Best Dispersed Camping near Maybell, CO
Dispersed camping areas surround Maybell, Colorado, primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands where primitive sites exist without developed facilities. Sand Wash Basin offers multiple free camping locations in a region known for wild horse populations, while additional sites can be found at Angora Hills, near Dinosaur Monument, and within White River National Forest. These areas generally follow standard BLM dispersed camping regulations, allowing visitors to camp in previously used sites with existing fire rings where available. Most locations require self-sufficient camping without amenities like water or waste facilities.
Road conditions vary significantly across these dispersed sites, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles and some demanding 4WD capability, particularly after rain when clay roads become hazardous. Several reviews note that Sand Wash Basin and Angora Hills access roads contain steep sections with loose gravel or rough terrain. Most sites lack basic facilities—no toilets, trash service, or potable water exists at these locations. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, especially during dry summer months, so visitors should check current regulations before traveling. Most BLM lands permit camping for up to 14 days within any 28-day period.
These primitive camping zones offer varying experiences ranging from open desert views to forested settings. Sand Wash Basin provides opportunities to observe wild horses and extensive OHV trails. One visitor described Angora Hills as having "beautiful views but very dusty and not a lot of clear area if you are using a tent." Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with one camper noting that "some sites have no bars AT&T, some 1 bar." Wind can be significant at many locations, particularly at higher elevations. A camper at Dinosaur Dispersed Site mentioned "lots of deer" but warned it's "just a dusty field by the tracks," indicating the varied quality of sites in the region.
