Dispersed camping options near Hygiene, Colorado provide access to Roosevelt National Forest at elevations between 7,000-9,500 feet. Most sites are found along forest service roads with limited amenities, requiring campers to pack out all waste. Winter access becomes difficult after October, with snow making many primitive areas inaccessible until late spring.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping offers encounters with local wildlife during early morning hikes. "We were about to go to bed around 11pm when our dogs started barking. My wife went to quiet them down and when I shined my head lamp toward the tent I saw a mountain lion perched above where we were camping on some rocks about 30 feet away," reported one camper who encountered wildlife during their stay.
Fishing in mountain streams: Small trout fishing is available at many campsites located along creeks. "Caught lots of trout (none big enough to keep)," mentioned one visitor to Ceran St. Vrain Trail, noting that while fishing is productive, the catch tends to run small.
Off-road vehicle trails: Lefthand Canyon OHV Area provides designated routes for dirt bikes and four-wheelers. "Wicked dirt biking and amazing camp spots!" noted one enthusiast who visited the area. Expect to encounter off-road traffic around many dispersed sites throughout the region.
Hiking without driving far: Many tent sites serve as basecamps for local trails. At Hermits Hollow Campground, "The Kruger Rock Trailhead is inside the campground, and it is a nice hike with an amazing view of the Rockies and Estes at the top. Bring your crayons - there are two trailmarkers on the trail that you can do rubbings of."
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Sites along running water prove consistently popular. At Allenspark Dispersed Camping, campers appreciate the natural white noise. "Good whitenoise from the creek," one camper mentioned, while another noted, "Most spots sit on a creek that gives a good ambiance."
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed areas offer good separation between campers. "The camp spots are pretty spread apart. They are set up along the river with fire pits and plenty of trees around," explains a Ceran St. Vrain visitor. This separation provides a sense of solitude despite being on popular public lands.
Accessibility to towns: Quick access to nearby communities allows for supply runs. "It is within a few miles of Estes Park, so we hike during the day and dash into town for a drink with our dogs in the afternoon," explained a visitor to Hermits Hollow Campground, highlighting the practical advantage of camping close to civilization.
Bear boxes at established sites: Dream Canyon Campsites visitors appreciate the security features at certain established campgrounds. "Large bear boxes fit 2+ coolers," noted a camper at Hermits Hollow, an important feature given the frequent wildlife encounters reported throughout the region.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many dispersed sites require vehicles suited to rough terrain. At Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir, "Camp sites are nice, but except for a few (~5) the rest require a serious climb (drive) up a gnarly hill with deep ruts. I wouldn't try this with a camper/RV, or anything that doesn't have high clearance and power."
Bear activity: Bears frequently visit campsites, particularly those with improper food storage. "The second day staying there we ran into a bear and scared him off. Two hours later he can back and we scared him off again. He's afraid of humans but he did try to get into the car while we were sleeping," reported a camper at Allenspark Dispersed Camping.
Loud activities nearby: Mining and quarry operations affect some sites. At Winiger Ridge, "There is a Mine or Quarry on the other side of the 'lake' and they worked non stop for 24 hours, which means non stop noise. Once it got dark they had 3 bright spot lights that traveled across and lit up most of the campsites so you can't see any stars."
Weekend crowds: Expect limited availability Friday through Sunday. "All the campsites were full so some kind people let us share theirs. I'd suggest getting their early to get a good spot!" advised a Winiger Ridge visitor, noting a common challenge during peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites with facilities: For camping with children, opt for sites with basic amenities. At Johnny Park Road Camping, "We arrived at around 10pm on a Saturday night and were able to find a spot way back, but it did require AWD. The site was small, but secluded. There were some sharp weeds, so recommend wearing pants while walking around."
Consider ranger presence: Some areas have frequent ranger patrols enforcing rules. "The rangers walked by LITERALLY every 30 minutes to an hour max. They will get on to you about EVERY SINGLE THING," reported a visitor to Hermits Hollow, indicating stricter enforcement than at dispersed sites.
Plan for wildlife encounters: Prepare children for possible animal sightings and safety protocols. "A huge bear got into my tent while I was gone for 2 hours and absolutely destroyed it. So I had to leave and didn't get to enjoy the night under the stars," cautioned an Allenspark visitor, underscoring the importance of proper food storage.
Pack warm clothing: Even summer nights drop below 50°F at these elevations. "Bring a good sleeping bag and a tent you trust in high winds, as the wind will howl and shake your tent all night," advised a camper who stayed at higher elevations near Longs Peak, a reminder that mountain weather remains unpredictable year-round.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations are real: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. "I wouldn't try this with a camper/RV, or anything that doesn't have high clearance and power," warned a Winiger Ridge visitor, a common sentiment echoed across reviews of dispersed camping areas near Hygiene.
Bring leveling blocks: Many natural sites feature uneven terrain. "Not all campgrounds are really that flat but it's free and it's Boulder, CO environment so I can't complain," noted a Gordon Gulch camper, highlighting the trade-off between free camping and perfect setups.
Plan no-hookup strategies: Dispersed camping means managing without services. "No water source that I know of," mentioned a Johnny Park Road camper, reminding RVers to arrive with full water tanks and empty waste tanks.
Scout first in passenger vehicle: Narrow access roads present challenges worth checking before bringing in larger rigs. "The road is pretty bumpy. Stayed in the last park-in campsite. Had to hike in to the lake, but was much easier that bringing in camping gear to the lake-side campsites," shared a Winiger Ridge visitor.
