Best Dispersed Camping near Pleasant View, CO

The mountainous terrain surrounding Pleasant View, Colorado features predominantly dispersed camping options within national forest lands. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area and West Magnolia Campground near Nederland offer primitive sites at elevations around 8,800-9,000 feet, providing access to hiking trails and mountain views. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping sits at higher elevations (approximately 11,000 feet) with views of the Continental Divide. Most sites in the region lack amenities such as potable water, toilets, or trash service, making them suitable for self-sufficient campers prepared for primitive conditions.

Road conditions present significant challenges for accessing many camping areas near Pleasant View. High-clearance 4WD vehicles are essential for reaching remote sites, particularly after rain or snowmelt when roads become rutted or washed out. As one camper noted, "We drove our 4x4 and were nervous the entire trip up and back. It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging driving." Seasonal considerations include fire bans during dry summer months and cold nights even in summer due to high elevation. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most sites, with some campers reporting occasional Verizon coverage in specific locations.

Mountain views and privacy rank as the primary attractions for campers in the Pleasant View region. Visitors frequently mention the spaciousness between sites, particularly at higher elevations where the effort to access keeps crowds minimal. Several campers recommend arriving on weekdays, as popular areas fill quickly on summer weekends. Wildlife viewing opportunities and night sky visibility are consistently highlighted in reviews. Insect activity increases near water sources, with multiple campers recommending bug spray, especially in early summer. Navigation challenges are common, with one reviewer advising, "This place is difficult to find at night, so plan your trip with enough daylight to find these not-so-well marked turn offs and fire pits."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Pleasant View, Colorado (115)

    1. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    53 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    26 miles
    Website

    "So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."

    "Like the title suggests, this campsite is typical for a free forest service campground. Prior campers have left some trash, bullet casings and obviously neglected to dig cat holes."

    2. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    24 miles
    Website

    "Oe of my family's fav places, beautiful views, camping spots super far away from one another so awesome privacy, and completely free. Spots fill up quick on weekends, you can stay 14 days."

    "The roads around the whole campground were a little rough but i did okay in my Ford Escape. All of the sites seems to be really spread out.

    There were several people in the campground."

    3. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    23 miles
    Website

    "Was desperate to find "something" after driving 11 hours that day, and normal paid camp grounds were full. HOWEVER I was pulling a smaller trailer, and that turned out to be a real issue."

    "Went on a Tuesday afternoon and there was foot traffic around our spot from people headed on hikes."

    4. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    27 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! "

    5. Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Definitely need a high clearance vehicle. I saw a low clearance vehicle at site 6 & no idea how they got there.. they had to have gotten scraped up."

    "Great camping about 31 dispersed spots most with tables and a fire ring decent trout fishing a great kayaking feels remote without being so remote."

    6. Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp #2

    8 Reviews
    Idaho Springs, CO
    18 miles

    "For those that can't find it, putting "Hidden Wilderness Rd" in the GPS should help. It's a dirt road at the top of the neighborhood road. You'll want 4wd for sure."

    "The road is very rocky and bumpy and requires 4WD."

    7. Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    15 Reviews
    Georgetown, CO
    24 miles
    Website

    "Resources were running low on a Friday night so it was great pull off great views close to idaho springs down town , nice hiking trails as well traffic is pretty much non existent after 9pm"

    "Any unpaved areas around it are not flat."

    8. York Gulch Road

    9 Reviews
    Dumont, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Take the exit onto Fall River Road from the highway, a short road. You are then soon connected with forest service road of sorts York gultch."

    "Sites weren’t marked like other places I’ve been but I expected it being dispersed. Had a wonderful time the sky was pretty it was secluded and lots of space for dogs to run!"

    9. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Empire, CO
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 567-4382

    "It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving.

    Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake. "

    "Just outside of Idaho Springs, take the exit for Co Rd 275 off of I-70. It's a scenic drive up a curvy paved road for about 15 minutes."

    10. Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp #1

    5 Reviews
    Idaho Springs, CO
    17 miles

    "First off the campsite locations for hidden wilderness roadside camp is somewhat misleading."

    "The entrance road is hard to find - Drive to the Indian Hot Springs facility in Idaho Springs, take Montane Road. It turns into Hidden Wilderness Road when the pavement ends."

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Showing results 1-10 of 115 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Pleasant View, CO

674 Reviews of 115 Pleasant View Campgrounds



Guide to Pleasant View

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Pleasant View, Colorado, where nature meets adventure. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Pleasant View

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Dream Canyon

  • The Dream Canyon Campsites offer a beautiful setting for tent camping, but be prepared for a compact 4x4 vehicle to navigate the access road.
  • This area is popular for its proximity to climbing spots, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure.
  • Keep an eye out for off-leash dogs in the area, as some visitors have reported encounters with pets roaming freely.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Pleasant View, Colorado

  • When visiting York Gulch Road, be aware that the road can get rocky, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended.
  • Always pack out what you pack in, especially at Forest Road 332 Dispersed, where trash can accumulate and impact the natural beauty of the area.
  • If you're looking for a quieter experience, consider heading to Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp, which offers stunning views but requires a vehicle with 4WD for access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pleasant View, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pleasant View, CO is Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area with a 3.5-star rating from 53 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 115 dispersed camping locations near Pleasant View, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.