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Best Dispersed Camping near Loveland, CO

444 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas surround Loveland, Colorado, with most requiring high-clearance vehicles. Hell Canyon Dispersed presents steep, rough roads that demand 4WD access, as confirmed by multiple campers reporting that standard vehicles cannot navigate the terrain. Located near Estes Park, this area offers limited but scenic sites with established fire rings and mountain views, though highway noise is occasionally audible.

The Roosevelt National Forest provides additional free camping options, including Canyon Lakes Ranger District Dispersed Camping and Gold Lake Area Dispersed. These sites typically lack all facilities—no toilets, trash service, or drinking water. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with most areas allowing fires when conditions permit. According to one visitor at Hell Canyon, "The road is steep, but nothing crazy. Our RAV4 had no issues at all." Pole Hill Road dispersed sites offer similar experiences but with particularly challenging access. As one camper noted, "Once past the obstacles, lots of nice camping. The only drawback is the large power lines in the vicinity."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Loveland, Colorado (89)

    1. Hell Canyon Dispersed

    30 Reviews
    Pinewood Springs, CO
    20 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)."

    2. Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot

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

    "You have to drive through a neighborhood to get to the serving road. Follow the directions on Google and you’ll be fine. The best spots are a little further back. The road will come to a Y go left."

    "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."

    3. Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    28 Reviews
    Allenspark, CO
    29 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."

    4. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    34 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    31 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."

    5. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    36 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."

    6. Canyon Lakes Ranger District Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    7. Pole Hill Rd Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Drake, CO
    19 miles

    "New Bronco in front of me turned around.  Once past the obstacles (which is why we do this, right?) lots of nice camping.  The only drawback is the large power lines in the vicinity.   No Verizon. "

    8. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    33 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."

    9. Gold Lake Area Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    31 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."

    10. Forest Road 119

    7 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    23 miles

    "The road is pretty rough and high clearance is recommended. A Subaru need our help a little bit. We camped on a weekend and the road and other sites got pretty busy."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Loveland, CO

330 Photos of 89 Loveland Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Loveland, CO

444 Reviews of 89 Loveland Campgrounds

  • Sun H.
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Pole Hill Rd Dispersed

    Access not worth the trouble

    Don’t believe the navigation apps and go through lyons, it’s private property ; furthermore if you like I did make the drive though Estes park, have 4WD high clearance and a small vehicle… maybe you’ll make it to this brutally elusive last free camping spot off the main mountain roads

  • 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!

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping

    Great spot close to Winter Park

    Went up Rollins pass road (you can access it from the Lakota Trail neighborhood or down the road a bit on 80). The first gate was open but not the second or third to get to the top where there are def more spots and fire rings. You can only camp places where there are dots on the side of the road on the official county map. Check the Rollins pass website it’s very informative and a sacred land so leave no trace. We got one of the like 3-4 spots we saw with a fire ring that wasn’t taken yet. (No fire ban 6/14/25 I check don’t worry :).. Some back trails are very hairy, pretty busy with motor vehicles but a lot of the new electric dirt bikes which don’t make much noise, probably 10-15 ppl the entire night riding by only once. Got great weather and the main trail is pretty easy up to the second gate which is supposed to be open June 15-Sept 15 I think.

  • A L.
    Aug. 21, 2017

    Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping

    Gorgeous getaway within minutes from Longmont

    My son and I joined a friend from Longmont and headed to this trail to camp for a couple days. Very accessible road, lots of spots to choose from (we showed up on Thursday, it did get a little busier on Friday and Saturday). Our spot was set back from the trail, right next to the stream. Just an amazing view, ample room for lots of tents, nice fire rings and huge logs around them for sitting. Fire wood abounds but it was all a little wet still from the rains they've been getting. Some folks didn't seem to be aware of the "leave no trace" rule when it comes to going to the bathroom, which was a little gross. Overall, great experience, pretty trail views, caught lots of trout (none big enough to keep). A great getaway.

  • 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

  • Steve A.
    Aug. 4, 2019

    Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    Typical for a Free Forest Service Campground

    Camped here for one night in August. 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. After a quick clean up, the site was fine for my purposes. I hammock camp and  I was happy to see that many of the sites here have more than adequate trees for hanging. The roads can be a bit rough so the further back you go the necessity for a high clearance vehicle increases. There are several off road and hiking trails directly attached to the camping areas. I noticed that the forest service had erected wooden barriers at several of the campsites in an effort to control where people park. At my campsite #6 someone had obviously pulled off road vehicles into the campsite and tore the ground up pretty good. Tent camping at this particular site would be difficult due tot he lack of flat spots. Other sites seemed to be flatter. All in all this was a great place to camp for free with several nearby hikes and attractions.

  • shawn L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Long Draw Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    long draw resovour

    29 really spread out dispersed camping spots along a very long road. Some of them are hard to find. A few really awesome hiking trails a couple different lakes to choose from for fishing kayaking. It’s along rd 151 you also have Peterson lake nearby as well. I found two group campgrounds that are pay per night (22 a night) they have toilets and water. The dispersed by Peterson lake was very rough road high clearance recommended. The 151 to long draw relatively smooth and vehicle could make it

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2021

    Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite

    Sad but Free

    FCFS Limit 14 days Anywhere you look on Stillwater Pass Road 123 will find a place to pitch your tent or whatever your camping pleasure. When you leave the highway you will see several homes and some businesses then you will travel into the forest. The fire damage is severe and heart breaking. Be very aware of "Snag Hazards" from the fire damage. Limbs or even trees may come down with just a bit of a breeze. Make your camp in a clearing and if hiking watch and be aware and be safe. Tent, trailers and RV's will be able to find a location. It is dispersed so no water, power, trash. There are a few pit toilets on the mountain so you might luck out otherwise you will need to camp responsible. There is black soot on everything so that is another byproduct of a forest fire. We had a wonderful view of the lake. The further up the mountain we went there were less people but the road become more narrow and a bit rougher. You will find trails for biking, horses, and ATV abound. Winter you will find cross country skiing, etc. LNT

     BTWYF

     Travel safe

Guide to Loveland

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Loveland, Colorado, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of activities, these spots offer a perfect escape for adventurers.

Scenic Views While Free Camping Near Loveland

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Loveland, Colorado

  • Ensure you have a high-clearance vehicle when visiting Pole Hill Rd Dispersed, as the access road can be challenging and requires 4WD for some areas.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities at Allenspark Dispersed Camping, where there are no toilets or trash services, so plan to pack out what you bring in.
  • For those looking for a quieter experience, Pingree Road Dispersed Camping offers well-maintained sites with fewer crowds, especially during the weekdays.

Wildlife Encounters for Dispersed Campers

  • Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife while camping at Hell Canyon Dispersed, where visitors have reported sightings of various animals, including squirrels and deer.
  • The Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot is known for its proximity to nature, making it a great location for birdwatching and observing local wildlife.
  • At Poudre Canyon Road Camp, you might encounter a variety of animals, but be cautious of your pets, as some visitors have reported unusual reactions in their dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free camping available near Loveland, Colorado and what are the options?

Yes, free camping is available near Loveland, primarily in the form of dispersed camping on national forest land. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area offers approximately 15 numbered sites, with additional unnumbered spots further down Forest Road 233.1 featuring excellent views. Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping provides numerous free spots along a stream with good accessibility. Other options include Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot, Rollins Pass, and Dream Canyon. Most free sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and tend to fill quickly on weekends, especially during summer months. Plan to arrive early, particularly Thursday or Friday, to secure a spot.

Where can I find dispersed camping locations near Loveland, CO?

Dispersed camping options near Loveland can be found in the surrounding national forests. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Dispersed Camping offers numerous sites along back roads - just avoid private property areas. For a spot with mountain views, Pole Hill Rd Dispersed is accessible via Estes Park (requires 4WD, high clearance, and a small vehicle). Other notable areas include Ceran St. Vrain Trail (accessible road with stream-side spots), Rollins Pass (accessed via Lakota Trail neighborhood), and Canyon Lakes Ranger District. Most dispersed camping locations are within 30-60 minutes of Loveland, primarily west toward the mountains in Roosevelt National Forest.

What regulations should I know about for dispersed camping around Loveland?

When dispersed camping near Loveland, you must follow a 14-day stay limit, as enforced at areas like Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite. Always camp in established sites with existing fire rings - creating new sites is prohibited. At Long Draw Reservoir Dispersed Camping, camping is restricted to designated spots along the road. Pack out all trash (previous visitors often leave garbage behind) and use proper waste disposal techniques by digging cat holes for human waste. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, so check current conditions before your trip. Respect private property boundaries, which are common throughout the area. Some areas require high-clearance vehicles, and motorized travel is limited to established roads only.

What amenities and facilities are available at dispersed camping sites near Loveland?

Dispersed camping sites near Loveland are primitive with minimal to no amenities. At Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping, you'll find basic sites with natural features like canyon views but no developed facilities. Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping offers established fire rings at most sites, but no other amenities. Most dispersed areas lack potable water, restrooms, trash service, or hookups - you must be fully self-sufficient. Some sites near streams provide natural water sources that require filtering/treatment before use. Cell service is typically limited or non-existent. Plan to bring everything you need and pack it all out, including waste. Some areas have informal, user-created fire rings, but always check current fire restrictions before your trip.

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