Best Dispersed Camping near Longmont, CO

Dispersed camping areas surround Longmont, Colorado, primarily in the Roosevelt National Forest to the west. Free primitive sites are concentrated along forest service roads near Nederland, Allenspark, and the Peak to Peak Highway corridor. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, Beaver Park Reservoir, Hell Canyon Dispersed, and Allenspark Dispersed Camping provide multiple no-fee options on public land. Most sites feature established fire rings but lack other amenities. The Gold Lake Area and Dream Canyon also permit primitive camping, though Dream Canyon prohibits campfires.

Many forest access roads require high-clearance vehicles, with several sites demanding 4WD capability. Gordon Gulch roads become particularly challenging after rain, with washed-out sections that can strand standard passenger cars. Beaver Park Reservoir and Hell Canyon Dispersed areas have narrow, technical roads that become progressively more difficult the further in you travel. Most dispersed sites lack water, toilets, and trash facilities, requiring campers to pack out all waste. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, with complete bans frequently implemented during dry periods.

The dispersed camping experience near Longmont varies significantly by location and elevation. Sites at higher elevations like Allenspark offer cooler temperatures and mountain views but can be extremely windy. Proximity to creeks provides pleasant ambient sound but increases mosquito activity. Privacy levels differ between areas, with some sites visible from access roads while others remain secluded. According to visitor feedback, "Gordon Gulch is typical for a free forest service campground. Prior campers have left some trash, bullet casings and obviously neglected to dig cat holes." Another camper noted that "Allenspark has 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."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Longmont, Colorado (92)

    1. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    24 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."

    2. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    33 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    23 miles
    Website

    "We were right up on the lake but turns out it's private property and you cannot even go up to the water."

    "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."

    3. Hell Canyon Dispersed

    29 Reviews
    Pinewood Springs, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "4x4 drive is a requirement. Good Verizon signal. Narrow road, however not busy at all. Stayed here for 4 days, no issue. The Google Maps directions is slightly wrong."

    "Turn just before or after Yogi Bear Campground and go up the decently maintained dirt road. (You will pass RVs at the beginning of the road as you head up)."

    4. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    20 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."

    5. Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    28 Reviews
    Allenspark, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Fire ban was in effect when we went, but lots of fire circles available otherwise. Bring bug spray, the flies are bold."

    "Was super simple to access. the coordinates take   you to the beginning of the rural part of Ski road."

    6. Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot

    9 Reviews
    Pinewood Springs, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Awesome scenic drive, great spacious spot. But only for one party. If someone else is there, you're outta luck. Fire road is gated off so no other options."

    "Keep driving down Ski road until you find a fork in the road, and from there onwards are the campsites. Good whitenoise from the creek"

    7. Gold Lake Area Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    20 miles

    "My GPS from the coordinates just took me to the nearest town of Ward, CO.

    This is how I got there coming from the North:

    Take RT72 South to County Road 100."

    "Many spots along the CR once you find it, came in around 4pm on a Friday and there were still plenty of spots but started filling up fast. By 7pm, people were turning around as no spots were left."

    8. Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Jamestown, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 541-2500

    $1 / night

    "My son and I joined a friend from Longmont and headed to this trail to camp for a couple days."

    "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."

    9. 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."

    10. Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    22 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 92 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Longmont, CO

480 Reviews of 92 Longmont Campgrounds



Guide to Longmont

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Longmont, Colorado, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area offers stunning mountain vistas, making it a picturesque spot for camping and photography enthusiasts.
  • At Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed, campers can enjoy breathtaking views of the reservoir while soaking in the tranquility of the surrounding nature.
  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, Allenspark Dispersed Camping provides beautiful creekside spots that are perfect for relaxation and reflection.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Longmont

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Allenspark

  • The Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot is known for its peaceful atmosphere and proximity to hiking trails, making it a great choice for outdoor lovers.
  • Campers can enjoy the sound of a nearby creek while staying at North Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping, which provides a serene backdrop for a relaxing getaway.
  • For those looking for a more adventurous experience, Ruby Gulch, Forest Road 328 features old mining trails and stunning views, perfect for exploration and discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Longmont, CO is Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area with a 3.6-star rating from 54 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 92 dispersed camping locations near Longmont, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.