Best Dispersed Camping near Loveland, CO

With several dispersed camping areas near Loveland, Colorado campers can find spots in the Rocky Mountain foothills without developed facilities. Poudre Canyon Road Camp gives you basic backcountry camping where you'll need to bring everything and handle all your own waste. No toilets or water sources exist at these sites, so plan accordingly. Following Leave No Trace practices is essential - camp at least 100 feet from streams and lakes to protect water quality. Public land rules limit stays to 14 days maximum to keep sites available for everyone. Most good dispersed spots require driving rough dirt roads, so trucks or SUVs with decent clearance work better than low cars. During dry months, fire bans often restrict campfires, so check with the Forest Service before your trip. The backcountry camping around Loveland means fewer people and more quiet compared to established campgrounds. Pack out everything you bring in since there are no trash cans or dumpsters. Spring and fall have the best weather for camping here - not too hot or cold. Winter brings snow that blocks many forest roads, while summer afternoons often have lightning storms. Know the rules for whatever public land you camp on (National Forest vs BLM) to avoid problems with rangers. The distance from town lights makes night skies incredible for seeing stars. Bring enough food, water and supplies for your entire stay since the drive back to Loveland takes 30-45 minutes from most sites.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Loveland, Colorado (78)

    1. Hell Canyon Dispersed

    20 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 Camping

    23 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."

    3. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    29 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."

    "Pretty average dispersed campsites. Far enough apart that you can’t see or hear your neighbors which was nice. Fire pits existed on the sites but no grates or bathrooms."

    4. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    50 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."

    5. Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot

    6 Reviews
    Pinewood Springs, CO
    21 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."

    "Quick drive to Estes Park. No Verizon cell service."

    7. Pole Hill Rd Dispersed

    3 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

    20 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."

    "Safe for car camping. Make sure you follow the stay on road signs."

    9. Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Jamestown, CO
    28 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."

    10. Forest Road 119

    5 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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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Loveland, CO

369 Reviews of 78 Loveland Campgrounds



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

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Loveland, CO is Hell Canyon Dispersed with a 3.2-star rating from 20 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 78 dispersed camping locations near Loveland, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.