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Dispersed Camping near Parker, CO

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    Buffalo Creek Recreation Area provides free dispersed camping with 35 numbered sites along Redskin Creek Road (County Road 550), about an hour from Denver. Sites are well-spaced for privacy and many can accommodate trailers or small RVs. The dirt access road connects to Highway 126 (Deckers Road) and extends approximately 5 miles toward Wellington Lake, with some washboard sections that can be rough on vehicles. These dispersed campsites offer excellent opportunities for backcountry camping near Parker without facilities or reservations.

    Most campsites include rock fire rings with grill grates, though fire restrictions are common during dry periods. No drinking water, trash service or hookups are available, though portable toilets are positioned along the road. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "The spots are large and far apart from each other so we were able to socially distance within our own group." The area fills quickly, particularly on weekends. A review mentioned: "We headed out on memorial day weekend and it was busy. So busy that we had to go in the middle of the week to get a spot, so plan ahead here." The area provides access to mountain biking trails, hiking paths that intersect with the Colorado Trail, and fishing opportunities in nearby Deckers.

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    Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Parker (55)

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      1. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

      4.5(30)29mi from Parker

      "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. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

      4.1(36)32mi from Parker

      "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!"

      "Not far from the monument exit on I-25. The road is rocky bumpy & rutty in many areas. In others its smooth.  Yet suitable for 2wd vehicles.  Some campsites have mobile data & many do not.  "

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      3. Redskin Creek Rd Designated Campsite

      4.6(16)29mi from ParkerRVs, Tents

      "We only drove into the 30s and turned around to claim site 23. Only a few spots are across from one another or beside each other. Majority of the sites are spaced out which was really nice."

      "A large number of established roadside dispersed camping spots to choose from. All spots have metal fire rings, so campfires are allowed even with Stage 1 fire restrictions in place."

      4. Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

      4.5(21)39mi from Parker

      "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."

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      5. Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping

      3.7(10)32mi from Parker

      "Most of the campsites are right next to a dirt road with little privacy. I went on a hike on the 4x4 road and there were so many more dope campsites.."

      "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."

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      6. Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park

      4.2(20)39mi from Parker

      "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"

      7. Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite

      4.6(17)39mi from ParkerTents

      "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"

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      8. Mt. Herman Road Dispersed Site 2

      4.4(5)32mi from ParkerTents

      "You have to travel for several miles to find the disperse sites after you hit dirt road, but it's worth a trip. The first few miles are very rough and bumpy, but our 24 foot Sprinter made it fine."

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      9. Ice Cave Rd Dispersed Site - Pike National Forest

      4.0(5)32mi from ParkerRVs, Tents

      "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. "

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      10. Bailey Area Dispersed

      4.3(6)33mi from ParkerRVs, Tents

      "Felt safe car camping as there was a thunderstorm. Beware of cows in the road as you enter the area, they’re kind if you are! Verizon cell coverage at the site I parked at was 1-3 bars."

      "The first 3 are out in the open and then the remaining 5 are past the trailhead. Nice area for Starlink and solar and dog walks. It’s a burn site."

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    Dispersed Camping Reviews near Parker, CO

    337 Reviews of 55 Parker 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.

    • 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.

    • S M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 8, 2026

      York Gulch Road

      Somewhat Confusing

      Vehicle: KIA Soul (FWD- slightly more clearance than a standard sedan, but not as high up as a full size SUV) Campsite type: TENT ONLY, not even mini trailer friendly! . Beautiful views on the way back down from camp, somewhat secluded- quiet. There are residences along the way up, on neighboring roads, AND there's a commercial camp of somekind nearby. Verizon service is largely non existent. You might get lucky and catch one bar. Might

      ROAD: Dirt, but not "off road trail"- again people live off of this road so its somewhat maintained. BEWARE OF RAIN WASHOUT AREAS, DIPS, AND WASHBOARD. Do NOT try to take some low riding car like a Tesla up this. Heck, dont even take a cybertruck (too big and clunky to fit in tight spaces). Signs say NO OFFROAD VEHICLES, meaning this is a road road, not a backwoods trail. You'll pass an old (but functioning) fire station on the way up, the pinned location on this post is where camp sites are. It doesnt "look like it" so you might get confused and keep going. If you do, you end up in a turnaround area out by that "Camp Always Choose Adventure" place that shows up on the gps map, a field, more housing, and a road that goes off to somewhere else in the mountains. Theres lots of roads out here so make sure you dont turn off the gulch road once youre on it. Without a high clearance vehicle, youre going to go about 15mph tops due to the washboard and dips once you get up higher. The first half is pretty smooth. If its rainy/muddy, I wouldnt chance it without a 4WD or AWD. Drive safely/carefully- ROAD DOES NARROW IN SOME PLACES/AROUND SOME CORNERS. Do not drive like Denver drivers in town. You'll either hit someone going the opposite way or force them over the edge and off the mountain side. I had a couple of 4WD vehicles come racing around corners. Be kind. Be smart. Respect that this is not a normal road and just BEHAVE.

      SITES: There are rock stacked fire rings and some cleared space among the trees around them. Thats it. Woods camping. Nothing is marked, so I couldnt tell if there were others than the few where I stayed. There are signs up saying private property around the camp sites, but theyre not blocked off and are supposed to be on Forestry Service land 🤷‍♂️ Nobody came out to say anything. During the day some people take their 4WD vehicles out on the other roads and you might run into them leaving when youre going up the gulch road. At night its dead silent. Some people do take dirtbikes thru the area to get out to their trails, but they didnt stay in the area running laps or anything like that.

      PETS: If you bring them, I wouldnt let them run off leash. There is hunting land further down the road, that Camp Always Choose Adventure place, lots of houses, and lots of roads that ARE well used. Its not safe for dogs etc to run free any more than on a neighborhood block in town. Besides, if other campers set up, you dont want your pets running over to strangers. Long tie out ropes/cables will be just fine. Wrap one end around the base of a tree and now your pet goes nowhere.

      WILDLIFE: Considering all of the human settlements and activity, there doesnt seem to be that big of a threat. Youre not that isolated or "remote". Idaho Springs is a short drive of about 15 min or so.

    • R
      Apr. 2, 2025

      Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

      Beautiful area, but please read

      The coordinates on Dyrt are a little off from the actual location but if you drive down roads that lead to toward views of the canyon, you’ll get there. The road passes through lots of private property, which can trick you into thinking you’re driving down the wrong road. The trailhead parking lot has one giant rut that you must be careful to navigate around. 2 Wheel Dr. and low clearance vehicles can do it, but should be extremely careful in how they approach. Parking lot is a short walk to some beautiful views of the canyon! Please be respectful as many people live within eyesight of the trailhead

    • Jocelynn C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 16, 2026

      Forest Road 332 Dispersed

      Views!

      Loved this site so much. I ended up driving way back on the FR until it began to go up hill and branch off to the right. There were a couple sites to the right, but the road was pretty washed out.

      Made it to my site in a Crosstrek no problem. Plenty of sites along the way. Pretty quiet. Mix of RVs, camper vans, car campers, and tents. Stayed 4 nights and loved the site and close proximity to Boulder. Will be back.

    • Callie C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Mar. 19, 2026

      Redskin Creek Rd Designated Campsite

      Spacious spots close to Denver

      Pulled in on a Wednesday evening (3/18) and 1/2 sites were full. We only drove into the 30s and turned around to claim site 23.

      Only a few spots are across from one another or beside each other. Majority of the sites are spaced out which was really nice.

      Lots of 🚴 so be prepared for bike traffic.

      Each site is numbered and has a fire pit. No water, no bathrooms, no electricity, and no T Mobile service. Sites are designed for tent camping, only a few allow you to pull a vehicle in past side of the road. #23 worked well for a car camp - level and far enough pull in from road.

    Guide to Parker

    Buffalo Creek Recreation Area dispersed camping offers 35 numbered sites set along a 5-mile dirt road that extends toward Wellington Lake. Sites fill quickly, particularly on summer weekends, with Thursday mid-day often marking the cutoff for weekend availability. The area features rocky terrain with sites that are typically unlevel, requiring careful vehicle positioning. Fire restrictions frequently apply during dry periods, and no drinking water or trash services are provided.

    What to do

    Mountain biking on established trails: At Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, riders can access trails for various ability levels. "Great camping spot, esp, if you like mountain biking. Not whistler in terms of terrain but plenty of trails for various ability levels," notes andrew B.

    Climbing rock formations: The Rampart Range Area offers rock outcroppings suitable for informal climbing and exploration. Multiple sites throughout the area provide access to these features, with one visitor mentioning "plenty of tree coverage for rainstorms and shade but not too much to where you couldn't find a tent site easily."

    Fishing in nearby streams: Colorado Trail access points near these camping areas connect to fishing opportunities. "We hiked out to the 96 burn area to explore and we ended up doing a nice 7 mile loop to get down to the creek for a cool down," shares a camper who stayed in the area.

    What campers like

    Well-spaced campsites: Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite provides good separation between sites. One camper noted, "Sites are spaced well apart, some sites are covered in trees while others are wide open. I camped at sites 15, 18, 22(twice), 26 (twice), and there's two sites close to Wellington lake that I've stayed three times."

    Weather variability: The higher elevation of Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping brings interesting weather patterns. "Beautiful views, ~50 minutes of rocky gravel road to reach the top but doable in any vehicle depending on the weather. Tons of spots and easy to be secluded," reports Logan C.

    Proximity to Colorado Springs: Sites are conveniently located for weekend trips. "Firstly, this site is too exposed for tent campers. Better if you're in an rv. The better site is to stay on FR 323 to the left and there is a better site about 300 yards further down the road ideal for a tent and shelter with good tree cover."

    What you should know

    Limited cellular coverage: Service varies throughout the area, typically stronger at higher elevations. At Matukat Road Dispersed Camping, "We had between two and three bars of Verizon service at the site but no Verizon service at the main road so it is spotty."

    Target shooting noise: Many free camping areas near Parker experience shooting activity. "The problem with this area is too much gunfire. At 7pm on a Tuesday evening just as we sat down to eat a group very close by started target shooting. If you're looking for peace and quiet, this is just not the spot for you."

    Weekday availability: For those with flexible schedules, midweek camping offers more solitude. One reviewer stated, "It is very difficult to find a spot on a weekend. We got up there around 6:30pm on Friday night and after driving around for a couple hours ended up bailing and going home."

    Tips for camping with families

    Safety precautions: Rainbow Falls Dispersed Camping requires vigilance with children. A camper advised, "Decent number of sites with fire rings on Long hollow road in the ATV use area. Downsides were the family group camped nearby riding ATVs and playing music into the night, and a rifle range to the west."

    Educational opportunities: The burn recovery areas offer teaching moments about forest regeneration. "Much of the area still shows scars from the 1996 fire here, but the sprouts and smaller trees show you a preview of how nature heals and is ultimately uplifting."

    Trash awareness: Teaching proper waste disposal is crucial. "We had to clean up the site. Beer cans and broken bottles all over the place. Some people have no respect for our beautiful state."

    Tips from RVers

    Size limitations: Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park presents challenges for larger rigs. A reviewer cautioned, "Don't go up if you are pulling anything larger than a tear drop trailer. I didn't go all the way up, so I don't know if there is any kind of turn around up there."

    Road conditions: Free camping near Parker, Colorado often requires navigating rough roads. One RVer stated, "The road up is rough but totally doable with pickup truck with slide in camper. This campsite was nice and level."

    Arrival timing: Early arrival increases chances of securing level sites for RVs. "We arrived early on a Saturday and there were quite a few people already around and two spots available. Sites were big and far enough away from neighbors."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where can I find free dispersed camping near Parker?

    Free dispersed camping options near Parker include Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping and Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping. Rampart Range Road offers numerous camping spots along a main dirt road with smaller trails branching off, accessible with 2WD vehicles. The area provides panoramic Rocky Mountain views and is popular for those who enjoy exploring. Most sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving mid-week or early in the day is recommended during peak season. Remember to pack out all trash, bring your own water, and follow fire restrictions. Most dispersed camping in national forests allows up to 14 days of stay within a 30-day period.

    Are there any BLM dispersed camping areas around Parker?

    While Parker doesn't have immediate BLM land, there are free dispersed camping options on public land nearby. Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping and Fraile's Campground - Dispersed offer excellent options in the Pike National Forest. Tarryall Creek features spacious sites along a bumpy road requiring higher clearance vehicles. Fraile's Campground has designated sites along CR 290 off Tarryall Road with numerous fire pits on side roads, though the access road is heavily rutted. Both areas follow standard dispersed camping rules: no facilities, pack in/pack out, and usually a 14-day stay limit. Check with local ranger districts for current conditions and regulations.

    Can I park my RV at dispersed camping sites near Parker?

    Yes, you can park RVs at several dispersed camping areas near Parker, but vehicle type and road conditions are important considerations. Route 31 Camp offers dispersed sites accessible even with low-clearance 2WD vehicles, though the road is mainly washboard. Matukat Road Dispersed Camping has several spots that can accommodate RVs, particularly in the first sections you encounter. For both areas, smaller to medium-sized RVs work best as larger rigs may have difficulty navigating narrow forest roads and finding level parking. When using RVs in dispersed areas, remember there are no hookups, dump stations, or amenities. Come fully self-contained with adequate water and waste capacity.

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