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Best Dispersed Camping near Palmer Lake, CO

283 Reviews

Mount Herman Road offers free dispersed camping in Pike National Forest near Palmer Lake, Colorado. Several established sites with fire rings are located along the road, which becomes increasingly rugged as it climbs. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, with 4WD necessary for accessing upper mountain sites. Camping spots become more available 15-20 minutes past the trailhead marker, with the most spacious sites located closer to the top of the mountain.

Road conditions vary seasonally, with some sections heavily rutted and narrow switchbacks that make navigation challenging for larger vehicles. According to one visitor, "The trail was decently covered in snow but all around was not too bad." Campsites tend to be more crowded on weekends, particularly in summer. Many sites offer views of Pikes Peak and surrounding mountains. Trash and broken glass are common problems at more accessible sites. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "There is plenty of dispersed camping along the mountainous road. Four wheel drive is required. The larger camping sites are located closer to the top with great views." Verizon cell service is available on lower portions of the mountain but diminishes near the top.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Palmer Lake, Colorado (51)

    1. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    35 Reviews
    Monument, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "If you enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies, drive in dispersed camping and putting your off-roading skills to the test, this dispersed campsite is a must visit!"

    "It took us about 15 minutes driving past the coordinates (trailhead) to start seeing campsites. There was nobody around, and we picked a very spacious one with a great view."

    2. Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park

    21 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    11 miles

    "A Long rocky and dirt road lays ahead of these dispersed camping areas. This park has set up campgrounds, but we chose to drive off road a bit and set up camp on the edge of a rocky overlook."

    "Had to walk a bit but thats ok. Great veiws no one around. Sadly no campfires, so early to bed. Very close to great trialheads"

    3. Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "Rampart Range Road is the main dirt road that has plenty of smaller trails branching off of it to keep you busy exploring all summer."

    "Tucked back in National Forest land."

    4. Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite

    12 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "We were going from direction Divide town using provided coordinates. All went fine until we ended up in a dead end road with private residence."

    "Rough road getting there though"

    5. Mt. Herman Road Dispersed Site 2

    5 Reviews
    Palmer Lake, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    6. Ice Cave Rd Dispersed Site - Pike National Forest

    5 Reviews
    Palmer Lake, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "RWD accessible."

    "Someone has built a den next to the firepit. The only downside to camping on Rampart Range is the noise from target shooting which we heard frequently. "

    7. Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Woodland Park, CO
    11 miles
    Website

    "Lots of shade in the morning at our spot. We were by a dirt road and did have a few vehicles drive by but not bad. There is bear scat, not old and not new, in the area but no wildlife was seen."

    "Terrain was interesting on the drive in, some of the pull off camping spots are pretty steep off the road. However, the sights were beautiful and it was very quiet and peaceful when we visited :)"

    8. Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Woodland Park, CO
    9 miles

    "This free campsite is about 40 minutes from Colorado Springs, which sounds kinda far, but the gorgeous views on the way up are stunning, so it makes it feel like a shorter drive!"

    "We reserved the site ahead of time, right above the reservoir with an easy path down to the water . Garbage and bathrooms available . Spacious sites with a good amount of privacy from neighbors ."

    9. Rampart Reservoir Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    11 miles
    Website

    "There are three dispersed camping areas on this road. It is close to the rampart reservoir, which is very nice."

    "Great dispersed camping here and relatively unknown, I was here for 3 days and didn’t see a single person."

    10. Rampart Range Dispersed Site

    6 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "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 🏔️"

    "Awesome views and close to fishing"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Palmer Lake, CO

251 Photos of 51 Palmer Lake Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Palmer Lake, CO

283 Reviews of 51 Palmer Lake Campgrounds

  • Doug C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 10, 2022

    Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

    Choose Your Own Adventure From Rampart Range Road

    Rampart Range Road is the main dirt road that has plenty of smaller trails branching off of it to keep you busy exploring all summer. Rampart Range Road is accessible by 2wd vehicles while some of the smaller trails that branch off of Rampart Range Rd do better with a 4wd with high clearance. The southern portion of the road (south of Devils Head Trail) is open year around while the northern half of the road is closed seasonally during winter. Easily accessible outside of Woodland Park on the south end of the road and west through Sedalia. Lots of dispersed camping sites along the road, some are very large and could easily accommodate a large RV or large groups. Other campsites are tucked away off the road a little which is great because this road can be very busy & dusty in the summer. All in all, this place makes for a fun and easy weekend getaway as long as some ohv traffic doesn’t bother you too much. The best part of Rampart Range Road is the several forest service roads that branch off with dispersed camping. These smaller trails and dispersed camping make for a much more relaxing and peaceful weekend, I highly recommend if you have a 4x4. Find the right forest service road and you’ll feel like you are a million miles from it all.

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2023

    Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping

    Good but not great

    Tarryall creek dispersed camping. The road in is a bit bumpy. I would not trade in a low clearance vehicle. Four-wheel-drive is needed if it should get wet or slippery. Once you get onto the road, the sites are big and spacious. This is dispersed camping, so there is no water no electric and very little cell service. We have periodic two bars of Verizon. The sites are definitely big enough to accommodate big rigs. You just have to take the road really slowly on the way up. If you carry on all the way up to 10, you get to fenced areas where there is no camping so we took 293 off to the left and immediately after the Turner a couple of sites. We followed it all the way down for a long way. The road is incredibly bumpy and four-wheel-drive is absolutely necessary. Along with high clearance. I would not advise it for big rigs. The Site that we got just on the left after the turn walls reasonably wide. Big enough to get a big rig into. It’s pretty flat too but it’s also very exposed. There’s not a lot of shelter for our tent or our gazebo. The views are OK but nothing spectacular.

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2023

    Fraile’s Campground - Dispersed

    Huge sites on gnarly road

    CR 290 off Tarryall Rd. Campsites are all designated on 290 but there are numerous firepits on the side roads. The road to get up is very rutted. I recommend a high clearance vehicle. Definitely four wheel drive is required. I did see a Subaru forester up near the top. The sites are wide open once you get onto the plateau at the top. Easily could accommodate a big rig, but the issue would be getting it up the road. The views from the top are really nice. It opens out and you get some spectacular views of Pike National Forest. The sites are spacious with some pine tree coverage for tent campers. This would definitely be a possible back up spot if nothing on Matukat rd was available. Because they are dispersed there is no electrical hook ups or water. There’s no Creek running through the area. I imagine it would be really quiet and remote up here because the road to get in is going to deter a lot of people. We did find some spots with fire pits, but not sure you can camp there given there is no sign post reading designated campsite but they are off the main road so give it a try.

  • Izzy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2022

    Penrose Common Rec Site

    Delightful af

    Road in is rough, but manageable with a high clearance vehicle. Plenty of space to spread out. Popular with those ATV things. Pit toilet, no trash. Not many trees, but a great view of the surrounding area. T-mobile service was good enough to get some work and school done. Close enough to groceries and other stores. Love this spot.

  • Monte P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 23, 2020

    Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    A small price for freedom

    If you enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies, drive in dispersed camping and putting your off-roading skills to the test, this dispersed campsite is a must visit! My 9 yr old son and I happened upon this mountain top paradise somewhat by accident. We were looking for a less challenging day hike with low traffic and decided to try the Mt. Herman trailhead. My ever burning desire for a view and solitude lead us up Mt. Herman rd to the location I marked on the map for this listing. Access was challenging, even with our 4x4 Jeep seeing as there was pretty deep snowfall accumulation, steep grades, and hairpin switchbacks heading up. However in warmer seasons this would be easy access for most stock 4x4 vehicles. No lift necessary, just a desire for the boundless views afforded at the summit. There are multiple pull offs, relatively low traffic aside from the occasional off-roading convoy passing through spreading merriment and good cheer. There are some really cool fire ring setups and plenty of epic views to make your own. If Colorado’s what you want, here’s a great place to experience the back country without having to drive for hours to access it. We had a blast! Please ALWAYS remember, be Kind & rewind!! Wait... wrong slogan😅 LEAVE NO TRACE & PACK IT OUT! Thanks & have fun! Photos are in my phone, I’ll update with photos... sure to amaze! 😉✌🏾

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2023

    Route 31 Camp

    Close to perfect if you’re in the right spot

    County Road 31 dispersed camping On entering the area, there is immediately a sign that reads that OHV’s are prohibited. At least in this area you know you’re going to get some peace and quiet. The road to get in is mainly washboard. Totally possible even with a low clearance 2 Wheel Dr. vehicle. The sights designated only. Once you get past the information board you’ll see turn off‘s on the left and right wave Campers and fire pits. If you continue down County Road 31 spectacular. The biggest issue I can see again is a lack of firewood. There appears to be no downed trees or burned trees in the area. You need to bring in your own. There’s also no water source in this area so come well prepared. Since this is dispersed camping, there is no reservation or electric hook ups or sewer hook ups. These sites are plenty big enough for big rigs, and most of them appear to be pull through sites. Tent campers the sites do appear to be a little bit too exposed. There are sites with better tree coverage for tent campers when you go further into the back areas of some of the side roads the downside is you lose the views of the surrounding mountains. If you keep going further back, CR 31 connects to 896, and there are sites way back there that give you the impression that you’re just even further removed from everybody else. There are so many sites in this area. This could be a good back up spot for Matukat Road if it’s not available. There is a site on 896 right before the no camping sign, which is designated as a campsite, and it has some tree coverage, and all the mountain views. 896 is a very tough road requiring high clearance and four-wheel-drive. Numerous places have deep holes and you need to take it very slow.

  • Charles L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Phantom Canyon

    Late July camping trip

    I’m a rooftop tent camper and the views are amazing but was hoping to be close to the water and isolated from other campers. Definitely was isolated and found one spot that worked out well for rooftop camper. Like 14 miles on dirt road, on the right, 20 feet before a sign that reads “leaving public land.” Had fire ring and more than enough room. About 20 yards away from creek. Quiet. No Att cell service but don’t expect anyone can get service in that canyon.

  • Elias M.
    Jan. 23, 2025

    Penrose BLM sites

    Beautiful views of the mountains and the town

    These are blm campsites. There are pit toilets right when you cross into blm land and a sign that explains that you have to camp in designated areas. Like most blm locations there is a 14 day max.

    We got our 19 foot travel trailer into a spot with icy conditions, but the road does get quite a bit rougher if you keep going in. Great T-Mobile and Verizon service (2+ bars of 5g)

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2023

    Manchester Creek Trailhead

    Good free dispersed camping

    We use to camp here a lot when we lived in colorado springs. Near town of divide for supplies. A water station is availanle on hwy 67 in divide. The forest rd is quite rough. A high clearance vehicle is a good idea. Lots of ATVs on the weekends. So lots of atv noise and dust. Lots of places to camp. I have taken my 37' 5th wheel there. No cell service and no amenities

Guide to Palmer Lake

For those seeking an escape into nature, dispersed camping near Palmer Lake, Colorado, offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning views and a variety of activities, these sites are perfect for adventurers looking to unwind.

Dispersed campers should check out Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

  • This area features numerous spots along the mountainous road, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bit of seclusion while still being close to Denver. Check out Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping for a beautiful experience.
  • Be prepared for a bumpy ride, as four-wheel drive is recommended to navigate the rugged terrain. Many campers have found the drive well worth it for the breathtaking views at the top.
  • While camping here, keep an eye out for wildlife, as the area is known for its natural beauty and diverse fauna.

Top activities while free camping near Palmer Lake

  • Hiking enthusiasts will love the trails around Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite, which provide access to stunning landscapes and the chance to explore the local flora and fauna.
  • Fishing is a popular activity in the nearby Rampart Reservoir, where you can enjoy a peaceful day by the water. Just remember to pack out what you pack in to keep the area pristine.
  • For those who enjoy off-roading, the roads leading to these dispersed sites are often frequented by ATV enthusiasts, adding an adventurous twist to your camping experience.

Scenic views for dispersed campers at Rampart Range Dispersed

  • The views from Rampart Range Dispersed are nothing short of spectacular, especially during sunrise and sunset when the landscape is bathed in golden light.
  • Many sites are well-spaced, allowing for a sense of privacy while still being part of a vibrant camping community. This makes it a great spot for families or groups looking to enjoy nature together.
  • Be mindful of the wind, as some areas can be quite exposed, but the trade-off is the incredible panoramic vistas that make the experience unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Palmer Lake dispersed camping located near Colorado Springs?

Palmer Lake dispersed camping options are located in the Pike National Forest area northwest of Colorado Springs. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping offers panoramic Rocky Mountain views and is accessible from Palmer Lake, though the roads require off-road driving skills. Another option near Colorado Springs is Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping, a main dirt road with many smaller trails branching off, offering extensive exploration opportunities. This area is generally accessible by 2WD vehicles on the main road, while the smaller trails are better suited for 4WD vehicles with high clearance. Both areas provide free camping within reasonable driving distance from Colorado Springs.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping at Palmer Lake?

Dispersed camping near Palmer Lake follows standard national forest regulations. At Penrose BLM sites, camping is restricted to designated areas only with a 14-day maximum stay limit. Most dispersed areas require you to camp in existing sites with established fire rings. Route 31 Camp explicitly prohibits OHVs in certain sections, ensuring quieter camping experiences. Generally, dispersed camping rules include: pack out all trash, use existing fire rings when fires are permitted, camp at least 100 feet from water sources, and maintain at least 150 feet distance from roadways. No facilities are provided, so be prepared to pack in water and pack out waste. Always check for current fire restrictions before your trip, as they change seasonally.

Is Palmer Lake a good alternative to Twin Lakes for free camping in Colorado?

Yes, Palmer Lake dispersed camping can be an excellent alternative to Twin Lakes for free camping, especially for those closer to Colorado Springs. Penrose Common Rec Site offers plenty of space to spread out with rough but manageable access roads (high clearance recommended). It features pit toilets but no trash service, and provides good cell service for those needing connectivity. For those seeking more isolation, Phantom Canyon provides amazing views with spots that work well for rooftop tent campers, though it requires driving about 14 miles on dirt roads. While Twin Lakes may offer more dramatic alpine settings, these Palmer Lake alternatives provide similar free camping experiences with diverse terrain, often with better accessibility from the Front Range urban corridor.

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