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Best Dispersed Camping near Pueblo, CO

119 Reviews

The landscape surrounding Pueblo, Colorado features numerous dispersed camping options on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service lands. Penrose BLM sites and Penrose Common Recreation Site lie approximately 30 miles west of Pueblo, offering primitive camping with minimal facilities. Further north, the Rampart Range Road area and Gold Camp Road provide additional dispersed sites with varying levels of accessibility. Most locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, though amenities are limited. The region's camping areas range from desert-like terrain with cacti and cedar trees near Penrose to more forested settings with creek access in areas like Phantom Canyon.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many sites requiring high-clearance vehicles for safe access. As one camper noted, "Road in is rough, but manageable with a high clearance vehicle. Plenty of space to spread out." Most dispersed areas enforce a 14-day maximum stay limit, typical of BLM locations. Cell service is surprisingly reliable at many sites, with visitors reporting good T-Mobile and Verizon coverage. Weather conditions change dramatically with elevation and season, with higher elevation sites experiencing snow even when lower areas remain clear. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, and campers should verify current regulations before planning trips.

Mountain views dominate the camping experience, with many sites offering panoramic vistas of Pikes Peak and surrounding ranges. Creekside camping is available in several locations, particularly along Gold Camp Road where visitors report good fishing opportunities. Wildlife sightings include deer, chipmunks, and occasionally bears at higher elevations. Campers frequently mention the solitude as a primary attraction, though some areas experience ATV and dirt bike traffic. Vault toilets exist at select locations like Penrose Common Recreation Site, but most areas have no facilities whatsoever. Several reviewers mention concerns about trash accumulation, with one visitor noting they "collected a Walmart bag full of trash in the morning." Despite these challenges, the spectacular night skies and mountain scenery continue to draw campers seeking primitive experiences near Pueblo.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Pueblo, Colorado (23)

    1. Penrose Common Rec Site

    11 Reviews
    Penrose, CO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-8500

    "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."

    "There’s lots of trails in the area (OHV) but other than that, not much else to do. There is a clean vault toilet at the entrance, no trash services. Plenty of spots as you keep driving up the hill."

    2. Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

    15 Reviews
    Victor, CO
    37 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."

    3. Penrose BLM sites

    2 Reviews
    Penrose, CO
    26 miles

    "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."

    "I was the only one around camping when I was there. Super peaceful! The reservoir is 10 minutes away too which is great for fishing and paddle boarding."

    4. Phantom Canyon

    5 Reviews
    Penrose, CO
    31 miles

    "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."

    "Dispersed area that is very spread out so you are not near others. Also has access to climbing walls right by sites."

    5. BLM Rec. Trail Dispersed

    1 Review
    Penrose, CO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-8500

    6. Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park

    21 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    50 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."

    "Had to walk a bit but thats ok. Great veiws no one around. Sadly no campfires, so early to bed. Very close to great trialheads"

    7. Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    49 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."

    8. Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off

    1 Review
    Cañon City, CO
    31 miles

    "Every summer I go on a road trip , camping ,backpacking and visiting national parks , while driving through Colorado we drove through phantom canyon road and we stopped about 20 times through our drive"

    9. Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite

    12 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    50 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"

    10. clyde dispersed camping

    4 Reviews
    Victor, CO
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-8500

    ".  It sits in the meadow right next to the creek. There are two sites one of which is definitely big enough for a decent size rig."

    "The coordinates provided get you onto Gold Camp Road but you have to drive way further. There is a super cool tunnel which means you are close. There is a lack of fire wood around some spots."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Pueblo, CO

95 Photos of 23 Pueblo Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Pueblo, CO

119 Reviews of 23 Pueblo 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.

  • 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.

  • 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)

  • Brooke H.
    Aug. 15, 2020

    Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park

    Hard to get to but worth it

    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. Given we went in October, but we were the only campers around our area. No trash or restroom facilities so be prepared to pack it out. Great views!

  • pThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 22, 2021

    Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

    Stunning Views of Pikes Peak

    Only 18 minutes from Woodland Park, but you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. Tucked back in National Forest land.

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2023

    Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

    Incredible creekside camping

    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. There were insects around so bring bug spray and flytraps. The creek has trout if fishing is your thing. Not much wildlife but there are great hikes in the area. Skagway reservoir is close and a must see. You can also get supplies in the nearby town of Victor. To get there you are better off taking Goldcamp Road from the Victor side. We approached from Colorado Springs and the road is very rotted due to the amount of rainfall we’ve had. I would not recommend trying to get an RV through that. From Victor, you do have to go through a narrow tunnel with an 11’2” clearance but the road is far better maintained.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 21, 2024

    Oil Well Flats

    Probably not the best place for large trailers

    Fairly steep and rough road up into the campground. Once your in the roads are decent. Some sites had broken glass and trash and some were clean and decent

  • C A.
    Aug. 24, 2021

    Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park

    A SERIOUS GEM.

    PROS: It's FREE, as the great outdoors should be. Gravel roads are well maintained. Spots are far enough off the road w/o being too far from your car (~250 ft). 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! And our spot came w/ wood the last people left - thank you whoever you are! There's also plenty of other wood to gather if you aren't so lucky/didn't bring any. Absolutely gorgeous views - mountains, aspen, pine, wildflowers, etc.

    CONS: We got there later in the evening and didn't have any issues with bugs but the next day the bees were out in full force for our lunch. There were some ants but they never really crawled on us or our stuff. Did see one tiny spider on the ground but otherwise didn’t seem like a very spider-ey place.

    NOTES: Parking is only along the right side of the road so heads up. No restrooms. No water/stream access from the sites which is always nice to have but still. Farish Recreation Area is right down the street (although military only) and Rampart Reservoir is open to the public for $7/car in the same general area. 

    Overall, cannot complain especially given that it's free! It's a gorgeous spot right outside of Woodland Park and only 35 minutes from Manitou Springs.

Guide to Pueblo

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Pueblo, Colorado, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots offer a perfect escape for adventurers.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Pueblo, Colorado

  • Many areas, like Penrose Common Rec Site, allow for campfires, making it easy to enjoy evenings under the stars with friends and family.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed has no trash services, so packing out what you bring in is essential.
  • Check road conditions before heading out, as some sites, such as Oil Well Flats, have steep and rough access roads that may not be suitable for larger vehicles.

ATV Adventures While Free Camping Near Pueblo

  • If you're into off-roading, Penrose Common Rec Site is popular among ATV enthusiasts, providing easy access to trails and plenty of space to park your vehicle.
  • The BLM Rec. Trail Dispersed area is a great spot for those looking to explore the terrain on their ATVs, with ample room for riding and enjoying the outdoors.
  • Expect a lively atmosphere at places like Phantom Canyon, where you'll find fellow adventurers and plenty of trails to explore.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • For breathtaking views, consider Clyde Dispersed Camping, which offers picturesque landscapes right next to a creek, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
  • The Cripple Creek BLM Area features stunning scenery along a creek, providing a serene backdrop for your camping experience.
  • If you're looking for seclusion, Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off offers hidden spots away from the crowds, allowing you to soak in the natural beauty without distractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free camping available near Pueblo, Colorado?

Yes, there is plenty of free camping available near Pueblo. Phantom Canyon offers free dispersed camping with amazing views, though it requires traveling about 14 miles on a dirt road. Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park is another free option with spectacular views and well-maintained gravel roads. These areas follow typical dispersed camping rules with a 14-day maximum stay. While free, be prepared for primitive conditions without amenities like trash service or running water. Always practice Leave No Trace principles, pack out all waste, and check for current fire restrictions before your trip.

Where can I find dispersed camping areas near Pueblo, Colorado?

Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities with smaller trails branching off the main dirt road. The main road is accessible with 2WD vehicles, though some side trails require 4WD with high clearance. Only 18 minutes from Woodland Park, it feels remote while being relatively accessible. Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 provides another dispersed option with 5-6 sites located right next to Boehmer Creek, making it ideal for fishing enthusiasts. These sites are mainly suitable for tents, as narrow rutted trails and low-hanging trees may present challenges for RVs.

What amenities can I expect at dispersed camping sites near Pueblo?

Dispersed camping sites near Pueblo typically offer very minimal amenities. Penrose Common Rec Site provides basic pit toilets but no trash service. The area has enough space to spread out, decent cell service (T-Mobile reported as sufficient for work/school), but few trees for shade. Most dispersed areas like BLM Rec. Trail Dispersed feature primitive conditions with occasional pit toilets at main access points. Don't expect running water, electrical hookups, picnic tables, or developed fire rings. Pack in all necessary supplies including water, and be prepared to pack out all trash. Cell service varies significantly by location and carrier. Always bring emergency supplies and inform others of your plans.

What BLM land is available for camping around Pueblo?

Penrose BLM sites offer designated camping areas with a 14-day maximum stay limit. These sites have pit toilets located at the entrance to the BLM land, and a sign explains camping regulations. The access road can become challenging, especially in adverse weather conditions, but even travel trailers can access the area with careful navigation. Oil Well Flats is another BLM option featuring a steep, rough access road leading to a campground with decent interior roads. Site conditions vary, with some areas well-maintained and others having issues with trash. Both areas require self-sufficiency as they offer minimal facilities.

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