Best Dispersed Camping near Morrison, CO

Looking for the best campgrounds near Morrison, CO? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Morrison is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Morrison, CO. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Morrison, Colorado (127)

    1. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    21 miles

    "So busy that we had to go in the middle of the week to get a spot, so plan ahead here and expect crowds. That being said, each spot is unique and we loved it."

    "We stayed here a couple weekends in a row and we were able to try out some different spots and trails close to those spots. This free campground is perfect! "

    2. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    30 miles
    Website

    "So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."

    "Like the title suggests, this campsite is typical for a free forest service campground. Prior campers have left some trash, bullet casings and obviously neglected to dig cat holes."

    3. Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    16 Reviews
    Georgetown, CO
    23 miles
    Website

    "Resources were running low on a Friday night so it was great pull off great views close to idaho springs down town , nice hiking trails as well traffic is pretty much non existent after 9pm"

    "Any unpaved areas around it are not flat."

    4. Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp #2

    8 Reviews
    Idaho Springs, CO
    18 miles

    "For those that can't find it, putting "Hidden Wilderness Rd" in the GPS should help. It's a dirt road at the top of the neighborhood road. You'll want 4wd for sure."

    "The road is very rocky and bumpy and requires 4WD."

    5. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    27 miles
    Website

    "Oe of my family's fav places, beautiful views, camping spots super far away from one another so awesome privacy, and completely free. Spots fill up quick on weekends, you can stay 14 days."

    "The roads around the whole campground were a little rough but i did okay in my Ford Escape. All of the sites seems to be really spread out.

    There were several people in the campground."

    6. Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp #1

    6 Reviews
    Idaho Springs, CO
    17 miles

    "First off the campsite locations for hidden wilderness roadside camp is somewhat misleading."

    "The entrance road is hard to find - Drive to the Indian Hot Springs facility in Idaho Springs, take Montane Road. It turns into Hidden Wilderness Road when the pavement ends."

    7. Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite

    8 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    21 miles

    "Over 30 dispersed campsites along a moderately smooth dirt road. Sites are spaced well apart, some sites are covered in trees while others are wide open."

    "About 32 or more spots along redskin creek road that goes back a few miles with spots with fire rings along the dirt road."

    8. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    28 miles
    Website

    "Was desperate to find "something" after driving 11 hours that day, and normal paid camp grounds were full. HOWEVER I was pulling a smaller trailer, and that turned out to be a real issue."

    "Went on a Tuesday afternoon and there was foot traffic around our spot from people headed on hikes."

    9. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Empire, CO
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 567-4382

    "It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving.

    Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake. "

    "Just outside of Idaho Springs, take the exit for Co Rd 275 off of I-70. It's a scenic drive up a curvy paved road for about 15 minutes."

    10. York Gulch Road

    9 Reviews
    Dumont, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Take the exit onto Fall River Road from the highway, a short road. You are then soon connected with forest service road of sorts York gultch."

    "Sites weren’t marked like other places I’ve been but I expected it being dispersed. Had a wonderful time the sky was pretty it was secluded and lots of space for dogs to run!"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Morrison, CO

780 Reviews of 127 Morrison Campgrounds



Guide to Morrison

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Morrison, Colorado, where nature meets adventure. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Morrison

  • Enjoy mountain biking at the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, where numerous trails cater to all skill levels, making it a popular destination for cyclists.
  • Experience the tranquility of stargazing at the York Gulch Road, known for its dark skies and spacious sites, perfect for a night under the stars.
  • Hike the scenic trails around Gross Reservoir Dispersed, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and access to various outdoor activities.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp

  • The Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp offers a secluded experience with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, ideal for those seeking peace and quiet.
  • Access to this site requires a vehicle with good clearance, making it a great choice for adventurers looking to explore rugged terrain.
  • Campers can enjoy the beauty of nature while being close to hiking trails that lead to picturesque landscapes.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Morrison, Colorado

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping spots near Morrison, Colorado?

Several excellent dispersed camping areas are available near Morrison. Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping offers numerous camping opportunities with smaller trails branching off the main dirt road, accessible by 2WD vehicles. For those seeking more seclusion, Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping provides additional options. Many dispersed sites in the area require high clearance vehicles, and it's best to arrive early on weekends to secure a spot. Look for established fire rings and follow Leave No Trace principles. The Pike and Arapaho National Forests surrounding Morrison offer multiple dispersed camping opportunities, with most sites situated within a 30-45 minute drive from town.

Is there free camping available near Morrison, Colorado?

Yes, free camping is available near Morrison in the surrounding national forests. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area offers free dispersed camping with basic amenities like toilets in some sections. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area provides free camping with numbered sites and additional unnumbered sites further down Forest Road 233.1, some offering excellent views. Most dispersed camping in national forests around Morrison is free but requires adherence to stay limits (typically 14 days). Remember these areas have no facilities like water, electricity, or trash service, so come prepared to pack out everything you bring in and properly manage waste.

Can I boondock with my RV near Morrison, Colorado?

Yes, RV boondocking is possible near Morrison, but site accessibility varies based on your rig size and clearance. Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite is big-rig friendly for those with appropriate vehicles. Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping offers pull-offs along the main road suitable for most vehicles, while high-clearance 4WD can access more secluded spots on offshoot roads. Be prepared for completely self-sufficient camping with no hookups, water, or dump stations. Road conditions can be challenging, particularly after rain, so research specific routes before attempting them with an RV. Always have backup plans and arrive early during peak seasons to secure suitable spots.