Dispersed camping in Pike and San Isabel National Forests ranges from 7,000 to 14,000 feet in elevation, offering significant temperature variations between sites. The region contains over 3 million acres of public land spanning several ecosystems from grasslands to alpine zones. During summer months, afternoon thunderstorms frequently occur between 1-4 PM, making morning the most reliable time for hiking and outdoor activities.
What to do
Hike to nearby rock formations: At Red Canyon Park, campers can explore distinctive geological features. "We saw a herd of cows that initially we thought were bears so we had a split second of worry before realizing what they were," notes one visitor about wildlife encounters in the surrounding areas.
Fishing opportunities: Near Rampart Range Area, anglers find multiple spots for fishing. "Endless sites. Every FS road off from Rampart seems to go on forever. We spent 2 hours on one of them and found so many amazing sites," reports a camper who explored the extensive road network.
Mountain biking: The network of forest service roads provides numerous biking routes. "We found a spot on one of the turn offs and had some of the best views we've had while camping this year," writes a camper who explored the dispersed sites off Matukat Road.
What campers like
Secluded camping areas: Matukat Road Dispersed Camping offers privacy away from crowds. "People seem to really like it yet it's incredibly quiet. No OHVs, no gunfire - so refreshing," shares one reviewer appreciating the peaceful atmosphere.
Unique geological features: Rock formations throughout the region provide natural exploration opportunities. "We came mid February and arrived to a bit of snow. We saw one more camper drive by the entire weekend. Other than that, it was completely quiet and we felt nice and secluded," reports a winter visitor to the area.
Wildlife viewing: Many sites provide opportunities to spot local fauna. "We had a bear encounter as we were driving out of the park," cautions one camper, highlighting the importance of proper food storage in this wildlife-rich region.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many forest roads require clearance or 4WD capabilities. "The dirt road felt well maintained and the spots felt very ample and spacious," notes a camper at Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites, but conditions worsen after weather events.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack amenities. "Sites are very spread out, and I barely saw anyone drive by the whole time. So many fun places to explore, like climbing on rocks to see the mountains around you," explains a visitor who appreciated the trade-off between conveniences and solitude.
Weather considerations: Temperature shifts can be dramatic. "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," advises a camper who experienced challenging conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites with amenities: For families, Lone Duck Campground offers more comfort. "The staff was super friendly and helpful! The facilities were always very clean. They had breakfast for you in the morning if you wanted for $5," shares a visitor highlighting family-friendly features.
Look for natural play areas: Sites near rock formations provide entertainment for children. "Camped right underneath a few rocks and kid absolutely loved to climb rocks even with thin air in high altitude," reports a family who found the natural features entertained their children.
Plan for wildlife encounters: Prepare children for seeing animals. "Livestock do graze in the area, we saw a herd of cows that initially we thought were bears," explains a camper, noting that even domestic animals can provide exciting wildlife viewing for kids.
Tips from RVers
Scout ahead for turn-around space: Forest roads often lack suitable turning areas for larger vehicles. "Decent views, mostly just good for a free camp spot. Cars and campers cannot make it past a certain point," warns a camper at Pike National Forest Divide about road limitations.
Level sites are limited: Bring leveling blocks for uneven terrain. "We went quite a ways in and found a site for our campervan. Needed leveling blocks but saw several occupied sites more level," suggests a camper who found suitable spots for smaller RVs.
Water access planning: No hookups means bringing sufficient water supplies. "We decided not to cook back at camp, and stopped at Rudy's Country Store BBQ in Colorado Springs," shares a camper who opted to dine out rather than use limited water resources for cooking and cleaning.
