Top Free Dispersed Camping near Lake City, CO

Want to go dispersed camping near Lake City? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Lake City, including photos, reviews, and tips. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lake City, CO (81)

    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

    1. Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

    38 Reviews
    147 Photos
    1999 Saves

    Alta Lakes is a popular dispersed camping area that offers fishing and camping in a spectacular alpine setting. There are 20 designated campsites that are completely undeveloped. The access road to the area is narrow and rough, requiring a high clearance vehicle. Trailers and RV's are not reccomended.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate River Road Designated Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate River Road Designated Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate River Road Designated Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate River Road Designated Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate River Road Designated Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate River Road Designated Dispersed

    3. Slate River Road Designated Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    40 Photos
    583 Saves

    All roadside vehicle and tent campers are required to camp ONLY in designated sites. Accessibility is not guaranteed. Please use caution when venturing down forest roads. Sites are designated by the presence of a 6in X 6in wooden post with a site number and camping symbol along with a permanent metal fire ring. All sites are first come first serve, if a site is occupied please look for another site. Fires are only permitted in the established metal fire rings. Extinguish all fires so they are cold to the touch. Sites are limited to two vehicles only per site. Finding a site to camp and enjoy dispersed recreation activities in remote areas or in relative solitude has become a popular form of camping throughout the Forest. At some more popular areas,toilet facilities may be provided. Contact the local Forest Service office for current information and refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for each forest (Grand Mesa, Gunnison, and Uncompahgre National Forests). Dispersed camping is permitted in most areas of the Forest. Some caution should be used in selecting a site because of intermingled private lands within the National Forest. Recreation maps are available at all local Forest Service offices. Personnel at each office can answer questions on specific sites. Unlike developed campgrounds which are designed and maintained to protect the vegetation, soils, and natural setting, camping in undeveloped areas require more from the camper to help keep the site in the condition in which it was found. Dispersed camping must not occur within 100 feet of water sources (rivers, streams, ponds, or wetlands) or within 100 feet of any road or system trail. In some areas, dispersed camping is restricted to specific sites, contact the local Forest Service office for current information. Campsites can be occupied for no more than 14 days, then the site must be moved at least 3 miles away. Camping is also limited to a total of 28 days in a 60 day period. In areas closed to the use of vehicles off forest roads, where developed parking sites are not provided, and where not otherwise prohibited, direct access to a suitable parking site within 300 feet of the road is permitted. Such travel must not damage the land or streams. Please select your route carefully, and do not cut live timber. Off road travel should be limited to when the ground is dry. The public is encouraged to camp in locations where others have previously camped and utilized existing routes to those camp areas. Campers are required to leave a clean camp, not to damage vegetation or pollute streams and lakes on the National Forest and implement “Leave No Trace” practices.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    4. Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    21 Reviews
    89 Photos
    1072 Saves

    Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Last Dollar Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Last Dollar Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Last Dollar Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Last Dollar Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Last Dollar Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Last Dollar Road

    5. Last Dollar Road

    21 Reviews
    35 Photos
    1167 Saves
    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Portland Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Portland Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Portland Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Portland Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Portland Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Portland Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

    7. Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    46 Photos
    369 Saves

    Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY. Overview Hartman Rocks Recreation Area includes over 14,000 acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management and 160 acres (The Base Area) owned and managed by The City of Gunnison, and Gunnison County. Hartman Rocks has 45 miles of singletrack trail, 45 miles of roads, 50 designated dispersed campsites, and countless climbing crags. Singletrack trails are perfect for mountain biking, dirt biking, hiking, and trail running. Roads are often traveled by 4x4 trucks, ROVs and ATVs. In the winter months, 16 miles of roads are groomed as cross-country ski trails for classic and skate skiing; and some single-track trails are groomed as winter singletrack for fat biking. For more information, please contact the Gunnison Field Office. Know Before You Go Camping There are 50 dry/primitive campsites available. All sites are first come, first serve. No fees. No hookups! No potable water or developed facilities. Need a Map? Hartman Rocks Recreation Area Map- Climbing, Bouldering, and Rock Climbing Areas Hartman Rocks Trail__Map Helpful Links Visit: Gunnison Field Office ADA Access: Sea of Sage, Lost Dog and Broken Shovel Trails are wide trails used by hand cycles. Accessible restrooms are located at The Base Area and at the intersection of BLM Roads 3505 and 3500.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Golden Horn Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Golden Horn Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Golden Horn Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Golden Horn Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Golden Horn Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Golden Horn Dispersed

    8. Golden Horn Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    22 Photos
    371 Saves

    Dispersed camping is a great way to enjoy the experience of camping away from developed campgrounds. Keep in mind, there are no picnic tables, drinking water, or toilets available. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd766784.pdf

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Lizard Head Pass
      Camper-submitted photo from Lizard Head Pass
      Camper-submitted photo from Lizard Head Pass
      Camper-submitted photo from Lizard Head Pass
      Camper-submitted photo from Lizard Head Pass
      Camper-submitted photo from Lizard Head Pass
    Showing results 1-10 of 81 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In Lake City

    292 Reviews of 81 Lake City Campgrounds


    • FThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Golden Horn Dispersed
      Oct. 24, 2024

      Golden Horn Dispersed

      Perfect for Solitude and Views

      Great campground just 10 minutes from Silverton. Several spots are right next to a small stream, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The vault toilet helped us conserve water, and we used the public shower/bathroom in Silverton, which was very convenient. It's also close to many hiking trails, making it a great base for outdoor activities.

    • jThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Silverton 20A - Dispersed
      Oct. 23, 2024

      Silverton 20A - Dispersed

      Secluded, quiet, great views

      Definitely need 4 wheel drive to get up to sites, had to build our own fire pit but that was ok! The views were phenomenal.

    • Rick T.
      Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Creek Site 4
      Oct. 18, 2024

      Beaver Creek Site 4

      Nice

      This spot is pretty open with room for a small rv or tent camping. Area Code It's a short drive up to Poage Lake at the top of the mountain and also a short drive to Beaver Creek Reservoir down the mountain.

    • Erik F.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from New Jack Road
      Oct. 11, 2024

      New Jack Road

      numerous campsites

      area is pretty rocky so i would be careful with a ground tent. We stayed in our van and it was great.

    • G
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed
      Oct. 10, 2024

      Black Canyon Dispersed

      Great spot, rough roads

      Some of the roads were really rutted out, but we were lucky and everything was dry so we were able to get thru in my forester. There are some spots at the beginning of the property but there are more if you follow the dirt road back another two miles or so. Beautiful views, quiet and secluded. We did find a few deer legs left behind, so keep an eye out for Mountain Lion

    • Erika R.
      Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
      Oct. 10, 2024

      Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

      LONG dirt road, but worth it

      The off road trail it get to Alta lakes took us about 40-50 minutes in my boyfriends F-150. The views were amazing so neither of us really minded. We enjoyed our 1 night stay and did not struggle to find a spot

    • Tamara T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area
      Oct. 6, 2024

      Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area

      For free and nice view

      We arrived at a Saturday around 3 pm and still had many opportunities to find a place. Lovley place to stay. As a toilet. I can recomment to stay there in fall.

    • Kiet D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
      Oct. 2, 2024

      Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

      Great for visiting Black Canyon.

      Visited the first week of October 2024. Had beautiful weather, no bugs and few campers. Sites are dirt so I can see it be being messy when wet. Only few sites at entrance for larger campers. We got into with a Bean teardrop np.

    • Mark B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pass Creek
      Oct. 1, 2024

      Pass Creek

      Over night sleep stop.

      Stop here just for and sleep stop overnight. Road is well maintained. Several places to pull off the side of the road or actual sites too. We have a 35' 5th wheel and had no problems menivering the area. Nice lake with a parking lot at the end the turn around at if you wish to take the road all the way to the end.

    • Amy K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Golden Horn Dispersed
      Sep. 9, 2024

      Golden Horn Dispersed

      Amazing views and fairly secluded area

      Loved this spot! Many spots along the road. Wildlife viewings were great. Starlink works amazing. 10/10

    • Gayle T.
      Camper-submitted photo from Sultan Dispersed
      Sep. 1, 2024

      Sultan Dispersed

      Accessible but secluded

      This site is easily accessed from the highway; I think even sedans could get to the first few sites if they went slowly. Sites 1-5 are close enough to the highway to get some road noise, but have good tree cover and great views of Grand Turk Mountain! The sites further in are more sheltered from road noise. Beautiful area to camp!

    • Gayle T.
      Camper-submitted photo from Red Mountain Creek
      Sep. 1, 2024

      Red Mountain Creek

      Handy spot, but very noisy and dusty

      This site is very accessible and has tons of spots. It also seems to be the closest place to legally disperse camp south of Ouray. However, there's a ton of road noise from both the highway and the unpaved roads used to access campsites. Conditions were also very dusty from traffic on the unpaved roads. Lastly, it's tough to find private areas to pee that are also a safe distance away from the creek. Nice views, though!

    • Jacob D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
      Sep. 1, 2024

      Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

      Gorgeous Lakes

      Amazing views and a heck of a ride in describe this place well. We came on Labor Day weekend and somehow managed a spot at the campsites; only 20 available sites at the lakes so get there early.

    • Evan B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
      Aug. 29, 2024

      Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

      Nice spot

      Very close to Black Canyon park, nice private spots, road was a little gutted out but the corolla made it through no problem 🤟. some coyotes howling at night and my site was pretty close to the road

    • Sonny C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FS Road 631/633
      Aug. 26, 2024

      FS Road 631/633

      Excellent Dispersed Camping Site at end of FS Road 633

      Drove to end of FS 633 to find an unoccupied clean, dispersed campsite with plenty of room. From there, hiked along the adjoining irrigation ditch to Piedra River Falls trailhead for breathtaking views of the multi-tiered waterfalls.

    • Allen
      Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Creek Site 4
      Aug. 25, 2024

      Beaver Creek Site 4

      Cliff high exposure

      No water sources within walking distance. The lake is aways away. It's a pull off on the dirt road that's big enough to fit a small camper on the side of a cliff with high exposure. No cover for thunderstorms.

    • bThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Last Dollar Road
      Aug. 22, 2024

      Last Dollar Road

      Minimal campground

      I took the upper road from 62 and yes, it was a bit rocky, but I read that the other way from Telluride was rutted out as well.  It's only 3mi of true 4x4 road to get up to the bluff. I was in a Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 and pulling a 13' off road trailer. Nothing too crazy but caution if it has been raining.

      If you stay at the coordinates it has an amazing view. A thunderstorm did roll in over night with 50mph winds so that wasn't much fun. I left the next morning incase the dirt roads got too muddy.

      I saw multiple people coming from both ways with 4x4 vehicles so it can't be too bad.  AT&T service was good

    • DThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from New Jack Road
      Aug. 18, 2024

      New Jack Road

      Long road, lots of choices!

      Down a dirt road, you get to where you make a turn, and immediately you’ll start seeing unimproved site. The better sites appear to be closest to that turn, but if you keep driving you’ll find plenty of sites not within earshot of anyone else.

      One think I noticed with ATT service you’ll get 2, sometimes 3 bars by my location (below). As I drove the road I was seeing mostly 1-2 bars.

      Bring your own everything and enjoy the peaceful and quiet!

    • S
      Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
      Aug. 18, 2024

      Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

      Gorgeous spot; rough road; flooded when rained

      The road to get to the site is rough. You need 4x4 and high clearance vehicle and good tires. I saw a sedan with a flat tire trying to make its way up.. while the campground had stunning views and a nice fire pit, most sites didn’t have a flat spot for a tent or multiple tents.

      With that being said, if rain is in the forecast, your site will flood. We were site 6 and our tent was underwater. Same with the site next to us and across from us and the fire pit was a cauldron of water.

    • Caitlin W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Portland Road Dispersed
      Aug. 18, 2024

      Portland Road Dispersed

      Close to town on 4x4 road

      Great dispersed camping close to town with a decent number of spots that feel secluded, but people were NOT exaggerating about the road. I took my 4Runner up and spun in a few spots, though I also saw someone manage to get a teardrop up with some careful maneuvering. Overall great spot if you’re in Ouray with a vehicle that can handle some ruts

    • S
      Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
      Aug. 8, 2024

      Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

      Easy access

      The location shown looks like it’s super far out but you can find campgrounds pretty close to the entrance(10 minutes from parking lot). There is also a portapotty within walking distance of the first camping loop, and the site has a table and fire ring. You do need to know how to drive on and around rock in the road though.

    • AJ F.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
      Jul. 30, 2024

      Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

      Great late night spot

      Nestled right on the access road to Black Canyon of The Gunnison NP, camps did not require a ton of dirt driving to access. Camp sites are neatly nestled into the trees to provide a decent level of privacy, the trees also provide protection from the wind. Given that this land is adjacent to a National Park, be aware that less than friendly wildlife can be in the area. Overall the campground was easy to access, there was not trash any where in eyesight. I was also able to locate a camp site at 9:30p on a Saturday without much issue.

    • HThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Last Dollar Road - Heavily Wooded Dispersed Site
      Jul. 30, 2024

      Last Dollar Road - Heavily Wooded Dispersed Site

      Heavily Wooded Site

      Heavily wooded site about 30-40 yards off Last Dollar Road. Unable to see the road and traffic from back site. This road has two camping locations. Very private. Quiet and not a lot of traffic. The reasons for not five stars are the ground is sloped and the fire pits are not very established. The area can accommodate several off road or 4x4 vehicles.



    Guide to Lake City

    Camping near Lake City, Colorado, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just soaking in the scenery, this area has something for everyone.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: There are numerous trails around Lake City, perfect for all skill levels. Many campers rave about the breathtaking views. One visitor mentioned, "The lake was beautiful and the sunset hits it so hard it glows" at Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed).
    • Fishing: The lakes and rivers in the area are great for fishing. A camper at Elk Creek Campground noted, "Fly fishing in the Gunnison as well as great fishing and swimming in Blue Mesa Reservoir is a short walk or drive."
    • Exploring: Check out the unique mountain village ruins near Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed). One camper described it as "trippy unique," making it a must-see for history buffs.

    What campers like:

    • Scenic Views: Campers love the stunning landscapes. One reviewer at Molas Lake Park & Campground said, "We’ve been here several times and have enjoyed ourselves each time."
    • Seclusion: Many campgrounds offer a peaceful retreat. A visitor at Elk Creek Campground shared, "I love the spacing between campsites! Trees everywhere and the lakes are very nice and super clear!"
    • Wildlife: Campers often spot wildlife. One family at Elk Creek Campground mentioned, "We saw moose in the afternoon into evening."

    What you should know:

    • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A camper at Last Dollar Road warned, "Do not go if you have a 2WD or a low sitting vehicle."
    • Limited Amenities: Many sites are basic. A visitor at Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area noted, "There is a decently clean out-house style bathroom, but it is still just a toilet over a hole in the ground."
    • Busy Seasons: Expect crowds during peak times. One camper at Molas Lake Park & Campground mentioned, "It was beautiful but SO buggy in June on the lake."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities. A camper at Telluride Town Park Campground said, "Clean bathrooms and within walking distance to town."
    • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear. One family at Elk Creek Campground enjoyed the "game room with old school arcade games for the kids."
    • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Molas Lake Park & Campground advised, "The restrictions on generators and decent site spacing make for a peaceful stay."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Vehicle Size: Some campgrounds have size restrictions. A visitor at Amphitheater Campground noted, "In my case with a pickup plus tow camper I was beyond the advised maximum length."
    • Be Prepared for Wind: Wind can be an issue. A camper at Elk Creek Campground mentioned, "The wind is pretty bad... like clockwork from 12pm to 6pm."
    • Look for Electric Hookups: If you need power, check for sites with electric hookups. One reviewer at Ouray KOA said, "Able to stream & work remotely with a strong AT&T signal."

    Camping near Lake City, Colorado, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful scenery!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lake City, CO?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lake City, CO is Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed) with a 4.4-star rating from 38 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lake City, CO?

      TheDyrt.com has all 81 dispersed camping locations near Lake City, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.