Best Dispersed Camping near Greeley, CO

Dispersed camping near Greeley, Colorado is primarily concentrated in the surrounding national forest areas, with several free sites located within 1-2 hours' drive. The Pawnee National Grassland offers primitive camping opportunities at Pawnee Buttes, while the Roosevelt National Forest contains multiple dispersed camping zones including Gordon Gulch, Hell Canyon, and Allenspark areas. These public lands permit no-fee camping with varying levels of accessibility and seasonal availability.

Access to most dispersed sites requires travel on unpaved roads that range from well-maintained gravel to rough, rutted terrain. High-clearance 4WD vehicles are recommended for many locations, particularly Hell Canyon, Gordon Gulch, and Dream Canyon areas. Most sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, with complete bans in some areas like Dream Canyon and Weld Road 49. Camping is typically limited to 14 days within a 30-day period on national forest land.

The dispersed camping areas around Greeley feature diverse landscapes from grasslands to mountain forests. Pawnee Buttes offers expansive prairie views with distinctive butte formations, while forest sites provide more shade and seclusion. Wildlife sightings are common, with visitors reporting moose at Gordon Gulch and fox at Gold Lake. Road conditions can significantly impact accessibility. "The road to lost lake requires high clearance. It is located 30 min away from Red Feather Lakes," notes one camper. Another mentions that at Gordon Gulch, "if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites." Cell service varies by location, with some areas like Pawnee Buttes offering reliable coverage while forest sites may have limited connectivity.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Greeley, Colorado (43)

    1. Hell Canyon Dispersed

    29 Reviews
    Pinewood Springs, CO
    35 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)."

    2. weld road 49 dispersed camping

    3 Reviews
    Ault, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    3. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    48 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."

    4. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    33 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    45 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."

    5. Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    28 Reviews
    Allenspark, CO
    43 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."

    6. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    45 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."

    "Went on a Tuesday afternoon and there was foot traffic around our spot from people headed on hikes."

    7. Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot

    9 Reviews
    Pinewood Springs, CO
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Awesome scenic drive, great spacious spot. But only for one party. If someone else is there, you're outta luck. Fire road is gated off so no other options."

    "Keep driving down Ski road until you find a fork in the road, and from there onwards are the campsites. Good whitenoise from the creek"

    8. Pawnee Buttes - Dispersed Camping

    21 Reviews
    Grover, CO
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 834-9270

    "Multiple dispersed campsites approaching the Pawnee Buttes trailhead from the west and southwest."

    "There are several areas to pull off, and if you are pulling a trailer, or you have a big rig, there is a loop parking lot at the Pawnee Buttes Trailhead that you can turn around in if you need to."

    9. Gold Lake Area Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    44 miles

    "My GPS from the coordinates just took me to the nearest town of Ward, CO.

    This is how I got there coming from the North:

    Take RT72 South to County Road 100."

    "Many spots along the CR once you find it, came in around 4pm on a Friday and there were still plenty of spots but started filling up fast. By 7pm, people were turning around as no spots were left."

    10. Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Jamestown, CO
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 541-2500

    $1 / night

    "My son and I joined a friend from Longmont and headed to this trail to camp for a couple days."

    "We went here with our 2 dogs for a quick overnighter-only about 45 minutes outside of Boulder. It was a Sunday morning and the lot was almost full when we got there around 9am."

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Showing results 1-10 of 43 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Greeley, CO

305 Reviews of 43 Greeley Campgrounds



Guide to Greeley

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Greeley, Colorado, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Greeley

  • Explore the scenic views and hiking trails at Hell Canyon Dispersed, where you can enjoy a peaceful night under the stars after a day of adventure.
  • Experience the thrill of off-roading at Pole Hill Rd Dispersed, which offers challenging terrain for those with 4WD vehicles looking to test their skills.
  • Take in the stunning mountain vistas while camping at Pingree Road Dispersed Camping, where you can also enjoy fishing and wildlife watching.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Greeley, Colorado

Wildlife Watching Opportunities for Dispersed Campers

  • Keep an eye out for local wildlife while camping at Johnny Park Road Camping, where you might spot deer and various bird species.
  • Enjoy the tranquility of nature at Allenspark Dispersed Camping, known for its serene environment and occasional bear sightings.
  • Visit Poudre Canyon Road Camp for a chance to see mountain goats and other wildlife, especially during early morning or late evening hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Greeley, CO is Hell Canyon Dispersed with a 3.5-star rating from 29 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 43 dispersed camping locations near Greeley, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.