Best Dispersed Camping near Red Cliff, CO

Several dispersed camping areas surround Red Cliff, Colorado, with options including Boreas Pass Road, Homestake Reservoir Road, Rock Creek, Red Sandstone, Tigiwon Road, and Shrine Pass Road. These primitive sites are located on U.S. Forest Service land, primarily in the White River National Forest. Most areas feature designated dispersed camping zones rather than developed facilities, allowing campers to experience the natural mountain environment without formal campground infrastructure. Free camping is permitted at most locations, though some areas like Red Sandstone and Rock Creek require permits.

Many access roads to these dispersed sites demand high-clearance vehicles, with several reviews noting rough, rocky terrain. Homestake Reservoir Road at Milemarker 3 and Red Sandstone Road are particularly challenging for standard passenger cars. Most sites lack amenities—no drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, so checking current regulations before arrival is essential. Sites typically feature established fire rings where fires are permitted, but campers must bring their own firewood.

The dispersed camping areas around Red Cliff provide excellent access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and mountain views. Elevation at many sites exceeds 10,000 feet, creating cool summer nights even when days are warm. Wildlife viewing is common, with marmots, deer, and various bird species frequently spotted. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most locations, offering a true disconnect from urban life. "The road to the camping locations is very bumpy, narrow, and has some large rocks. AWD with high clearance or 4x4 is recommended," noted one Rock Creek camper. Another visitor to the area mentioned that "spots are well-spaced, providing plenty of privacy, and the area is generally clean, thanks to considerate campers."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Red Cliff, Colorado (173)

    1. Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping

    45 Reviews
    Blue River, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-5400

    "Road is fine for high clearance. But all of us with 4wD ask that you move over for us."

    "I can see this area being busy all year around, definitely on 4th of july weekend. Wish I could’ve found an open site to spend a night!"

    2. Homestake Reservoir Rd Milemarker 3 - Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Red Cliff, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 945-2521

    "Level and had a turn around for a larger rig. Many tent sites around. Road is in good shape."

    "Firewood is not for sale nearby and the forest doesn't have much, so you should bring your own."

    3. Rock Creek Designated Dispersed Camping

    25 Reviews
    Silverthorne, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-5400

    "WARNING: The road to the camping locations is very bumpy, narrow, and has some large rocks. AWD with high clearance or 4x4 is recommended.

    This location was great!"

    "This spot was easily accessible with high clearance. I arrived at 11am on Wednesday July 3 and only two sites were occupied."

    4. Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    Vail, CO
    13 miles
    Website

    "It is a hidden gem. You can drive or walk down a mile which leads to a trail to Lost Lake, which you can swim in."

    "Plenty of dispersed camping up Red Sandstone Road. Go 2.5 miles up a smooth dirt road once you leave the paved road to reach the start of camping (head right at a junction after those 2.5 miles)."

    5. Tigiwon Road

    5 Reviews
    Red Cliff, CO
    3 miles
    Website

    "Bumpy and narrow road in but beautiful views once you get to the top."

    "Nice dispersed camping spot. There are a few along the road, we went just passed the Tigawon community house and found a great spot with a view, and fire pit!"

    6. Blodgett Campground

    2 Reviews
    Red Cliff, CO
    2 miles

    "We found a nice flat spot across the bridge to the right up a small hill with great views. No cell service"

    7. Lake Constantine Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Red Cliff, CO
    6 miles
    Website

    "Lake Constantine sits about 4 miles off of Tigiwon Rd outside of the town of Minturn. These camp spots are only accessible by hiking in."

    "We were there dead in the middle of the week and there was still alot of people to pass on the trail but thats no problem becuase theres alot of room to spread out and plenty of firepits getting firewood"

    9. Whitney Lake

    2 Reviews
    Red Cliff, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 945-2521

    "Whitney lake is a very popular hiking spot located about 20 minutes south of Vail. The trail is al little over 2.5 miles to the lake and is a moderate hike."

    "I rode my bike back 15 miles this August and it was a wonderful spot, lots of ORV trails and plenty of mountain privacy"

    10. Yeoman Park

    8 Reviews
    White River National Forest, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 328-6388

    $8 / night

    "No electric hook ups. We brought in our 27foot camper and had a spectacular visit. Quiet area. Creek at entrance."

    "There was a park ranger on site at the time we were there so that provided a sense of security while being more in the back country."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Red Cliff, CO

659 Reviews of 173 Red Cliff Campgrounds


  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 20, 2024

    Kirby Gulch

    Worth the Rough Drive

    Kirby Gulch is a fantastic spot for anyone seeking a peaceful, off-the-grid camping experience near Grant, Colorado. Situated off Route 1038, this dispersed camping area offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife watching.

    The campsites are well-spaced, providing plenty of privacy, and the area is generally clean, thanks to considerate campers. Since it’s a dispersed site, there are no amenities like water or toilets, so make sure to come prepared. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing some of the sites, especially after rain or snow.

    What makes Kirby Gulch truly special is its tranquility. You can enjoy the sound of the wind through the trees, the crisp mountain air, and dazzling stargazing at night. It’s also a great starting point for exploring nearby trails or simply soaking in the serene environment.

    If you’re comfortable with primitive camping and leave-no-trace principles, Kirby Gulch is a hidden gem worth checking out.

  • Kelly G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2021

    Grays Peak Summer Trailhead Dispersed Camping

    Great base camp for summiting Gray’s/Torrey’s

    Stevens Gulch Road (321) is a dirt road off of I-70 west of Denver in the Arapaho & Rosevelt National Forests and the Pawnee National Grasslands. It has amazing scenery and access to gorgeous hiking trails to summit Gray’s, Torrey’s and Kelso Peaks. It is a fairly mellow SUV road with plenty of space to pass other vehicles and you will occasionally see passenger cars as well. The road leads to a large parking lot that fills up fast with car overflow parking spilling down both sides of the road. There are pit toilets and bear proof trash cans at the parking lot. The road continues past the parking lot a very short ways to some dispersed campsites by a river that have stone campfire rings. Definitely filter this water as there are uphill toilet paper gardens along the climb to summit.

  • Meg G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2020

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Spectacular - 4x4 is required to access.

    We drove our BRAND NEW 4x4 Revel and were nervous the entire trip up and back.  We are a high profile vehicle, luckily we had plenty of clearance but it was very nerve wracking both up and back.  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.  When you arrive, there are several dispersed campsites around the lake.  All the spots have beautiful views and tons of space between other campers.  There are firepits (even though CO is on a fire ban) that  will be nice for future visits.  We visited on Sept 17-19, 2020, so the evenings are cold and the days short.  Additionally, the water level was very low.  

    The area is nice for hiking and exploring, and especially to get away from it all.  No cell phone service.

    As the weekend approached, there were several ATV's heading up for the day.  While we were there, only 3 other groups camping on the weekend.

    You will be at 11,000 feet looking at the Continental Divide!  THIS is Colorado camping!  Enjoy and please remember to leave no trace!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2023

    Forest Road 130

    Absolutely awesome

    Stunningly beautiful dispersed camping at its best. To find the most precious spot you need to get to Forest service Road 130 S as in South. There is a forest service ranger station on the south side of Leadville where you can get a motor vehicle use map MVUM. But even without a map the roads are marked. 130 starts near Highway 24 on the west side across from massive lakes, near a large bank of mailboxes. You'll see a sign asking you to respect the private property owners rights. Just keep going up the hill and you will find the forest service signage indicating the public lands. Many people don't go much further. But the truly spectacular sites are a couple miles further. The roads are narrow and steep but manageable. Keep going down 130 until you reach an intersection with 130A and 130 B, A goes north and B goes south. But keep going till you reach a T intersection. 160 goes north and 130 S goes south. Go left, south till you reach a slightly challenging switch back. Just on the other side of the switchback is a wide open space with room for many rigs including good size trailers. Very quiet with very little traffic of any kind. The Leadville 100 foot race goes right by every August.

  • Tommie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2018

    North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camping

    Ranger Review: Wild Zora Foods at North Cottonwood Trailhead Dispersed Camp

    Bare bones but beautiful camping opportunity conveniently located near the trailhead to the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area in Colorado

    Campground Review:

    Needing a spot to serve as a staging area for a planned backpacking trip into the Collegiate Peak Wilderness Area of Colorado, my group discovered this gem. County roads (CR) that access national forests in Colorado often have primitive but established camping spots. Since we were going to start our backpacking trip from the North Cottonwood Trailhead, we searched online to make sure that the access road, CR 365 offered dispersed camping.

    After a nice meal in nearby Buena Vista, Co, we headed out on the 7-8 mile drive to the trailhead. Now 7-8 miles on a CR isn’t always the same as a similar distance on a paved road. The first 3 miles on the drive from town center were paved and were navigated quickly and easily. The next few miles were not and driving became more of an adventure and slowed dramatically. While in the end we saw 2 WD vehicles at the trailhead, I would suggest that at a minimum you should have a high clearance FWD vehicle. Our Subaru Outback AWD served us well. The drive took us around 30 minutes.

    2 miles away from the trailhead, you pass a Colorado Trail access point with parking and vault toilets. IMPORTANT: there are no toilets past this point on CR 365 and no facilities at the North Cottonwood Trailhead.

    We ended up driving all the way up to the trailhead to know what to expect for the next morning when we would start the hike. We then headed back down CR 365 about a mile to some of the more attractive looking camping sites along the road. In all, I would suspect you pass 15-20 opportunities along the road. Some of them are small, single vehicle, single tent areas and others could handle multiple groups.

    We ended up finding a pull off point that had a gravel road that accessed several campsites. You are encouraged to find sites that have been used in the past and most will have a fire pit. Always check with the ranger stations to see if fires are allowed in the area at the time.

    Since this site had a gravel road that took you 50-100 yards off the CR, you really felt the seclusion. The CR is not heavily traveled (maybe 6 cars used it from 7pm to 6am the next morning while we were there), being off the road really made this a nice site. The sites that are accessed via side gravel roads do have road designations. The one we chose was 365B and was clearly marked with a reflective post sign.

    The sites are adorned with pines and aspens. We were also near a stream that provided us beautiful sounds to fall asleep to. Spacing between sites is significant so you do feel remote and won’t hear much if anything from other campers. Our site had a rock fire ring but firewood is scarce so if you want a campfire, you will need to bring some with you. There is no running water at these sites but the stream is flowing and with a filtration system, you can easily fill up. No tables or benches are in the area.

    Does a bear … in the woods? Well yes and you will need to as well. This area’s minimum suggested practice was to dig your “cat hole” at least 6 inches deep, 100 feet or more away from water, camping and trail locations. Degradable toilet paper, no wipes, was suggested.

    The site was beautiful, primitive, remote, and convenient. Everything we were looking for. We experienced temperatures of 70’s during the day and mid 40’s at night. We did have the typical misty rain in the evening but it didn’t last long and the ground absorbed it well. You are at around 9500 feet above sea level so you may feel the effects of the altitude. It served as a great place for this “flatlander” to get acclimated.

    Not a site for someone that needs amenities. But if you love the thought of a controlled, primitive site, this will be right up your alley!

    Gear Review: Wild Zora Foods

    See a quick video summary of the product HERE.

    As a Dyrt Ranger gear tester, I often get opportunities to evaluate camping related products during my outdoor adventures. On this outing, I was able to pack a variety of Wild Zora snacks and meals to help fuel this physically demanding trip.

    The genesis for Wild Zora began in 2011 with a family that discovered the benefits of Gluten-Free, Paleo, and Primal foods. After developing their own, sharing with friends and family, the founders decided to package and offer their creations to the public. They offer meat and veggie bars, paleo meals to go, soups and teas. All are claimed to be prepared with minimally processed, high quality ingredients. The company states that it is mindful of diet restrictions and allergies.

    Testing conditions:

    I tested the product over several weeks under somewhat adverse but consistent conditions. The food was used to fuel a physically demanding trip where calorie dense foods were needed. I needed to be able to consume around 4000 calories a day to be able to backpack for miles and to climb 14,000 foot Colorado peaks. Space and weight were taken into consideration as well. We would be preparing the meals at high elevation which would affect how long and effective reconstitution of the dehydrated food would take. During most of the cooking times, temperatures were between 40-60 degrees.

    Things that stood out:

    · Conveniently packaged. Durable with no excessive packaging.

    · Shelf life was way longer than what I needed for this trip so if any was left over, it would keep for my next trip.

    · The meals and flavors offered are not limited to your common camping meals offered by others. CHECK OUT SOME OF THESE FLAVORS!

    · There is no shortage of flavor in the meals. Nothing bland about them.

    · Ingredients are top shelf and the meals and snacks have such a short but impressive ingredient list, you know you are doing your body good.

    My preferences for improvement:

    · Adjustment needed in how I ate it because of the dimensions of the meal packages. Narrow and tall vs short and wide made me adjust how I consumed the meal.

    Summary of experience with Wild Zora:

    These meals are POPPING with flavor! Since what we like in our meals is a personal preference, some may not like the strong flavors but I loved them. I am a little adventurous with my food and the flavors in all the meals I tried were distinct and pleasing – think gourmet vs fast food.

    The food is packaged with the outdoor enthusiast in mind. Easy to tuck away in my backpack without being a space or weight hog and the snacks were perfect when I went “peakbagging” with a smaller daypack. Calorie dense. I was able to easily take 4 meat/veggie bars with my on mountain climbs and averaged 120 calories a bar. The bars provided satisfying protein and fat calories that complimented my quick carb foods I packed.

    Will absolutely be a part of my meals on future adventures. See a quick summary of the product HERE.

  • Eileen S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 1, 2021

    Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping

    Crowded Camping Near Keystone

    This is beautiful camping close to keystone and likewise gets crowded in the summer months. If you want a spot on a weekend, get there early. There are a few pull offs along the road suitable for most cars, but if you have a high clearance 4WD you can go on a few offshoot roads and find more spacious spots. No cell phone signal or water, and frequent fire bans in the summer.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping

    Great spot close to Winter Park

    Went up Rollins pass road (you can access it from the Lakota Trail neighborhood or down the road a bit on 80). The first gate was open but not the second or third to get to the top where there are def more spots and fire rings. You can only camp places where there are dots on the side of the road on the official county map. Check the Rollins pass website it’s very informative and a sacred land so leave no trace. We got one of the like 3-4 spots we saw with a fire ring that wasn’t taken yet. (No fire ban 6/14/25 I check don’t worry :).. Some back trails are very hairy, pretty busy with motor vehicles but a lot of the new electric dirt bikes which don’t make much noise, probably 10-15 ppl the entire night riding by only once. Got great weather and the main trail is pretty easy up to the second gate which is supposed to be open June 15-Sept 15 I think.

  • Alex V.
    Oct. 19, 2020

    Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

    Capable rig

    The sites are plentiful large, but you’ll require a decent 4x4 vehicle to get you there. The further along the path you travel, the more rugged it becomes; so most people seemingly settled for the first few spots. Personally, site 5, 8, and 11 are best. Almost every site has a bear-proof box you can store food (or hide?) within, which is nice. Sites are also far enough apart to mitigate any privacy concerns, and albeit the current fire ban - come equipped with existing fire pits.

  • S
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Sawmill Gulch

    Drive in + makeshift firepits

    Loved this spot because it felt like a secret. Only 4 or 5 designated camping spots, but you can drive your car into the spot as well. I came from Kenosha Pass ($24 to camp there and you can’t drive your car to your campsite). The road up to the campsites starts out like a regular dirt road, but then it gets a tad rocky and then it gets slightly rough with several potholes. I drive a 2008 Prius and I went slow and it was not a problem for me at all, I cannot speak for the road coming from the other side though. There are bear signs so please be careful. There are also a couple spots along the way to park but not camp. Each of the campsites had makeshift rock style firepits as well. No bathrooms, no water, no trash cans. Private property on most of the rest of the land. No cellphone service for Verizon until you get to the highway again. Highly recommend!


Guide to Red Cliff

Primitive camping near Red Cliff, Colorado typically occurs at elevations exceeding 9,000 feet, creating temperature fluctuations of 30-40°F between day and night even in summer months. The surrounding White River National Forest contains over 750 miles of trails with numerous dispersed camping zones concentrated along forest service roads. Most sites sit within alpine or subalpine ecosystems characterized by aspen groves, spruce forests, and meadows.

What to do

Hike to alpine lakes: From Whitney Lake access point, a moderate 2.5-mile trail leads to backcountry camping with mountain views. "Being that the hike is short and fairly easy, this is a great backpacking spot for someone looking for something quick or for a first time trip," notes one visitor who found good fishing opportunities at the lake.

Wildlife observation: Yeoman Park offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities within a 45-minute drive of Red Cliff. "In the morning we were treated to a herd of elk crossing the creek," reports one camper, while another mentioned, "Got greeted by a moose licking our car in the morning, not something you see everyday either."

Stargazing: Clear mountain skies provide exceptional night viewing at higher elevations. A Rock Creek camper explains, "No cell service, no light pollution, no one glued to a screen. Just wind, water, and the low rumble of late-night playlists echoing off the hillside."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Boreas Pass Road designated camping spots feature greater separation than many dispersed areas. "One of the best parts was the privacy. Our site was far enough from the neighboring spots that we couldn't see or hear other campers, making it feel peaceful and secluded," shares a recent visitor who stayed in late August.

Access to water features: Many campers appreciate proximity to creeks and streams. A camper at Yeoman Park noted, "Water stream with lots of beaver dams. Brush creek is clear and cool and provided us with the most perfect cold plunge for a warm summer day!"

Cooler temperatures: The higher elevation provides relief from summer heat. According to a Rock Creek visitor, "That bit of elevation gave us a quiet pocket, a breeze, and just enough distance from the traffic circling below," highlighting how elevation differences affect camping comfort.

What you should know

Road conditions vary seasonally: Road access changes throughout the camping season. "Closed off road access unfortunately till June 20. Beautiful and the road can get a little wonky but you're gonna have to hike it up for a bit!" reports a Red Sandstone camper from early June.

Vehicle clearance requirements: Many access roads deteriorate beyond typical passenger car capability. A Homestake Reservoir camper advised, "We took our offroad capable teardrop to the loop at the reservoir but I don't recommend taking a non-offroad trailer past Gold Park."

Summer weekend crowds: Site availability becomes challenging on weekends. "We pulled in around noon and barely snagged one of the last open sites. By 1 p.m., it felt like a game of musical chairs. Drivers looping, turning around, hoping someone packed up," reports a camper from Rock Creek.

Tips for camping with families

Bring bug protection: Mosquitoes are prevalent near water sources. A Homestake visitor noted, "Cons: Lots of misquote in the evening," while another camper recommended "Murphy's incense kept them at bay."

Educational opportunities: Shrine Pass Road provides convenient access from I-70 without highway noise. While Yeoman Park offers additional learning experiences: "Wildlife dept offers educational entertainment on Saturday evenings at their tiny amphitheater. Great for children."

Birdwatching for kids: Several areas provide opportunities to spot diverse bird species. "So many types of birds—great spot for birdwatchers!!!" reports a Rock Creek visitor, providing an activity that engages children without electronic entertainment.

Tips from RVers

Length limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. At Boreas Pass, a reviewer explained, "We're in a van, and while some spots would have been great, not all would work for our van. Many beautiful views, so the drive to the top was worth it."

Finding level parking: Locating suitable spots requires patience. "We found a nice flat spot across the bridge to the right up a small hill with great views," shares a Blodgett Campground visitor, highlighting the importance of scouting before setting up camp.

RV accessibility: Some areas accommodate larger trailers with careful navigation. "Easy access with 30 ft TT," confirms a Yeoman Park camper, though this represents an exception rather than the norm for dispersed camping in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Red Cliff, Colorado?

Free dispersed camping is available in several areas near Red Cliff. Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed offers multiple sites with stunning mountain views and is just a short drive from Red Cliff. Another excellent option is Forest Road 130, which provides beautiful dispersed camping opportunities with relatively easy access. Most sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving mid-week or early in the day is recommended during peak season. When dispersed camping, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, camp at least 100 feet from water sources, use existing fire rings when permitted, and pack out all trash. Most dispersed sites near Red Cliff have no facilities, so come prepared with water and waste disposal plans.

Can I access dispersed camping areas near Red Cliff via Homestake Road?

Yes, Homestake Road provides access to excellent dispersed camping opportunities near Red Cliff. Homestake Reservoir Rd Milemarker 3 - Dispersed offers several primitive sites along the route. Be prepared for variable road conditions - while the first few miles are typically passable for most vehicles, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing more remote sites. Similar to Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping in the region, the further you travel, the more rugged the terrain becomes. Most sites have existing fire rings, but no amenities are provided. Pack plenty of water, food, and supplies. These areas typically open in late May or early June, depending on snowmelt, and remain accessible until the first significant snowfall in autumn.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Red Cliff, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Red Cliff, CO is Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 45 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Red Cliff, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 173 dispersed camping locations near Red Cliff, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.