Top Free Dispersed Camping near Penrose, CO

Want to go dispersed camping near Penrose? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Penrose's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Penrose, CO (47)

    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 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
    834 Saves

    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

    3. Phantom Canyon

    4 Reviews
    25 Photos
    135 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    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

    5. Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off

    1 Review
    31 Photos
    42 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    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

    6. Cripple Creek BLM Area

    3 Reviews
    8 Photos
    245 Saves
    • 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

    8. Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite

    9 Reviews
    17 Photos
    417 Saves

    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)
    Camper-submitted photo from clyde dispersed camping
    Camper-submitted photo from clyde dispersed camping
    Camper-submitted photo from clyde dispersed camping
    Camper-submitted photo from clyde dispersed camping
    Camper-submitted photo from clyde dispersed camping
    Camper-submitted photo from clyde dispersed camping

    9. clyde dispersed camping

    2 Reviews
    15 Photos
    184 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • No image available

      10. Oil Well Flats

      1 Review
      20 Saves
      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      • Picnic Table
    Showing results 1-10 of 47 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In Penrose

    197 Reviews of 47 Penrose Campgrounds


    • 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.
      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.
      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.

    • M
      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.
      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

    • E
      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.

    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
      Jul. 30, 2024

      Phantom Canyon

      Beautiful, but Far from Pristine.

      Absolutely beautiful area! We pulled in on a Friday evening with thunderstorms all around. There were plenty of sites available when we showed up, but they were all full by Saturday morning. We weren’t able to get one of the spots near the creek, but had our own hidden ravine tucked away on the left side of the road. I believe it was the 3rd to last pull out and the last one on the left side of the road. Stunning… but the smell from previous campers unsuccessfully trying to burn their trash in the fire rings (thankfully we brought our solo stove to cook on) and all the litter was a bit overwhelming. Broken glass, toilet paper/feces not buried, cigarette butts, and just trash everywhere. Unfortunate for the area, our spot was the cleanest one we came across. We took some walks past others near the creek that looked like they had just hosted full on frat parties.

      It was just super unfortunate and disgusting to go to such a beautiful area and have previous campers all but ruin it for us.



    Guide to Penrose

    Camping near Penrose, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: Explore the trails around Cheyenne Mountain State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Beautiful park with great hiking trails and full hookups," making it a great spot for both hiking and camping.
    • Fishing: Head to Arkansas Point Campground — Lake Pueblo State Park for some fishing. A camper shared, "The river is beautiful! The lady at the gate was very nice," highlighting the friendly atmosphere.
    • Wildlife Watching: At Mueller State Park Campground, you can enjoy spotting deer and other wildlife. One reviewer said, "Lots of wildlife and beautiful scenery," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.

    What campers like:

    • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Arkansas Point Campground — Lake Pueblo State Park. One visitor noted, "Sites spaced out. Electricity at site. Water spigots located throughout campground."
    • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer from Cheyenne Mountain State Park Campground said, "Very nice and clean park. Lots of wildlife. Tons of trails."
    • Great Views: Campers love the scenic views at Mueller State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Campsites 8 and 9 offer stunning views of Sentinel Point on the backside of Pikes Peak right from your camper window."

    What you should know:

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One parent at Colorado Springs KOA said, "They do fun activities on the weekends like mining for gems and tie-dye shirts."
    • Safety First: Choose campgrounds with good visibility and space. A camper at Lone Duck Campground and Cabins mentioned, "The dump site was top notch - all tools supplied," which can help keep things organized.
    • Plan for Bugs: Be ready for insects, especially in warmer months. A camper at Red Canyon Park noted, "Lots of bugs when it gets hot. The flies bite."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Golden Eagle Campground said, "Sites were close together. Surrounded by mountains," which can be tight for larger rigs.
    • Water and Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups. One RV traveler at Garden of the Gods RV Resort mentioned, "They have anything you could want pretty much."
    • Be Prepared for Steep Roads: Some campgrounds, like Cheyenne Mountain State Park Campground, have steep access roads. A visitor warned, "The road up to the campground for about a mile and a half was pretty steep," so take it slow.

    Camping near Penrose, Colorado, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!

    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 47 dispersed camping locations near Penrose, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.