Best Dispersed Camping near Idaho Springs, CO

Searching for the best camping near Idaho Springs, CO? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Idaho Springs is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Idaho Springs, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Idaho Springs, Colorado (128)

    1. Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    15 Reviews
    Georgetown, CO
    6 miles
    Website

    "Resources were running low on a Friday night so it was great pull off great views close to idaho springs down town , nice hiking trails as well traffic is pretty much non existent after 9pm"

    "Any unpaved areas around it are not flat."

    2. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    50 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    19 miles
    Website

    "So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."

    "Like the title suggests, this campsite is typical for a free forest service campground. Prior campers have left some trash, bullet casings and obviously neglected to dig cat holes."

    3. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    18 Reviews
    Empire, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 567-4382

    "It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving.

    Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake. "

    "Just outside of Idaho Springs, take the exit for Co Rd 275 off of I-70. It's a scenic drive up a curvy paved road for about 15 minutes."

    4. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    15 miles
    Website

    "Oe of my family's fav places, beautiful views, camping spots super far away from one another so awesome privacy, and completely free. Spots fill up quick on weekends, you can stay 14 days."

    "The roads around the whole campground were a little rough but i did okay in my Ford Escape. All of the sites seems to be really spread out.

    There were several people in the campground."

    5. Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    15 Reviews
    Empire, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 567-4382

    "This campground is just above Idaho Springs, which made it a relatively quick trip from Denver. Tons of dispersed campsites in various places all the way up to the reservoir."

    "Head down the dirt road, you will see a lot of private property signs but the road all the way to the reservoir is not private property. Beautiful reservoir area can get busy at times."

    6. Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp #2

    7 Reviews
    Idaho Springs, CO
    1 mile

    "For those that can't find it, putting "Hidden Wilderness Rd" in the GPS should help. It's a dirt road at the top of the neighborhood road. You'll want 4wd for sure."

    "Gorgeous campsite overlooking Idaho springs and multiple mountain ranges. I visited at the end of May ‘24 and the roads were all clear of snow and ice."

    7. York Gulch Road

    5 Reviews
    Dumont, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Take the exit onto Fall River Road from the highway, a short road. You are then soon connected with forest service road of sorts York gultch."

    "Sites weren’t marked like other places I’ve been but I expected it being dispersed. Had a wonderful time the sky was pretty it was secluded and lots of space for dogs to run!"

    8. Loch Lomond Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Empire, CO
    9 miles
    Website

    "To start, the drive in and out is a rough drive. Very rocky all the way up. You don’t need 4x4 but it will definitely help. What you definitely require is higher then sedan ground clearance."

    "I took my 4x4 with camper up here for the rockiest ever ride halfway up the trail. It’s good to have extra clearance on this road. You’re going to need it."

    9. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    20 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    20 miles
    Website

    "Was desperate to find "something" after driving 11 hours that day, and normal paid camp grounds were full. HOWEVER I was pulling a smaller trailer, and that turned out to be a real issue."

    "Safe for car camping. Make sure you follow the stay on road signs."

    10. Bruno Gulch Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Grant, CO
    19 miles
    Website

    "We arrived around Monday lunchtime. There are 19 sites in this area as they are all designated. There were only two available when we arrived so we selected site number three."

    "Great spots hidden in the trees. Dispersed free spots."

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Showing results 1-10 of 128 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Idaho Springs, CO

656 Reviews of 128 Idaho Springs Campgrounds



Guide to Idaho Springs

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Idaho Springs, Colorado, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • Experience breathtaking mountain vistas at Bruno Gulch Dispersed, where you can camp next to a fresh mountain stream and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
  • The Gold Lake Area Dispersed offers numerous spots with stunning views and rock formations, making it a great choice for photography and relaxation.
  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, Loch Lomond Dispersed provides ample space and beautiful surroundings, perfect for a peaceful getaway.

Outdoor Activities While Free Camping Near Idaho Springs

  • Hiking enthusiasts will love the access to trails from Kirby Gulch, which leads to scenic routes and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Fishing opportunities abound at Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping, where you can enjoy a quiet day by the water and potentially catch some fish.
  • Mountain biking is a popular activity near West Magnolia Campground, with well-marked trails that cater to various skill levels.

Unique Features for Dispersed Campers

  • The Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail is known for its rugged roads and beautiful scenery, making it ideal for adventurous campers with high-clearance vehicles.
  • At Gross Reservoir Dispersed, campers can enjoy the unique experience of camping near a dam, with the added excitement of off-road access to various sites.
  • For those looking for a more primitive experience, Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp offers a rugged terrain that requires a 4WD vehicle, perfect for those seeking solitude and stunning views.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Idaho Springs, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Idaho Springs, CO is Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site with a 3.9-star rating from 15 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 128 dispersed camping locations near Idaho Springs, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.