Dispersed camping opportunities near New Castle, Colorado, extend beyond Harvey Gap into nearby national forest lands and BLM areas. The region sits at approximately 5,500 feet elevation with surrounding mountains reaching over 10,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between day and night. Most dispersed sites require visitors to practice Leave No Trace principles and carry out all waste, as management agencies provide minimal maintenance of these primitive areas.
What to do
Fishing access: Lower Prince Creek Campground offers proximity to Prince Creek, described by Eric B. as a "class 3 trout stream" with "great hiking and biking trails" surrounding the campground area.
Mountain biking: Bellyache Road dispersed camping provides access to nearby trail systems. Nikki R. mentioned there are "bikers on trail nearby" making it "good for a drive through on 70."
Boating opportunities: At Thompson Creek Campground, campers can experience varied recreation options. Amanda U. notes there's "room for kids to run around, even a fun hike next to designated sites" and recommends visitors "stop in to our hometown Carbondale on your way in or out. The food and brews are the best!"
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Lower Prince Creek Campground offers separation between camping areas. Eric B. observed "fairly decent privacy due to the thick scrub oak between each of the sites" and noted that "sites 3, 4 & 5 are close to the gravel road."
Wildlife viewing: SE Flat Tops Area provides excellent natural encounters. Hailey M. reported it has a "beautiful view of the stars!!!" and noted you can "camp anywhere you'd like, though there are no electrical or plumbing hook-ups."
Lakeside options: Blue Lake Camp provides water-based recreation opportunities. Isabelle K. described it as "by far one of the most serene glacial lakes in the area" with "crystal clear" water that's "lovely for a dip (if you can handle the cold!)."
What you should know
Road conditions: Roads to many sites deteriorate significantly after rain. AJ F. described Bellyache Road as "heavily rutted, and if it just rained gets incredibly muddy." They recommended "a vehicle with decent 8"+ clearance, and decent all terrain tires if using the trail post rain."
Bathroom facilities: Most dispersed areas lack facilities entirely. Klines Folly Campground, according to CHRISTINE, is "just a parking lot for easy camping" without amenities.
Cell service limitations: Many areas have minimal or no coverage. At SE Flat Tops Area, Hailey M. noted "You're off service too until you head about a mile down the mountain."
Tips for camping with families
Noise considerations: Some areas experience recreational shooting. Mark S. reported that at Thompson Creek Campground there were "bullet casings, trash and constant shots being fired, and with the additional noise of Polaris Razors."
Water recreation options: Several sites offer swimming opportunities. Upper Colorado Rec Area reviewer Jennifer M. found "a great meadowy spot with a fire pit" and noted "the views on the drive are SPECTACULAR!"
Location alternatives: When primary sites fill up, look for secondary options. At Blue Lake Camp, Isabelle K. mentioned "in the summer you are likely to be sharing the lake with another group or two but it is never crowded."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles. Steve M. noted Bellyache Road "absolutely requires four-wheel drive for two and a half miles of extremely rough unpaved road that goes up a thousand feet."
Turning radius limitations: Narrow roads create maneuvering challenges. Adam D. warned Bellyache Road is "definitely not for travel trailers at all. Bringing one up could lead to a serious situation, since there are no places to turn around whatsoever."