Best Dispersed Camping near Meeker, CO
Want to go dispersed camping near Meeker? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Meeker. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Meeker's most popular destinations.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Meeker, CO (23)
1. Yellowjacket Pass
Meeker, Colorado1 Review•3 Photos•36 SavesThere are many dispersed camping opportunities on the forest ranging from backpacking to car-camping along designated Forest Roads. Visitors are encouraged to minimize resource impacts by utilizing established sites rather than creating new ones. Dispersed camping sites along Forest Roads are shown on Motor Vehicle Use Maps, which are available free of charge at ranger district offices.
Visitors are permitted to drive vehicles up to 300 feet from designated routes for purposes of dispersed camping as long as no resource damage is incurred in the process. Dispersed camping within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and forest system trails is prohibited unless otherwise designated. Campers may stay for a maximum of 14 days. Some areas may have additional special restrictions.
Reduce Resource Damage
Avoid making new impacts. Whenever possible, use an existing campsite rather than creating a new one. Dispose of human waste, including toilet paper, carefully. Use self-contained waste disposal systems whenever possible. When unavailable, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 – 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, camp sites, and roads or trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Properly manage sanitation. Dispose of waste, gray water, sewage, and sewage treatment chemicals from self-contained toilets at authorized facilities provided for that purpose. Pack it in, pack it out. Do not leave behind any waste or litter. Leave no trace. Leave established sites in better condition than you found them. Leave new sites in as natural condition as you found them. Don’t move firewood. Moving firewood long distances can help spread harmful pests. Use only locally sourced or dead or downed firewood. Be bear aware. You are in bear country. Leave food, trash, and all items with fragrance (e.g., toothpaste, deodorant) in vehicle, bear-proof canisters, or suspended in bear bags. Do not eat in your tent. Visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife's web site for more information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3. White River National Forest dispersed
Meeker, Colorado1 Review•2 Photos•22 SavesThere are many dispersed camping opportunities on the forest ranging from backpacking to car-camping along designated Forest Roads. Visitors are encouraged to minimize resource impacts by utilizing established sites rather than creating new ones. Dispersed camping sites along Forest Roads are shown on Motor Vehicle Use Maps, which are available free of charge at ranger district offices.
Visitors are permitted to drive vehicles up to 300 feet from designated routes for purposes of dispersed camping as long as no resource damage is incurred in the process. Dispersed camping within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and forest system trails is prohibited unless otherwise designated. Campers may stay for a maximum of 14 days. Some areas may have additional special restrictions.
Reduce Resource Damage
Avoid making new impacts. Whenever possible, use an existing campsite rather than creating a new one. Dispose of human waste, including toilet paper, carefully. Use self-contained waste disposal systems whenever possible. When unavailable, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 – 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, camp sites, and roads or trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Properly manage sanitation. Dispose of waste, gray water, sewage, and sewage treatment chemicals from self-contained toilets at authorized facilities provided for that purpose. Pack it in, pack it out. Do not leave behind any waste or litter. Leave no trace. Leave established sites in better condition than you found them. Leave new sites in as natural condition as you found them. Don’t move firewood. Moving firewood long distances can help spread harmful pests. Use only locally sourced or dead or downed firewood. Be bear aware. You are in bear country. Leave food, trash, and all items with fragrance (e.g., toothpaste, deodorant) in vehicle, bear-proof canisters, or suspended in bear bags. Do not eat in your tent. Visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife's web site for more information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. Cow Creek Dispersed
Rifle, Colorado2 Reviews•5 Photos•85 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
5. Hubbard Mesa West
Rifle, Colorado3 Reviews•6 Photos•25 SavesHubbard Mesa is a BLM designated area for Off-Highway-Vehicle use. Hubbard Mesa was designated as an Open Area in 2007 in the Roan Plateau Management Plan. It offers 2,460 acres with 50 miles of single track, ATV and Jeep trails. This is a high use area primarily for OHV's but also receives use from non-motorized users, and target shooting. Users can enjoy a variety of terrain and difficulty levels within the designated OHV area. Cross country travel is not permitted outside the Open Area. Target shooters must ensure that they have a safe backstop and remove all target trash. Livestock grazing is permitted in the area. Do not approach livestock or protection dogs. OHV users must yield the right-of-way to pedestrian and horseback riders. There is a parking area with restrooms, picnic tables, and loading structures. There is also a training course for children. The Rifle Arch Trail is located near Hubbard Mesa OHV Area. For more information, please contact the Colorado River Valley Field Office.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
7. Mirror Lake Dispersed and TH
Yampa, Colorado1 Review•15 Photos•3 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Meeker
29 Reviews of 23 Meeker Campgrounds
Hannah T.
Scout
Hubbard Mesa West
Absolutely trashed
Absolutely horrifying conditions. Litter everywhere. Glass, bullets, nails, and batteries everywhere. We were so horrified, we didn't stay.
- Jacob D.
Guide
Coffee Pot Road Dispersed
Dispersed road side camping
Tried to camp at Deep Creek but had no luck with the very limited spots. If you keep driving up the road there’s about a dozen spots off the road; none very nice but are a free place to stay with great views.
Kelly L.Scout
Bear River Designated Dispersed
beautiful area
However what I found was designated site only camping mostly on the side of the road and they were not free. $10/night
Greg L.
Legend
Mirror Lake Dispersed and TH
Mirror Lake TH dispersed
Only dispersed camping I found from here to Trappers Lake. 4 sites, only the one in open area is suitable for TTs. Rest are more overland spots. No tables, no toilet, no wayer, no trash. No Cell signal.
- MMatthew R.Scout
Harvey Gap BLM Dispersed
Great location for BLM parking area
This is a great little parking area across the street from Harvey gap State Park. There are two off-road trails coming off the parking area and you can see the water and people paddle boarding at the beach from the Sites
Kathryn S.Scout
Hubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM
Nice spot if you can get there
There's a gravel lot right off the road where people were car camping. Good place for a safe one night stop if you're passing through. We went through the water crossing and found a nice spot on the other side of the small hill. Great views, fairly quiet, and enough flat ground for a 4 person tent, but the rest is slanted. Don't go through the water crossing unless you have a lifted off road vehicle. The bottom is soft, sandy ground that's easy to sink into. We made it through with our truck, but ripped the bumper off. Crossing would be impossible with rain. Might be more doable as the summer dries it out but it would still be a deep rut to climb out of.
- CCharlie S.Scout
Cow Creek Dispersed
Nice. Easy. Great water access
Here on a Friday in early May and it’s absolutely gorgeous. The public land area is ginormous and there’s only one other group camping here that I know of. Upon arrival, I drove about 3 miles down the creek just to check it all out. It was beautiful but very remote and the roads definitely require 4wd. Found a spot about 2 miles down the stream that I liked a lot but found animal bones, a ripped down barbwire fence, and bear tracks. Took that as a sign to go back towards the entrance a bit before setting up. Campgrounds are well maintained and close to creek. Very spacious. Nice and flat. Great one night spot if you’re headed to Moab from Denver.
- LLiana A.
Traveler
Dinosaur Dispersed Site
Great
Great little spot to stop and sleep. The train ran once in the evening. There are several fire pits from the looks of it. No amenities but lots of deer!
- aalyssa Z.Scout
Hubbard Mesa West
Literally just a field
I’m confused. It’s a field nothing like any of the photos pictured
- Maxwell N.Scout
Sand Wash Basin
Perfect for an overnight
Great quiet spot with a bathroom and some great views for just off the highway
Anastasia K.TravelerHubbard Mesa West
Gorgeous But Trashy
Gorgeous, scrubby desert Mesa vistas but the party animals have had their way with this place. Camp on the side of the paved main road if you're unsure about the sandy side roads. Government Creek is a dry wash unless it rains.
Eric B.TravelerCow Creek Dispersed
Out of the way camp
The Cow Creek Information Kiosk has two or three nice camping/parking spots.
No bathrooms, water, etc. Just pure dispersed camping.
Cow Creek does offer fresh water if it's running. There is a water crossing to get to the kiosk area, so during spring runoff, it may be inaccessible without a high-clearance vehicle.
Casey H.TravelerSand Wash Basin
Beautiful and Wide Open
I ended up driving to Sand Wash after my first site about an hour west was kind of flooded and crowded. I showed up right when the sun was setting and was able to catch some horses about 20 mins after driving past the entrance to the area. The roads were very sketchy at some points, but by 2014 RAV4 was able to make it (though I did bottom out one time and came very close several others - at least AWD and high clearance are a must). Make sure you go to Sand Wash Basin's website. People that live there published an unofficial map of the different parts of the park with way more detail than Google Maps ever could, plus other facts and info about the place. The only downfall was it was super duper windy at night to the point where it was tough to sleep even with my heavy canvas tent walls. I ended up leaving the next morning because the wind had gotten worse and the forecast said it would be twice as bad as the next night. Definitely keeping this spot on my favorites list.
- JJeremy A.Guide
White River National Forest dispersed
Beautiful solitude, rough road
This dispersed campsite has an incredible view, but it’s located on a “primitive road,” so google maps won’t show you the route all the way. I was using the OnX off-road app when I found it. If you approach from the south side (County Rd 48?), you will need a high clearance 4wd. If you approach from the north side (County Rd 51) it is accessible by any mid-clearance AWD vehicle, unless it’s wet. Then you’ll probably need a legit 4wd. I was there in mid-October, and there were hunters camped out all over the forest. But I found this place and had complete privacy, great view, and occasional Verizon service.
- mmatt H.Traveler
Hubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM
Went to west instead of east
So if you Google it make sure to designate east. We are on the west Mesa. About a 5-6 mile trail ride in. I have a stock Tacoma and was fine but I wouldn't want to be too much wimpier than that. However you can pull right up to the cliff in several place and the views are amazing.
Lauren M.TravelerHubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM
Nice place to stay for the night!
The ground was exceptionally muddy so my subaru forester did some off roading which was a bit of an adventure, but otherwise had a lovely view and a great place to car camp. We cleaned up some trash in the area but otherwise pretty clean. The entrance was muddy and difficult for my car so if you don't have high clearance I don't recommend driving further past the gravel path. Saw some vans parked up there and we decided to travel out a little further.
MaddictTravelerSand Wash Basin
Sandwash Basin BLM - Dispersed
There's a few spots it's a dirt/mud road through the entire Basin but there's some beautiful spots overlanders or vans can make it too. Lookout mountain in particular has amazing views and a few small spots, however 4wd is recommended. I made it when it was dry I. A 2wd van but it was sketchy the whole way up. Definitely gonna have to leave immediately if it rains
- CChristopher E.Guide
Yellowjacket Pass
Hunting Dispersed National Forest
Road is about 7 miles in. But once you get back in here it’s really nice. I saw about 10+ sites. Some sites have no bars AT&T, some 1 bar. Luckily I found a site with 2. If you follow my coordinates, and nobody is there you lucked out 2 bars, and secluded. Rock fire pit, pretty large area enough for group. Road isn’t god awful, but it goes back pretty far. Lots of motor homes, Rv’s in spots. Nice cool temps, no creeks that I’ve found yet. Firewood scattered. Only disadvantage is it’s high up road, and goes back aways, so plan on 7 miles of semi rough road.
- Greg L.Legend
BLM Dragon Trail - County Rd #23 dispersed
BLM rock art sites dispersed
The BLM Dragon Trail rock art sites are along County Road #23 south out of Rangely Colo. No designated sites and most are best for overlander types. Camping opportunities start at the County road #100 access to the Shield site and then go south along County Road #23. Camping is possible at Shield site mp 5.6, Fremont Ridge site mp 9.7, Crooks Brand site mp 10.1 and Carrot Men site mp 11.6. Additional camping possibles to south to end of County road #23. Note that many side roads are deadend in .5+ miles to oil and gas pads so recon first. County Road #23 is a wide graded gravel road with dust abatement so no washboard and no dust. Look out for oil and gas trucks zipping up and down the road. At night area is very quiet but all bets are off on weekends as this area is also a designated OHV area. Cell signal is very good if you can see cell tower array on Big Ridge to east.
- SSarah H.Scout
Hubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM
Good spot
We were just passing through and needed a place for the night but wanted to wake up to a cool view in the morning- and this place delivered. We stopped in the second “parking” section which meant we were in gravel (so pitching the tent there was a no go unless you have a serious bed roll). But for us sleeping in a vehicle it was perfect. There were two other vans but it was quite, peaceful and the perfect place for us to sleep for the night.
Corey M.GuideHubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM
Muddy but free
This campground was really the epítome of BLM land. It was just a big dirt patch. It got suuuuuuper muddy overnight which was unpleasant to get off our shoes in the morning. And it was quite small really only space for a few cars. But for free camping area near rifle mountain park it’ll certainly do for a weekend climbing trip. Tent camping wouldn’t be very fun here. Kinda creepy and muddy. We slept in my car
Ryan W.ScoutTrout Creek Dispersed Camping
No too excited about this Small "Dispersed" Camping Area
This is a very very small area maybe 3-4 set up in the middle of a ton of private property. There is an outhouse and it's near a creek but also a Y split in the road so it's trafficked a lot.
Hayley K.LegendSand Wash Basin
Be on the Lookout for Wild Horses
This area is located directly in the middle of the Wild Horse area of Northwest Colorado. This seems to be the place to ride dirt bikes or do some mountain biking.
This is easy to find location since there is a large sign right off the road and there is TONS of space for camping.
We stayed here one night on the way to Idaho and it was a great stopover spot for the night but due to ATV's and lots of people coming through, it's not a quiet long term camp spot.
Co Rd 67, Maybell, CO 81640
- Joey P.Traveler
White River National Forest
Its lonely at the top
The road up is gravel and well maintained. It will take you about 45 minutes to go 14 miles so be ready. Be warned, cattle trucks use this road also. I pulled over for 3 of them to pass on the barely wide enough for two cars road. Lots of dispersed camping. Fire pits. No toilets. Pack it in, pack it out.
Spencer B.Guide
Allen Basin Reservoir Dispersed
Secluded Dispersed Camping near Allen Basin
Allen Basin Reservoir is roughly 1 mile from Crosho Lake. The only way to access this reservoir is by using trail #1181 and either hiking in, or using an ATV/dirtbike. You can not drive back to this reservoir.
There are roughly 6-8 dispersed camp spots on the road towards Allen Basin Reservoir. We camped at this spot for 3 days, and 2 nights and loved it! Plenty of coverage from the close by trees, access to the trail directly behind our camp spot, and there was a make shift bench made from a fallen tree! We highly recommend this spot, but do recommend driving a 4x4 vehicle to get here, and don't forget the bug spray!
- BBailey B.Traveler
Bear River Designated Dispersed
Leave no trace!
Beautiful!! Please make sure you are leaving no trace! There are a lot of people around this area, please do your part to keep the land as natural as possible. The poop fairy does NOT live here- pack it out!
- CCanada0718! F.Scout
Sand Wash Basin
Sand Wash Basin BLM
-BLM management camping
-Free
-Awesome place to camp!
-Bring your dirt bikes and ATV’s! Perfect spot for riding. Tons of trails!
-Bring your camera because you just may be able to see some of the 700 wild horses roaming the area! Beautiful moment and capture if you do!
-This campground spot fills up quick on weekends due to the riders but still is pretty remote and the riders don’t bother you.
-Lots of hiking around.
-Beautiful scenery!
-Maybell,CO is the closest town to get anything so be sure to bring all your survival necessities( plenty of water, food, gas if you’ll be riding atv’s or dirt bikes, etc..)
-4wd recommended, especially if you go further down through the valley, gets pretty rough and big broken sharp rocks on the road.
-There are no bathrooms
Guide to Meeker
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Meeker, Colorado, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of locations that cater to different camping styles, from serene spots by the creek to more rugged terrains.
Top Activities While Free Camping Near Meeker
- Enjoy fishing and swimming in the refreshing waters of Cow Creek, where you can find a peaceful spot to relax and unwind. Check it out at Cow Creek Dispersed.
- Explore the scenic trails around Yellowjacket Pass, perfect for hiking and wildlife watching, all while enjoying the tranquility of dispersed camping. More details can be found at Yellowjacket Pass.
- Take advantage of the stunning views and solitude at White River National Forest, where you can set up camp and enjoy a night under the stars. Discover this location at White River National Forest dispersed.
Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers
- Experience the breathtaking landscapes at Mirror Lake, a great spot for photography and peaceful reflection amidst nature. Learn more about it at Mirror Lake Dispersed and TH.
- Visit Angora Hills, where you can enjoy the rugged terrain and beautiful vistas, making it an ideal location for adventurous campers. Find out more at Angora Hills Dispersed Site.
- Camp between Salt Creek and Bear Lake for a unique experience surrounded by diverse wildlife and stunning scenery. Check this spot out at Camp Between Salt Creek and Bear Lake.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Meeker, Colorado
- Be prepared for primitive conditions at places like Flag Creek, where amenities are minimal, but the natural beauty is abundant. More information is available at Flag Creek.
- If you're looking for a more secluded experience, consider BLM CO 1597, which offers a quiet environment perfect for those wanting to escape the crowds. Check it out at BLM CO 1597 - Dispersed.
- For those with off-road vehicles, Hubbard Mesa OHV East provides access to stunning views and a rugged camping experience, but be cautious of muddy conditions. Learn more at Hubbard Mesa OHV East - BLM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Meeker, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Meeker, CO is Yellowjacket Pass with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Meeker, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 dispersed camping locations near Meeker, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.