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Best Dispersed Camping near Parker, CO

303 Reviews

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.

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 Sites Near Parker, Colorado (48)

    1. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    29 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. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    35 Reviews
    Monument, CO
    32 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."

    3. Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite

    9 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    29 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."

    4. Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park

    21 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    39 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."

    "Easy to access for any mobility-level or age. Peaceful and quiet except for the occasional passing car which is to be expected. Spots are relatively well spaced apart. Fire-pits galore!"

    5. Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    39 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."

    6. Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Woodland Park, CO
    32 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 :)"

    7. Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite

    12 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    39 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"

    8. Mt. Herman Road Dispersed Site 2

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

    9. Ice Cave Rd Dispersed Site - Pike National Forest

    5 Reviews
    Palmer Lake, CO
    32 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. "

    10. Matukat Road Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Lake George, CO
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "Rock fire pits, wood around. No water, garbage, nor toilets. Cool temps, road in is rough go slow. Nice shady trees. First few spots you encounter left, then right seem ok."

    "We drove a couple of miles up the decently maintained dirt road and found the second dispersed camping spot and decided to set up our roof top tent for the night. "

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Parker, CO

244 Photos of 48 Parker Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Parker, CO

303 Reviews of 48 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • 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

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2022

    Matukat Road Dispersed Camping

    Rock Formations

    AT&T between 1-3 5G in certain camp spots. Rock fire pits, wood around. No water, garbage, nor toilets. Cool temps, road in is rough go slow. Nice shady trees. First few spots you encounter left, then right seem ok. If you go back on road about 1/2 mile or so you come to a right turnoff. If you go down the road there preferably 4x4 a nice hidden secluded spot up hill. Continue down road only saw 1 more on left, not too hidden next to road. Overall a good 3-5 day stay I would say. Check out rock hiking mountains nearby. Bring water.

  • Charles G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2021

    Matukat Road Dispersed Camping

    Scenic and Quiet Dispersed Camping

    Initially looked for camping along the South Platte at Happy Meadows but with a 1 year old, we figured campers wouldn't want to hear him screaming in the middle of the night or the cries of my wife as she struggles with her sanity. We pushed a little further north and took the right hand turn onto Matukat road. We drove a couple of miles up the decently maintained dirt road and found the second dispersed camping spot and decided to set up our roof top tent for the night. 

    Looking at a map, it looks like the road goes on for quite a ways but we never explored past the spot we stayed in. Up to the point where we camped, 2-wheel drive was more than enough to get us to our spot nestled in the rocks. The dispersed camping spots we saw seemed very easy to get to and we never needed to put our truck in 4WD. 

    Since these sites are dispersed camping, don't expect any toilets or amenities. Some spots did have pre-made (from campers before) fire pits and there seemed to be an abundance of dead wood but actual wood cutting in the Pike National Forest needs to have a permit so keep that in mind. We dealt with some crazy wind so a fire wasn't even in question. Be sure to check with the local ranger station before starting a fire in the area, especially since this is a burn area.

Guide to Parker

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Parker, Colorado, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll enjoy the freedom of camping in the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

  • This area is known for its spacious sites and proximity to numerous trails, making it a great choice for hiking enthusiasts. Check it out at Buffalo Creek Recreation Area.
  • While there are no amenities like drinking water or electric hookups, the natural setting allows for a truly immersive experience in the wilderness.
  • Keep in mind that finding an open spot can be challenging, especially on weekends, so plan your visit accordingly.

Top activities while free camping near Parker

  • Enjoy mountain biking at Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite, where you'll find designated sites and stunning rock formations.
  • Fishing and kayaking are popular at the nearby Rampart Reservoir, which is easily accessible from various dispersed camping spots like Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area.
  • For those seeking solitude, the remote sites along Ice Cave Rd offer breathtaking views of the mountains and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for stargazing at night.

Scenic attractions for dispersed campers

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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