Dispersed campsites near Parshall, Colorado range in elevation from 7,600 to 9,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between day and night. The Arapaho National Forest surrounding Parshall contains multiple unmarked forest service roads that provide access to primitive camping areas. Morning temperatures can drop below 40°F even in July and August, requiring campers to bring appropriate cold-weather gear regardless of season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Access multiple fishing spots along Beaver Creek Road where brook trout are abundant. At Beaver Creek Campground, campers report "We've camped up Beaver Creek many times over the years and have enjoyed plenty of Dispersed Camping spots... Great fishing spots for small brookies and plenty of backroads for ATVs."
Hiking to alpine lakes: Take a 2-3 hour hike from Cataract Creek Campground to reach multiple alpine lakes. A visitor noted, "The next morning we hiked the upper loop with Eaglesmere lakes, Tipperary lake, and Surprise lake. Being mid October the campground was very cold at night but it was empty and felt secluded even though only 35 minutes from Silverthorne."
Hot springs access: Camp at primitive sites near Hot Sulphur Springs and visit the developed hot springs facility for day use. According to one camper at the Beaver Creek Unit: "It's nice to have the Hot Springs at the bottom of the road for a respite from the boondocking."
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Many tent sites in the area feature proximity to running water. At Allenspark Dispersed Camping, "Lots of spots available. Just keep driving along Ski Road and pick one that looks good. Lots of fire pits already build and most camp spots are along the creek."
Late-season solitude: October camping provides more isolation and fewer crowds, though cold temperatures require proper gear. One camper at Cataract Creek noted: "Me and my friend stayed in site 4 on a sunday night in october. Its a great small spot with 5 well established sites right off the forest road hidden in the trees."
Varying terrain options: Campsites offer both open views and forested seclusion. At Stillwater Pass, "The sites had tons of space and a great view of the mountains. Only downside, there's only a few sites along this road and they filled up fairly quick on a Friday."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access roads deteriorate significantly after rain or as you progress further from main highways. At Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite, "The sites were large. We found a nice spacious one a little off the road, there was a ditch between the road and the site so some higher clearance helped avoid scraping."
Seasonal closures: Some forest roads close unexpectedly due to conditions or management decisions. A visitor to Stillwater Pass reported, "We stayed here last year and came back this year but there's a gate up blocking the entire dispersed area. Thankfully there's plenty of other places to stay!"
Limited amenities: No potable water exists at most sites, requiring campers to bring all supplies. At the Hot Sulphur State Wildlife Area: "The area had many people already camping there, so we drove about 2 miles up the rough gravel road. We decided to take the first spot we saw, since we were only going to be there for about 12 hours."
Tips for camping with families
Protected sites: Look for camping areas with natural wind protection for more comfortable family camping. Near The Lost Site - Dispersed Campsite, a camper mentioned "Easy access, felt safe and was quiet. Good accessible option for altitude as it was snowing further up the pass at the time."
Wildlife awareness: Bears have been reported near tent campsites. Store food properly and maintain clean campsites. In Allenspark, one camper warned, "The second day staying there we ran into a bear and scared him off. Two hours later he can back and we scared him off again. He's afraid of humans but he did try to get into the car while we were sleeping."
Proximity to towns: Choose sites closer to Parshall or Hot Sulphur Springs for quick access to supplies. A visitor to The Lost Site noted it's "Right off the highway near Winter Park, this forest service access point has several campgrounds along the road. Fairly quiet, well-trafficked, you can put your RV, trailer, or tent up for the night in any spot you find suitable."
Tips from RVers
Level site selection: RV campers should scout ahead for level areas as most dispersed sites lack formal parking pads. One camper at Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail observed, "The road is a mixture of rocks, small water crossings, and potholes. If you can tackle it, it is absolutely worth it!"
Limited turnaround space: Many forest roads lack turnaround areas for larger vehicles. One RVer advised, "We took a left at the fork and found a site with the best view and a porta-john at the end of the driveway. The site appears to have been freshly cleared. There were lots of twigs and rocks and no grass, so it became a muddy mess as soon as the rain began."
Clearance requirements: High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended for accessing most tent campsites near Parshall. A visitor to Fall River Reservoir noted, "Wonderful free dispersed camping. The majority of the road isn't that bad, but you'll certainly want something high clearance and 4WD for the last stretch of road up to the reservoir."
