Dispersed Camping near Hasty, CO

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    Dispersed camping options near Hasty, Colorado include several primitive sites on public lands. Neenoshe Reservoir provides basic camping with composting toilets but minimal other facilities. The reservoir area features approximately 15 designated parking spots in grassy areas that accommodate overnight stays. Melon Valley State Wildlife Area offers riverside camping with good views of the Arkansas River. Picketwire Canyon and Picket Wire Corrals provide more remote options with access to hiking trails. Vogul Canyon, while primarily a day-use area with covered picnic tables and grills, permits overnight parking according to visitor reports.

    Most sites require a valid Colorado State Wildlife Area permit for legal camping. Fire regulations vary by location; fires are permitted at Neenoshe Reservoir, Vogul Canyon, and Picketwire Canyon but prohibited at Melon Valley State Wildlife Area. According to reviews, Melon Valley has uneven terrain and is "not suitable for large rigs due to unlevel ground and very sharp approach from the east." Water is not available at any of these sites, so campers must bring all necessary supplies. Cell service is generally reliable at Neenoshe Reservoir and Melon Valley.

    Weather conditions present significant considerations for camping in this region. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F during daytime hours, while strong winds can make tent camping challenging, particularly at Neenoshe Reservoir. Several campers noted the area becomes "enormously windy" during evening hours. The high plains environment offers little natural shade. Wildlife viewing opportunities include numerous bird species, particularly around Neenoshe Reservoir where visitors report "lots of birds to listen to and watch." Access roads to some sites, particularly Picketwire Canyon, feature washboard conditions that require cautious driving.

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    Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Hasty (8)

      1. Neenoshe Reservoir

      4.0(6)20mi from HastyRVs, Tents

      "This lake bed is nearly dry so the camping was super empty. There’s some basic composting toilets but otherwise no facilities. I loved how remote and empty it was."

      "I drove past the compost toilet shack on down closer to the boat ramp area and car-camped for the night. I only saw one other vehicle at the location and that person was taking night sky photos."

      2. Melon Valley State Wildlife Area

      3.4(7)42mi from HastyRVs, Tents

      "There isn't much level ground, but if you're able to park close to the river and parallel to it, you'll be ok.  "

      "Last minute ditch effort to find a spot after driving 21 hours. Nice and quiet from any traffic and perfect breeze from the river. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise."

      3. Vogul Canyon

      4.0(1)38mi from Hasty

      "Nice pit toilets, like other USFS sites. There are garbage cans at each of the picnic tables. No water."

      4. Lake Meredith Camping

      2.0(3)41mi from HastyRVs, Tents

      5. Picket Wire Corrals

      4.3(3)48mi from Hasty

      "There’s disperse camping everywhere around the trailhead, which gives lead to endless campsites. You can even have a safe fire as long as fire danger is low. The hike is easy going and very scenic."

      6. Lake Henry

      4.0(1)42mi from Hasty

      "Full verizon 5g all around. This place ia pretty basic. But ita peaceful there is water and views of Pikes peak WAY off in the distance."

      7. Picketwire Canyon

      5.0(1)47mi from HastyTents

      8. Two Buttes Reservoir State Wildlife Area

      1.0(1)40mi from Hasty

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    Dispersed Camping Reviews near Hasty, CO

    17 Reviews of 8 Hasty Campgrounds


    • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 2, 2026

      Melon Valley State Wildlife Area

      Small place

      Down a smooth dirt road there is just a small parking area with river access. This place is super undeveloped and not level at all. No really spots just a dirt turn around by the river. Nothing else to mention that's seriously all this is

    • K
      Oct. 12, 2024

      Neenoshe Reservoir

      Lovely Foliage

      This lake bed is nearly dry so the camping was super empty. There’s some basic composting toilets but otherwise no facilities. I loved how remote and empty it was.

    • Glen F.
      Jun. 19, 2025

      Neenoshe Reservoir

      Nice Dispersed Camping Site

      I arrived after dark, which wasn’t optimal, but it worked out well. I drove past the compost toilet shack on down closer to the boat ramp area and car-camped for the night. I only saw one other vehicle at the location and that person was taking night sky photos. The composting toilet was in desperate need of a cleaning but it worked. Lots of birds to listen to and watch.

    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 19, 2024

      Neenoshe Reservoir

      No trees, high plains, hot in June, windy, not crowded

      About 15 parking spots off the road in a grassy patch with some bushes. Each spot with a sign labeled "parking" and not explicitly prohibiting camping. Arrived at 5pm and no one else was there but it was 100 degrees (June) too hot to set up tent etc so left and returned when the sun was setting at 8pm. Still no one else at the site and it had cooled down so began setting up tent but while sun was setting the winds picked up enormously (over 18mph) and whipping tent around it was too windy to tent camp so left around sunset. It would be a great camp site if it wasn't too windy! Very spacious, open land, birds singing, few people, green grass and bushes, near a reservoir for fishing, and no bugs besides ants, anthills, flies, grasshoppers, and stink bugs. Bathrooms down the road and good cellphone service

    • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Feb. 1, 2025

      Melon Valley State Wildlife Area

      Peaceful

      Good Verizon signal. Not suitable for large rigs due to unlevel ground and very sharp approach from the east. No one here when we arrived on a Friday night. Another vehicle came in during the night. No amenities and no fires allowed. Collected a Walmart bag full of trash in the morning. Let’s keep it clean folks.

    • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 2, 2026

      Lake Meredith Camping

      Townie vibes

      Good verizon 5g. This is a locals spot. They dont take great care of it the county or state or whoever is in charge looks like they stopped caring back in the late 80s. Its got access to the water and vault toilets that may or may not be open. Expect kids and dogs running around and people just doing laps cruising the dirt lot kicking up dust. This is a 1 day max spot for me. Just nothing really appealing here.

    • nThe Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 20, 2024

      Lake Meredith Camping

      Beware of This Loud and Chaotic Campsite

      I recently camped near a couple who made the experience quite unpleasant. First, there’s the constant, heavy use of cannabis—while not an issue for everyone, it was overwhelming at times. They also had eight dogs that were continuously barking, making it impossible to find any peace and quiet.

      The vehicle they arrived in seemed suspicious, too. The tag on the travel trailer says "in transit," but the plates are from 2018, which felt a bit sketchy.

      And then there’s the woman, who was constantly yelling at her phone, seemingly about online trolls. This went on day and night, making the entire experience unsettling.

      If you're seeking tranquility or a peaceful connection with nature, I'd recommend steering clear of this area if you see them camped out. Or call the police.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 18, 2025

      Neenoshe Reservoir

      Colorado parks and wildlife

      Unfortunately, about an hour after I set up camp, I was approached by a Colorado Parks and wildlife Ranger. Apparently you have to have a hunting license or a park pass to stay here. So I’m gonna pack up for the night but I would come back after I have a pass. It’s quiet and very flat. Just what I needed for the night.

    • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 10, 2025

      Neenoshe Reservoir

      Quite & off grid

      Not much more than a mowed field. Actually the mower came in right after we set up. Only one shaded spot not tables & no fires allowed. Vault toilet with toilet paper.


    Guide to Hasty

    Dispersed camping near Hasty, Colorado offers several primitive sites on public lands where visitors can experience the high plains environment. Located at approximately 3,900 feet elevation in southeastern Colorado, this region experiences temperature extremes with winter lows often dropping below freezing and summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F. The landscape is characterized by short-grass prairie vegetation with scattered yucca plants and minimal tree cover at most rustic camping locations.

    What to do

    Hiking trails: At Picketwire Canyon, campers can access trails leading to dinosaur tracks and historical sites. One visitor mentioned, "Secluded area with a pretty clean bathroom. The road is a washboard for a couple miles but worth it."

    Fishing opportunities: Several wildlife areas permit fishing with proper licensing. Anglers report catching catfish and bass at the reservoir sites when water levels are sufficient. Many sites require the Colorado State Wildlife Area pass for legal access.

    Wildlife viewing: Neenoshe Reservoir provides habitat for numerous bird species. One camper noted, "I only saw one other vehicle at the location and that person was taking night sky photos. Lots of birds to listen to and watch."

    Photography: The open plains landscape creates excellent conditions for night sky photography during clear weather. The minimal light pollution makes celestial viewing particularly rewarding during new moon periods.

    What campers like

    Privacy and solitude: At Melon Valley State Wildlife Area, campers appreciate the limited crowds. One reviewer commented, "Good Verizon signal. No one here when we arrived on a Friday night. Another vehicle came in during the night."

    Riverside views: Multiple locations offer proximity to the Arkansas River. A camper at Melon Valley described their experience: "Very quiet night, and I was treated to an amazing sunset as a bonus."

    Budget-friendly camping: Most dispersed sites in the area are free or require only the Colorado State Wildlife Area pass. This makes rustic camping near Hasty, Colorado particularly economical for extended stays.

    Night skies: The minimal light pollution creates ideal conditions for stargazing. The open terrain provides unobstructed horizon views, making sunset and sunrise particularly dramatic.

    What you should know

    Permit requirements: Most sites require a valid Colorado State Wildlife Area permit for legal camping. Regulations are enforced by state wildlife officers who patrol the areas regularly.

    Weather preparedness: The region experiences extreme temperature fluctuations and strong winds. Several sites provide minimal natural protection from elements. Sturdy tent stakes are essential gear.

    Water availability: No potable water exists at any dispersed camping locations near Hasty. One reviewer at Vogul Canyon confirmed: "This is a great spot with 3 covered picnic tables with grills... Nice pit toilets, like other USFS sites. There are garbage cans at each of the picnic tables. No water."

    Road conditions: Access roads to some sites can deteriorate after precipitation. Four-wheel drive may be necessary during wet conditions, particularly for sites at higher elevations.

    Tips for camping with families

    Shelter considerations: Wind protection is crucial for tent camping with children. One camper at Neenoshe Reservoir reported: "It would be a great camp site if it wasn't too windy! Very spacious, open land, birds singing, few people, green grass and bushes."

    Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local wildlife safety. A camper at Melon Valley State Wildlife Area observed: "Saw some tracks, bear maybe? Kept the doors locked."

    Toilet facilities: Only some sites offer restroom facilities. Neenoshe Reservoir provides composting toilets, though maintenance may be inconsistent. One visitor noted: "The composting toilet was in desperate need of a cleaning but it worked."

    Activity planning: During summer months, schedule outdoor activities during morning or evening hours to avoid peak heat. Afternoon temperatures regularly exceed 95°F between June and August.

    Tips from RVers

    Ground conditions: Many sites have uneven terrain challenging for larger vehicles. A reviewer at Picket Wire Corrals advised: "There is a vault toilet and cattle corrals here. I recommend driving the extra six miles to the Withers canyon campground, but keep in mind that road isn't passable when wet."

    Approach angles: Some sites require careful vehicle positioning. As one camper noted about Melon Valley: "Not suitable for large rigs due to unlevel ground and very sharp approach from the east."

    Overnight options: Several sites work well for quick overnight stays rather than extended camping. One camper at Melon Valley explained: "Last minute ditch effort to find a spot after driving 21 hours. Nice and quiet from any traffic and perfect breeze from the river. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise. Wouldn't stay here for the day but a beautiful random spot!"

    Weather monitoring: High plains storms can develop quickly, making weather awareness critical for safe RV camping. Strong winds can make stabilizing larger vehicles challenging in exposed areas.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hasty, CO is Neenoshe Reservoir with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Hasty, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.