Primitive camping near Green Mountain Falls, Colorado requires navigation across several forest service roads at elevations between 7,000-9,500 feet. Seasonal temperature variations are significant, with summer daytime highs averaging 70-85°F and nighttime lows dropping to 40-50°F. Winter conditions can make many dispersed areas inaccessible from November through April, with snowfall accumulation common even during spring months.
What to do
Hiking to Rampart Reservoir: The Rainbow Gulch trail leads to Rampart Reservoir, accessible directly from several dispersed sites. "We took this hike and it was absolutely fantastic—a majestic walk through the woods brings you to flowing creek that you follow all the way down to the reservoir," reports a camper at Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park.
Fishing opportunities: Rampart Reservoir holds rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. "There are amazing views of Pikes Peak from up here. Other than the ohv noise, there is also a lot of target shooting in the area so you will hear gunfire," notes a visitor to Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite.
Off-highway vehicle exploration: Forest Service roads feature extensive trail networks. "Rampart Range Road is the main dirt road that has plenty of smaller trails branching off of it to keep you busy exploring all summer," explains a camper. "Find the right forest service road and you'll feel like you are a million miles from it all."
What campers like
Secluded creek sites: Primitive camping along water features provides natural sound barriers. "We walked a bit to find a good spot right next to the creek with a mini fire pit and enough flat ground to pitch a tent. The spot was gorgeous and the sound of the creek completely drowned out any noises or people," shares a camper at Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed.
Panoramic views: Higher elevation sites provide expansive vistas. "Beautiful views, ~50 minutes of rocky gravel road to reach the top but doable in any vehicle depending on the weather. Tons of spots and easy to be secluded," reports a visitor to Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping.
Weekday solitude: Midweek camping offers significantly less crowding. "We spent 5 nights Sunday to Friday. I did get an uneasy feeling about a few vans and cars that came to the area for a short time. We seen a few abandoned camps one that was closest to us a tent with a few pots and a sombrero oddly."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Regulations vary seasonally with strict enforcement. "Open Fires are not permitted, at least right now. And our site did not have a fire ring. The sites were trashy, there was toilet paper all around," notes a camper at Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area.
Site conditions: Many dispersed areas require cleanup before camping. "Looked at 3-4 different sites all had a decent amount of broken glass so be careful with pets/little ones. Certain areas of this road are heavily graded so take it slow if need be."
Wildlife awareness: Bears, mountain lions and other wildlife frequent these areas. "Wanted to stay for two nights but only did two days, because a mountain lion tore a deer to shreds about a day or two prior to my arrival by my campsite and i was spooked. Had two dogs but had an eerie feeling and left early but it was gorgeous."
Tips for camping with families
Cleanliness concerns: Bring trash bags to deal with existing litter. "We love to camp and get away, but not to this campsite. We arrived and notice the trash not the beauty of the mountain. There was trash everywhere and not just camping trash. People have been dumping here."
Cell service variability: Coverage changes dramatically by location. "There is evidence of some parties and broken glass so watch out for that but mostly clean and taken care of. Some traffic coming through but nothing loud or obnoxious," reports a visitor to Mt. Herman Road Dispersed Site 2.
Weather preparation: Mountain conditions change rapidly. "We had great phone service. There are three campsites running along three different fingers. The second one has a portable bathroom. I talked to some locals who said grabbing deadfall was fine for fire wood," explains a camper at Rampart Range Dispersed Site.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Many access roads deteriorate as they climb. "Sorry, No photos. It is very beautiful up there. I have only been here once, and I did not do enough research. I recently purchased a 26ft sustainable travel trailer and decided to take it out for the first time. Well the road up is very tight. Very skinny switchbacks."
Seasonal access challenges: Spring thaws create mud and ruts. "Looking at 3-4 different sites all had a decent amount of broken glass so be careful with pets/little ones. Certain areas of this road are heavily graded so take it slow if need be."
Site selection timing: Arrive early, especially on weekends. "Handful of spots stretched out along the road. It was hard to find some open space on a Saturday around 3."
