Top Free Dispersed Camping near Powderhorn, CO

Looking for dispersed camping near Powderhorn? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Powderhorn just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Powderhorn, CO (71)

    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

    1. Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    46 Photos
    369 Saves

    Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY. Overview Hartman Rocks Recreation Area includes over 14,000 acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management and 160 acres (The Base Area) owned and managed by The City of Gunnison, and Gunnison County. Hartman Rocks has 45 miles of singletrack trail, 45 miles of roads, 50 designated dispersed campsites, and countless climbing crags. Singletrack trails are perfect for mountain biking, dirt biking, hiking, and trail running. Roads are often traveled by 4x4 trucks, ROVs and ATVs. In the winter months, 16 miles of roads are groomed as cross-country ski trails for classic and skate skiing; and some single-track trails are groomed as winter singletrack for fat biking. For more information, please contact the Gunnison Field Office. Know Before You Go Camping There are 50 dry/primitive campsites available. All sites are first come, first serve. No fees. No hookups! No potable water or developed facilities. Need a Map? Hartman Rocks Recreation Area Map- Climbing, Bouldering, and Rock Climbing Areas Hartman Rocks Trail__Map Helpful Links Visit: Gunnison Field Office ADA Access: Sea of Sage, Lost Dog and Broken Shovel Trails are wide trails used by hand cycles. Accessible restrooms are located at The Base Area and at the intersection of BLM Roads 3505 and 3500.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate River Road Designated Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate River Road Designated Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate River Road Designated Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate River Road Designated Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate River Road Designated Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate River Road Designated Dispersed

    3. Slate River Road Designated Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    40 Photos
    583 Saves

    All roadside vehicle and tent campers are required to camp ONLY in designated sites. Accessibility is not guaranteed. Please use caution when venturing down forest roads. Sites are designated by the presence of a 6in X 6in wooden post with a site number and camping symbol along with a permanent metal fire ring. All sites are first come first serve, if a site is occupied please look for another site. Fires are only permitted in the established metal fire rings. Extinguish all fires so they are cold to the touch. Sites are limited to two vehicles only per site. Finding a site to camp and enjoy dispersed recreation activities in remote areas or in relative solitude has become a popular form of camping throughout the Forest. At some more popular areas,toilet facilities may be provided. Contact the local Forest Service office for current information and refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for each forest (Grand Mesa, Gunnison, and Uncompahgre National Forests). Dispersed camping is permitted in most areas of the Forest. Some caution should be used in selecting a site because of intermingled private lands within the National Forest. Recreation maps are available at all local Forest Service offices. Personnel at each office can answer questions on specific sites. Unlike developed campgrounds which are designed and maintained to protect the vegetation, soils, and natural setting, camping in undeveloped areas require more from the camper to help keep the site in the condition in which it was found. Dispersed camping must not occur within 100 feet of water sources (rivers, streams, ponds, or wetlands) or within 100 feet of any road or system trail. In some areas, dispersed camping is restricted to specific sites, contact the local Forest Service office for current information. Campsites can be occupied for no more than 14 days, then the site must be moved at least 3 miles away. Camping is also limited to a total of 28 days in a 60 day period. In areas closed to the use of vehicles off forest roads, where developed parking sites are not provided, and where not otherwise prohibited, direct access to a suitable parking site within 300 feet of the road is permitted. Such travel must not damage the land or streams. Please select your route carefully, and do not cut live timber. Off road travel should be limited to when the ground is dry. The public is encouraged to camp in locations where others have previously camped and utilized existing routes to those camp areas. Campers are required to leave a clean camp, not to damage vegetation or pollute streams and lakes on the National Forest and implement “Leave No Trace” practices.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
    Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

    4. Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

    38 Reviews
    147 Photos
    1999 Saves

    Alta Lakes is a popular dispersed camping area that offers fishing and camping in a spectacular alpine setting. There are 20 designated campsites that are completely undeveloped. The access road to the area is narrow and rough, requiring a high clearance vehicle. Trailers and RV's are not reccomended.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping

    5. Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    74 Photos
    1530 Saves

    The Washington Gulch Trail #403 begins a quarter mile north of the Gothic Campground and ends when it intersects the Washington Gulch Road, FSR #811. The heads southeast with a few switchbacks and then parallels Rock Creek for approximately 1.5 miles. It then crosses the creek, turns south, and begins to climb in elevation. It comes to an end at Washington Gulch Road. This is a very scenic trail and makes a great day hike. It is also very popular with mountain bikers and campers. All roadside vehicle and tent campers are required to camp ONLY in designated sites: Sites are designated by the presence of a 6in X 6in wooden post with a site number and camping symbol along with a permanent metal fire ring. All sites are first come first serve, if a site is occupied please look for another site. Fires are only permitted in the established metal fire rings. Extinguish all fires so they are cold to the touch. Sites are limited to two vehicles only per site.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Creek Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Creek Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Portland Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Portland Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Portland Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Portland Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Portland Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Portland Road Dispersed
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        9. Upper Mill Creek

        1 Review
        1 Save
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • RVs
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Equestrian
        • No image available

          10. Salt House Dispersed

          1 Review
          1 Save
          • Pets
          • Fires
          • RVs
          • Tents
          • Group
          • Equestrian
        Showing results 1-10 of 71 campgrounds

        Recent Dispersed Reviews In Powderhorn

        233 Reviews of 71 Powderhorn Campgrounds


        • FThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Golden Horn Dispersed
          Oct. 24, 2024

          Golden Horn Dispersed

          Perfect for Solitude and Views

          Great campground just 10 minutes from Silverton. Several spots are right next to a small stream, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The vault toilet helped us conserve water, and we used the public shower/bathroom in Silverton, which was very convenient. It's also close to many hiking trails, making it a great base for outdoor activities.

        • jThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Silverton 20A - Dispersed
          Oct. 23, 2024

          Silverton 20A - Dispersed

          Secluded, quiet, great views

          Definitely need 4 wheel drive to get up to sites, had to build our own fire pit but that was ok! The views were phenomenal.

        • G
          Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed
          Oct. 10, 2024

          Black Canyon Dispersed

          Great spot, rough roads

          Some of the roads were really rutted out, but we were lucky and everything was dry so we were able to get thru in my forester. There are some spots at the beginning of the property but there are more if you follow the dirt road back another two miles or so. Beautiful views, quiet and secluded. We did find a few deer legs left behind, so keep an eye out for Mountain Lion

        • Erika R.
          Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
          Oct. 10, 2024

          Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

          LONG dirt road, but worth it

          The off road trail it get to Alta lakes took us about 40-50 minutes in my boyfriends F-150. The views were amazing so neither of us really minded. We enjoyed our 1 night stay and did not struggle to find a spot

        • Kiet D.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
          Oct. 2, 2024

          Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

          Great for visiting Black Canyon.

          Visited the first week of October 2024. Had beautiful weather, no bugs and few campers. Sites are dirt so I can see it be being messy when wet. Only few sites at entrance for larger campers. We got into with a Bean teardrop np.

        • DThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed 2
          Sep. 11, 2024

          Washington Gulch Dispersed 2

          Nice sites and views

          I camped for 2 nights a few days apart in different sites. The first one was WG30 and it had an amazing view. I forgot to take note of the second one, but it was a little bit more down the road. Fire pits here which is nice. There’s a few spaces in the wide open and some nestled into some trees.

          Both nights that I stayed here there was a site that had a tent and table, but no one came back that night. Tuesday night and Friday night and nothing had changed. Kind of a bummer when someone snags a nice spot like that and isn’t there for multiple days.

        • Amy K.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Golden Horn Dispersed
          Sep. 9, 2024

          Golden Horn Dispersed

          Amazing views and fairly secluded area

          Loved this spot! Many spots along the road. Wildlife viewings were great. Starlink works amazing. 10/10

        • Gayle T.
          Camper-submitted photo from Sultan Dispersed
          Sep. 1, 2024

          Sultan Dispersed

          Accessible but secluded

          This site is easily accessed from the highway; I think even sedans could get to the first few sites if they went slowly. Sites 1-5 are close enough to the highway to get some road noise, but have good tree cover and great views of Grand Turk Mountain! The sites further in are more sheltered from road noise. Beautiful area to camp!

        • Gayle T.
          Camper-submitted photo from Red Mountain Creek
          Sep. 1, 2024

          Red Mountain Creek

          Handy spot, but very noisy and dusty

          This site is very accessible and has tons of spots. It also seems to be the closest place to legally disperse camp south of Ouray. However, there's a ton of road noise from both the highway and the unpaved roads used to access campsites. Conditions were also very dusty from traffic on the unpaved roads. Lastly, it's tough to find private areas to pee that are also a safe distance away from the creek. Nice views, though!

        • Jacob D.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
          Sep. 1, 2024

          Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

          Gorgeous Lakes

          Amazing views and a heck of a ride in describe this place well. We came on Labor Day weekend and somehow managed a spot at the campsites; only 20 available sites at the lakes so get there early.

        • Evan B.
          Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
          Aug. 29, 2024

          Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

          Nice spot

          Very close to Black Canyon park, nice private spots, road was a little gutted out but the corolla made it through no problem 🤟. some coyotes howling at night and my site was pretty close to the road

        • Jennine R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
          Aug. 22, 2024

          Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping

          Best view in all the US

          I will say that views of creste butte rival any spots I have camped at in Az, Montana, Utah or Wyoming. I would rate this place is 1 of the best camping views in all of the US that you can get your car too.

        • Voyager D.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dark Canyon Trailhead (Dispersed)
          Aug. 21, 2024

          Dark Canyon Trailhead (Dispersed)

          Not Dispersed

          Not an actual site. Pin took me to a feild with horse/cows (pics attached for cuteness). The actual site is in the campground on Google Maps, but IT ISNT ALLOWED!!!

          VERY CLEARLY SIGNED CAMPING IN CAMPGROUND SITES ONLY!!!

          There is a small fire ring by the trailhead, as description says, but the signs on the road are VERY clear. Also lots of rangers patrolling, so don't risk it!!

          So, unless you wanna pay a RIDICULOUS fee for a night, not worth it at all. Would've given it one mark, but figured someone later might find a touch of value.

        • S
          Camper-submitted photo from Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)
          Aug. 18, 2024

          Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

          Gorgeous spot; rough road; flooded when rained

          The road to get to the site is rough. You need 4x4 and high clearance vehicle and good tires. I saw a sedan with a flat tire trying to make its way up.. while the campground had stunning views and a nice fire pit, most sites didn’t have a flat spot for a tent or multiple tents.

          With that being said, if rain is in the forecast, your site will flood. We were site 6 and our tent was underwater. Same with the site next to us and across from us and the fire pit was a cauldron of water.

        • Caitlin W.
          Camper-submitted photo from Portland Road Dispersed
          Aug. 18, 2024

          Portland Road Dispersed

          Close to town on 4x4 road

          Great dispersed camping close to town with a decent number of spots that feel secluded, but people were NOT exaggerating about the road. I took my 4Runner up and spun in a few spots, though I also saw someone manage to get a teardrop up with some careful maneuvering. Overall great spot if you’re in Ouray with a vehicle that can handle some ruts

        • bThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed 2
          Aug. 16, 2024

          Washington Gulch Dispersed 2

          Multiple spot per marker

          I stayed in the main WG dispersed area just before the "Narrow & Steep" road sign an that appears to be the divider between WG & WG2. WG2 has more spread out locations, and there are multiple RV spots within the single sign posts. It's best to go inspect them on foot as some are on steep hills.  No cows in the WG2 area.

        • S
          Camper-submitted photo from Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
          Aug. 8, 2024

          Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

          Easy access

          The location shown looks like it’s super far out but you can find campgrounds pretty close to the entrance(10 minutes from parking lot). There is also a portapotty within walking distance of the first camping loop, and the site has a table and fire ring. You do need to know how to drive on and around rock in the road though.

        • C
          Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
          Jul. 31, 2024

          Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping

          Mosquito Alley

          Absolutely beautiful views but beware of the mosquitos! Do not come here without a net or a lb of bug spray. It was also extremely packed on a Monday so if you want a spot get there early. You will more than likely be side by side with someone but that didn’t bother me too much.

        • AJ F.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed Camping
          Jul. 30, 2024

          Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

          Great late night spot

          Nestled right on the access road to Black Canyon of The Gunnison NP, camps did not require a ton of dirt driving to access. Camp sites are neatly nestled into the trees to provide a decent level of privacy, the trees also provide protection from the wind. Given that this land is adjacent to a National Park, be aware that less than friendly wildlife can be in the area. Overall the campground was easy to access, there was not trash any where in eyesight. I was also able to locate a camp site at 9:30p on a Saturday without much issue.

        • HThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Dispersed
          Jul. 29, 2024

          Black Canyon Dispersed

          Great stop For Black Canyon

          Drove to the end of Jones Draw. Large fire pit already established. The site I chose was large enough to handle two jeeps and two large tents. I felt there was adequate separation between sites. The trail had few spots with deep ruts, but very manageable when dry. The location of this dispersed camping area was about a mile from the entrance to Black Canyon, which made it ideal for getting into the park first thing in the morning. Only stayed for one night, but was not displeased. Met my expectations.

        • Mary P.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Crested Butte - Gothic dispersed camping
          Jul. 21, 2024

          Crested Butte - Gothic dispersed camping

          Is this even a camping location?!?

          This location is absolutely breathtaking but I worried about getting towed and getting in trouble for camping here. It dropped me off in a location you weren’t allowed to walk on much less camp on so I kept driving until I entered the national forest. I was only there for about 5 hours, so I’m not sure if I was allowed to be there or not.

        • Mary P.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
          Jul. 20, 2024

          Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping

          Perfection

          There are significantly less spots here than there could be, which leads to amazing dispersed camping. The wildlife here is unbeatable and the flowers are breathtaking. Unfortunately I was not able to spend the night because there were no spots available but so imagine that waking up there would be the best day of my life

        • TThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
          Jul. 17, 2024

          Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping

          Beautiful sites and close to Crested Butte

          We arrived mid-afternoon on a Sunday in mid-July, and had to search numerous sites before we found an open one. At our side road with 5 sites, 4 were taken with tents that saw no one using them for three days ... not cool to "reserve" sites when you're not actually using them. Wildflowers are peaking, and are spectacular.



        Guide to Powderhorn

        Camping near Powderhorn, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just soaking in the views, there’s something for everyone.

        What to do:

        • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. One camper mentioned, “There is a one-mile hike from the campground to the visitor center along the rim,” which is perfect for a quick adventure.
        • Star Gazing: The South Rim Campground at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a dark sky park. A visitor shared, “Took photos of the stars,” highlighting the incredible night sky views.
        • Fishing: The Elk Creek Campground is close to Blue Mesa Reservoir, where you can enjoy fishing and swimming. One reviewer noted, “Fly fishing in the Gunnison as well as great fishing and swimming in Blue Mesa Reservoir is a short walk or drive.”

        What campers like:

        • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A review from Ridgway State Park stated, “The bathrooms were clean and the showers looked ok.”
        • Scenic Views: Many campgrounds offer breathtaking views. One camper at Dakota Terraces Campground said, “Our site had a view of Courthouse Peak,” making it a picturesque spot.
        • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful hosts. A visitor at Ouray Riverside Resort remarked, “The staff were extremely kind and helpful.”

        What you should know:

        • Size Limitations: If you're bringing a larger RV, check the size restrictions. One camper warned about the limitations at the Amphitheater Campground, saying, “Got up to the entrance to find signs warning of overall length limitations.”
        • Proximity to Neighbors: Many campgrounds have sites close together. A reviewer at 4J + 1 + 1 RV Park mentioned, “The RVs are squeezed in tightly but it never felt that way,” indicating a cozy atmosphere.
        • Rodent Issues: Some campgrounds, like Elk Creek Campground, have reported rodent problems. One camper advised, “Do not feed or leave food out,” to avoid attracting them.

        Tips for camping with families:

        • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with amenities. A family at Ouray KOA enjoyed the “great camp store” and “old school arcade games for the kids.”
        • Safety Precautions: Be aware of wildlife. One camper at Elk Creek Campground shared, “We saw moose in the afternoon into evening,” reminding families to keep a safe distance.
        • Bring Layers: The weather can change quickly. A family camping in June noted, “The temperature was beautiful 24/7 (70 during the day and down to about 40 at night).”

        Tips from RVers:

        • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Ouray Riverside Resort mentioned, “We had electric, sewer and water hookups,” which made their stay comfortable.
        • Plan for Wind: Some campgrounds can get windy. A visitor at Elk Creek Campground noted, “The wind is pretty bad,” so be prepared.
        • Use Propane Fire Pits: If wood fires aren’t allowed, consider renting a propane fire pit. A camper at Ouray Riverside Resort mentioned they could rent one, which is a great alternative.

        Camping near Powderhorn, Colorado, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect getaway for families and RVers alike.

        Frequently Asked Questions

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

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Powderhorn, CO is Hartman Rocks Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 19 reviews.

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

          TheDyrt.com has all 71 dispersed camping locations near Powderhorn, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.