Best Dispersed Camping near Hayden, CO
Several dispersed camping areas surround Hayden, Colorado, with sites located in Routt National Forest and nearby public lands. Buffalo Pass Dispersed Camping provides numerous free primitive sites along Forest Service roads, while other options include Routt NF Dispersed, Allen Basin Reservoir, and spots along Highway 40. These areas generally allow tent and RV camping without designated facilities or reservations, following typical Forest Service dispersed camping regulations that require campers to use existing fire rings and camp at least 100 feet from water sources.
Road conditions vary significantly across these dispersed areas and often determine accessibility. Buffalo Pass is known for particularly rough roads requiring high clearance and 4WD vehicles, with several reviews noting the challenging terrain. One camper noted, "The road up Buffalo Pass is tricky, and definitely requires clearance the further up you go." Most sites lack amenities such as toilets, trash service, or drinking water. Camping is typically limited to 14 days within a 30-day period on national forest land. Several areas maintain seasonal closures, with Buffalo Pass roads often closed until mid-June or July due to snow conditions.
The dispersed sites around Hayden reward visitors with scenic mountain views, solitude, and natural surroundings. Higher elevation sites like those on Buffalo Pass offer cooler temperatures and forest settings. Sites vary in size and privacy, with some accommodating larger vehicles while others are better suited for tent camping or smaller rigs. Visitors frequently mention wildlife viewing opportunities and access to hiking trails. Mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months, particularly at higher elevations. A recent visitor commented, "This place is beautiful, found multiple spots that were beautiful and had fire pits. HOWEVER, when you see other reviews that say there are lots of bugs... they were not exaggerating." Cell service is available at some locations but unreliable in others, particularly in more remote areas.
