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Hubbard 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.
10,300-foot elevation.
Overland Reservoir lies approximately 22 miles north of Paonia near the divide between the Grand Mesa National Forest and the Gunnison National Forest.This area offers a very beartiful setting, with the deep blue reservoir, grassy parks and thick green timber. It is stocked every year by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife with Rainbow and Brook Trout. The average size fish caught is 6 to 8 inches. The reservoir is drained every fall, so the fish have no chance of reaching larger sizes. The fisherman with a boat may have better luck than fishing from the bank. There are many dispersed camping spots located on the east side of the Reservoir.
Guide
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
Guide
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!
Legend
A few miles past Wolcott is the Castle Peak Wilderness Study Area which holds quite a few little known idyllic camping spots. Blue Lake is by far one of the most serene glacial lakes in the area and offers multiple primitive camp sites designated by fire rings. The lake is accessible by hiking trails and by 4x4 roads, if driving I would highly recommend a high clearance vehicle as many of the ruts on the road are very deep. I have camped here many times, in the summer you are likely to be sharing the lake with another group or two but it is never crowded. I have spent a few weekends here throughout the fall and had the place all to myself. The water is crystal clear and lovely for a dip (if you can handle the cold!). A few kind souls have even left their row boats in the woods next to the lake, to my knowledge they still leave these here for others to enjoy, just please remember to put the boats and paddles back where you find them! There are also quite a few nice hiking trails around the area which are well marked with signs.
Traveler
My husband and I stayed 1 night at Yeoman and it was nothing short of wonder, joy and fun! There was a park ranger on site at the time we were there so that provided a sense of security while being more in the back country. The restrooms were abundant and always well stocked with toilet paper. The campsites come stocked with twigs and logs. Brush creek is clear and cool and provided us with the most perfect cold plunge for a warm summer day! We have been to many dispersed camp sites but this one takes the prize!
Traveler
Spent three nights here (5/13 - 5/16). To start, we camped with a teardrop trailer, but once you pass the White River National Forest sign and parking lot for the babbish trail head, it’s not easy to turn around unless you find a campsite. Once you pass this you’ll see the first two campsites after about 4 bends in the road, both are walking distance to the trailhead. The first is a larger open space right off the road and the second is a much more private spot. The road to access this is just beyond the first campsite, which is where we stayed (see photos). We loved this spot!
If you continue up the road you’ll eventually reach a fork, if you hang right and continue up there are 4 more dispersed sites. These would not work for trailers but are great tent spots. We had a very hard time trying to turn around.
There are no services (no bins, no toilets, no cell service) and these sites are super clean so let’s keep it that way. The aspens hadn’t bloomed quite yet but in a few weeks it’ll be pretty spectacular.
Additionally the main trailhead with access to beaver creek trail is not open until June 14th so most other dispersed sites won’t be accessible until then.
Guide
You can camp at a designated campground right on the lake, or you drive up 24 and find a lot of dispersed camping available - all the way up to the little lakes (great for fishing too). The dispersed camping is above the lakes which offers incredible views but is first come, first serve. Definitely bring your paddle boards, kayaks, etc.
This is one of my favorite places in Colorado - but beware of the altitude! Drink lots of water, you will forget how high you are and a little altitude sickness might creep up on you, even if you've been here before without issues. It's also very close to Mt. Elbert and you should take Independence Pass to Aspen for a gorgeous drive and lots of wildlife!
RangerMy first winter camping trip in Colorado. Just south of Glenwood Springs and west of Carbondale is Sunlight Mountain Resort, an awesome little mountain with great tree skiing and untracked powder that can be found days after a storm. It sits in the western side of the White River National Forest in the Sopris Ranger District. From Glenwood or Carbondale follow directions to the resort and just about a mile before you get there you'll take a right to stay on Four Mile Rd or county road 117. Travel about 2 miles after turning and you'll come to a parking area on your left, in the winter its mainly used by cross country skiers and snowmobiles. From here we took off on foot in our winter boots down 2 miles of groomed snow covered road until you reach an intersection with a bunch of signs giving you several different options in directions and places to go. We strapped on our snow shoes and headed west up Fourmile Park- North through 16 to 24 inches of snow for an additional mile and settled at the 2nd camping spot we came to on our left. The low that night was 19 but I stayed warm most of the time until around 4 or 5 and finally had to get up and move around. The best part about the trip was we got to ski before and when we got back the bar was still open. I loved living in Glenwood Springs and choose this area for its proximity to so many awesome places, can't wait to get back.
GuideThe road up to the campsites is pretty well maintained but you do gain a good amount of elevation. The scenery is beautiful with lot of wild flowers and tall, towering trees. It rained before we got there and there was some moisture on the tent the morning after. Make sure to follow the road to Four Mile Park and continue up the road for another 20 minutes or so. You will see a pull off to the right with a sign for the White River National Forest. Continue on to find some more campsites
Legend
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.
Traveler
The road was smooth coming in. I parked right below the marked spot because the road got a little more rough to get up there. But there is plenty of dispersed camping before and after the marked spot.
Legend
Stocked reservoir with rainbow and brook trout. Smaller fish but fun fishing.
The dispersed camping is located on the east side of the reservoir. Vault toilets located here and no water(except the reservoir). All camping is first-come, first-serve. Bring bug spray as the mosquitoes are pretty bad here.
Traveler
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.
TravelerThe 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.
Traveler
Nice area with many dispersed camping sites. Pin is not in exact spot but many spots along this road. The road was decent and i made it easily in my toyota prius. Roads would be slippery and have running water over them in rain. Check the weather if you are not confident in your car. It is an OHV area but was calm and quiet when i was there. Several other cars in the area but not in eyesight. Some cows wandering around.
Ranger
This is in my top 5 most beautiful places I've ever camped. The roads leading up to it are definitely most manageable in a vehicle with 4x4 or good clearance and there are some very exposed, narrow sections to be wary of depending on the route you choose. There are a handful of marked sites up at Paradise Divide (as all dispersed camping is now regulated and marked in Crested Butte area). If you are arriving on a weekday you shouldn't have too much trouble nabbing a site, but weekends in the summer may not be easy to get a spot. These sites are located very close to some of the best mountain biking trails, the 401 and 404, as well as a wealth of high mountain hiking.
Guide
Dispersed camping just past gothic campground, to the north. Sign posted “GC1” where we turned off. There were 5 well spaced fire rings. Most spots had tree cover and some protection. Would easily be able to get a small/medium camper in. We liked the balance of tree cover, yet wide open spaces, meadows, and epic views of the canyon all around. It did rain while we camped which made the road extremely muddy. 4x4 and decent clearance recommended, saw a few cars get stuck in the mud. We hiked nearby Judd falls, and had plans to hike Washington Gulch (trailhead was within walking distance). If you can make it, the drive north to emerald lake has amazing views. Signs posted in the canyon indicated that camping was only allowed in the established gothic campground June 15th through August 15th.
GuideYou can put directions in for Sunlight Resort and then take the dirt road on the right if that’s easier for you! Here’s the longer directions: You’re going to take county road 117/ four mile road Glenwood springs. Continue onto four mile road when it splits off on the right. You are going the right way if you see the “Sunlight Resort in 6 miles” sign on the left. Once you finally get to the official Sunlight Resort sign you continue onto the dirt road (four mile road park). You are almost there when you see the parking lot and the White River National park sign on the left. You will keep going straight for a little and then you will see a campsite on the right. We talked to a park ranger and he said there’s a lot of bears and mountain lions in the area just to warn you guys. He also said it was cool that we camp there he said it’s all dispersed camping passed the parking lot. So you could camp farther down the road if you please. We didn’t hear many animals at night we felt pretty safe for the 2 nights we stayed there. It was a really great spot!! We loved it! We built up a bunch of balancing rocks around the site and built up the fire pits a little more:) Please keep this site clean! It’s a beautiful spot. We cleaned up as much trash as we could from the previous campers. Remember to lock up all food at night so you don’t attract any bears looking for a snack😄 Enjoy🔥 🏕
GuideHad a quick stop over here on the way to Dinosaur National Monument. No ATT phone service beyond a certain point. This is all primitive camping and heavily used by 4x4 ATVs. There are no facilities ie: Toilets, power, water or fire pits. The road was easy no need for high clearance or 4wheel drive. Heavy wildlife area, had a fox come right up to my car as I was making coffee. Only 30 minutes from Glenwood Springs. Would stay again 9/10 would recommend.
Remember to pack in pack out.
ScoutWe towed a 35 FT 5th wheel heading west on 105 until we discovered the perfect campsite by turning south at the intersection with 108. The road was very rough but doable by moving along very slowly.
Our site was hidden by trees off a short dirt drive which wasn’t too bad. There was plenty of space for us to turn around, and a fire pit had been constructed of large rocks (with a resident chipmunk hanging out among them).
We loved being surrounded by tall trees on one side and having a long distance view across the meadow on the other side, watching storm clouds approaching every day. We were far enough from the road that we barely heard any traffic passing. However, the sound of cattle lowing was frequent, and there was evidence of their presence all over the ground! One bull approached and stood there bellowing at the camper before finally moving along, and another morning we looked outside to see several cows munching on the remains of our campfire. Apparently they like to eat ashes and charcoal for the minerals because it happened twice!
We camped there 6 nights and hated to leave. Our only reservations were driving on the long bumpy roads and cattle manure being everywhere. Otherwise, it was the best boondocking place we’ve stayed because of the scenery and remoteness. It was very quiet except for the cattle lowing.
We rode our bikes down 108 one day and discovered that it was way too rough to drive with our dually pickup. Another day we rode all the way down 105 and then back on 100 which is Land’s End Road. There are lots more dispersed campsites further down 105, but many have huge potholes turning into them. Some are located next to reservoirs and have lovely views, but we were happy with our site because we didn’t have to drive that far to reach it. If you had a smaller rig, it would be worth trying those places.
Legend
For those looking for an amazing backpacking experience in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, this one is not to be missed!
Many people take on the Cathedral Lake trail as a day hike, with the most adventurous (and in shape) pushing on towards Electric Pass. However, following a recommendation I read online, I decided to make this trail into a weekend backpacking trip. This was our general itinerary:
On Friday afternoon we hiked in the ~3 miles to Cathedral Lake. We set up camp just off the trail, about a 1/2 mile before the lake, below the tree line (see more below about the camping sites). On Saturday morning we intended to make the hike to Electric Pass but woke up to a rainstorm that lasted until about noon. We spent the afternoon hanging out by the lake and fishing where we caught some rather impressive trout! We were delighted when all of the lingering rain clouds began to clear out in the late afternoon and decided to make an evening attempt at the Electric Pass hike (~6 miles RT from the lake) where we were rewarded by amazing sunset views. We then returned to camp and spent another night. We left mid-morning on Sunday and had a much easier (all downhill) hike back to the trailhead.
About the camping at Cathedral Lake:
If you plan to make this a backpacking trip, you will really be able to enjoy the area far more than the day hikers who only spend a bit of time at the lake and have to turn around. I would highly recommend staying a night or two and attempting to summit the Electric Pass as we did. Be sure to fill out a permit (no cost) at the trailhead, per wilderness regulations. There is plenty of water available near the lake and in the surrounding creeks, but a water filtration device should be used for safety of course. Following wilderness regulations, campsites cannot be within a certain distance of the lake, which is no issue as there are plenty of sites just off the trail after the grueling last set of switchbacks. You’ll know when you have finished the switchbacks I am referencing because they are quite strenuous, especially with a heavy backpack on! The primitive sites are marked by previously built stone ring fire pits, many of which have well placed logs and stumps to sit on. The sites are all far enough apart that you cannot see your neighbors and have plenty of seclusion to enjoy the woods. Dense forest surrounds the camping area which adds to the privacy and provides protection from the sun and storms that often roll through this area. A note on the storms-due to the high altitude and mountainous location, this area is frequented by strong thunderstorms and caution should be taken to avoid lightning strikes, especially on Electric Pass which was named for just this reason! Even on the sunniest day, I would not set out on this trail without proper rain gear and lots of layers in my pack. It also gets quite cold up here! We stayed in early August and it definitely felt like the air temperature was below freezing at night. Bear canisters are required for camping here and the proper precautions should be kept in mind to avoid any potentially dangerous encounters with the amazing wildlife in this area. Please also follow all of the additional wilderness regulations and leave no trace principles to keep this beautiful place in pristine condition!
Overall, I would recommend the Cathedral Lake and Electric Pass hikes to anyone visiting the Aspen area…but for those willing and able to turn this into a backpacking trip, you will be rewarded with an even more amazing backcountry camping adventure!
For more info:
https://www.outdoorproject.com/adventures/colorado/hikes/cathedral-lake-trail
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5186764.pdf
GuideOther than the plethora of mosquitos, this is one of my favorite camp spots so far. My husband and I arrived around 3:30pm on a Tuesday. Camp sites directly on the banks are few, but we managed to score what I thought was the prettiest spot. There were plenty of spots around if you don't want to be right next to the lake. As mentioned, there were a ton of mosquitos. When the breeze was blowing, it helped, but definitely bring bug spray! In the evening time, we were treated to a lovely sunset and fish jumping. Will be coming back again. Very peaceful place.
GuideSmall USFS campground with fee. Looked like there were about 6 spots, fairly close together but good tree cover in the camp. Vault toilet at the entrance but no other amenities (trash, water). No campground host here. Beautiful canyon with fishing and hiking near!
GuideExactly what we wanted in a campsite! No internet, off the grid, fire ring, beautiful views and secluded! Definitely need 4WD to get here. The side roads that you need to take to reach the camp sites are not maintained.
TravelerSeveral dispersed campsites to choose from, all with amazing views and fire rings. Favorite place on earth.
TravelerThe night sky was so beautiful. This site was on the end of the road and felt secluded, saw deer and moose in the area. Super pleasant drive to the campsite.
ScoutBeautiful spot and very few other people around. Cute river running throughout.
The four mile road itself is a pretty well maintained dirt road that's wide enough for trailers and two cars parallel.
The camp sites are the definition of dispersed as they are quite far from each other and seemingly minimal if you're driving in. We saw three viable sites and was able to camp at the third one about 3 Miles down the road.
Traveler
Well groomed dirt/gravel road just West of Rte 65. Go in 1/4 mile and turn Right down dirt path to large camping site. There is nobody for 1/2 mile or more around you. If this site is not good, up FSR 100 maybe 1/2 mile on the Right is a site up in the trees. Very secluded. This site is at 10,700 feet elevation. The lake is stream fed and looks like good trout fishing. There are free range cows in the area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near New Castle, CO is Four Mile Road Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 18 reviews.
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