Best Dispersed Camping near Montezuma, CO
Dispersed camping on public lands surrounds Montezuma, Colorado, with several designated areas within the Arapaho National Forest. Peru Creek Road offers approximately 30 free campsites in an old mining area, while North Fork Swan Road features multiple primitive spots along the Colorado Trail. Additional options include Boreas Pass Road, Saints John Trail, Stevens Gulch Road near Grays Peak trailhead, and Bruno Gulch. These areas primarily accommodate tent camping, though some locations like Kirby Gulch and Bruno Gulch can support RVs with proper vehicle clearance.
Access to most dispersed sites requires careful navigation on unpaved forest roads. Peru Creek Road is passable for many vehicles in its initial sections, though high clearance becomes necessary farther up. Stevens Gulch Road demands 4WD vehicles according to multiple reviews, with one camper noting it was "rough in my small, AWD SUV." North Fork Swan and Saints John trails present moderate challenges, particularly during spring when snowmelt creates obstacles. Most areas lack amenities, with no toilets, running water, or trash services. Fire rings exist at established sites, though seasonal fire bans are common during dry periods.
The camping experience varies significantly by location and timing. Peru Creek sites offer creek access and mountain views but become crowded during summer weekends. One visitor reported arriving on "Saturday at noon, finding a site was slim pickins." Many areas experience substantial recreational vehicle traffic during daylight hours but provide quiet evenings. The higher elevation sites near Grays Peak trailhead serve as convenient bases for hikers but fill quickly with early-morning activity. A camper mentioned being "woken up by a constant influx of hikers starting around 3:30-4." Cell service is generally unavailable, particularly beyond Blair Witch Trailhead where "No ATT Service" was reported by a recent visitor.
