Best Dispersed Camping near Granite, CO

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Granite? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Granite, CO (147)

    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 130
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 130
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 130
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 130
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 130
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 130

    1. Forest Road 130

    18 Reviews
    65 Photos
    800 Saves
    Leadville, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes View Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes View Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes View Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes View Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes View Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes View Dispersed

    2. Twin Lakes View Dispersed

    17 Reviews
    50 Photos
    1265 Saves
    Granite, Colorado

    Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".

    Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

    3. Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

    27 Reviews
    132 Photos
    1299 Saves
    Aspen, Colorado

    There are 22 dispersed campsites for car camping along Lincoln Creek Road. High Clearance required and 4x4 recommended to access all campsites. All sites are first come first serve. No facilities such as toilets or water are available. Maximum 5 day stay limit.

    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping

    4. Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping

    37 Reviews
    102 Photos
    2097 Saves
    Blue River, Colorado

    This designated dispersed camping area along County Road 10 has 23 sites.

    **Please note: Camping is ONLY allowed in areas designated by a sign. ** Camping in undesignated spots could result in a citation from the U.S. Forest Service. Not adhering to camping duration maximums or using U.S. Forest land for residential purposes could result in a citation from the U.S. Forest Service.

    Please refer to special orders and contact the USFS Offices with questions: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd842796.pdf

    Regulations pertaining to designated dispersed camping are as follows:

    Camp only in designated sites.

    No camping at trailheads.

    Food and garbage must be properly secured in bear-resistant containers or inside vehicles in sealed containers.

    Pack out all waste: human, garbage, paper, organics, etc.

    There are many dispersed camping opportunities in the forest ranging from backpacking to car-camping along designated Forest Roads. Visitors are encouraged to minimize resource impacts by utilizing established sites rather than creating new ones. Dispersed camping sites along Forest Roads are shown on Motor Vehicle Use Maps, which are available free of charge at ranger district offices.At the start of the tour you immediately have spectacular views of the Blue River Valley and the majestic Tenmile Range. The road, managed by Summit County, follows the old South Park and Pacific Railroad bed, climbing on a gradual 3% grade. The road climbs past Bakers Tank to the summit of Boreas Pass at the Continental Divide. The road then continues down the other side of Boreas Pass for another 10.4 miles to the town of Como in Park County. From 1872 to 1938 the road was used as a narrow-gauge railroad and gained fame as the nation’s highest narrow-gauge railroad, running from Como to Breckenridge. This is a great road to view Fall colors. This road is open to highway legal vehicles only during May-October, and closed to motorized vehicle access seasonally at Summit County discretion, generally October to May.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 1 West
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 1 West
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 1 West
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 1 West
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 1 West
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 1 West

    6. Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 1 West

    11 Reviews
    41 Photos
    497 Saves
    Granite, Colorado

    Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike and San Isabel National Forests where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping". In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 2 West
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 2 West
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 2 West
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 2 West
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 2 West
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 2 West
    Camper-submitted photo from Chaffee County Road 390 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Chaffee County Road 390 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Chaffee County Road 390 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Chaffee County Road 390 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Chaffee County Road 390 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Chaffee County Road 390 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Winfield Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Winfield Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Winfield Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Winfield Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Winfield Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Winfield Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping
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Showing results 1-10 of 147 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Granite

547 Reviews of 147 Granite Campgrounds


  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 272 Dispersed Camping
    Dec. 7, 2024

    Forest Road 272 Dispersed Camping

    Spacious Mountain Views with a Few Cow Visitors

    Coordinates: 38.702830,-106.160280

    This dispersed camping area offers stunning mountain views, spacious sites perfect for large groups, and easy access to excellent hiking trails. The September weather was ideal—cool and crisp without being too cold. While the site feels fairly secluded, beware of grazing cows from local ranches that wander through; be sure to secure food and belongings you don’t want damaged. Dog owners should be mindful of cleanup, as cow and dog waste can be an issue. There are two porta-potties onsite that are cleaned weekly, but campers must pack out all their trash to maintain the area’s natural beauty. Overall, it’s a fantastic spot for those looking for a peaceful escape with plenty of room to spread out.

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Lake Backpack Site
    Nov. 24, 2024

    Bear Lake Backpack Site

    Belle of Colorado @ Tourquoise Lake

    Originally quite nice, tent camping, clean area, nice sites, water available, bathrooms, and access to fishing. Weekends tend now to religious services... :( Been 4 times but now prefer less commercial/church interuptions. RV crud makes for noisy generators, bouncy houses, karaoke... :( Some people swim. Boating. Good perimeter trail, biking allowed.

  • Jordana P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful views and great privacy

    I stayed here for 1 night of car camping and will definitely go back. I only went about 4 miles in on the rocky/rutted road (vs the 5 miles that the directions say) and thought the sites were great. I stayed at a big site on the right with beautiful views and a fire ring. Aside from hearing some (maybe - not sure) coyotes at night, I wasn't aware of any other wildlife. I was in a 4Runner and my friend that I was with was driving a Highlander. As another poster commented, I saw a small sedan in one of the sites but wouldn't drive way out in anything but an SUV or truck. I have AT&T and had 2 bars of service.

  • Leah K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Overlook Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Twin Lakes Overlook Dispersed Camping

    Great Camping Spot

    This was a great camping spot. There are several campsites by the water and other campsites, not by the water. The campsites are kind of close together, but not terrible. I went early on a Friday and got a beautiful spot by the water. By the end of the day, all the sites around the water were full. So if that's important to you, be sure to get there early. There were still plenty of other gorgeous campsites, not by the water available all weekend. There are also hiking trails located here. One of which is called "Interlaken Trail." It's about a 5 mile hike total and takes you to a "Ghost Resort" called "Inter-Laken" that was abandoned around WW1. You can even go inside one of the buildings, and there are Historical Marker plaques that talk about the abandoned resort. The signal is great so I had cell service and data the entire time. Highly recommend!

  • Wendy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area

    Great views

    Lots of open spots in mid October. Slow going on rocky and bumpy dirt road but Chevy express 2wd did fine. Low clearance vehicles take extreme caution. Stayed in loop A, also a B&C.

  • Conner The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Breckenridge Overlook
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Breckenridge Overlook

    Sleep in car only - park on the edge of a cliff with breathtaking views

    Just one mile further up the road or so you will reach Destinated camp sites which I prefer.

    Although I saw 5 camp cars parked on the side of the road (this is a Monday night) facing the cliff that night and like 2 the next morning when I left for work. I was jealous a little bit of their views

  • Alice S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 1 West
    Oct. 3, 2024

    Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 1 West

    Not Bad

    The road up to the campground is pretty rough for the first 100 ft or so but then it gets a lot better. Quite a bit of space but no privacy. I would definitely not suggest for large rvs. I’m in a van and didn’t have much problems at all.

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spruce Creek/Crystal Creek Designated Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Spruce Creek/Crystal Creek Designated Dispersed Camping

    Autumnal leaf-peeping and star-gazing

    Site 4 featured 3 well established campfire rings, one with a lean-to. The three spots are separated enough to enjoy with seclusion, also had plenty of parking. There are a number of easily accessible trails nearby. Surrounded by pines there weren't a lot of Aspens turning for the season visible from camp, but the hikes in the area led to some beautiful vistas and meadows that afforded opportunities to see seas of leaves turning. This site required AWD and good clearance to get to, but well worth it and offered a good out of the way camping experience and great star gazing opportunity as there was a new moon when we went, so saw plenty of shooting stars and the milky way!

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed

    Beautiful, but a little busy

    Went out late on a Friday night. My timing was wrong to get a good spot, but I was hoping there would be at least one spot left, unfortunately all the established sites I could reach were taken! I couldn't get more than a few miles up the road, the first few were manageable in my Impreza but having a higher clearance vehicle is definitely ideal. I was able to find a spot to pitch my tent for the night, but it was far from level or smooth. Still, incredible views of the stars and absolutely gorgeous to see the Aspen leaves changing!

  • Leah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful & Easy

    We stayed on site 21, arrived around 5pm on a Thursday night and it was amazing! We were shocked the site was still available, a couple other sites also had great views but 21 was definitely impressive. We read the previous reviews which made it easy for us to find. Sunset was beautiful, it was quiet and peaceful, and the moon lit up the entire area. Each site had a stoned fire pit and there are marked site numbers. The road up was busy with people leaf peeping so drive carefully, as of Sept 19th aspens were bright yellow and leaves were changing beautifully.

  • Stacy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping

    Easy to get to, beautiful scenery

    Easy to get to from metro Denver and it's super close to Silverthorne. Dispersed camping sites are still somewhat close together. We could definitely hear other campers around us talking and such. The road to get up was easy (we stayed in #9 - not sure about the ones farther up the road). I had to come in later as I had a work appointment, so I drove up in my Jetta to meet up with my husband. If my little Jetta can make it, almost any car can! Timing wise, we were up Sept 21 & 22 (2024) and the fall colors were GORGEOUS.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 130
    Sep. 21, 2024

    Forest Road 130

    Beautiful open campsites

    We loved this campsite — still open in late September and already had a fire ring waiting for us. There were lots of dispersed spots right off the road and it was quiet and peaceful!

  • Silouan A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate River Dispersed Sites
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Slate River Dispersed Sites

    Great area, lots of available sites

    This is the go to place in this area. Just past Oh Be Joyful campground, there are a few miles of posted sites, fist come first serve.

  • Kaydi R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping

    Tent Camping

    This campsite was gorgeous and fairly easy to get to. We drove a 2WD SUV with average clearance up and as long as you go slow and avoid the divots you’ll be fine. We got our campsite on a Friday morning, most/all campsites were gone by Saturday so it’s definitely a good idea to get there early. Our campsite was a short walk down the hill from the road and it did a good job and keeping our site private.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FourMile Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 16, 2024

    FourMile Dispersed Camping

    Tiny But Convenient

    This dispersed camping area was extremely small but a convenient place to camp the night before summiting Sherman. It was a bit tricky to find/decipher what was dispersed and what was the intentional campground. Honestly not even sure if the place I found was the actual dispersed area. By other reviews left, it felt right to me. My friend and I car camped here, we had a quiet night. The neighbors were all very quiet and respectful of quiet hours and personal space. The vault toilet was extremely clean with no odor. I enjoyed the washboard road! During our time there were advisories for bear activity in the area.

  • Brittany R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from McCullough Gulch Designated Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 15, 2024

    McCullough Gulch Designated Dispersed Camping

    Great campground!

    My partner and I hiked the McCullough Gulch Waterfall trail and camped at this campground. Couldn’t have been a better location for the hike! No problem getting a site and the roads were fine to get to with our non-4wd rental car. There were a few sites (I’m assuming the ones with the valley view that we couldn’t access in our car though). Highly recommend overall though!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area

    Lots of Options

    A lot of stuff if the road. I was pulling a popup trailer so we didn’t go too far up the road just in case it got choppy. Seemed like there is quite a few spaces. Talked to a few people who had been staying there for around a week.



Guide to Granite

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Granite, Colorado, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning mountain views and access to hiking trails, this area offers a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts.

Dispersed campers should check out Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

  • This location provides a peaceful atmosphere, with bear boxes and fire pits available for safety and convenience.
  • The road leading to Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground is manageable for most vehicles, making it accessible for a variety of campers.
  • Nearby, there’s a breathtaking punchbowl swimming spot, perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of hiking.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Granite, Colorado

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during weekends when places like Forest Road 130 can get busy with fellow campers.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Twin Lakes View Dispersed has no drinking water or toilets, so plan accordingly.
  • Respect the environment by following Leave No Trace principles, as some areas, like Twin Lakes Dispersed, have reported issues with littering.

Hiking and outdoor activities for dispersed campers

  • The North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping area offers immediate access to trails leading to the majestic Mt. Harvard, making it a prime spot for hikers.
  • Enjoy the scenic views and wildlife while camping near the Arkansas River at Stone Cabin, where you can also find great fishing opportunities.
  • For those seeking solitude, Hoosier Pass Dispersed Camping provides beautiful walking trails and a tranquil setting away from the hustle and bustle.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Granite, CO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Granite, CO is Forest Road 130 with a 4.7-star rating from 18 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 147 dispersed camping locations near Granite, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.