Best Dispersed Camping near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, CO has a lot to offer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland campgrounds just for you. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland (64)

    1. Dispersed Camping in Routt National Forest

    4 Reviews
    Cowdrey, CO
    13 miles
    Website

    "After deciding to take a weekend rafting trip along the Wyoming/Colorado section of the Platte River, we planned to just find dispersed camping options within the surrounding National Forest area."

    2. gilpin lake

    1 Review
    Clark, CO
    12 miles

    3. Middle Fork Elk River Camp

    2 Reviews
    Clark, CO
    17 miles

    "This spot was prime. about 125yds off seedhouse rad and 50 yds off of the access road. Plenty of room to spread out. Fire ring. Epic View of the mountains in Zirkel Wilderness."

    "Great camping spot near Elk Run River and surrounded by the Rockies. It's a pretty big spot with two sides, so there could be two camping spots or one big one."

    4. Cowdrey Lake State Wildlife Area

    1 Review
    Cowdrey, CO
    17 miles

    "Colorado has lots of SWA camping, Good Verizon service!

    We camped in  a 22ft travel trailer"

    5. Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Walden, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 826-5000

    "simple, and easy place to get to… flat awesome sunset"

    "Sites aren’t really marked/but are right next to the reservoir. No fires/water pumps."

    6. Elk River Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Clark, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 870-2299

    "There is a parking lot at the entrance to the dispersed camping where it forks into two roads to access parking spots. The forest service road was in amazing condition to access it."

    "Discovered an excellent dispersed site on 64 going east from Glen Eden. As soon as you reach BLM land there is a sign indicating Dispersed Camping on both sides of road."

    7. Buffalo Pass Dispersed

    19 Reviews
    Steamboat Springs, CO
    32 miles

    "I had just done Rock Creek's drive up to dispersed near Dillon and thought that was bad, but this was worse. "

    "Good camping right close to the road. Secluded and private with beautiful views. Currently a stage 2 fire ban so no campfires allowed."

    8. USFSR 550 - Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Clark, CO
    20 miles

    "Beautiful Aspen groves surround you as you roll on endlessly down well maintained dirt roads."

    9. Miller Lake dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Jelm, WY
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    "Very peaceful campground, right by a lake with a nice view. People came and went throughout the day to go fishing at the lake and some with ATVs. "

    "We were able to find a pretty clear spot with a fire pit to set up, but most of the old sites are grown over and too cramped for tent camping."

    10. Green Mountain Overlook

    1 Review
    Encampment, WY
    22 miles

    "Most accessible are close to the hwy. This place marked had a row off trees blocking road view and awesome views of Green Mountain and even Mtns down by steamboat springs."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland

137 Reviews of 64 Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland Campgrounds


  • Catherine L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2023

    Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251

    Great forest camping spot

    Recommend 4x4 high clearance to get to the campsites. If you have low clearance, there are a couple right at the start but they don't have much tree clearance. 

    We drove about a quarter mile down the road and got a campsite that was lush with a ton of tree coverage. It felt like we were alone in the world, no other campsites in site. We even saw elk walking around the mossy ground. Bring bug spray!

    Dog friendly, no amenities.

  • Isabelle K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2018

    Dispersed Camping in Routt National Forest

    Solitude by the river

    We stumbled upon this campground by chance, and what a wonderful chance it was! After deciding to take a weekend rafting trip along the Wyoming/Colorado section of the Platte River, we planned to just find dispersed camping options within the surrounding National Forest area. We initially put our boats in at the Routt Access Trailhead which is where we were able to find this amazing group of campsites (see directions below). There are plenty of campsites designated by fire rings along the road that are well spread out and offer plenty of seclusion. We were surprised to not encounter any other campers despite it being a beautiful summer weekend. The campsite we used offered much appreciated shade from the June sun with plenty of big trees. The ground is relatively flat on top of the hill so we had quite a few options to spread out with our group pf 3 tents. Another huge plus of this area is how pristine it is, not a piece of trash to be found. If camping here, please continue that by following Leave No Trace principles. 

    Camping in this area is complimented by tons of nearby activities including hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding trails, class I-IV white water rafting opportunities, rock climbing, fishing and wildlife viewing. On our weekend adventure we went on a 4-hour boat trip from the Routt Access boat put-in to the Six-Mile Gap take-out point, the river felt like a private get away and we didn’t see any other people except for a few fly fishermen at the access points. The wildlife we encountered was the highlight of our trip, we saw moose, a golden eagle, foxes, pronghorns, and marmots. 

    To get there: The GPS coordinates entered on this page are for the Routt Access Trailhead. Following these directions from there is the easiest way to find the campsites. I have also included a screenshot of google maps in this review. When approaching the trailhead from the main road, just a few hundred yards before the trailhead/river access parking area, the road forks. To the right is the trailhead, and to the left is FS 939.1 (Mahogany Road). With a normal clearance vehicle and 2wd, you should be able to easily reach the first campsite along this road, marked by a well-appointed fire ring. For those with slightly higher clearance cars (my friends had a Subaru Forester and did just fine) I would highly recommend continuing along the road a bit higher and up the hill. 4wd is probably not necessary unless the road is muddy, but some large holes and rocks will be problematic for very low clearance vehicles. From up here, you will have amazing views of the grasslands, mountains and river.

  • Izzy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2022

    Laramie Overlook Disperesed Camping

    Small, but mighty

    Great place to boondock for a few days. We stayed here for a week in our 20 foot skoolie. Short drive into the Medicine Bow National forest and you’re here. There are a couple of loops right as you enter, which are the most level places to park a rig. Then another path leads about a half a mile to a few other sites that are more secluded, but not very level. I wouldn’t recommend towing anything down there with the condition of the dirt road and low hanging tree branches. Those would be ideal for a camper van or tent. There is a lovely creek that runs along there. The dump/water is decommissioned at this site, but as you turn in there is dump/water at the forest station. During our stay there were a couple of RV’s and some off road fanatics. Quiet and cool summer evenings. Great cell service!

  • Morgan Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 6, 2020

    USFSR 550 - Dispersed Camping

    Far from the crowds, far from ordinary

    Beautiful Aspen groves surround you as you roll on endlessly down well maintained dirt roads. I've put in specific coordinates, but you can follow any of these FS roads after you pass through the "town" of Columbine. I prefer to go up to the right along 550. But you can't go wrong. 

    Free range sheep are being guarded by Great Pyreneese dogs, Moose and Pronghorn are all abundant. Bears too, so lock it all up. 

    Great easy MTB on the roads and some smaller trails.

    Leave no trace.

  • Donovan A.
    Jul. 25, 2024

    Buffalo Pass Dispersed

    Must have Suspension

    Just to update this since the last review had it closed. The road leading up to the summit is back open, but it is ROUGH. I had just done Rock Creek's drive up to dispersed near Dillon and thought that was bad, but this was worse. 

    You will not be able to get anything low clearance or anything you're towing that does not have independent suspension + high clearance (I dropped my 18' TT at Walmart and went to scout - glad I did) While I was 1/4 up into the climb, a Sprinter Van was stopped at what is probably the worst portion of the road. If you can make it past that first choke point, you'll pass a park then walk-in camp site on the left and then shortly after another camp spot on the right that is more van friendly. Both are not good for trailers. It is after those two sites the road goes from bad to worse.

    If you have a Camper on a F350 or high clearance + tent, it has some of the best views I've seen at a park spot. It's worth the drive up there for pictures if you're curious, but I would unhook anything you're carrying before doing so.

  • Katherine B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2018

    Foote Public Access Area Dispersed

    Great late season spot

    A few sandy campsites by the Platte River - had we gotten there earlier, we could have parked on the river's rocky shore. Someone beat us to it though!

    There are actually two separate camping areas of this access - when you get to the fork, there are sites in either direction. Both are denoted with the Foote Public Access area signs, so you know you found it. There was also a boat ramp. I am not familiar with this section of the Platte, but I would imagine fishing and hunting are probably great activities if you're staying here for a few days. Wildlife appeared abundant in September - luckily, mosquitos and flies were not!

    It is a road through private land, which is relatively well maintained, but please respect private property. Also be aware of current fire restrictions - there are no fire rings here, and open fires are not permitted. A firepan or fuel-based cooking system would be good to have.

  • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    FR-302 Dispersed Camping - Rabbit Ears Pass

    Great dispersed area!

    Loved this area! Quite a few spots. We went 2.7 miles up from the turn off of 40 and found a great spot on the left. There is a spot right there off the road but if you go in another 100 yards or so it's a great spot. The driveway is a touch rough but we got there in our camper van no problem. There's room for several vehicles and endless tent spots, some by the parking and fire pit or haul your tent out a little ways. Shady areas and huge meadows on either side that look like they could be marshy with some rain. Saw evidence of moose elk deer and bear (and horses) but no sightings. Some mosquitos but it was quite dry when we were there. I would imagine you'd need bug spray in|wetter/marshier conditions, but worth it for the chance to see a moose!

    We enjoyed walking and exploring and could go quite a ways straight from the site without having to go out to the road.

  • S
    Aug. 8, 2021

    Buffalo Pass Dispersed

    Good camping close to Steamboat Springs

    Good camping right close to the road. Secluded and private with beautiful views. Currently a stage 2 fire ban so no campfires allowed.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2018

    Foote Public Access Area Dispersed

    Dispersed camping on the North Platte River

    This tiny dispersed site is on the North Platte River with boat access and a few weedy, private sites spread out in this area tucked inside private property. Since you have to drive over private property to get here, be mindful of speed on the dirt access road and clean up after yourself. I did not camp here as all of the sites were taken but I did visit with a couple traveling from Canada. They liked how quiet it was and loved how secluded it was. They said the mosquitoes were horrific, but worth dealing with to camp in such a great spot. Just up the road is the actual public access to the river, but in the campground there is a small boat ramp that you could use to launch a small boat or canoe. I'm keeping this one on my list for future reference- free, beautiful, and secluded. Hope I can get a spot in the future.


Guide to Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland

Dispersed camping near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • Experience breathtaking mountain vistas and serene lake views at Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping, where the sunsets are particularly stunning.
  • Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and beautiful scenery at Middle Fork Elk River Camp, which is nestled near the Elk Run River and surrounded by the Rockies.
  • Discover the picturesque landscapes at Elk River Dispersed, where you can find excellent spots along the river with views of Mt. Zirkel.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Unique Features

  • Be prepared for a quiet night under the stars at Evans Creek Dispersed, which offers a peaceful atmosphere with minimal traffic.
  • Experience the thrill of fishing and boating at Cowdrey Lake State Wildlife Area, where you can enjoy a variety of water activities in a beautiful setting.
  • For those seeking solitude, Miller Lake dispersed provides a serene environment with stunning views and a tranquil lake, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time of year for dispersed camping in the Snowy Range area of Medicine Bow?

The best time for dispersed camping in the Snowy Range area is mid-June through early October. Summer (late June to August) offers ideal conditions with temperatures typically ranging from 40-75°F, though areas like Buffalo Pass Dispersed can be accessed earlier in good years. Be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms during summer months. Early fall (September to early October) brings spectacular foliage with fewer crowds, especially around areas like USFSR 550 - Dispersed Camping with its beautiful aspen groves. Many high-elevation roads become inaccessible after mid-October due to snowfall. Mosquitoes can be intense in early summer after snowmelt, so late summer to early fall generally offers the best combination of good weather, fewer insects, and reasonable accessibility before winter closures.

Do I need a permit for dispersed camping in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest?

No permit is typically required for dispersed camping in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. At areas like Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 and FR-302 Dispersed Camping - Rabbit Ears Pass, you can camp without formal permits. However, you must follow dispersed camping regulations: camp in established sites only, stay at least 100 feet from water sources, 150 feet from roads, and no more than 14 days in a 30-day period. Be aware of seasonal fire restrictions, which are strictly enforced by forest service workers who regularly patrol these areas. Always check the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest website or contact a ranger station before your trip for current regulations, especially during peak summer months when fire bans may be in effect.

Where are the best areas for dispersed camping in Medicine Bow National Forest?

Medicine Bow National Forest offers several excellent dispersed camping areas. Laramie Overlook Disperesed Camping is a great option with multiple sites, including level spots near the entrance ideal for larger rigs and additional sites about half a mile down the path. It's easily accessible and a short drive from the main forest entrance. For riverside camping, Sanger Public Access Area on North Platte River provides beautiful informal sites off WY-130 via a good dirt road, suitable for mid-size trailers or smaller vehicles. The area features scattered sites along the river and pit toilets. Many forest service roads throughout Medicine Bow also offer dispersed sites - just remember to camp in established areas at least 100 feet from water sources and 150 feet from roadways.