Best Dispersed Camping near Peyton, CO

Dispersed camping near Peyton, Colorado includes several free sites in Pike National Forest, with Mount Herman Road and Rampart Range Road providing popular access points. Most areas are primitive with no facilities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient. These locations offer views of Colorado Springs, Monument, and Pikes Peak, with elevations ranging from 7,000-9,000 feet. Sites are typically located along forest service roads, with many established fire rings marking previously used camping spots.

Mount Herman Road features numerous dispersed sites along a rugged mountain route, with high-clearance vehicles recommended for accessing better spots. The road becomes increasingly rough beyond the trailhead, with the most desirable camping areas found 15-20 minutes further up the road. As one camper noted, "It's a long, bumpy road up to the very top, but there are some open spots to park your vehicle and trailer in somewhat seclusion toward the peak." Most sites have no amenities, though established fire rings exist at many locations. Fire bans are common during dry months, and the 14-day camping limit is strictly enforced.

Many campers report beautiful views and relative solitude during weekdays, though weekend traffic can be substantial. The region is popular with off-road enthusiasts, so expect some vehicle noise on trails. A visitor commented, "Pretty easy road going up, you have to go past this point another 15 minutes or so and you will start coming across camp spots." Sites vary in cleanliness, with some areas requiring cleanup before setting up camp. "There was nobody around, and we picked a very spacious one with a great view. Lots of leftover campfire circles to use, but also tons of broken glass where we were staying," wrote one camper. Cell service is available at many sites, particularly those at lower elevations, making this area suitable for remote workers needing occasional connectivity.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Peyton, Colorado (38)

    1. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    35 Reviews
    Monument, CO
    24 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."

    2. Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park

    21 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    28 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!"

    3. Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    28 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."

    4. Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite

    12 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    28 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"

    5. Mt. Herman Road Dispersed Site 2

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

    6. Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Woodland Park, CO
    26 miles

    "This free campsite is about 40 minutes from Colorado Springs, which sounds kinda far, but the gorgeous views on the way up are stunning, so it makes it feel like a shorter drive!"

    "We reserved the site ahead of time, right above the reservoir with an easy path down to the water . Garbage and bathrooms available . Spacious sites with a good amount of privacy from neighbors ."

    7. Rampart Reservoir Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    28 miles
    Website

    "There are three dispersed camping areas on this road. It is close to the rampart reservoir, which is very nice."

    "Great dispersed camping here and relatively unknown, I was here for 3 days and didn’t see a single person."

    8. Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

    15 Reviews
    Victor, CO
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "Amazing location right next to Boehmer Creek. There are 5 or 6 sites mainly for tents. You might be able ti get an rv in there but low hanging trees and narrow rutted trails would be a problem."

    "Make sure to bring your bug spray. Nice fire pit and gorgeous views. Saw fish in stream a couple of deer and tons of chipmunks. Saw a little trash here and there."

    9. Rampart Range Dispersed Site

    6 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "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 🏔️"

    "Awesome views and close to fishing"

    10. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    47 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! "

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Peyton, CO

249 Reviews of 38 Peyton 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.

  • Izzy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2022

    Penrose Common Rec Site

    Delightful af

    Road in is rough, but manageable with a high clearance vehicle. Plenty of space to spread out. Popular with those ATV things. Pit toilet, no trash. Not many trees, but a great view of the surrounding area. T-mobile service was good enough to get some work and school done. Close enough to groceries and other stores. Love this spot.

  • 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! 😉✌🏾

  • Charles L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Phantom Canyon

    Late July camping trip

    I’m a rooftop tent camper and the views are amazing but was hoping to be close to the water and isolated from other campers. Definitely was isolated and found one spot that worked out well for rooftop camper. Like 14 miles on dirt road, on the right, 20 feet before a sign that reads “leaving public land.” Had fire ring and more than enough room. About 20 yards away from creek. Quiet. No Att cell service but don’t expect anyone can get service in that canyon.

  • Elias M.
    Jan. 23, 2025

    Penrose BLM sites

    Beautiful views of the mountains and the town

    These are blm campsites. There are pit toilets right when you cross into blm land and a sign that explains that you have to camp in designated areas. Like most blm locations there is a 14 day max.

    We got our 19 foot travel trailer into a spot with icy conditions, but the road does get quite a bit rougher if you keep going in. Great T-Mobile and Verizon service (2+ bars of 5g)

  • 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.


Guide to Peyton

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Peyton, Colorado, where nature meets tranquility. With stunning landscapes and a variety of camping options, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Dispersed campers should check out Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

  • This area offers a range of sites along a scenic road, making it easy to find a spot that suits your needs. The Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping location is known for its beautiful views and relatively low crowds, especially during weekdays.
  • Be prepared for some rough terrain; a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended to navigate the bumpy roads leading to the best camping spots.
  • Campers have reported a mix of solitude and community, with many sites being spacious enough to enjoy privacy while still being close to fellow outdoor lovers.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Peyton, Colorado

  • Always pack out what you pack in; many campers at Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite have noted the presence of trash left behind by others, which can detract from the natural beauty of the area.
  • Bring your own firewood, as some sites may not have enough downed wood available for a good campfire experience. Campers at Ice Cave Rd Dispersed Site - Pike National Forest have found that the local branches often aren't sufficient for a lasting fire.
  • Be mindful of the weather and prepare for wind, especially in open areas like Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area, where strong gusts can impact your camping experience.

Enjoy breathtaking views while free camping near Peyton

  • The Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park area offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, making it a perfect backdrop for your camping adventure.
  • Many sites along Rampart Range Road provide excellent vantage points for sunset and sunrise, allowing campers to soak in the beauty of nature at its finest.
  • If you're looking for a more secluded experience, the Beaver Creek Road area features numerous side roads leading to quiet spots with picturesque views of Pikes Peak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Peyton, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Peyton, CO is Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping with a 4.2-star rating from 35 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 38 dispersed camping locations near Peyton, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.