Top Free Dispersed Camping near Gypsum, CO
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Best Dispersed Sites Near Gypsum, CO (88)
1. Four Mile Road Dispersed
18 Reviews•54 Photos•969 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
2. Yeoman Park
8 Reviews•32 Photos•237 Saves** Due to recent drought conditions, bear activity has been increasing. For this reason a "food storage order" is in effect at the Yeoman Park Campground, requiring all food and refuse to be stored in hard-sided vehicles or approved bear-resistant containers, or supended at least 10 feet clear of the ground at all points and four feet horizontally from any supporting tree or pole. This order has been issued to provide for public safety and wildlife conservation. Hopefully it will reduce wildlife habituation problems. ** At an elevation of 9,000 feet, Yeoman Park Campground is located on the edge of a wetland meadow near Brush Creek and is partly within a mature spruce forest. There are beautiful views of Craig peak (11,902 ft). Yeoman Park campground has 24 campsites with picnic tables, fire ring grills and 11 sites have tent platforms; 15 of the sites are within a forested area while the other 9 are in the open. Eighteen sites can accommodate RV's 15-30 feet long and 6 sites have room for vehicles longer than 30 ft. Part of the campground has been redesigned to accommodate visitors with disabilities. Two campsites, one on either side of the accessible vault toilets in Loop A, are equipped with a modified picnic table and a low fire grill. There is also a fishing platform on Brush Creek near the park entrance. Yeoman Park is a good place to view an extensive beaver colony. There are many opportunities to watch small mammals such as tree and ground squirrels and to see birds of prey like the red-tailed hawk. The Yeoman Park Discovery Trail (200 yards) is accessible to those who have disabilities. There are interpretive signs encouraging visitors to use their senses to experience the nature of Yeoman Park. The Lake Charles Trail #1899 (5.35 miles) begins near the Fulford Cave Campground and goes into the Holy Cross Wilderness. From this trail you can also connect with Ironedge Trail #1873. Fulford Cave Trail #1875, will take you to the entrance of Fulford Cave. A visit to the historic mining town of Fulford is just a few miles up Forest Road 418. Foundations of an old Civilian Conservation Corps camp built in the 1930's can be seen in the meadow northwest of the campground. View a printable Recreation Quicksheet (.pdf) for this campground.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
$8 / night
3. Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
27 Reviews•132 Photos•1298 SavesThere 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
4. Deep Creek Trailhead Camp
5 Reviews•15 Photos•94 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
5. Bellyache Road
4 Reviews•10 Photos•41 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Cabins
6. Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed
11 Reviews•27 Photos•610 SavesThere are many dispersed camping opportunities on 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. Visitors are permitted to drive vehicles up to 300 feet from designated routes for purposes of dispersed camping as long as no resource damage is incurred in the process. Dispersed camping within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and forest system trails is prohibited unless otherwise designated. Campers may stay for a maximum of 14 days. Some areas may have additional special restrictions. This dirt road begins at the paved Red Sandstone Road near Vail and ends at either Piney Lake or Hwy 131 north of Wolcott: This road gets heavy vehicle traffic and also a fair number of mountain bike riders, so please share the road. The climb is gradual and steady, and all but the very lowest of passenger cars can handle this relatively easy dirt road. The road winds its way up along Red Sandstone Creek and then Indian Creek with occasional views south over Vail Mountain, before reaching its high point near the trailhead for Lost Lake Trail. Here you can choose to head west toward Muddy Pass and Hwy 131, or head toward Piney Lake as your destination. Enjoy the peace and beauty here or take a hike up the Upper Piney River Trail, but remember that the lake is surrounded by the Eagles Nest Wilderness and is closed to bikes.
- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
7. Blue Lake Camp
2 Reviews•9 Photos•137 SavesThe Castle Peak Wilderness Study Area is a semi-primitive backcountry area with no facilities. There is no motorized or mechanized use within the WSA to help preserve erosive soils, wildlife, scenic values, water quality and cultural resources.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
8. Forest Road 130
18 Reviews•65 Photos•799 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
9. Homestake Reservoir Rd Milemarker 3 - Dispersed
7 Reviews•28 Photos•315 SavesThere are many dispersed camping opportunities on 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.
Visitors are permitted to drive vehicles up to 300 feet from designated routes for purposes of dispersed camping as long as no resource damage is incurred in the process. Dispersed camping within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and forest system trails is prohibited unless otherwise designated. Campers may stay for a maximum of 14 days. Some areas may have additional special restrictions.
Reduce Resource Damage
Avoid making new impacts. Whenever possible, use an existing campsite rather than creating a new one. Dispose of human waste, including toilet paper, carefully. Use self-contained waste disposal systems whenever possible. When unavailable, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 – 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, camp sites, and roads or trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Properly manage sanitation. Dispose of waste, gray water, sewage, and sewage treatment chemicals from self-contained toilets at authorized facilities provided for that purpose. Pack it in, pack it out. Do not leave behind any waste or litter. Leave no trace. Leave established sites in better condition than you found them. Leave new sites in as natural condition as you found them. Don’t move firewood. Moving firewood long distances can help spread harmful pests. Use only locally sourced or dead or downed firewood. Be bear aware. You are in bear country. Leave food, trash, and all items with fragrance (e.g., toothpaste, deodorant) in vehicle, bear-proof canisters, or suspended in bear bags. Do not eat in your tent. Visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife's web site for more information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
10. Basalt Mountain Dispersed
1 Review•1 Photo- Pets
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
Showing results 1-10 of 88 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Gypsum
285 Reviews of 88 Gypsum Campgrounds
Melissa G.
Traveler
Basalt Mountain Dispersed
Basalt Mountain Road
Multiple sites up here for camping. Trailer/RV friendly.
Conner
Guide
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
Adam D.
Scout
Bellyache Road
Super rutted out, but unbelievable views
Definitely would advise 4x4, and not for travel trailers at all. Bringing one up could lead to a serious situation , since there are no places to turn around whatsoever. That said, views were absolutely breathtaking. We also lucked out and saw the northern lights while at site.
Dwight R.Traveler
Twin Lakes Dispersed
Late Sept Fall colors
We had a blast with this spot, arrived late at night and woke up inside an aspen grove. There is a lot of hiking trails and some cool spots to visit down by the lakes.
jsbeezgGuide
FR 48 Dispersed Camping
Road is CLOSED!
The road has been closed and there is no longer access to this camp area.
- ttommy S.Scout
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!
- JJordyn B.Scout
Hoosier Pass Dispersed Camping
Overall nice spots
We stayed one Saturday on Hoosier and we were able to find a spot. Not super private and lots of off leash dogs but beautiful walking trails!
- hhercules N.Scout
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!
Pete K.Guide
Ute Pass Dispersed Camping
Easy and secluded
We came here after failing to find a dispersed location closer to Silverthorne. It turned out to be a hidden gem with lots of secluded sites. Plus the drive in/out is super easy (apart from the final road to the campsite; that requires a 4WD vehicle, without question) - it was more-or-less the same drive time as original choice. Just without the hassle of navigating a busy one-way dirt road.
- LLydiaScout
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!
Tyler S.GuideSpruce Creek/Crystal Creek Designated Dispersed Camping
Spruce Creek Camping
Great campsite overall! You park and then walk to your site which is set back and surrounded by gorgeous trees. Lots of flat ground. It did get very chilly here, so beware! Also, lots of moisture in the air. The fire pit was fantastic!!
Brittany R.Guide
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!
- EErich M.Scout
Four Mile Road Dispersed
Where are all the great sites???
Went here on a Saturday in Sept after reading all the great reviews. Drove for miles and every site taken. There aren't many sites like people would make you think. Have these people been to the San Jaun Mountains - so much better. Had to drive home because just nothing available.
- Hannah T.Scout
Hubbard Mesa West
Absolutely trashed
Absolutely horrifying conditions. Litter everywhere. Glass, bullets, nails, and batteries everywhere. We were so horrified, we didn't stay.
- DDeitz B.Guide
Washington Gulch Dispersed 2
Nice sites and views
I camped for 2 nights a few days apart in different sites. The first one was WG30 and it had an amazing view. I forgot to take note of the second one, but it was a little bit more down the road. Fire pits here which is nice. There’s a few spaces in the wide open and some nestled into some trees.
Both nights that I stayed here there was a site that had a tent and table, but no one came back that night. Tuesday night and Friday night and nothing had changed. Kind of a bummer when someone snags a nice spot like that and isn’t there for multiple days.
Amy K.Guide
Deep Creek Trailhead Camp
Quiet spot
Pretty good spot with ok views. Used starlink with no issues. Driver further up the road and found a good spot on the side of the road with a fire pit.
JoshScout
Twin Lakes Dispersed Camping - Site 1 West
Party town
Too much partying and loud music until midnight-1am.... Campsites are nice though.
- LLorene N.Guide
Forest Road 130
Labor Day Weekend
We found huge spots spread far enough apart that you can’t see or hear neighbors on Labor Day weekend. Tried spots by Twin Lakes first but SO crowded. Close to Twin Lakes and Leadville. Bring your huge RVs cause this is the place for that.
Jeff A.TravelerMcCullough Gulch Designated Dispersed Camping
Nice spot between Alma and Blue River
As the other reviews describe, it’s a groomed dirt road entrance near the parking lot for the Mount Quandary trail. Most sites would be tricky with a trailer because of the lack of turn around space (sites 6 & 7 would work for this).
We took the road to its end, which is where you’ll find spots 9 & 10. These spots share a small parking area and turn around. The road to sites 8-10 gets tricky in a few spaces but we were able to make it up and down with an AWD SUV. Great views!
- bbrandon W.Guide
Forest Road 130
Nice stay close to Mt. Elbert
This was a great stay which was close to Mt. Elbert. Many sites available as I came late around 9pm. Close to the town as well. I got there via the old trusty Honda Accord and pitched a tent.
Elsa P.Guide
Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground
bear country & peaceful quiet
out of all the places I stayed this was the one I really thought I might encounter a bear but alas no bears. bear boxes & fire pits though! eerily quiet at times but overall very peaceful. struts did not love the road but very doable in my forester. there is an absolutely stunning punchbowl swimming spot right down the road heading towards Aspen. would stay here again for sure.
Anita A.Guide
Yeoman Park
Remote Serenity
Beautiful views, easy access with 30 ft TT. Water stream with lots of beaver dams. Great for riding our ebikes. Saw squirrels, deer, one moose, skunk (no spray), a couple prong horn sheep, eagle, endless beauty. Make sure you have full water supply Camp host Stanley is a great guy!
- RRachelScout
North Fork Lake Creek Dispersed
Friend recommended this spot
I haven’t been here yet, but my friend has been to this spot and recommends it!
Ashton R.Traveler
Twin Lakes View
Beautiful
Went and stayed for a few day, it was beautiful! I would definitely go again there were plenty of camps sites
Kelly L.Scout
Bear River Designated Dispersed
beautiful area
However what I found was designated site only camping mostly on the side of the road and they were not free. $10/night
- jjason D.Scout
Hoosier Pass Dispersed Camping
Great spots
Wonderful spots for camping off the road. Traffic noise is minimal as lots of trees and at night so peaceful. Directions say you have to walk to site but that’s false. All spots are drive up that I found. Roughly 6-7 spots and maybe more if you continue on the road up the mountain
Steven P.Scout
Lake View Dispersed
Beautiful camping near some great hiking
This was our first camping trip ever, after 26 years of hiking in Colorado!
We had a family across the road, but they were quiet. It was so peaceful and beautiful. Mosquitos were annoying but we controlled them with a Thermacell.
So nice to just get up and have breakfast and hike. We can't wait to get back out again.
Guide to Gypsum
Camping near Gypsum, Colorado, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the nearby trails. Campers have enjoyed the hiking options, with one reviewer mentioning, "Easy access to the ghost town of Independence, the Grottos, Weller Lake all on the pass and Aspen just 30 minutes on the other side" at Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground.
- Fishing: The rivers and lakes in the area are great for fishing. One camper at Deep Creek Campground said, "They had a fire ring. Also, you can hear the creek down below the entire night which was quite peaceful."
- Sightseeing: Check out the stunning views and local attractions. A visitor to Glenwood Canyon Resort noted, "We’ve enjoyed watching Rafters, Kayakers & Geese float & fly the turns of the River."
What campers like:
- Seclusion: Many campers appreciate the privacy offered by sites like those at Difficult Campground, where one reviewer mentioned, "Nice amount of privacy between campsites."
- Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Gore Creek Campground are praised for their cleanliness. A camper remarked, "Hands down the cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever seen."
- Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. One visitor at Ami's Acres Campground said, "Super friendly hosts and no problem finding a spot without reservation."
What you should know:
- Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground, do not offer drinking water or electric hookups. A reviewer noted, "No amenities, no laundry, no showers, no electricity."
- Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A camper at Homestake Road Dispersed mentioned, "The road was fine this past weekend and was easily navigable in an all stock '13 sub outback."
- Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at Difficult Campground warned, "There was a bear raiding vehicles at night so make sure you lock everything and use the bear boxes provided at each site!"
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. A family at Glenwood Canyon Resort enjoyed, "Clean, accessible Bathhouse facilities."
- Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. One reviewer at Four Mile Road Dispersed said, "We found a spot that was easy enough to pull into in our Nissan Rogue."
- Pack Snacks and Games: Keep the kids entertained with snacks and games. A camper at Gypsum Campground mentioned, "This is a great stop for a night."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Glenwood Canyon Resort noted, "The sites were tight. Class A's take up most of it."
- Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways. One camper at Gypsum Campground said, "The campground is right on the river which is very nice but it's right on 70 so the road noise is pretty loud all night."
- Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before heading to more remote sites. A camper at Deep Creek Campground mentioned, "If first 5 designated spots are filled just drive up to rec area and get into the ACEC area and you’re fine."
Camping near Gypsum, Colorado, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just be prepared for the unique challenges and rewards that come with camping in this beautiful area!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Gypsum, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Gypsum, CO is Four Mile Road Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Gypsum, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 88 dispersed camping locations near Gypsum, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.