421 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Dispersed camping areas and established campgrounds encircle Jamestown, Colorado, providing both backcountry and amenity-rich options for outdoor enthusiasts. The region includes Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area near Nederland and Allenspark Dispersed Camping, which consistently receive high ratings from visitors seeking primitive camping experiences. Several Forest Service and National Park sites, including Moraine Park and Glacier Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park, offer developed camping with various amenities. Tent camping predominates in dispersed areas, while both tent and RV accommodations are available at established sites throughout Roosevelt National Forest and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Road access varies significantly across the camping landscape, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles or short hikes from parking areas. The Ceran St. Vrain Trail area exemplifies this pattern, with campsites spread along hiking trails that follow creeks and rivers. Most dispersed camping areas lack amenities such as running water, restrooms, or trash service, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out waste. Weather conditions change rapidly in this mountainous terrain, with campers reporting significant temperature drops at night even during summer months. One visitor noted, "We went here with our 2 dogs for a quick overnighter—only about 45 minutes outside of Boulder. It was a Sunday morning and the lot was almost full when we got there around 9am."
Gold Lake Area Dispersed camping receives particular attention for its balance of accessibility and natural beauty. Several campers mentioned the area provides reliable weekend availability compared to other Boulder-area locations. "Gold Lake Road is one of the best spots for dispersed camping in the area. There are a ton of spots on the way to the lake. 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," wrote one camper. Wildlife sightings, including moose and fox, enhance the camping experience throughout the region, though visitors should practice proper food storage and wildlife awareness. Fire restrictions frequently apply, especially during dry summer periods, requiring campers to check current regulations before planning trips.
"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."
"Getting here is easy, only a few miles away from Nederland and I had cell service (verizon) the entire time."
"You are pinned up against private property around the lake, the camp sites are in the dirt area when you get to the lake down to the left."
"Like many Colorado disperse camping spots."
"Took the kids camping in Colorado for the first time and we had a blast. It rained on us a lot but it didn't stop us. Took a great hike up deer mountain....stunning views. Can't wait to go back."
"Very enjoyable spot, close access to trails and entrance and exit of the park."
from $35 - $70 / night
Check Availability"We found a spot with several fire rings close to the water and just a short walk from parking along the road."
"Take the road far enough and you’ll get past those with homes and find some decent BLM off road camping/overnight parking places. Road gets a bit more 4x4 like as you keep going"
"Firewood sold next to the entrance by the same husband and wife that have been selling firewood there for 35 years. There is a shed full of firewood."
"The spaces are large, but quite close to one another with few trees for privacy. Each site here is variable, with some open with no trees and others nestled in some mature trees."
from $35 - $70 / night
Check Availability"If you are looking for the true Colorado experience-look no further. "
"While there are some hiking trails stemming from the main camping area, Camp Dick is not the best option for those who want to enjoy quiet nature walks since most of the trails also accommodate off-road"
from $29 - $58 / night
Check Availability"However, proximity to Boulder is a huge plus if you are looking for a quick and easy get away."
"This si the place my friends and I go to just for a night away from everything. It is just out of reach of the city and far enough away where we can find some peace and quiet."
"area was plowed open to exactly the width of our trailer, so with more than three feet of snow on the ground we needed to get some exercise and do a bit of shoveling so we could back in and be able to walk"
"Late October is very unpredictable in Colorado for a camper who is primarily a tent camper."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"There’s access to a small playground for kids. The pool looked nice, the lake is right across the road. Overall a good campsite."
"Since there was construction going on at the national park campgrounds and none were available, we found Mary’s Lake to be a great alternative to take our chances at camping in the park."
from $45 - $70 / night
Check Availability"It was nice to be tucked away in the corner with no groups behind us or next to us. There were other campers near by but it felt pretty private. The weather was great."
"The Gross Resevoir outside Boulder is a great place for people to go for some recreation just outside the city. People commonly drop in a paddleboard or kayak."
ScoutJust off Hwy 70 clean park, spotless showers and bathrooms. Friendly staff. Each site is level. Benches and nice hillside layout. Red Rocks concert Amphitheater park is 20min away👍👍
GuideMultiple options, great views. Close to Denver. Accessible! Saw a show at Red Rocks. 30-40 min out. Nice spot for a night or few.
GuideBeautiful site bear proof trash, bear proof food storage at each site, vault toilets, fire rings (although there is a fire band at present), 14.50/night with discount.
TravelerGreat backcountry spot 1 mile in from the East Portal. Water access is near and it includes a privy! Easy enough for my sea-level living 5 year old to make it there in less than an hour!
TravelerMy husband and I stayed at the Ranger Lakes Campground during the Never Summer race weekend, and it was the perfect spot! The race course runs right by the campground, making it incredibly convenient for cheering on the runners. The camp host was fantastic. He was around if you needed anything but never intrusive. It was obvious he took time in maintaining the campground, especially the restrooms. Speaking of the bathrooms—they were the cleanest vault toilets I've ever used! They werent buggy/cobwebby and didn't smell, and were cleaned daily by the camp host. Honestly, that alone is enough to make me come back!😂 As an added bonus, we even had a moose wander right through our campsite, which made for an unforgettable experience. Overall, we had an amazing stay. The campground was clean, quiet, well-maintained, and in a perfect location. We would absolutely stay here again!
TravelerBusy site but plenty of space, about 1 1/2 miles from town with a hourly shuttle bus. Very clean bathrooms and laundry Pool not heated while we were there. Truck campers not allowed to remove campers, which makes visiting the surrounding mountains a little tricky.
TravelerSmall campground near St Louis Creek (accessible via small trails through the willows; tight but fun small creek fly fishing). Nice access to mtn bike trails (talk to the host!)—no e-bikes allowed. Fires banned (see Watch Duty if you want to know what’s burning in the dry West). Pit toilets were clean (thank you for the small trash barrel and night light). We loved our stay, saw a family of bluebirds, missed the fox, but watched a moose amble nearby. And the monsoon thunderstorm!
TravelerWe stayed at the dispersed camping along Ski Road with a small 17' trailer, which is very, very light, but still had some damage to the stabilization jacks from the many rocks sticking up on the road to get to camping spots. There are also big dips that will catch those kinds of things. It was our first big camping spot as we are new to nomad life, so ot was definitely a learning experience. There are barely any places to turn around, so once we started on the road, we were committed. I would only camp there with tents or a truck camper to avoid that issue in the future.
That said, this is a glorious spot for camping if you love the sound of creek water, being nestled in beautiful pines, and excellent hiking options.
There is ZERO service, and it takes a drive to nearby Lyons before you get it. I was able to use Starlink for remote work and to make phone calls.
Thw temps were also wonderful! It was in the 90's in "town", but only upper 60's and 70's on the mountain.
Our great pyrenees dogs really loved being able to go into the freezing creek at their leisure.
Check it out! It's absolutely lovely here!
TravelerNice little campground with hiking nearby. Two small sites and two very large ones. There was a fire band when we were there. Very nice hiking trail across the bridge and a short hiking trail from the campground to a waterfall that was beautiful. You can get in the water if you’re careful. Many people driving through on a weekend, looking for sites when none were available. Pit toilet with no dumpster or available water. It was very quiet in the evenings.
Dispersed camping sites near Jamestown, Colorado range from high-elevation forest locations to creek-side retreats, with most situated between 7,000 and 10,500 feet. Temperatures at these mountain campsites can drop dramatically after sunset even in July and August, often falling 30-40 degrees from daytime highs. Sites along roads like Ski Road in Allenspark feature established fire rings near creeks, while higher elevation campsites offer more seclusion but require better vehicle clearance.
Stream fishing access: Multiple campsites in the area provide direct creek access for fishing. At Allenspark Dispersed Camping, sites are positioned near water. "Lots of spots available. Just keep driving along Ski Road and pick one that looks good. Lots of fire pits already built and most camp spots are along the creek," explains one camper.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk offer prime animal sighting times. Dream Canyon provides canyon views where wildlife congregates. A visitor noted, "This spot is super cool, def a little busy but some really awesome canyon views. Went on a Tuesday afternoon and there was foot traffic around our spot from people headed on hikes."
Mountain biking trails: Several trail systems connect with camping areas. At Golden Gate Canyon State Park, trail options abound. "The options for trails are endless. Great for mountain biking or hiking enthusiasts. There are facilities, ideal for car camping or families. The park feels like it's far from the city, but the drive is easy for a weekend camping trip!"
Creek-side campsites: The sound of running water provides natural white noise for sleeping. At Camp Dick Campground, sites border a stream. One camper reported, "It was awesome! The dogs loved the creek. It was quiet and beautiful. We stayed at site #41 right by the entrance after you cross the bridge. Not a lot of shade so our coleman canopy came in handy."
High-elevation lakes: Several camping areas sit near alpine lakes with fishing access. At Beaver Park Reservoir, visitors enjoy lake views. "Beautiful lake with several good sized RV spots. We have a 25 foot camper and feel nicely in. Road in was good as well (May 2025). Some spots are close to each other and others have more space. Will definitely be back," shares a camper.
Fire ring availability: Most dispersed sites feature established fire rings. At Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, visitors note pre-built fire areas: "We went on a Sunday, the weekend after the 4th of July. It was quite easy to find a campground for dispersed camping with other sites marked. Recommend a 4-wheel drive vehicle to reach some of the spots, especially if there is poor weather."
Weather preparation requirements: Mountain conditions change rapidly at these elevations. At Pawnee Campground, altitude affects weather patterns: "The views are absolutely breathtaking, as was the altitude (10,600'). Summertime temperatures are warm in the day and cool at night. Afternoon thunderstorms are common."
Road condition challenges: Many access roads deteriorate further from main highways. At Beaver Park Reservoir, road conditions vary: "Road is passable by standard cars. Layout can be crowded with little space between but was pretty empty through the week. You are pinned up against private property around the lake, the camp sites are in the dirt area when you get to the lake down to the left."
Bear activity reports: Proper food storage is essential in this area. Multiple Allenspark campers reported bear encounters: "The second day staying there 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."
Playground access: Some established campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Mary's Lake Campground, facilities include family-friendly options: "Great staff and great people! Big area and right across the road from the Lake so easy walk. Has super clean bathroom showers and facilities. Cute very well stocked store with anything you might need. Nice safe playground and relaxing pool."
Short hiking trails: Several camping areas feature family-appropriate walks. At Moraine Park Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park, trails begin near campsites: "We camped in Moraine Park Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park in September 2017, and had a lovely experience! The site was in the very back of the campground, had a large distance between the two neighboring sites, and faced the mountains. There were horse trails and game trails - we saw some horseback riders and some deer wandered through our campsite."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Scheduled times for animal sightings help keep kids engaged. Dream Canyon offers wildlife encounters: "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. Very easy to find and spacious."
Site size limitations: Most dispersed areas accommodate smaller RVs only. At Beaver Park Reservoir, size constraints exist: "There are some more private wooded spots on the way in, but these were full so we stayed in an open area further down the road where there was not much/any privacy from neighbors. Super windy in early August. Pretty good views. Moderately busy. Road in was not too bad."
Generator restrictions: Many areas prohibit generator use. At Glacier Basin Campground, quiet hours are enforced: "Glacier Basin campground is one of three in RMNP. There are 150 standard and 12 group campsites. The sites are distributed in 4 loops with each site having a picnic table, tent pads, and fire grates. There is a limit of 35 feet for RV/Trailer length. Campsites are quite close together, but there are quiet hours and limits to generator use."
Dump station locations: Plan waste management in advance. Mary's Lake Campground offers facilities: "Clean and well maintained campground. Price is good compared to other campgrounds near by. A couple down falls, no shade trees for RV full hookup sites and lower sites are a little crowded when filled up."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Jamestown, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Jamestown, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 421 campgrounds and RV parks near Jamestown, CO and 129 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Jamestown, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Jamestown, CO is Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area with a 3.6-star rating from 56 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Jamestown, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 129 free dispersed camping spots near Jamestown, CO.
What parks are near Jamestown, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Jamestown, CO that allow camping, notably Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Keep Exploring
