Best Dispersed Camping near Rangely, CO
Several dispersed camping areas exist around Rangely, Colorado on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Free primitive sites are available along Dragon Trail (County Road #23), near Dinosaur Dispersed Site, along State Route 98, and in the Angora Hills area. Additional dispersed camping can be found north of Dinosaur National Monument on County Road 16 and at sites such as South Plug Hat Butte. Most of these locations are undeveloped BLM lands with no designated campsites or facilities.
Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles, and some areas become impassable when wet. The Dragon Trail area features clay dirt roads that can be problematic during rainy conditions. Angora Hills has a steep initial climb requiring 4WD in some cases. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days on most BLM lands. No drinking water, trash service, or restroom facilities exist at these sites, with the exception of vault toilets at some locations near trailheads. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer months. Cell service varies significantly between locations, with some areas requiring satellite communications.
These primitive sites provide access to scenic desert landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities. "Open range area with big views but maybe windy," noted one visitor about Angora Hills. Most sites offer solitude but limited shade. Another camper described the Dinosaur Dispersed Site as "just a dusty field by the tracks" that is "not a destination, just a quick sleep site close to the monument." Areas near Dinosaur National Monument require entry through the park with applicable fees unless accessing from alternate routes. Several sites feature proximity to recreational trails, particularly mountain biking networks. Camping areas closest to highways may experience train or road noise, while more remote sites provide quiet but challenging access.
