Snow closes the higher sites in the forests west of Greeley, CO from late fall through late spring, which narrows the practical dispersed camping window to roughly May through October. Greeley sits on the Front Range plains, and the closest national forest dispersed access requires driving west toward the Cache la Poudre corridor or the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest roads above Loveland and Fort Collins. The flatlands east and south of Greeley have no dispersed camping but Allenspark, Gordon Gulch, and Pawnee Buttes are just a few dispersed camp spots in the Greeley general area. The drive to more dispersed camping from Greeley adds around 45 minutes to an hour each way. Developed campgrounds closer to town are a more practical option if you're not set on dispersed sites.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
"There are pit toilets but as nice as any pit toilets, adequate. Mounted grills and fire pit rings are available on most sites."
"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)."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"You have to drive through a neighborhood to get to the serving road. Follow the directions on Google and you’ll be fine. The best spots are a little further back. The road will come to a Y go left."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
$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."
ScoutDon’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
TravelerBeautiful 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
RangerSo 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!
ScoutMy 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.
TravelerI went here the week before campgrounds opened in this area, around May 7th. I had a pop up trailer and got there around 5pm on a Friday. Most spots were already taken and the road was a bit washed out. We got stopped by a camper letting us know not to go further because of the road condition and we shared a spot for the night. I would recommend this spot if you have a 4 wheel drive car with high clearance. Later in the season when the water levels are lower it might be easier to navigate but we saw a car or two get towed out
GuideThis is a great place to start car camping or backpack camping. The roads for my truck were easy to traverse and navigate. Saw some hatchbacks, SUV’s, and other lower clearance vehicles. They did just fine so if you have that you can do it if you take your time. But stay on the main road to the lake some side roads are extremely hard even for my truck. But there is plenty of sites to disperse camp. Pretty much if you explore around you’ll find a nice place to set up with a made campfire already. Also please take care of the fire, pet and alcohol restrictions. They had a fire restriction and they gave out tickets to those who had them, just be aware. Have a great time, it’s beautiful country out there
TravelerCamped here for one night in August. 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. After a quick clean up, the site was fine for my purposes. I hammock camp and I was happy to see that many of the sites here have more than adequate trees for hanging. The roads can be a bit rough so the further back you go the necessity for a high clearance vehicle increases. There are several off road and hiking trails directly attached to the camping areas. I noticed that the forest service had erected wooden barriers at several of the campsites in an effort to control where people park. At my campsite #6 someone had obviously pulled off road vehicles into the campsite and tore the ground up pretty good. Tent camping at this particular site would be difficult due tot he lack of flat spots. Other sites seemed to be flatter. All in all this was a great place to camp for free with several nearby hikes and attractions.
GuideThe coordinates on Dyrt are a little off from the actual location but if you drive down roads that lead to toward views of the canyon, you’ll get there. The road passes through lots of private property, which can trick you into thinking you’re driving down the wrong road. The trailhead parking lot has one giant rut that you must be careful to navigate around. 2 Wheel Dr. and low clearance vehicles can do it, but should be extremely careful in how they approach. Parking lot is a short walk to some beautiful views of the canyon! Please be respectful as many people live within eyesight of the trailhead
ScoutYou'll hear some OHV activity, but we always enjoy camping here. Bring lots of water in the summer, or a filter in the spring when the snow is melting.
Scout out the area ahead if you don't have a high clearance AWD/4X4.
You could find yourself on a washed out road in a hurry.
Dispersed camping areas near Greeley, Colorado extend into the Roosevelt and Arapaho National Forests, with multiple sites situated along flowing creeks and mountain terrain. Most sites are accessible from May through October, with July and August offering the most reliable conditions. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations, though unpredictable snowfall can block access roads even in early spring.
Hiking trails access: At Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping, campsites connect directly to a network of hiking paths. "This camping is spread along a hiking trail that follows the St. Vrain river. In order to get to the camp spots you have to park in the parking lot and then walk over a bridge and about a .25 mile down the trail until you hit the first camping spot," notes Stephanie R.
Creek fishing: Several sites provide creek access for fishing. At Ceran St. Vrain, one camper reports, "caught lots of trout (none big enough to keep)." Sites located near water typically fill first, especially during summer months.
Night sky observation: The Pawnee Buttes area offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. "This area is also a 'dark site,' so on clear, moonless nights the stars/Milky Way are phenomenal," reports one visitor. The open grassland terrain provides unobstructed horizon views with minimal light pollution.
Creek sound: Allenspark Dispersed Camping provides sites near flowing water. "Good whitenoise from the creek," notes Kevin F., while another camper mentions the "quick and easy get away" aspect of these locations.
Wildlife encounters: Animal sightings are common across the dispersed camping areas. At Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, visitors report: "Lots of chipmunks and hummingbirds due to the many wild flowers," and "Moose visitors at dawn and evening" according to different campers.
Solitude options: The camping areas vary in privacy levels. "The camp spots are pretty spread apart. They are set up along the river with fire pits and plenty of trees around," mentions a Ceran St. Vrain camper. However, another notes, "in the early morning when hikers start coming in it can get pretty loud."
Road conditions vary significantly: Many sites require navigating rough terrain. At Hell Canyon Dispersed, "Road up is a bit rough but I saw many SUVs make it, the gate sign recommends 4x4," says Jon S. Another camper warns: "My 2wd van made it up a little but I couldn't get passed one of the big hills."
Seasonal closures and restrictions: Some areas close entirely during certain periods. At Weld Road 49 dispersed camping, campers report finding "a barbed wire fence up and a notice stating it was closed until November 2026." Always check current status before traveling.
Private property boundaries: Several camping areas border private land with strict access limitations. At Gold Lake, a visitor notes: "The owners of the lake have cameras on all sides but there was one section left open for shores access but no swimming, fishing, or use of the lake itself."
Site selection timing: Arrive early to secure the most suitable spots. "If you can get there early, definitely do so. Not all campgrounds are really that flat but it's free," advises one camper about Gordon Gulch. Weekends fill quickly, particularly at sites closest to Greeley.
Wildlife precautions: Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed campers report: "Lots of wildlife; squirrels, rabbits, and a moose that walked right by our campsite." Some areas have more concerning wildlife encounters: "We yelled and made a lot of racket but it didn't phase the lion," reports a camper who encountered a mountain lion at Ceran St. Vrain.
Weather preparation: Wind affects camping comfort significantly at open sites. At Pawnee Buttes - Dispersed Camping, a visitor warns: "Very windy area but nice enough for a quick stop driving though." Another notes: "The wind rocked the car most of the night. It wasn't an issue for us sleeping in the car, but I wouldn't tent camp."
Turnaround space: Several free camping areas near Greeley have limited space for larger vehicles to maneuver. "Husband and I drove out of the way to stay here, and when we arrived, there was a barbed wire fence up. We have a 38' TT, so trying to turn around on this road was impossible," cautions an RVer about Weld Road 49.
Site sizing limitations: Most sites accommodate smaller rigs only. At Hell Canyon, a camper notes: "The road was a little rough for a pop up camper. More for tents." For those with larger setups, Beaver Park Reservoir offers "several good sized RV spots. We have a 25 foot camper and feet nicely in."
Limited amenities: Free camping near Greeley means preparing for self-sufficient camping. No hookups, water sources, or dump stations exist at any dispersed sites. All water must be carried in, and waste packed out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities can I expect at dispersed camping sites near Greeley?
Dispersed camping sites near Greeley typically offer minimal to no amenities - that's part of the primitive camping experience. At Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping, you'll find spots near a stream but no developed facilities. Similarly, Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping provides scenic views but no amenities. Be prepared to bring all necessities: ample water (or a filter during spring snowmelt), portable toilet supplies, food storage, and trash bags as pack-in, pack-out principles apply. Most sites lack picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, or trash service. Cell service varies by location, with some areas maintaining Verizon coverage while others offer none.
Where can I find dispersed camping areas near Greeley?
Several dispersed camping areas are accessible from Greeley, though most require driving into the surrounding foothills and mountains. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area offers approximately 15 numbered sites plus additional unnumbered sites further along Forest Road 233.1. For those seeking mountain views, Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed provides stunning scenery, though be mindful of private property boundaries around the lake. Both areas are within reasonable driving distance from Greeley, but plan accordingly as the best dispersed camping opportunities are found heading west toward the mountains rather than on the plains immediately surrounding the city.
Is there free camping available around Greeley?
Yes, free camping is available around Greeley, though most options require driving into the surrounding mountain areas. Pole Hill Rd Dispersed offers free camping but requires high clearance 4WD vehicles and careful navigation to avoid private property. Another option is Hell Canyon Dispersed, which also requires 4x4 capability but provides free camping with good Verizon signal. Free camping generally operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early (especially on weekdays) improves your chances of securing a spot. Most free sites have 14-day stay limits, and while they lack amenities, they offer authentic outdoor experiences without campground fees.
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