous free primitive sites in the Arapaho National Forest. Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite and Stillwater Pass provide accessible options for both tent and RV camping. Allenspark Dispersed Camping and Beaver Park Reservoir offer additional alternatives with varying levels of accessibility. Most sites feature established fire rings and provide space between campsites for privacy. According to reviews, the fire damage at Stillwater Pass is significant, with campers noting "snag hazards" where damaged limbs or trees may fall during light breezes.

High-clearance 4WD vehicles are strongly recommended for accessing many of these sites, particularly after rain or snow. The roads to Stillwater Pass become narrower and rougher as elevation increases. No drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities exist at most locations, requiring strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles. Several campers report that sites fill quickly on summer weekends, especially those closest to trailheads. Fire bans are common during dry periods, so checking current restrictions before arrival is essential.

The elevation at these sites ranges from 8,800 to 11,000 feet, resulting in cold nights even during summer months. Temperatures frequently drop into the 30s after sunset. Wildlife viewing opportunities include elk and smaller forest animals. Camping is limited to 14 days in any 30-day period on National Forest land. Visitors should be aware of private property boundaries, particularly around lake shores and access roads. Cell service is spotty to non-existent in most areas, requiring advance planning for navigation and emergency communication.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Grand Lake, Colorado (157)

    1. Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite

    18 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    4 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "Great site and location about 10 minutes from downtown Grand Lake. The sites had tons of space and a great view of the mountains."

    2. Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    28 Reviews
    Allenspark, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Fire ban was in effect when we went, but lots of fire circles available otherwise. Bring bug spray, the flies are bold."

    "Was super simple to access. the coordinates take   you to the beginning of the rural part of Ski road."

    3. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    33 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    18 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."

    "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."

    4. Stillwater Pass

    9 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "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."

    "From Highway 34, just north of the Stillwater RV and Campground, take Highway 4 for about 4km. Once the road turns to gravel, you’ll see largish camping area on each side of the road."

    5. NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest

    8 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "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."

    6. 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."

    7. Stillwater Pass Grand Lake Colorado - Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Which is a real treat when you spent two weeks on dispersed areas all over the west with no bathrooms. Mosquitoes are a little heavy so bring spray."

    "Burn area so no a whole lot of shade in the back portion. Road is closed just before creek crossing. Beautiful Views."

    8. Country Road 455 Camp

    4 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    4 miles

    "There are no hookups for anything. You are literally on your own out here. Our site is right by a small creek, so we just use that water after boiling it, of course."

    "There’s a good bit of campsites along the road and if you’re able to get one close to the edge you can get some good views"

    9. Hell Canyon Dispersed

    29 Reviews
    Pinewood Springs, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "4x4 drive is a requirement. Good Verizon signal. Narrow road, however not busy at all. Stayed here for 4 days, no issue. The Google Maps directions is slightly wrong."

    "Turn just before or after Yogi Bear Campground and go up the decently maintained dirt road. (You will pass RVs at the beginning of the road as you head up)."

    10. Meadow Creek Reservoir Fishing Site

    7 Reviews
    Tabernash, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

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

    "Close to the Columbine Lake trail and so many other awesome hiking trails. It's far enough away from the National Park to not have a ton of foot traffic through.

    No reservations."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Grand Lake, CO

688 Reviews of 157 Grand Lake 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!

  • 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.

  • 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 Grand Lake

Dispersed camping near Grand Lake, Colorado provides free options throughout Arapaho National Forest at elevations between 8,800 to 11,000 feet. Most primitive camping sites are accessible via dirt roads that become increasingly challenging as you ascend, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles. The 2020 East Troublesome Fire affected several camping areas, creating a landscape that continues to recover with wildflowers now growing among burnt trees.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Meadow Creek Reservoir Fishing Site offers accessible fishing directly from campsites. "We could hear anyone else, saw a couple moose and got to fish right off our campsite!" notes Connor T., highlighting the privacy and convenience for anglers.

Wildlife viewing: Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite provides regular wildlife encounters. "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," reports Emma C., making this location ideal for nature observation.

Hiking access: Primitive sites near Allenspark provide access to trail networks. "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," mentions Bobby J., noting the strategic location for day hikes.

What campers like

Secluded creek sites: Allenspark Dispersed Camping offers water features that campers appreciate. "It was gorgeous! Lots of spots, and also lots of people. Some folks coming in late night. It's definitely a bumpy ride in," writes Brett A., describing the balance of natural beauty and popularity.

Large camping spaces: At several dispersed sites, campers enjoy room to spread out. "The sites were large. 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," explains Ryan L., emphasizing vehicle considerations.

Wildflower displays: Arapaho National Forest campsites showcase impressive wildflower regeneration post-fire. "Even though this forest was impacted by the troublesome fire in 2020, this place is still very beautiful. The flowers are absolutely gorgeous and the Columbine flower is scattered amount the wildflowers," writes amie M., highlighting the state flower presence.

What you should know

High-clearance requirements: Most roads to primitive camping near Grand Lake become challenging for standard vehicles. "The road is okay it goes up and up and up with little issue. There are campsites way up in there. Some need 4x4 to get to some you can just pull off the road a little," explains johny R.

Cell service limitations: Service varies dramatically by location and carrier. "If you are facing the lake, to your right just behind you there are some rocks. Walk twoard them and then maybe 30 yards away from the lake you can walk right up. Just follow your way up that hill to a rocky outlook... a little cell access," advises johny R. at Beaver Park Reservoir.

Weekend congestion: Sites fill rapidly during peak seasons. "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," notes Sydney R.

Camping permits: Certain areas require day or multi-day passes. "Fee area for day/multiday pass. It was $5 for day pass," reports Lilliana S., referencing requirements at Meadow Creek.

Tips for camping with families

Bear awareness: Multiple campers report bear encounters. "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," warns Ben O. from Allenspark, emphasizing the importance of proper food storage.

Weather preparation: The high elevation creates unpredictable conditions. "It is a high elevation location so be prepared for cold nights and afternoon rain/snow," advises GoWhereYouAreDraw N., noting the importance of packing layers regardless of season.

Mosquito protection: Hell Canyon Dispersed and nearby areas report significant insect activity. "It was hard to find a campsite, very busy- and if you did manage to find one the mosquitos were insane. Other than that the views were stunning and the weather was great," shares Jordan, highlighting the need for repellent.

Tips from RVers

Length limitations: Larger rigs face significant challenges on many forest roads. "We have a 25 foot camper and feet nicely in. Road in was good as well (May 2025). Some pots are close to each other and others have more space," reports James S., suggesting earlier access points work better for RVs.

Scouting recommendations: Stillwater Pass requires advance planning for larger vehicles. "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, emphasizing the importance of knowing your limits before committing to narrow roads.

Leveling challenges: Many dispersed sites require leveling equipment. "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," notes Steve M., highlighting a common issue for RV camping in this region.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best season for dispersed camping at Grand Lake?

The prime season for dispersed camping around Grand Lake is from late June through early September when mountain roads are reliably clear of snow and temperatures are most comfortable. Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 offers excellent summer camping with lush surroundings and good tree coverage. Early fall (September to early October) can be spectacular with fewer crowds and beautiful foliage, though nights get considerably colder. Many high-elevation areas like Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping typically remain snow-covered until late June, making late summer the most reliable time for accessing higher elevation sites.

Is free camping available near Grand Lake, and where are the best spots?

Yes, numerous free dispersed camping options exist near Grand Lake. Stillwater Pass Grand Lake Colorado - Dispersed offers some of the best free camping in the area with multiple sites suitable for various vehicle types. For a peaceful experience with good fishing access, Meadow Creek Reservoir Fishing Site provides free camping with basic amenities. The key to finding prime free spots is timing—arrive mid-week or early in the day during summer months. For those with 4WD vehicles, exploring forest service roads often leads to more secluded free sites. Remember that most free sites lack facilities, so come prepared with water and waste disposal solutions.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Grand Lake?

Dispersed camping in the Arapaho National Forest near Grand Lake follows standard USFS regulations: camp at least 100 feet from any water source, stay at established sites with existing fire rings when possible, and practice Leave No Trace principles. The maximum stay is typically 14 days within a 30-day period. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area has numbered sites that help manage usage, which is increasingly common in popular areas. Campfire restrictions are frequently implemented during dry periods, so check current fire bans before your trip. Pack out all trash and use portable toilets or proper burial techniques for human waste at least 200 feet from water sources.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Grand Lake, Colorado?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Grand Lake. Stillwater Pass is one of the most popular areas, offering numerous free sites with varying levels of privacy throughout the Arapaho National Forest. For those with 4WD vehicles, NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest provides more secluded camping opportunities. Many sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving mid-week or early in the day is recommended during peak season. Most dispersed sites in the area require high-clearance vehicles, though some spots closer to main roads are accessible with standard vehicles.