Dispersed camping options expand significantly beyond the Fryingpan River corridor near Basalt, Colorado. The region sits at elevations ranging from 6,600 feet in town to over 8,000 feet at higher camping areas, creating significant temperature variations between day and night. Four Mile Road offers numerous primitive sites without facilities, requiring campers to pack out all waste and bring their own water supplies.
What to do
Hiking to alpine views: From Difficult Campground, the Difficult Trail provides immediate access to mountain terrain. "The Difficult Trail starts at about 8,000 feet and is not maintained after 3 miles but continues on for 3 miles up to an elevation of more than 10,000 feet," notes Mary S.
Paddleboarding opportunities: The reservoir offers calm waters for paddlers of all skill levels. "If you like water activities, hot days and cool nights this is the place for you! We went for the hiking and fishing but many were there with kayaks, paddle boards and other water toys," shares Rebeca H. about Mollie B Campground.
Winter recreation: When snow blankets the area, camping doesn't stop completely. "My first winter camping trip in Colorado. Just south of Glenwood Springs and west of Carbondale is Sunlight Mountain Resort, an awesome little mountain with great tree skiing and untracked powder," explains Fain H. about camping at Four Mile Road Dispersed during winter months.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Redstone White River National Forest, the campground layout provides ample space. "The sites are large and spaced out, which is great. The campground is beautiful to walk around and we loved exploring the area," explains Carrie R.
River sound for sleeping: Waterfront sites provide natural white noise. "Falling asleep to the sound of the Colorado River literally 3 feet away is just wonderful," writes Kevin A. about tent camping at Glenwood Canyon Resort.
Bear-proof storage: Safety features receive high marks from campers. "Be bear aware: there are great bear-proof storage lockers on each site to use. Keep your toiletries in your car or bear locker too - your toothpaste, sunscreen, all of that, smells like food," advises Jeane L. from her stay at Little Maud Campground.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity disappears quickly outside town. "Zero cell service. You need to drive 25 min into the town of basalt for service," reports Rebeca H. about Mollie B Campground. Another camper at Little Maud noted "No cell service here or on most of the road up after you leave nearby Basalt."
Road access challenges: Some dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. "You have to go a long way up and down Country Road 117 before you start seeing campsites. Would recommend 4wd for the last part of the drive to the sites," advises Lilliana S. about Four Mile Road.
Fire restrictions: Rules change seasonally and must be followed. "No campfires allowed. I am not convinced the coordinates were accurate, navigate to 4 mile road near glenwood springs and continue until you see Sunlight ski resort," shares Morgan about Four Mile Road Dispersed.
Temperature variations: Be prepared for cold nights regardless of season. "It did get coooold during early June, bring a good sleeping bag and warm clothes!!" warns Amy S. after camping at Bogan Flats.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly exploration areas: Some campgrounds offer natural play spaces. "The kids ran around in there a lot, which they loved," notes Ashley R. about a small forest next to site 34 at Bogan Flats Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Animal sightings create memorable experiences. "We were totally thrilled that there was a mule eared deer doe who was not shy and casually grazed under the trees at the edge of our campsite, totally ignoring us and allowing our 7 year old grandson to sneak up to get a closer look," shares Tezza G. from Little Maud Campground.
Bathroom cleanliness: Facilities receive regular attention at established sites. "The bathrooms were immaculate and had no odor whatsoever," reports Jon B. about Difficult Campground, while another camper noted, "The vault toilets were very clean and spacious."
Tips from RVers
Site placement challenges: Many campgrounds have specific limitations. "The RV sites are SMALL. We have a 42' fifth wheel, and while we got it backed in perfectly, we didn't have any room for our truck," warns Melody C. about Glenwood Canyon Resort.
Hookup availability: Electric sites are limited near Basalt. "One loop has hookups. One doesn't," notes Ronny D. about Redstone White River National Forest. Carbondale-Crystal River KOA offers more amenities with "cabins that look very retro, actually only 20 RV sites, some of them on the Crystal River."
Dump station access: Plan ahead for waste disposal. Most dispersed camping areas have no facilities, while established campgrounds like Little Maud, Mollie B, and Redstone offer sanitary dump stations, though some charge additional fees.
