Primitive camping options abound near Kremmling, Colorado, situated in the high-altitude valley where the Colorado and Blue Rivers meet. The surrounding public lands range from 7,000 to 9,000 feet in elevation, with summer temperatures typically reaching 75-85°F during days and dropping to 40-50°F at night. Winter tent camping near Kremmling requires preparation for below-freezing temperatures and occasional snowfall even in early fall or late spring.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at Boreas Pass Road: Moose sightings are common when camping at the designated dispersed sites along Boreas Pass Road. A camper noted, "Wildlife was another highlight—there were clear signs of moose activity nearby, and fellow campers just up the road mentioned seeing a moose wander around their site."
Fishing opportunities: Trout fishing is accessible from several dispersed camping locations, particularly at Red Dirt Reservoir. According to a recent visitor, "Fishing was okay, me and my friends caught a couple of trout but not many. Also to note: there is a ranch nearby with a lot of cows on the road up and near the sites that tend to make some noise."
Hiking to alpine lakes: Multiple trails near camping areas lead to scenic mountain lakes. At Cataract Creek Campground, a camper reported, "EPIC hiking to waterfalls and alpine lakes. Highly suggest the area for day hikes, nice Campground for longer visits."
What campers like
Seasonal fall colors: Autumn brings spectacular aspen displays to the mountainsides surrounding Kremmling. A visitor to Boreas Pass mentioned, "I came in October when the aspens and birch still had some leaves. Beautiful colors on Boreas pass."
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the solitude available at Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite. One review stated, "Great site and location about 10 minutes from downtown Grand Lake. The sites had tons of space and a great view of the mountains."
Mountain views: The elevated terrain provides panoramic vistas from numerous camping spots. A camper at Boreas Pass Road described, "We were lucky to find a fantastic, more spacious spot. It had plenty of room for our truck, a large tent, and a canopy—perfect for spreading out and relaxing."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many camping areas require navigating rough forest roads. At Red Sandstone, a camper warned, "The road was really bad. It was heavily eroded from water and had huge ruts from people driving through previous mud. Even scraped the bottom of our Subaru forester a little. Slow, but doable."
Weather changes quickly: Mountain weather patterns can shift rapidly with little warning. Prepare for temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night, even in summer months.
Fire restrictions enforcement: Forest Service rangers actively patrol camping areas during high fire danger periods. Check current fire restrictions at ranger stations in Kremmling before setting up camp.
Insect protection necessary: Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially near water sources. A camper at Red Sandstone noted, "SO MANY MOSQUITOS" while another mentioned, "Lots of bugs! I recommend bug spray."
Tips for camping with families
Easy access locations: Families with young children should consider Cataract Creek Campground, where a visitor shared, "Secluded sites in a small, dense patch of trees. Good for tent camping and very small trailers. Accessible via a maintained dirt road, but the road in the campground is a little rough."
Wildlife education opportunities: Teach children about local wildlife safety while enjoying frequent sightings. A camper at Stillwater Pass mentioned seeing "beautiful wildflowers" with "lots of chipmunks and hummingbirds due to the many wild flowers."
Timing for kid-friendly temperatures: Late June through early September offers the most moderate overnight temperatures for tent camping with children. Earlier or later camping may require specialized cold-weather gear for nighttime comfort.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Several primitive areas accommodate RVs but require careful navigation. At Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, a visitor observed, "Road gets tougher the further back you go, but my low clearance vehicle made it by driving slow."
Leveling challenges: Many dispersed sites have uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks. One camper at Stillwater Pass noted, "Only a few places to camp and none are level."
Limited turnaround space: Forest roads often lack adequate turnaround areas for larger RVs. A visitor to Boreas Pass cautioned, "We're in a van, and while some spots would have been great, not all would work for our van."
