Dispersed tent camping around Rocky Mountain National Park ranges from primitive backcountry sites to more accessible forest service areas. Elevations at these campsites typically range from 8,000-10,600 feet, creating significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. Many dispersed sites require campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste, with no facilities available at most locations.
What to do
Creek exploration: At Allenspark Dispersed Camping, campers can enjoy sites along a creek that provides natural white noise. "It was gorgeous! Lots of spots, and also lots of people. Some folks coming in late night. It's definitely a bumpy ride in," notes Brett A. The creek access makes for pleasant day activities between hiking trips.
Wildlife viewing: The burn scar areas at Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite have created unique wildlife viewing opportunities. One visitor mentioned, "We had a wonderful view of the lake. The further up the mountain we went there were less people but the road become more narrow and a bit rougher." Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the region.
Short backpacking: For those wanting a more remote experience, several trails near dispersed camping areas provide short hiking opportunities. "About 1 hour from Boulder. Was super simple to access. Keep driving on Ski road, you'll see the 'Entering National Forrest' sign and soon after that you will see dispersed camping spots," reports a camper at Allenspark.
What campers like
Creek sounds: Campers consistently mention the relaxing sound of water at Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping sites. "A short hike downhill to many dispersed campsites along the creek. Beautiful and easy! A must-see," wrote James H. The white noise helps mask other camping sounds during busier periods.
Isolation options: Despite popularity, many tent campers find secluded spots when they venture further down access roads. "I went down a good ways and found the perfect spot on a creek just below me down a hill. Very quiet And relaxing," reports Vinny D. about his experience at Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot.
Convenient park access: Longs Peak Campground provides tent camping close to park entrances without Estes Park traffic. "Less busy than the Estes Park campgrounds," notes Haley K. This allows campers to access trails early before day-use visitors arrive.
What you should know
Bear encounters: Multiple campers report bear activity at dispersed tent sites. At Allenspark Dispersed Camping, one camper shared: "The second day staying there we ran into a bear and scared him off. Two hours later he can back and we scared him off again. He's afraid of humans but he did try to get into the car while we were sleeping."
Road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas require high-clearance vehicles. "Hard to find, no signs. You will get back up in there and will come to a Fork one road appears to go downward to the left, the other goes up. Stay to the left. Road is just about the limit for 2wd," advises johny R. about accessing Allenspark.
Reservation requirements: Backcountry sites inside Rocky Mountain National Park have strict permit systems. A visitor at Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area warns: "Overall a nice place to camp but as soon as you drive through you are met with run down sites filled with trash bags that look like people permanently live there."
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility considerations: For families with young children, tent sites closer to parking areas reduce hiking demands. "About 1.2 miles" describes the hike to Goblin's Forest backcountry sites, making it manageable for older children but challenging for toddlers.
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire restrictions affect family cooking plans. At Gordon Gulch, a camper shares: "It wasn't a bad experience by any means. If you can get there early, definitely do so. Not all campgrounds are really that flat but it's free and it's Boulder, CO environment so I can't complain."
Noise factors: Families should consider ambient noise when selecting tent sites. "The creek is loud and drowns out noise," mentions a reviewer at Allenspark Dispersed Camping, which can help mask sounds from neighboring campers but might be concerning for parents monitoring children.
Tips for RVers
Limited dispersed options: Most dispersed camping areas near Rocky Mountain National Park accommodate smaller campers only. At Brainard Lake Recreation Area, a visitor notes: "The best campsites with some shade and privacy are 13, 14, 32, 35, 37 and 39" for those with small trailers.
Level site scarcity: Finding level parking for campers proves difficult at many dispersed sites. "Only a few places to camp and none are level," warns Steve M. about Stillwater Pass, adding that "none of the sites are level, and if you want to go further on to the next dispersed camping area which I did not, you have to drive 10 Mi through private property on a cruddy Road."
Site selection timing: RV campers should arrive early to secure suitable spots. "Very close to Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park. Didn't look like there were too many spots but the spots I did see were nice. Had no trouble finding a spot on a Sunday evening," recommends Bobby J. regarding Stillwater Pass.
