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Best Dispersed Camping near Lone Tree, CO

532 Reviews

Dispersed camping areas surround Lone Tree, Colorado within 90 minutes of driving distance, primarily on Forest Service and BLM lands. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area offers the highest-rated free dispersed camping in the region, with 35 designated sites spread along Redskin Creek Road (County Road 550). Additional options include Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping, Rampart Range Road, and several sites near Nederland including West Magnolia and Gordon Gulch. Most sites are primitive with no developed facilities or water sources.

Access to these dispersed camping areas typically requires traveling on dirt or gravel roads with varying conditions. Buffalo Creek sites are accessible via a maintained dirt road suitable for most vehicles, while other areas may demand high-clearance or 4WD capability. Camping is generally limited to 14 days in a 30-day period on public lands. Most areas have established fire rings, though seasonal fire bans are common during dry periods. Nearly all sites lack amenities like running water, trash collection, or permanent toilet facilities, though Buffalo Creek does provide occasional portable toilets along its 5-mile access road.

The dispersed camping experience near Lone Tree combines accessibility with wilderness immersion. Sites at Buffalo Creek Recreation Area are spaced far enough apart to create a sense of privacy while remaining relatively close to Denver. Weekend competition for spots is intense at most locations, particularly Buffalo Creek. A visitor noted, "These sites are amazing—about as good as it gets for drive-up dispersed, free camping. Well marked, spaced out, large campsites and not too far from Denver." Many areas connect to trail networks popular with hikers and mountain bikers. Another camper observed, "The sites are large and so far from other sites, you think you're alone in the wilderness."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Lone Tree, Colorado (84)

    1. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    30 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. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    35 Reviews
    Monument, CO
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "If you enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies, drive in dispersed camping and putting your off-roading skills to the test, this dispersed campsite is a must visit!"

    "It took us about 15 minutes driving past the coordinates (trailhead) to start seeing campsites. There was nobody around, and we picked a very spacious one with a great view."

    3. Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite

    9 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    25 miles

    "Over 30 dispersed campsites along a moderately smooth dirt road. Sites are spaced well apart, some sites are covered in trees while others are wide open."

    "About 32 or more spots along redskin creek road that goes back a few miles with spots with fire rings along the dirt road."

    4. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    47 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."

    5. Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park

    21 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    40 miles

    "A Long rocky and dirt road lays ahead of these dispersed camping areas. This park has set up campgrounds, but we chose to drive off road a bit and set up camp on the edge of a rocky overlook."

    "Had to walk a bit but thats ok. Great veiws no one around. Sadly no campfires, so early to bed. Very close to great trialheads"

    6. Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Woodland Park, CO
    30 miles
    Website

    "Lots of shade in the morning at our spot. We were by a dirt road and did have a few vehicles drive by but not bad. There is bear scat, not old and not new, in the area but no wildlife was seen."

    "Terrain was interesting on the drive in, some of the pull off camping spots are pretty steep off the road. However, the sights were beautiful and it was very quiet and peaceful when we visited :)"

    7. Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "Rampart Range Road is the main dirt road that has plenty of smaller trails branching off of it to keep you busy exploring all summer."

    "Tucked back in National Forest land."

    8. Bailey Area Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    29 miles

    "The first 3 are out in the open and then the remaining 5 are past the trailhead. Nice area for Starlink and solar and dog walks. It’s a burn site."

    "I had to slow down to a crawl at points because it was thrashing my rig around so much. There is also one turn on the road where if you’re not careful, I could imagine getting stuck."

    9. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    45 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."

    10. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    43 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."

    "Went on a Tuesday afternoon and there was foot traffic around our spot from people headed on hikes."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Lone Tree, CO

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lone Tree, CO

532 Reviews of 84 Lone Tree Campgrounds

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 20, 2024

    Kirby Gulch

    Worth the Rough Drive

    Kirby Gulch is a fantastic spot for anyone seeking a peaceful, off-the-grid camping experience near Grant, Colorado. Situated off Route 1038, this dispersed camping area offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife watching.

    The campsites are well-spaced, providing plenty of privacy, and the area is generally clean, thanks to considerate campers. Since it’s a dispersed site, there are no amenities like water or toilets, so make sure to come prepared. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing some of the sites, especially after rain or snow.

    What makes Kirby Gulch truly special is its tranquility. You can enjoy the sound of the wind through the trees, the crisp mountain air, and dazzling stargazing at night. It’s also a great starting point for exploring nearby trails or simply soaking in the serene environment.

    If you’re comfortable with primitive camping and leave-no-trace principles, Kirby Gulch is a hidden gem worth checking out.

  • Kelly G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2021

    Grays Peak Summer Trailhead Dispersed Camping

    Great base camp for summiting Gray’s/Torrey’s

    Stevens Gulch Road (321) is a dirt road off of I-70 west of Denver in the Arapaho & Rosevelt National Forests and the Pawnee National Grasslands. It has amazing scenery and access to gorgeous hiking trails to summit Gray’s, Torrey’s and Kelso Peaks. It is a fairly mellow SUV road with plenty of space to pass other vehicles and you will occasionally see passenger cars as well. The road leads to a large parking lot that fills up fast with car overflow parking spilling down both sides of the road. There are pit toilets and bear proof trash cans at the parking lot. The road continues past the parking lot a very short ways to some dispersed campsites by a river that have stone campfire rings. Definitely filter this water as there are uphill toilet paper gardens along the climb to summit.

  • Meg G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2020

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Spectacular - 4x4 is required to access.

    We drove our BRAND NEW 4x4 Revel and were nervous the entire trip up and back.  We are a high profile vehicle, luckily we had plenty of clearance but it was very nerve wracking both up and back.  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.  When you arrive, there are several dispersed campsites around the lake.  All the spots have beautiful views and tons of space between other campers.  There are firepits (even though CO is on a fire ban) that  will be nice for future visits.  We visited on Sept 17-19, 2020, so the evenings are cold and the days short.  Additionally, the water level was very low.  

    The area is nice for hiking and exploring, and especially to get away from it all.  No cell phone service.

    As the weekend approached, there were several ATV's heading up for the day.  While we were there, only 3 other groups camping on the weekend.

    You will be at 11,000 feet looking at the Continental Divide!  THIS is Colorado camping!  Enjoy and please remember to leave no trace!

  • Karl G.
    May. 6, 2019

    Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    Dispersed Campsite with Views - Gordon Gulch (4x4 recommended)

    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. I am reviewing one of these unnumbered campsites in particular, because this one had the best view. Before you read too far, I can't guarantee you will be able to reach this campsite without a 4X4 high clearance vehicle. We got to the site with a Jeep Wrangler and Toyota Tacoma TRD so we had no problems... I can't definitely say a Subaru would make it though. In the pictures I have included a map of the Gordon Gulch trail system. Entering through the Gordon Gulch entrance and taking 226.1 to 233.1 is the hardest route - there is one very steep and washed out spot. Entering via 120J/Switzerland Trail from the Peak to Peak Hwy and then turning right onto 233.1 is the easier option. On that map I have marked the general area of the campsite with a pink dot and here are the coordinates.

    DMS: 40°01'18.5"N 105°28'37.6"W

    DD: 40.021814, -105.477103 - if you type this into Google Maps it will locate it

    As for the actual campsite, it is a great option for spring/fall camping in Colorado. The elevation is about 8,800 ft and it is on the south side of a hill so it gets a lot of sunlight and is protected from northern winds. In terms of privacy, there are no other campsites that can be seen from this one. However, Gordon Gulch is a popular off-roading area so dirt bikes and Jeeps pass by frequently. This campsite is set up high above and away from the road though, so it is really not that bad. Another thing to point out is that this is a popular area for shooting as well, so if you absolutely hate guns it may not be the place for you. Also, as stated before, this is a dispersed campsite the only thing it has is a fire ring. Pack it in, pack it out!

  • Doug C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 10, 2022

    Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

    Choose Your Own Adventure From Rampart Range Road

    Rampart Range Road is the main dirt road that has plenty of smaller trails branching off of it to keep you busy exploring all summer. Rampart Range Road is accessible by 2wd vehicles while some of the smaller trails that branch off of Rampart Range Rd do better with a 4wd with high clearance. The southern portion of the road (south of Devils Head Trail) is open year around while the northern half of the road is closed seasonally during winter. Easily accessible outside of Woodland Park on the south end of the road and west through Sedalia. Lots of dispersed camping sites along the road, some are very large and could easily accommodate a large RV or large groups. Other campsites are tucked away off the road a little which is great because this road can be very busy & dusty in the summer. All in all, this place makes for a fun and easy weekend getaway as long as some ohv traffic doesn’t bother you too much. The best part of Rampart Range Road is the several forest service roads that branch off with dispersed camping. These smaller trails and dispersed camping make for a much more relaxing and peaceful weekend, I highly recommend if you have a 4x4. Find the right forest service road and you’ll feel like you are a million miles from it all.

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2023

    Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping

    Good but not great

    Tarryall creek dispersed camping. The road in is a bit bumpy. I would not trade in a low clearance vehicle. Four-wheel-drive is needed if it should get wet or slippery. Once you get onto the road, the sites are big and spacious. This is dispersed camping, so there is no water no electric and very little cell service. We have periodic two bars of Verizon. The sites are definitely big enough to accommodate big rigs. You just have to take the road really slowly on the way up. If you carry on all the way up to 10, you get to fenced areas where there is no camping so we took 293 off to the left and immediately after the Turner a couple of sites. We followed it all the way down for a long way. The road is incredibly bumpy and four-wheel-drive is absolutely necessary. Along with high clearance. I would not advise it for big rigs. The Site that we got just on the left after the turn walls reasonably wide. Big enough to get a big rig into. It’s pretty flat too but it’s also very exposed. There’s not a lot of shelter for our tent or our gazebo. The views are OK but nothing spectacular.

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2023

    Fraile’s Campground - Dispersed

    Huge sites on gnarly road

    CR 290 off Tarryall Rd. Campsites are all designated on 290 but there are numerous firepits on the side roads. The road to get up is very rutted. I recommend a high clearance vehicle. Definitely four wheel drive is required. I did see a Subaru forester up near the top. The sites are wide open once you get onto the plateau at the top. Easily could accommodate a big rig, but the issue would be getting it up the road. The views from the top are really nice. It opens out and you get some spectacular views of Pike National Forest. The sites are spacious with some pine tree coverage for tent campers. This would definitely be a possible back up spot if nothing on Matukat rd was available. Because they are dispersed there is no electrical hook ups or water. There’s no Creek running through the area. I imagine it would be really quiet and remote up here because the road to get in is going to deter a lot of people. We did find some spots with fire pits, but not sure you can camp there given there is no sign post reading designated campsite but they are off the main road so give it a try.

  • Monte P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 23, 2020

    Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    A small price for freedom

    If you enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies, drive in dispersed camping and putting your off-roading skills to the test, this dispersed campsite is a must visit! My 9 yr old son and I happened upon this mountain top paradise somewhat by accident. We were looking for a less challenging day hike with low traffic and decided to try the Mt. Herman trailhead. My ever burning desire for a view and solitude lead us up Mt. Herman rd to the location I marked on the map for this listing. Access was challenging, even with our 4x4 Jeep seeing as there was pretty deep snowfall accumulation, steep grades, and hairpin switchbacks heading up. However in warmer seasons this would be easy access for most stock 4x4 vehicles. No lift necessary, just a desire for the boundless views afforded at the summit. There are multiple pull offs, relatively low traffic aside from the occasional off-roading convoy passing through spreading merriment and good cheer. There are some really cool fire ring setups and plenty of epic views to make your own. If Colorado’s what you want, here’s a great place to experience the back country without having to drive for hours to access it. We had a blast! Please ALWAYS remember, be Kind & rewind!! Wait... wrong slogan😅 LEAVE NO TRACE & PACK IT OUT! Thanks & have fun! Photos are in my phone, I’ll update with photos... sure to amaze! 😉✌🏾

  • Alyse P.
    May. 21, 2021

    Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    Good but tricky

    I went here the week before campgrounds opened in this area, around May 7th. I had a pop up trailer and got there around 5pm on a Friday. Most spots were already taken and the road was a bit washed out. We got stopped by a camper letting us know not to go further because of the road condition and we shared a spot for the night. I would recommend this spot if you have a 4 wheel drive car with high clearance. Later in the season when the water levels are lower it might be easier to navigate but we saw a car or two get towed out

Guide to Lone Tree

Dispersed camping near Lone Tree, Colorado provides access to wilderness experiences within 90 minutes of the city. Mountain elevations in these areas typically range from 7,000 to 9,000 feet, creating significant temperature drops after sunset even in summer months. Most dispersed sites experience heavy weekend traffic from April through October when overnight temperatures average 40-55°F.

What to do

Mountain biking access: Buffalo Creek Recreation Area offers extensive trail networks popular with cyclists. "Great camping spot, esp, if you like mountain biking. Not whistler in terms of terrain but plenty of trails for various ability levels," notes Andrew B. who camped at Buffalo Creek.

Hiking to water features: Rainbow Falls area connects to multiple trail systems with stream access. "Nice spot! You come in off of 67. Then up the trail there are several spots to pull off and camp. Some spots are bigger and can have multiple vehicles/trailers/campers," explains Brandon N. who visited the area.

Wildlife observation: Early mornings at Gordon Gulch provide opportunities to spot wildlife. "Moose visitors at dawn and evening, and hungry bears scavenging for food at night is a common occurrence," warns Amanda V. about camping in the area.

What campers like

Spacious, private sites: Redskin Creek Road features 32+ numbered sites with good separation. "Sites are spaced well apart, some sites are covered in trees while others are wide open. I camped at sites 15, 18, 22(twice), 26 (twice), and there's two sites close to Wellington lake that I've stayed three times," shares David H..

Proximity to Nederland: West Magnolia Campground provides quick access to town services while maintaining forest setting. "I love this place because of its proximity to Nederland and Denver. Great views can be had easily. Site 13 has nearly 180 degrees of views, but it is highly exposed challenging the toughest of tents," explains Justin B..

Rock formations: Dream Canyon offers unique geological features and climbing opportunities. "This is the place my friends and I go to just for a night away from everything. Lots of climbing routes nearby and easy to find some good spots away from others," notes Hayley K..

What you should know

Arrive early or mid-week: Most dispersed camping areas fill completely by Thursday afternoon in peak season. "Beautiful spot with easy access to lots of trails and Wellington lake. Only downside is that it is very difficult to find a spot on a weekend. We got up there around 6:30pm on Friday night and after driving around for a couple hours ended up bailing and going home," warns Keiko F..

Road conditions vary significantly: Mount Herman Road requires higher clearance vehicles for some sites. "About half way up looking for a way to turn around. We got lucky and found a space just barely large enough to back in to carefully. I am a first time TT owner so, yeah it was a bit nerve racking," shares Jaymin B..

Pack out all waste: Trash accumulation is common at popular sites. "After setting up we walked the grounds as site #13 goes pretty far back and down the mountain and is beautiful. 30-40 yards behind our fire ring there were 5 piles of human crap with TP smushed on them," reports Eric J..

Tips for camping with families

Site selection for noise levels: Some areas experience heavy OHV traffic and shooting activities. "Decent number of sites with fire rings on Long hollow road in the ATV use area. Downsides were the family group camped nearby riding ATVs and playing music into the night, and a rifle range to the west. Shooting went on into the night," reports Abraham.

Wildlife awareness: Bears frequent multiple camping areas near Lone Tree. "Luckily my car alarm scared them off pretty easily. You'll hear dirtbikes during the day," notes Amanda V. about Gordon Gulch.

Cell service consideration: Coverage varies dramatically between sites. "On verizon I had 2 bars of gen 1 service, and could only get patchy data with my multi directional cell booster. Gordon Gulch is five or so miles away with LTE service," shares Justin B. about West Magnolia.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Most dispersed sites have uneven terrain. "Many of the spots aren't flat for parking or even for a tent," warns Jenny M. about Redskin Creek Road camping.

Vehicle length limitations: Check review information for RV accessibility before committing to remote areas. "It can get busy and can be challenging to find a spot with only 15 sites. The road is a bit rugged getting back there. I recommend a high clearance vehicle to enjoy," notes Amanda V. about West Magnolia.

Entry point obstacles: Several camping areas have challenging entrance points. "The ditch getting into the parking lot is bruuutal so 4WD is necessary," cautions Mattie C. about Dream Canyon access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Lone Tree, Colorado?

While Lone Tree itself is a suburban area with limited immediate dispersed camping, several excellent options exist within 1-2 hours' drive. Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping offers numerous sites with 2WD accessibility on the main road, while 4WD vehicles can explore smaller trails branching off. For mountain views, Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping provides panoramic Rocky Mountain vistas. Both are located in national forest land west of the Denver metro area and make great weekend getaways from Lone Tree.

What amenities are available at Lone Tree dispersed camping sites?

Dispersed camping sites near Lone Tree are typically primitive with minimal to no amenities. At Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping, you'll find spacious sites but no water, electricity, or facilities. Similarly, Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area offers numbered and unnumbered sites with beautiful views but no services. Most dispersed camping in Colorado follows leave-no-trace principles, meaning you must pack out all trash, bring your own water, and have a proper way to contain or dispose of human waste. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, so always check current regulations.

Are reservations required for dispersed camping at Lone Tree?

No reservations are required for most dispersed camping areas near Lone Tree. Sites at Kirby Gulch and Grays Peak Summer Trailhead Dispersed Camping operate on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak summer months and weekends, arriving early is recommended to secure a spot. While The Dyrt can help you locate dispersed camping areas, it's always wise to check the official Forest Service or BLM websites for current regulations and seasonal closures before your trip. Remember that some areas may have stay limits, typically 14 days within a 30-day period.

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