Top Free Dispersed Camping near Rockvale, CO

Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Rockvale? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Rockvale, CO (45)

    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site

    1. Penrose Common Rec Site

    9 Reviews
    29 Photos
    83 Saves

    Penrose Commons Recreation Area offers a warm, arid climate among pinon and juniper woodlands. The best time to visit is September through May when temperatures are comfortable and the snowy peaks of the Sangre De Cristo mountain range are visible in the distance. With 30 miles of motorized trail, the area is popular for ATVs, motorcycles and four wheeling. Independence Trail system is known for its extreme 4x4 rock crawling opportunities with easy access for spectators to enjoy the trail activity. Penrose Commons is also popular for horseback riding, hunting and dispersed camping. The area has a restroom, trail map information and ample parking space for trailers. A wet weather gate closes the area to motorized use during wet conditions. For more information, please contact the Royal Gorge Field Office.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

    2. Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    84 Photos
    834 Saves

    Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".

    Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.

    Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:

    In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon

    3. Phantom Canyon

    4 Reviews
    25 Photos
    135 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off

    5. Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off

    1 Review
    31 Photos
    42 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Cripple Creek BLM Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cripple Creek BLM Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cripple Creek BLM Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cripple Creek BLM Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cripple Creek BLM Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cripple Creek BLM Area

    6. Cripple Creek BLM Area

    3 Reviews
    8 Photos
    245 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Drinking Water
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
    • No image available

      8. Oil Well Flats

      1 Review
      20 Saves
      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      • Picnic Table
      Camper-submitted photo from clyde dispersed camping
      Camper-submitted photo from clyde dispersed camping
      Camper-submitted photo from clyde dispersed camping
      Camper-submitted photo from clyde dispersed camping
      Camper-submitted photo from clyde dispersed camping
      Camper-submitted photo from clyde dispersed camping

      9. clyde dispersed camping

      2 Reviews
      15 Photos
      184 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • ADA Access
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      Camper-submitted photo from Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area

      10. Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area

      2 Reviews
      21 Photos
      46 Saves

      Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".

      Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.

      Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:

      In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Showing results 1-10 of 45 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In Rockvale

    158 Reviews of 45 Rockvale Campgrounds


    • Angela E.
      Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Creek Trailhead
      Oct. 7, 2024

      Cotton Creek Trailhead

      Beautiful and peaceful 💚

      The sky is GORGEOUS. The road is very rocky & very rough, so you'll want to have decent clearance and be prepared to take it slow. I've never seen so many stars!

    • aThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cripple Creek BLM Area
      Oct. 6, 2024

      Cripple Creek BLM Area

      Great secluded spot!

      We went on a Saturday and it wasn’t crowded at all. The dispersed sites aren’t far from the road since most of the road goes down a valley with hills on both sides however there’s a nice creek running down the whole way. Definitely check it out if you don’t mind a colder night in a valley. Not much room to explore outside your vehicle unless you’re okay walking down the dirt road to see other sites and views.

    • Bryce B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping
      Sep. 26, 2024

      Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

      Great site

      Pretty great dispersed site. Beautiful sun sets. I had great phone service. There are three campsites running along three different fingers. The second one has a portable bathroom. I talked to some locals who said grabbing deadfall was fine for fire wood. Quick 20 minute drive to get back into town for supplies. No water sources so you’ll have to pack out water. All the fire pits are hand build and being on the finger you’re pretty exposed to the wind keeping the fires small and not very hot. Most of the sites are not flat. If you enjoy camping with little amenities you’ll like this site 

    • LThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide
      Sep. 23, 2024

      Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide

      Beautiful Spots

      Wanted to stay for two nights but only did two days, because a mountain lion tore a deer to shreds about a day or two prior to my arrival by my campsite and i was spooked. Had two dogs but had an eerie feeling and left early but it was gorgeous. Loads of OHVs tho

    • Lily R.
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide
      Sep. 20, 2024

      Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide

      Great spots along ATV trail

      Tons of level, large spots. Road is meant for ATV use, and was a fair amount of traffic throughout the day but tolerable. Hardly any at night. Restrooms at base of road. Found our spot 2.5 miles up the road, definitely needed AWD.

    • Lily R.
      Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
      Sep. 20, 2024

      Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

      Secluded sites along creek

      Drove ~3 miles along the service road to find our spot, it was the second pull off “open-area” with several fire pits to choose from. Road was a little bumpy but would be fine with a 2WD. Gorgeous, secluded spot next to the creek. No Verizon service.

    • mThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
      Sep. 8, 2024

      Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

      great spot by creek

      loved this spot even stayed a couple extra days right by nice size creek the cooler weather was nice and meant not alot of bugs. more traffic on road than expected but not bothersome. people close by but not close enough to hear or bother you in anyway. site was clean. there were more shaded ones but we chose next to water. were a couple empty close by on a holiday weekend.

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Rampart Range Dispersed Site
      Aug. 27, 2024

      Rampart Range Dispersed Site

      Great free camping stay

      Dispersed is further up the mountain but what a beautiful drive! We found a wooded spot that was super private and cozy! Climbed nearby rocks for some amazing views 🏔️

    • W D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead
      Aug. 27, 2024

      Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead

      Quiet camping and stars

      Several good spots with fire pits right near the trailhead. A few bugs in late August but nothing terrible. Very quiet except for the sound of the rushing creek. Verizon cell service was between 1 and 3 bars LTE depending on your line of sight to the tower. Road in is rougher towards the end but definitely doable in any SUV

    • mThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hayden Creek Roadside Camp
      Aug. 26, 2024

      Hayden Creek Roadside Camp

      great spot!

      This is a terrific find! level, shaded, right by nice size creek. perfect for exploring and quiet. we were in tent but saw several largeRV. some traffic but never heard another person. were a few spots right next to us but we were the only ones there . several a long road though nicely spaced out. small gas station close for gas and ice if needed otherwise about 45 min for supplies. ark river couple miles great spot to enjoy also rafting close etc.stayed couple extra days we just enjoyed the quiet. was also very clean and maintained. will definitely be back!

    • Amy L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
      Aug. 25, 2024

      Lake Deweese state wildlife area

      Fine for a night

      The directions from this app didn’t exactly take me to the campsites. The campsites are along Lake Deweese Rd at the NE end of the reservoir. There are several sites all in very close proximity. There is virtually no privacy from neighbors but it worked from me for a night. It looked like some campers may be permanently occupying the sites.

    • Lidia B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from North Round Mountain
      Aug. 24, 2024

      North Round Mountain

      Nice place to sleep under the stars

      We got there late at night and it was plenty of space. Unpaved road but no problem to get there with a campervan. Really close to the hwy but not noisy at all. Good option to spend the night.

    • David H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Route 31 Camp
      Aug. 16, 2024

      Route 31 Camp

      David Hathaway

      I just enjoyed a 6 day camping trip at this dispersed camping area. Yes it had one-two short showers each day which cooled things down. Even with the Saturday Night Rave until 2 am it was a great time. Only the fire ring is provided. Pack it in and Pack it out. Two towns close by should you run out of something. Very little bugs.

    • Xavier P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from North Round Mountain
      Aug. 14, 2024

      North Round Mountain

      ATVs, Dust, noise and a lot of drinking

      I wanted to stay here based on past reviews, but the place was full of ATVs.  It was loud, and there were many campsites where people were partying. 

      This was in late June, so maybe it's different at other times.

    • Erika L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Sand Area 1
      Aug. 14, 2024

      Dispersed Sand Area 1

      Door and peaceful

      Loved hearing the creek roaring in the background and feeling the sun on my skin surrounded by cactus - an I in Texas!?

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Crestone Needle Trail
      Jul. 30, 2024

      Crestone Needle Trail

      I stayed for days. Really liked the location.

      There are more than one listing for places to camp along FS 949. I stayed on a pad that was build along with the road. Loved the views, The area is very interesting. Crestone is a tiny town with just about anything you might want within a walk from where I parked. Plenty of camping spots all the way up to the end of the road where there is a fairly busy trailhead.

    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
      Jul. 30, 2024

      Phantom Canyon

      Beautiful, but Far from Pristine.

      Absolutely beautiful area! We pulled in on a Friday evening with thunderstorms all around. There were plenty of sites available when we showed up, but they were all full by Saturday morning. We weren’t able to get one of the spots near the creek, but had our own hidden ravine tucked away on the left side of the road. I believe it was the 3rd to last pull out and the last one on the left side of the road. Stunning… but the smell from previous campers unsuccessfully trying to burn their trash in the fire rings (thankfully we brought our solo stove to cook on) and all the litter was a bit overwhelming. Broken glass, toilet paper/feces not buried, cigarette butts, and just trash everywhere. Unfortunate for the area, our spot was the cleanest one we came across. We took some walks past others near the creek that looked like they had just hosted full on frat parties.

      It was just super unfortunate and disgusting to go to such a beautiful area and have previous campers all but ruin it for us.

    • Charles L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
      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.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camp off Tarryall
      Jul. 21, 2024

      Dispersed Camp off Tarryall

      Beautiful View, Mostly Quiet

      The dirt road leading to this area is relatively easy if you have a higher clearance vehicle. Really, if you know how to drive, and have any type of sport utility vehicle, it should be manageable.

      From what we saw, there were maybe six sites on roads off the main one, but there could’ve been more higher up. We noticed an area that was specifically for people with ATVs, etc., and we decided not to venture up that way, wanting more quiet.

      We ended up at the site with 320° view overlooking a small valley to the north and Pike’s Peak to the south. It had a bit of tree coverage, but other sites had more. Being on the hill, made it really windy, and it rained off and on all weekend, so it was a bit chilly, but not unmanageable. The wind did make it sometimes difficult to get the fire going. Again, it’s not a bad thing with all the wind because the view was worth it.

      There was quite a bit of trash, bullet casings, and broken glass in the site which we cleaned up. We could hear shooting in the distance and ATVs and dirt bikes did make the rounds, so it was a little noisy at times, but overall it was pretty quiet. It was a beautiful place to visit and I will definitely be back to the area.

    • NThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hayden Creek Roadside Camp
      Jul. 20, 2024

      Hayden Creek Roadside Camp

      Perfect spot

      Quite a few flat tent spots right by the creek although there are boulders from preventing you from driving too far into the woods. The water was flowing well in July and we loved the sound overnight. Very clean and lots of fire pits. A few cars drove by but otherwise it was super quiet, even arriving on a Friday afternoon. No T-Mobile service. We will definitely be back!

    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide
      Jul. 18, 2024

      Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide

      Remote and beautiful

      Lots of camping spots and fairly easy access. The road gets rougher the further you go in but no problem for a 4x4. Even a small car could get to some nice sites. If you don’t mind all the motorized vehicles (side by sides and bikes) it’s a great place with nice views to camp and enjoy.



    Guide to Rockvale

    Camping near Rockvale, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views, outdoor activities, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do:

    • Hiking and Exploring: The area is rich in trails. At Mueller State Park Campground, you can enjoy short walks to Grouse Peak, with one visitor noting, "Short walk to Grouse peak. Aspens and pines."
    • Wildlife Watching: Many campers report seeing wildlife. One reviewer at Cheyenne Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "We saw deer multiple nights, rabbits and a skunk."
    • Fishing and Water Activities: If you enjoy fishing, Lake Pueblo State Park is a great spot. A visitor shared, "The views were AMAZING at sunset!"

    What campers like:

    • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful scenery. One happy camper at Golden Eagle Campground said, "Amazing views were present at every area on camp."
    • Clean Facilities: Cleanliness is a big plus. A reviewer at Colorado Springs KOA mentioned, "The bathrooms are some of the cleanest bathrooms I've ever visited."
    • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer plenty of space. A visitor at Arkansas Point Campground noted, "Sites spaced out. Electricity at site."

    What you should know:

    • Extra Fees: Some campgrounds have additional fees. A camper at Cheyenne Mountain State Park Campground pointed out, "You had to pay an extra $10 to get into the park even though you paid to camp there."
    • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A reviewer at Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites mentioned, "No signal, no restroom, no water, no trash cans."
    • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy. A visitor at Arkansas Point Campground warned, "Parties late on weekends, despite official quiet times."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One parent at Colorado Springs KOA said, "They do fun activities on the weekends like mining for gems and tie-dye shirts."
    • Safety First: Choose campgrounds with good visibility and space. A reviewer at Golden Eagle Campground mentioned, "The staff is super nice and you’re in nature a bit but close to everything."
    • Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for insects, especially in warmer months. A camper at Red Canyon Park noted, "Lots of bugs when it gets hot. The flies bite."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Pikes Peak RV Park said, "The park was so tight we could not maneuver our campers into the spots."
    • Look for Full Hookups: If you need amenities, check for full hookups. A reviewer at Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA mentioned, "Always great bathrooms and showers."
    • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Arkansas Point Campground warned about "louder guests coming in after the 10pm quiet hour."

    Camping near Rockvale, Colorado, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Rockvale, CO is Penrose Common Rec Site with a 4-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 45 dispersed camping locations near Rockvale, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.