Best Dispersed Camping near Monument, CO
Looking for dispersed camping near Monument? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Monument, CO (46)
1. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
Monument, Colorado32 Reviews•101 Photos•1174 SavesPart of Pike and San Isabel National Forests Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. Mount Herman Trail begins at a small parking area on a switchback on Mount Herman Road. This trail provides a 2-mile one-way hike to the summit of Mt. Herman.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
2. Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park
Green Mountain Falls, Colorado19 Reviews•78 Photos•664 SavesPrimitive camping off Rampart Range Road. Some fire rings.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3. Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
Green Mountain Falls, Colorado15 Reviews•63 Photos•650 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area
Buffalo Creek, Colorado26 Reviews•78 Photos•1739 SavesThe Buffalo Creek Recreation Area contains over 50 miles of multi-use, non-motorized trails that tie into the Colorado Trail in several places. There are numerous options available for riding or hiking. Some of the old logging roads provide two-track while connecting trails offer single track. It takes about an 1.5 hours to drive to this area from Denver. Please know and respect local area restrictions including; parking and camping in designated sites only. Developed camping is available at nearby Forest Service campgrounds including Buffalo, Green Mountain, Kelsey, and Meadows Group Campground.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Toilets
5. Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite
Green Mountain Falls, Colorado9 Reviews•17 Photos•417 SavesDon't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".
Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.
Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:
In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
6. Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide
Woodland Park, Colorado7 Reviews•44 Photos•233 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
7. Matukat Road Dispersed Camping
Lake George, Colorado15 Reviews•57 Photos•941 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
8. Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
Victor, Colorado11 Reviews•84 Photos•839 SavesDon't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".
Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.
Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:
In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.
- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
9. Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area
Woodland Park, Colorado5 Reviews•25 Photos•404 SavesThe area is located 4.2 miles east of Woodland Park on Rampart Range Road, FDR 300. **Be advised that the road is a rough, rutted, washboard, native surface road and the posted speed limit is 20 mph. Hauling boat or camper trailers can make this drive especially difficult and slow.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Alcohol
10. Rampart Reservoir Dispersed
Green Mountain Falls, Colorado6 Reviews•20 Photos•207 SavesThe Rampart Range Recreation Area provides a unique setting for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts to enjoy a variety of riding experiences. From intermediate to expert riders, ATV or motorcycle, the Rampart has something for everyone. Please make sure you are prepared and ride within your abilities. Changing conditions, natural hazards, as well as oncoming traffic may be encountered. Please become familiar with and obey all local rules and regulations. Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) are available for free at your local USFS office or can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/psicc/mvum.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Monument
230 Reviews of 46 Monument Campgrounds
- a
andrew G.
Traveler
Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide
Fun in the snow
There were a lot of options for us to pull off and camp. We had gone the day after a snow storm and the road was decent. I guess snow plows go through often since there’s nearby residential. Each campsite was decently spaced and far enough from the road so that you can U turn it and it doesn’t feel like you’re just pulling off to the side (accommodated out RTT nicely) There were great views and the pups enjoyed it.
Landon C.
Ranger
Bailey Area Dispersed
Difficult road to get to but beautiful views
The road here has some gnarly washboards. I had to slow down to a crawl at points because it was thrashing my rig around so much. There is also one turn on the road where if you’re not careful, I could imagine getting stuck. However, the views are incredible and it was well worth the effort. Cell signal from Verizon is extremely good, I am getting 5G UWB and download speeds of 180mbps. There’s some cool hills to climb and many great views.
- RRebecca L.
Scout
Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite
Site #6 of 33
Finally, a nice campsite on a road that isn't horrible. There are 30+ designated, numbered, dispersed campsites on this road. Each of them have a parking area right along the road with a fire ring a short distance away surrounded by awesome rock outcroppings. The parking areas tend to be very unlevel and there are only a few that you can pull right up to your campsite. #6 had a level spot large enough for my van and the camping area just a few steps away. These are great campsites and the area is really awesome. After so many horrible roads and places closed, it was a blessing to find this spot. The road is a bit of a washboard, but that is nothing compared to most of the forest roads in Colorado. Highly recommended! Cell service with At&t in site 6 is decent. Calling is 2 bars. at least half of the sites are big rig friendly. All of the sites are 100% free.
- aandrew G.Traveler
Cripple Creek BLM Area
Great secluded spot!
We went on a Saturday and it wasn’t crowded at all. The dispersed sites aren’t far from the road since most of the road goes down a valley with hills on both sides however there’s a nice creek running down the whole way. Definitely check it out if you don’t mind a colder night in a valley. Not much room to explore outside your vehicle unless you’re okay walking down the dirt road to see other sites and views.
Bryce B.
Guide
Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
Great site
Pretty great dispersed site. Beautiful sun sets. I had great phone service. There are three campsites running along three different fingers. The second one has a portable bathroom. I talked to some locals who said grabbing deadfall was fine for fire wood. Quick 20 minute drive to get back into town for supplies. No water sources so you’ll have to pack out water. All the fire pits are hand build and being on the finger you’re pretty exposed to the wind keeping the fires small and not very hot. Most of the sites are not flat. If you enjoy camping with little amenities you’ll like this site 
- KK D.Traveler
Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
Great spot!
Was pretty busy, hard to find a spot at first but found a campsite across the stream that you cross a log on. Beautiful drive to get to.
- LLinnell W.Guide
Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide
Beautiful Spots
Wanted to stay for two nights but only did two days, because a mountain lion tore a deer to shreds about a day or two prior to my arrival by my campsite and i was spooked. Had two dogs but had an eerie feeling and left early but it was gorgeous. Loads of OHVs tho
Lily R.TravelerDispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide
Great spots along ATV trail
Tons of level, large spots. Road is meant for ATV use, and was a fair amount of traffic throughout the day but tolerable. Hardly any at night. Restrooms at base of road. Found our spot 2.5 miles up the road, definitely needed AWD.
- Lily R.Traveler
Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
Secluded sites along creek
Drove ~3 miles along the service road to find our spot, it was the second pull off “open-area” with several fire pits to choose from. Road was a little bumpy but would be fine with a 2WD. Gorgeous, secluded spot next to the creek. No Verizon service.
- VVictoria P.Traveler
Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
BEAUTIFUL SPOT
Loved being here. In the process of getting an apartment so this spot was perfect for the wait
- DDeitz B.Guide
Rampart Range Dispersed Site
Great Access to Rampart Reservoir
Handful of spots stretched out along the road. It was hard to find some open space on a Saturday around 3.
- mmichelle H.Traveler
Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
great spot by creek
loved this spot even stayed a couple extra days right by nice size creek the cooler weather was nice and meant not alot of bugs. more traffic on road than expected but not bothersome. people close by but not close enough to hear or bother you in anyway. site was clean. there were more shaded ones but we chose next to water. were a couple empty close by on a holiday weekend.
- WWill R.Guide
Buffalo Creek Recreation Area
Labor Day
Spent two nights here, lots of traffic but not enough to bother!
The only thing to dislike is the washboards but any reasonable suspension you’ll be fine.
- DDeitz B.Guide
Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
Peaceful and Secluded
Came mid August. Arrived about 5pm on a Saturday and there were a handful of spots left. I was right next to the river. Had 2 groups close to me that I could see, but it wasn’t an issue. Easy enough to get to.
Lesa L.Scout
Matukat Road Dispersed Camping
Excellent!
We spent 10 days at the top of the mountain. There were a few people that came in for a night or so, but not even close enough to hear them or see lights. The views are breathtaking! I am from NY. Drove all the way here just too camp. Was not disappointed!!! Can not wait to come back.
- AAshlee D.Traveler
Rampart Range Dispersed Site
Great free camping stay
Dispersed is further up the mountain but what a beautiful drive! We found a wooded spot that was super private and cozy! Climbed nearby rocks for some amazing views 🏔️
- MMichael B.Scout
Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
Great dispersed camping close to denver
There are many great spots much closer to the road (i.e. 20m less driving). Beautiful area. Relatively clean where we parked. Not crowded. Close to denver.
Lidia B.Scout
North Round Mountain
Nice place to sleep under the stars
We got there late at night and it was plenty of space. Unpaved road but no problem to get there with a campervan. Really close to the hwy but not noisy at all. Good option to spend the night.
Carla B.Traveler
clyde dispersed camping
Amazing place
First time dispersed camping and it was amazing. Beautiful. The warms days and cold nights were incredible.
Tabor P.ScoutBuffalo Creek Recreation Area
Always busy
We usually take this road up to get to Wellington lake or I’m here to go mountain biking. All dispersed camp sites are numbered and on the side of the road and there’s some really great looking spots but they are always taken. No matter what day of the week or time of day we have gone, not one single spot has been open. It looks like a lot of people are there tent camping and might have just gotten lucky, but I really do think people are poaching these sites and staying semi-permanently in their vans and campers. Good luck getting a spot here! Happy hunting
- GGriffin M.Traveler
211E Overlook Dispersed
Good Campsite with great views
Beautiful views over the valley and mountains. No access to water or hiking trails.
- David H.Guide
Route 31 Camp
David Hathaway
I just enjoyed a 6 day camping trip at this dispersed camping area. Yes it had one-two short showers each day which cooled things down. Even with the Saturday Night Rave until 2 am it was a great time. Only the fire ring is provided. Pack it in and Pack it out. Two towns close by should you run out of something. Very little bugs.
Xavier P.ScoutNorth Round Mountain
ATVs, Dust, noise and a lot of drinking
I wanted to stay here based on past reviews, but the place was full of ATVs. It was loud, and there were many campsites where people were partying.
This was in late June, so maybe it's different at other times.
Ben H.GuideMount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
Remote
I camped here for a little over a week. There is plenty of dispersed camping along the mountainous Road. Four wheel drive is required. There is also some dispersed camping allowed at the parking lot at the bottom of the mountain. However it is common for homeless people to be there and or larger size vehicles to be camping there. There is good Verizon signal for a while going up the mountain. It does go away once you get closer to the top. The larger camping sites are located closer to the top. With great views. Lower down on the mountain there are some spots to pull off on the side of the road. I camped like this for a while and walked a short distance to a pre-made camp fire. This is a popular place to camp especially over the weekends. So the road is a bit busy and narrow at some points
Amanda D.Scout
Mt. Herman Road Dispersed Site 2
We had a fox friend all weekend!
Found a great little campsite and had a fox as a neighbor! Only downfall was there was broken glass everywhere 😔
- EEvan E.Scout
Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
Great area Need 4x4
This area is beautiful with lots of great sites available along mt. Herman rd. Looked at 3-4 different sites all had a decent amount of broken glass so be careful with pets/little ones. Certain areas of this road are heavily graded so take it slow if need be
- CColyer D.Guide
Phantom Canyon
Beautiful, but Far from Pristine.
Absolutely beautiful area! We pulled in on a Friday evening with thunderstorms all around. There were plenty of sites available when we showed up, but they were all full by Saturday morning. We weren’t able to get one of the spots near the creek, but had our own hidden ravine tucked away on the left side of the road. I believe it was the 3rd to last pull out and the last one on the left side of the road. Stunning… but the smell from previous campers unsuccessfully trying to burn their trash in the fire rings (thankfully we brought our solo stove to cook on) and all the litter was a bit overwhelming. Broken glass, toilet paper/feces not buried, cigarette butts, and just trash everywhere. Unfortunate for the area, our spot was the cleanest one we came across. We took some walks past others near the creek that looked like they had just hosted full on frat parties.
It was just super unfortunate and disgusting to go to such a beautiful area and have previous campers all but ruin it for us.
Guide to Monument
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Monument, Colorado, where nature lovers can enjoy stunning landscapes and a sense of solitude. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.
Dispersed campers should check out Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
- This area offers numerous spots along a mountainous road, making it ideal for those seeking a remote experience. Check out Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping for breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Many campers have noted the convenience of being close to Denver while still enjoying a natural setting, making it a great weekend getaway.
- Be prepared for some rough terrain; a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended to navigate the bumpy roads leading to the best sites.
Scenic views while free camping near Monument
- The Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park area features unmarked dispersed sites with gorgeous views of Pikes Peak, perfect for those who appreciate stunning landscapes.
- Campers have reported that the area is less crowded than expected, allowing for a more tranquil experience, especially on holiday weekends.
- Firewood is readily available from downed trees, making it easy to enjoy cozy campfires under the stars.
Wildlife encounters for dispersed campers
- At Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping, visitors have enjoyed sightings of deer and moose, adding an exciting element to their camping experience.
- This area is known for its solitude, with well-spaced sites that allow for privacy while still being close to nature.
- Campers should be aware of the wildlife and take precautions, such as securing food, to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Monument, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Monument, CO is Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping with a 4.1-star rating from 32 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Monument, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 46 dispersed camping locations near Monument, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.