Best Dispersed Camping near Penrose, CO

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Penrose? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Penrose, including photos, reviews, and tips. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Penrose's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Penrose, CO (50)

    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site

    1. Penrose Common Rec Site

    9 Reviews
    29 Photos
    83 Saves
    Penrose, Colorado

    Penrose Commons Recreation Area offers a warm, arid climate among pinon and juniper woodlands. The best time to visit is September through May when temperatures are comfortable and the snowy peaks of the Sangre De Cristo mountain range are visible in the distance. With 30 miles of motorized trail, the area is popular for ATVs, motorcycles and four wheeling. Independence Trail system is known for its extreme 4x4 rock crawling opportunities with easy access for spectators to enjoy the trail activity. Penrose Commons is also popular for horseback riding, hunting and dispersed camping. The area has a restroom, trail map information and ample parking space for trailers. A wet weather gate closes the area to motorized use during wet conditions. For more information, please contact the Royal Gorge Field Office.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

    2. Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    84 Photos
    836 Saves
    Victor, Colorado

    Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".

    Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.

    Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:

    In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    4. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    32 Reviews
    101 Photos
    1169 Saves
    Monument, Colorado

    Part of Pike and San Isabel National Forests Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. Mount Herman Trail begins at a small parking area on a switchback on Mount Herman Road. This trail provides a 2-mile one-way hike to the summit of Mt. Herman.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park

    5. Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park

    19 Reviews
    78 Photos
    664 Saves
    Green Mountain Falls, Colorado

    Primitive camping off Rampart Range Road. Some fire rings.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Cripple Creek BLM Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cripple Creek BLM Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cripple Creek BLM Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cripple Creek BLM Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cripple Creek BLM Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cripple Creek BLM Area

    8. Cripple Creek BLM Area

    3 Reviews
    8 Photos
    245 Saves
    Victor, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Drinking Water
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite

    10. Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite

    9 Reviews
    17 Photos
    417 Saves
    Green Mountain Falls, Colorado

    Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".

    Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.

    Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:

    In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
Showing results 1-10 of 50 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Penrose

199 Reviews of 50 Penrose Campgrounds


  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide
    Nov. 10, 2024

    Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide

    Fun in the snow

    There were a lot of options for us to pull off and camp. We had gone the day after a snow storm and the road was decent. I guess snow plows go through often since there’s nearby residential. Each campsite was decently spaced and far enough from the road so that you can U turn it and it doesn’t feel like you’re just pulling off to the side (accommodated out RTT nicely) There were great views and the pups enjoyed it.

  • Angela E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Creek Trailhead
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Cotton Creek Trailhead

    Beautiful and peaceful 💚

    The sky is GORGEOUS. The road is very rocky & very rough, so you'll want to have decent clearance and be prepared to take it slow. I've never seen so many stars!

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cripple Creek BLM Area
    Oct. 6, 2024

    Cripple Creek BLM Area

    Great secluded spot!

    We went on a Saturday and it wasn’t crowded at all. The dispersed sites aren’t far from the road since most of the road goes down a valley with hills on both sides however there’s a nice creek running down the whole way. Definitely check it out if you don’t mind a colder night in a valley. Not much room to explore outside your vehicle unless you’re okay walking down the dirt road to see other sites and views.

  • Bryce B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 26, 2024

    Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

    Great site

    Pretty great dispersed site. Beautiful sun sets. I had great phone service. There are three campsites running along three different fingers. The second one has a portable bathroom. I talked to some locals who said grabbing deadfall was fine for fire wood. Quick 20 minute drive to get back into town for supplies. No water sources so you’ll have to pack out water. All the fire pits are hand build and being on the finger you’re pretty exposed to the wind keeping the fires small and not very hot. Most of the sites are not flat. If you enjoy camping with little amenities you’ll like this site 

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide

    Beautiful Spots

    Wanted to stay for two nights but only did two days, because a mountain lion tore a deer to shreds about a day or two prior to my arrival by my campsite and i was spooked. Had two dogs but had an eerie feeling and left early but it was gorgeous. Loads of OHVs tho

  • Lily R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide

    Great spots along ATV trail

    Tons of level, large spots. Road is meant for ATV use, and was a fair amount of traffic throughout the day but tolerable. Hardly any at night. Restrooms at base of road. Found our spot 2.5 miles up the road, definitely needed AWD.

  • Lily R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

    Secluded sites along creek

    Drove ~3 miles along the service road to find our spot, it was the second pull off “open-area” with several fire pits to choose from. Road was a little bumpy but would be fine with a 2WD. Gorgeous, secluded spot next to the creek. No Verizon service.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
    Sep. 8, 2024

    Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

    great spot by creek

    loved this spot even stayed a couple extra days right by nice size creek the cooler weather was nice and meant not alot of bugs. more traffic on road than expected but not bothersome. people close by but not close enough to hear or bother you in anyway. site was clean. there were more shaded ones but we chose next to water. were a couple empty close by on a holiday weekend.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Dispersed Site
    Aug. 27, 2024

    Rampart Range Dispersed Site

    Great free camping stay

    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 🏔️

  • W D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead
    Aug. 27, 2024

    Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead

    Quiet camping and stars

    Several good spots with fire pits right near the trailhead. A few bugs in late August but nothing terrible. Very quiet except for the sound of the rushing creek. Verizon cell service was between 1 and 3 bars LTE depending on your line of sight to the tower. Road in is rougher towards the end but definitely doable in any SUV

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hayden Creek Roadside Camp
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Hayden Creek Roadside Camp

    great spot!

    This is a terrific find! level, shaded, right by nice size creek. perfect for exploring and quiet. we were in tent but saw several largeRV. some traffic but never heard another person. were a few spots right next to us but we were the only ones there . several a long road though nicely spaced out. small gas station close for gas and ice if needed otherwise about 45 min for supplies. ark river couple miles great spot to enjoy also rafting close etc.stayed couple extra days we just enjoyed the quiet. was also very clean and maintained. will definitely be back!

  • Amy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Lake Deweese state wildlife area

    Fine for a night

    The directions from this app didn’t exactly take me to the campsites. The campsites are along Lake Deweese Rd at the NE end of the reservoir. There are several sites all in very close proximity. There is virtually no privacy from neighbors but it worked from me for a night. It looked like some campers may be permanently occupying the sites.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    Great dispersed camping close to denver

    There are many great spots much closer to the road (i.e. 20m less driving). Beautiful area. Relatively clean where we parked. Not crowded. Close to denver.

  • Lidia B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Round Mountain
    Aug. 24, 2024

    North Round Mountain

    Nice place to sleep under the stars

    We got there late at night and it was plenty of space. Unpaved road but no problem to get there with a campervan. Really close to the hwy but not noisy at all. Good option to spend the night.

  • David H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Route 31 Camp
    Aug. 16, 2024

    Route 31 Camp

    David Hathaway

    I just enjoyed a 6 day camping trip at this dispersed camping area. Yes it had one-two short showers each day which cooled things down. Even with the Saturday Night Rave until 2 am it was a great time. Only the fire ring is provided. Pack it in and Pack it out. Two towns close by should you run out of something. Very little bugs.

  • Xavier P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Round Mountain
    Aug. 14, 2024

    North Round Mountain

    ATVs, Dust, noise and a lot of drinking

    I wanted to stay here based on past reviews, but the place was full of ATVs.  It was loud, and there were many campsites where people were partying. 

    This was in late June, so maybe it's different at other times.

  • Erika L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Sand Area 1
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Dispersed Sand Area 1

    Door and peaceful

    Loved hearing the creek roaring in the background and feeling the sun on my skin surrounded by cactus - an I in Texas!?

  • Ben H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 4, 2024

    Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    Remote

    I camped here for a little over a week. There is plenty of dispersed camping along the mountainous Road. Four wheel drive is required. There is also some dispersed camping allowed at the parking lot at the bottom of the mountain. However it is common for homeless people to be there and or larger size vehicles to be camping there. There is good Verizon signal for a while going up the mountain. It does go away once you get closer to the top. The larger camping sites are located closer to the top. With great views. Lower down on the mountain there are some spots to pull off on the side of the road. I camped like this for a while and walked a short distance to a pre-made camp fire. This is a popular place to camp especially over the weekends. So the road is a bit busy and narrow at some points

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 31, 2024

    Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    Great area Need 4x4

    This area is beautiful with lots of great sites available along mt. Herman rd. Looked at 3-4 different sites all had a decent amount of broken glass so be careful with pets/little ones. Certain areas of this road are heavily graded so take it slow if need be

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crestone Needle Trail
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Crestone Needle Trail

    I stayed for days. Really liked the location.

    There are more than one listing for places to camp along FS 949. I stayed on a pad that was build along with the road. Loved the views, The area is very interesting. Crestone is a tiny town with just about anything you might want within a walk from where I parked. Plenty of camping spots all the way up to the end of the road where there is a fairly busy trailhead.



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Penrose, CO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Penrose, CO is Penrose Common Rec Site with a 4-star rating from 9 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Penrose, CO?

    TheDyrt.com has all 50 dispersed camping locations near Penrose, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.