Best Dispersed Camping near Moffat, CO
Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Moffat? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Moffat, CO (60)
1. Sacred White Shell Mountain
Blanca, Colorado53 Reviews•137 Photos•940 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
2. The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, Colorado8 Reviews•50 Photos•338 SavesExplore any part of the 30 square mile dunefield you wish; there are no designated trails in the sand. A dunes-accessible wheelchair is available for free loan at the Visitor Center. Summer air temperatures are pleasant at this high elevation, but during afternoon hours the sand surface can reach 150F degrees, and dangerous thunderstorms can develop. Plan to hike the dunes in early morning or evening to avoid heat exhaustion, burned feet, or fatal lightning strikes.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Market
- Firewood Available
3. Medano Pass Primitive Road — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve
Crestone, Colorado8 Reviews•23 Photos•377 SavesRoadside camping is permitted at 21 campsites in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve beginning 5.2 miles from where the road begins near Pi__on Flats Campground. These designated sites are free of charge and first-come, first-served. All 21 sites fill on summer weekends. Passable only in the warmer months and only with high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles. This road crosses areas of deep sand, traverses Medano Creek nine times, and passes through excellent habitat for bighorn sheep.
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Toilets
- Alcohol
4. Dispersed Sand Area 1
Crestone, Colorado3 Reviews•5 Photos•83 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
5. Cotton Creek Trailhead
Crestone, Colorado2 Reviews•9 Photos•78 SavesThe Cotton Creek Trail is 13.1 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 962 and ends at Forest Trail #745. Trail is well marked and maintained. It follow the creek through a rugged, steep canyon and diverse scenery, with views of high peaks and many beautiful wildflowers in season. Some stream crossings can be tricky if water level is high. Attractions are fishing in creeks and lakes, and many good campsites. Teacup Lake presents an opportunity for primitive route finding.
The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding, Dispersed Camping, and Wildflower Viewing
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
6. Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead
Crestone, Colorado3 Reviews•3 Photos•11 SavesThe Wild Cherry Creek Trail is 5.7 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 961 and ends at Wild Cherry Lake. This trail offers the opportunity for a long day trip or a pleasant overnight. It is easy to follow and easy access to fishing in the lake and big game. Several good campsites exist along the route.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
7. Natural Arch Dispersed Site
Del Norte, Colorado6 Reviews•22 Photos•130 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
8. Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
Poncha Springs, Colorado14 Reviews•21 Photos•391 Saves- Electric Hookups
- Dispersed
- Market
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
9. Crestone Needle Trail
Crestone, Colorado1 Review•3 Photos•13 Saves- Pets
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
10. Great Sand Dunes Dispersed
Blanca, Colorado10 Reviews•51 Photos•273 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Moffat
206 Reviews of 60 Moffat Campgrounds
Paulina B.
Ranger
The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
Wild and Untamed
Backcountry dispersed camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park offers an unforgettable and truly unique wilderness experience. If you’re seeking solitude and raw, untamed landscapes, this is the perfect spot to pitch your tent. With no designated sites, you have the freedom to find your ideal spot beyond the busy dunes and under an expansive star-filled sky.
The journey begins with a hike deep into the park’s rugged terrain, where you’re surrounded by towering sand dunes, alpine forests, and sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The lack of light pollution makes stargazing an absolute highlight—this is one of the best places to witness the Milky Way.
Keep in mind, this is true backcountry camping: no facilities, no water sources, and you must pack out all waste. Permits are required, so be sure to plan ahead. The environment can be challenging, with extreme temperature swings and strong winds that shift the sand beneath your feet. Good preparation and Leave No Trace practices are a must.
The rewards are well worth the effort. From sunrise hikes to the serene sound of nothing but wind across the dunes, this camping experience immerses you in nature’s raw beauty like few others can. It’s an adventure you’ll carry with you long after you’ve left the dunes behind.
Highly recommend skipping the tent and sleeping under the stars!
- Paulina B.Ranger
Forest Road 272 Dispersed Camping
Spacious Mountain Views with a Few Cow Visitors
Coordinates: 38.702830,-106.160280
This dispersed camping area offers stunning mountain views, spacious sites perfect for large groups, and easy access to excellent hiking trails. The September weather was ideal—cool and crisp without being too cold. While the site feels fairly secluded, beware of grazing cows from local ranches that wander through; be sure to secure food and belongings you don’t want damaged. Dog owners should be mindful of cleanup, as cow and dog waste can be an issue. There are two porta-potties onsite that are cleaned weekly, but campers must pack out all their trash to maintain the area’s natural beauty. Overall, it’s a fantastic spot for those looking for a peaceful escape with plenty of room to spread out.
Jordana P.
Traveler
Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping
Beautiful views and great privacy
I stayed here for 1 night of car camping and will definitely go back. I only went about 4 miles in on the rocky/rutted road (vs the 5 miles that the directions say) and thought the sites were great. I stayed at a big site on the right with beautiful views and a fire ring. Aside from hearing some (maybe - not sure) coyotes at night, I wasn't aware of any other wildlife. I was in a 4Runner and my friend that I was with was driving a Highlander. As another poster commented, I saw a small sedan in one of the sites but wouldn't drive way out in anything but an SUV or truck. I have AT&T and had 2 bars of service.
Wendy S.
Scout
Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
Great views
Lots of open spots in mid October. Slow going on rocky and bumpy dirt road but Chevy express 2wd did fine. Low clearance vehicles take extreme caution. Stayed in loop A, also a B&C.
- CCaitlin C.Traveler
BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed
Great Spot
Was able to find a really nice open spot with amazing views of the mountains. Was big and spacious enough for me and my friend to camp in our vans. No one around for miles!
Grace R.Scout
BLM Near Great Sand Dunes Hwy 150
Not accessible
Gated off. Not accessible
Angela E.Traveler
Cotton Creek Trailhead
Beautiful and peaceful 💚
The sky is GORGEOUS. The road is very rocky & very rough, so you'll want to have decent clearance and be prepared to take it slow. I've never seen so many stars!
- PPeterScout
Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead
Blocked off by private gate
Couldn’t get to trail head due to private gate blocking the road.
Levi S.Traveler
Sacred White Shell Mountain
Easy free camping
Got here on a Saturday night in September and found a spot right away. It had been raining for awhile too. No issue on the road with a kia sorento.
Will H.
Guide
Hanson's Mill Dispersed
busy
snow on ground 9/22/2024 no cell wet roads
Kevin M.ScoutBLM Near Great Sand Dunes Hwy 150
Area Gated; No Access
Locked gate at indicated entry point.
- DDeitz B.Guide
Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
Lots of Options
A lot of stuff if the road. I was pulling a popup trailer so we didn’t go too far up the road just in case it got choppy. Seemed like there is quite a few spaces. Talked to a few people who had been staying there for around a week.
- DDeitz B.Guide
Sacred White Shell Mountain
Wide Open Spaces
Not much tree cover at a lot of these spots. Great location to be close enough to the dunes.
Was pretty windy and sandy while we were there
- SSofia T.Scout
Hendricks Flat
Beautiful little spot
My friend and I are roadtripping around a couple states and found this cute little camp site!! There is no running water or toilets but we didn’t mind :)) absolutely gorgeous place!
- JJeff C.Scout
Shavano Mountain
Amazing vistas
Amazing vistas! Big private sites. Tough road that gets progressively technical as you go farther up towards trail head.
- SStephenTraveler
Sacred White Shell Mountain
Good dispersed sites
Dispersed sites start about 1 mile east of Hwy 150. Very quiet! T-Mobile 5G at 4 bars.
- Emma H.Guide
Road 240 - Dispersed
mount shavano camping
believe the reviews when they say the road to get to these campsites are ROCKY. i was able to get there in my hyundai santa fe but got nervous a couple of times. despite this, we found a campsite that had a little waterfall and fast flowing creek next to it. it was the perfect little spot. got cold at night but it was to be expected. access to a lot of hiking and if you continue driving up the rocky road, you’ll get to billings lake which was gorgeous.
- JJason
Legend
Sacred White Shell Dispersed Camping
Peaceful BLM camping
Very easy access to several spots in the area. Can hike up the mountain.
W D.TravelerWild Cherry Creek Trailhead
Quiet camping and stars
Several good spots with fire pits right near the trailhead. A few bugs in late August but nothing terrible. Very quiet except for the sound of the rushing creek. Verizon cell service was between 1 and 3 bars LTE depending on your line of sight to the tower. Road in is rougher towards the end but definitely doable in any SUV
- mmichelle H.Traveler
Hayden Creek Roadside Camp
great spot!
This is a terrific find! level, shaded, right by nice size creek. perfect for exploring and quiet. we were in tent but saw several largeRV. some traffic but never heard another person. were a few spots right next to us but we were the only ones there . several a long road though nicely spaced out. small gas station close for gas and ice if needed otherwise about 45 min for supplies. ark river couple miles great spot to enjoy also rafting close etc.stayed couple extra days we just enjoyed the quiet. was also very clean and maintained. will definitely be back!
- Will H.Guide
Browns Creek (South) Dispersed Camping
Great Dog camping trip
Gorgeous place lots of trails no bugs .nice Creek
- Amy L.Guide
Lake Deweese state wildlife area
Fine for a night
The directions from this app didn’t exactly take me to the campsites. The campsites are along Lake Deweese Rd at the NE end of the reservoir. There are several sites all in very close proximity. There is virtually no privacy from neighbors but it worked from me for a night. It looked like some campers may be permanently occupying the sites.
- AAshley W.Traveler
Great Sand Dunes Dispersed
Good spot if you get there early
There’s plenty of spots off the main road, but seems like you need to get there early. We showed up around 6 pm. The road does get pretty rough eventually, and we didn’t trust our minivan going through the “unmaintained” section, we turned around and were able to find a connecting side road that had plenty of open space out there. When entering the road initially, the side road would be about half way up to your left. Pretty close to Great Sand Dunes National Park, so we were happy with this location! Nice mountain view.
- Edward P.Scout
Sacred White Shell Mountain
Free- bumpy road, windy, and lots of sand
It's a nice spot with a spectacular view but it's very windy and there's a lot of sand.
- AAndrew S.Scout
Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site
Cows?
Great site, plenty of room, but there were so many open-range cows wandering around. Really didn’t mind during the day, until they started loudly mooing and screaming during the night. All the reviews here say it was quiet at night, so this must be a new development or we just got unlucky with timing. Never experienced anything like it. Put a damper on what was otherwise a great area for camping
Erika L.Guide
Dispersed Sand Area 1
Door and peaceful
Loved hearing the creek roaring in the background and feeling the sun on my skin surrounded by cactus - an I in Texas!?
- Matt B.Traveler
Lake Como Road Dispersed Colorado
Lake Como Dispersed
Great for a quick overnight stop. Woke up to people unloading there side by sides.
Guide to Moffat
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Moffat, Colorado, where stunning landscapes and serene environments await outdoor enthusiasts. With a variety of options, campers can enjoy the freedom of nature while exploring the unique features of each area.
Dispersed campers should check out The Dunefield
- The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park offers a breathtaking view of the Great Sand Dunes, making it a unique spot for those looking to experience a striking landscape.
- This area requires a permit and is accessible only by hiking in, ensuring a peaceful escape from the crowds.
- Campers can enjoy starry nights and stunning sunsets, with reviews highlighting the incredible stargazing opportunities available.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Moffat, Colorado
- When visiting Dispersed Sand Area 1, be prepared for a remote experience with no drinking water or facilities, making it essential to bring your own supplies.
- This area allows campfires, so consider bringing firewood to enjoy cozy evenings under the stars while surrounded by beautiful mountain views.
- Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, so pack insect repellent to ensure a comfortable stay while enjoying the natural beauty.
Top activities while free camping near Moffat
- Hiking is a popular activity at Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead, where you can explore nearby trails and enjoy the sound of the rushing creek.
- For those looking to tackle some 14ers, Cotton Creek Trailhead provides access to challenging hikes with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
- Fishing enthusiasts will find opportunities at Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area, where nearby lakes are stocked and perfect for a relaxing day by the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Moffat, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Moffat, CO is Sacred White Shell Mountain with a 4.5-star rating from 53 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Moffat, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 60 dispersed camping locations near Moffat, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.