Best Dispersed Camping near Lakewood, CO

Dispersed camping areas near Lakewood, Colorado provide primitive, no-fee options for campers seeking more remote experiences. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, and West Magnolia Campground offer established sites on public lands. These areas feature varying levels of accessibility and amenities, with most requiring self-sufficiency. According to reviews, many sites are well-spaced, providing privacy between campers, though popular areas fill quickly on weekends.

Vehicle access varies significantly between locations. High-clearance 4WD vehicles are strongly recommended for many sites, particularly at Gordon Gulch where several campers report getting stuck on washed-out roads during spring runoff. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area has more accessible routes, while Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping requires navigating challenging terrain. As one camper noted, "The road is a mixture of rocks, small water crossings, and potholes. If you can tackle it, it is absolutely worth it."

Most dispersed sites lack basic amenities. No drinking water is available, so campers must bring adequate supplies or water filtration systems. Toilets are rare, with only Buffalo Creek offering facilities. Fire regulations change frequently based on conditions; always check current fire restrictions before your trip. Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles. Weather conditions can change rapidly at higher elevations, with nighttime temperatures dropping significantly even in summer months. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in most areas, requiring advance planning for navigation and emergencies.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lakewood, Colorado (112)

    1. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    28 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    25 miles

    "So busy that we had to go in the middle of the week to get a spot, so plan ahead here and expect crowds. That being said, each spot is unique and we loved it."

    "We stayed here a couple weekends in a row and we were able to try out some different spots and trails close to those spots. This free campground is perfect! "

    2. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    51 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    30 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. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    27 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."

    4. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    21 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    27 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."

    5. Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    15 Reviews
    Georgetown, CO
    26 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."

    6. Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp #2

    7 Reviews
    Idaho Springs, CO
    21 miles

    "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."

    "The road is very rocky and bumpy and requires 4WD."

    7. Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Definitely need a high clearance vehicle. I saw a low clearance vehicle at site 6 & no idea how they got there.. they had to have gotten scraped up."

    "Great camping about 31 dispersed spots most with tables and a fire ring decent trout fishing a great kayaking feels remote without being so remote."

    8. York Gulch Road

    8 Reviews
    Dumont, CO
    25 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!"

    9. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    Empire, CO
    31 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."

    10. Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp #1

    4 Reviews
    Idaho Springs, CO
    20 miles

    "First off the campsite locations for hidden wilderness roadside camp is somewhat misleading."

    "The entrance road is hard to find - Drive to the Indian Hot Springs facility in Idaho Springs, take Montane Road. It turns into Hidden Wilderness Road when the pavement ends."

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Showing results 1-10 of 112 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lakewood, CO

635 Reviews of 112 Lakewood Campgrounds



Guide to Lakewood

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Lakewood, Colorado, where nature meets adventure. With a variety of locations offering stunning views and unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Lakewood, Colorado

  • Make sure to bring your own water and firewood, as many sites like Gross Reservoir Dispersed do not provide these amenities.
  • Be prepared for rough roads; a vehicle with good clearance is recommended for accessing places such as Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp.
  • Keep the area clean and respect wildlife; sites like York Gulch Road are known for their natural beauty and should be preserved for future visitors.

Top activities while free camping near Lakewood

  • Enjoy hiking and mountain biking in the scenic trails surrounding Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, which offers a variety of routes for all skill levels.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to water bodies near Georgetown Lake, where you can cast a line and relax by the shore.
  • For those seeking solitude, North Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping provides a peaceful environment perfect for stargazing and unwinding after a day of exploration.

Scenic spots for dispersed campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lakewood, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lakewood, CO is Buffalo Creek Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 28 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 112 dispersed camping locations near Lakewood, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.