Dispersed camping areas near Jamestown, Colorado range in elevation from 7,000 to 9,500 feet throughout Roosevelt National Forest and surrounding public lands. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from October through May, with summer highs averaging 75-85°F. Most accessible dispersed sites require driving on unpaved forest roads that vary significantly in quality and maintenance status after spring snowmelt or summer storms.
What to do
Mountain biking nearby: West Magnolia Campground offers direct trail access for riders. "Great spot for mountain biking, hiking, and camping," notes one visitor who mentioned the area has "some more open [sites] than others but all were a good distance apart."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forested areas around Allenspark Dispersed Camping attract diverse wildlife. A camper reported, "We ran into a bear and scared him off. Two hours later he came 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."
Creek access for cooling off: Several sites near Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot provide water features. One camper noted, "Most spots sit on a creek that gives a good ambiance. Few spots need 4x4 or really good tires, but there's a spot for everyone."
Star-gazing: The remote location away from urban light pollution offers excellent night sky viewing. A camper at Ceran St. Vrain Trail mentioned, "The stars were AMAZING and the sky was perfectly clear."
What campers like
Creek sounds for peaceful sleeping: Many campers appreciate the natural white noise at dispersed sites. A visitor to Allenspark mentioned, "Good whitenoise from the creek" helped create a serene camping experience.
Space between campsites: Forest Road 332 Dispersed camping offers privacy. One camper noted, "Plenty of space between spots. Not too crowded when we arrived. We picked a site with more trees rather than over looking the mountain."
Early weekday arrival recommended: Popular areas fill quickly during peak season. At West Magnolia, a visitor arrived "at 5:30 to find all of the spots were full aside from one (#18), possibly because of the negative review of it on this app? The sites are VERY spaced apart."
Quick access from Front Range: Most dispersed camping zones can be reached within 1-2 hours from Boulder or Denver. A camper mentioned Gold Lake Area Dispersed is "one of the best spots for dispersed camping in the area. I've been able to find a spot even on a summer Saturday, which can be hard to do in many of these dispersed camping zones outside of Boulder."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements vary by site: Many roads deteriorate further from main access points. At Dream Canyon Campsites, "The trailhead parking lot has one giant rut that you must be careful to navigate around. 2 Wheel Dr. and low clearance vehicles can do it, but should be extremely careful in how they approach."
Fire restrictions change seasonally: Always check current regulations before your trip. At some sites like Dream Canyon, fires may be prohibited entirely regardless of season.
Wildlife precautions essential: Food storage precautions prevent animal encounters. At Allenspark, one camper warned about bears, stating their site was "beautiful, secluded and right next to a creek. BUT a huge bear got into my tent while I was gone for 2 hours and absolutely destroyed it."
Limited turnaround space: Forest roads often narrow with limited areas to turn vehicles. A visitor to Gold Lake Area noted, "Be forewarned, the private land area at the end of the road does not have any turn around space."
No lake access at Gold Lake: Despite the name, one camper explained, "The owners of the lake have cameras on all sides but there was one section left open for shores access but no swimming, fishing, or use of the lake itself."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for young ones: Choose sites closer to main roads for easier access with children. At Beaver Park Reservoir, a visitor mentioned "a super easy family-friendly mini hike with great view and a little cell access. If you are facing the lake, to your right just behind you there are some rocks. Walk toward them and then maybe 30 yards away from the lake you can walk right up."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly year-round. One camper at Gold Lake experienced "beautiful sunshine, but some wind, and frigid single digits overnight, but it was Colorado mountain camping at its finest."
Time arrivals strategically: Avoid disappointing children by securing a spot early. A visitor to West Magnolia noted, "It can get busy and can be challenging to find a spot with only 15 sites. Plan on getting there early."
Check for ticks: Several areas have reported tick activity. One camper at Gold Lake Area warned, "The only thing I would caution about this area is the ticks. We brushed about five off of us just during the visit."
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. At Beaver Park Reservoir, a camper with "a 25 foot camper fit nicely in. Road in was good as well. Some spots are close to each other and others have more space."
Limited leveling options: Prepare for uneven terrain at most sites. At Forest Road 332, sites vary in flatness, with one visitor noting some areas are "better for large groups the further east you go."
Road condition reports: Ask locals or check recent reviews before attempting rough roads. At Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot, a camper warned, "This is not meant for travel trailers, pop ups, or anything except tents. Even then, while the 1 area was tiny, the second was large and open but the ground was all dust-ash."
Connectivity concerns: Cell service is spotty throughout the region. A camper at Beaver Park Reservoir noted, "I also was able to get some service with Verizon periodically. Was able to send some texts but no pictures."
