Top Free Dispersed Camping near Rollinsville, CO

Want to go dispersed camping near Rollinsville? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Colorado camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Rollinsville, CO (107)

    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    1. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    49 Reviews
    96 Photos
    1317 Saves

    Five miles north of Nederland, National Forest System Road (NFSR) 226, commonly known as Gordon Gulch, turns east off of Colorado Highway 72. NFSR 226 intersects other forest roads: NFSR 314, 228, 233 and their off-shoots. There are 15 numbered, designated campsites scattered along the road system within 1.5 miles east of Highway 72. Camping is permitted in designated sites only. Take care when driving in this area. Snow and mud can persist through most of the year. The free Boulder Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map displays National Forest System (NFS) routes open to motorized travel and is available online and at the Boulder Ranger District offfice.

    Streams; treat water for drinking.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia DCampground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia DCampground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia DCampground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia DCampground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia DCampground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia DCampground

    2. West Magnolia DCampground

    26 Reviews
    69 Photos
    1222 Saves

    West Magnolia Trailhead provides access to eight miles of singletrack trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding west of the Peak-to-Peak Highway south of Nederland. An additional eight miles of Forest Roads are open seasonally (check the Road Status Table before your visit) to motorized and non-motorized activities. Along these roadways are designated campsites. Camping is allowed within 50 feet of the campsite markers. There are no facilities of any kind. The free Boulder Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map displays National Forest System (NFS) routes open to motorized travel and is available online and at the Boulder Ranger District offfice. Recreational shooting closures exist in this area. Click here for more information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Park Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Park Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Park Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Park Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Park Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Park Reservoir

    3. Beaver Park Reservoir

    27 Reviews
    87 Photos
    1760 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    4. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    37 Photos
    1142 Saves

    NOTE: Campers who build any fires face fines up to $5,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment for open fire violations. Leave No Trace must be observed, as in any outdoor space. In any season this area is prone to very strong dry winds that can pick up a hot coal from a campfire that has lain dormant for as much as three days and ignite dry vegetation, causing horrific devastation. People from outside Colorado may not understand how tinder dry this area can be. 197 homes in this area have been destroyed by wildfires. All of these fires were started by humans. Local residents overlook this area and if they see visible flame or smoke they will call the Boulder County sheriff. Any campers who require a campfire are recommended to disperse camp near Sugarloaf Mountain where fires are permitted.

    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    5. Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    21 Reviews
    54 Photos
    951 Saves

    With a few exceptions, dispersed camping is allowed on National Forest System lands. Restrictions protect resources, minimize road damage, and reduce conflicts between landowners and visitors. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in one location. After 14 days, the campsite must be moved a minimum of three miles. Camping can then continue for another 14 days. Camping is restricted to 28 days in any 60-day period. Some areas may require the use of designated campsites, and some areas, such as Indian Peaks Wilderness, require camping permits. More than 40% of lands within Boulder Ranger District's boundaries are private property. It is your responsibility to know if you are on private or public land.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    7. Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    15 Reviews
    64 Photos
    1019 Saves

    Dispersed Camping information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd577265.pdf

    With a few exceptions, dispersed camping is allowed on national forest public lands. Camping in the national forest at one location is limited to 14 consecutive days. The campsite must then be moved a minimum of three miles. Camping can then continue for an additional 14 days. Camping is restricted to a maximum of 28 days in any 60-day period.

    More than 40% of lands within the Arapaho National Forest boundary are private or otherwise owned. A map showing land ownership is recommended. It is YOUR responsibility to know if you are on private, city, county, state, national park or national forest land.

    Pack out all trash. There are no services.

    Practice Leave No Trace ethics

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    8. Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    14 Reviews
    26 Photos
    274 Saves

    Free camping (dispersed) is allowed on most national forest lands except in highly developed areas - such as trailheads, campgrounds and picnic sites - and in some of our most visited places. Be sure to check for regulations in advance and look for signs in the area to indicate if camping is allowed.

    Some areas allow camping in designated sites only.

    Know Before You Go

    Check the weather and road closures before heading up. Follow Leave No Trace principles. There are no facilities or trash receptacles. Pack out what you pack in. Make sure camping is allowed. Many lands within the national forest boundary are private or otherwise owned. Check that you’re on National Forest lands: maps. Don't stay too long. Camping is limited to 14 days within any continuous 30-day period at any location within the same 20-mile radius. See Order Plan on building a campfire? Campfire restrictions can occur any time of year. Check for fire restrictions and if you build a campfire, know how to extinguish it.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 332 Dispersed

    9. Forest Road 332 Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    38 Photos
    651 Saves

    Free camping (dispersed) is allowed on most national forest lands except in highly developed areas - such as trailheads, campgrounds and picnic sites - and in some of our most visited places. Be sure to check for regulations in advance and look for signs in the area to indicate if camping is allowed.

    Some areas allow camping in designated sites only.

    Know Before You Go

    Check the weather and road closures before heading up. Follow Leave No Trace principles. There are no facilities or trash receptacles. Pack out what you pack in. Make sure camping is allowed. Many lands within the national forest boundary are private or otherwise owned. Check that you’re on National Forest lands: maps. Don't stay too long. Camping is limited to 14 days within any continuous 30-day period at any location within the same 20-mile radius. See Order Plan on building a campfire? Campfire restrictions can occur any time of year. Check for fire restrictions and if you build a campfire, know how to extinguish it.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
Showing results 1-10 of 107 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Rollinsville

559 Reviews of 107 Rollinsville Campgrounds


  • N
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Chandler Dispersed
    Oct. 20, 2024

    Camp Chandler Dispersed

    Beautiful Place.

    Bumpy ride up, but we were able to do it in our car SLOWLY. Absolutely beautiful place. Lots of campsite options. I was under the impression fires were allowed, as there were fire pits, but signs everywhere stating no campfires. Columbine Lake is a pretty hefty hike from the trailhead, but so worth the view. Had the entire place to ourselves pretty much all Friday. Beautiful beautiful beautiful

  • Landon C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bailey Area Dispersed
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Bailey Area Dispersed

    Difficult road to get to but beautiful views

    The road here has some gnarly washboards. I had to slow down to a crawl at points because it was thrashing my rig around so much. There is also one turn on the road where if you’re not careful, I could imagine getting stuck. However, the views are incredible and it was well worth the effort. Cell signal from Verizon is extremely good, I am getting 5G UWB and download speeds of 180mbps. There’s some cool hills to climb and many great views.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    Trash+long term campers

    The place fills up on the weekend. I drove through most of the trail system and did not find a spot. Came back during the week and took a closer spot so as not to risk it. Trash is everywhere. Multiple poop spots are within 100ft of the fire pit with copious amounts of used tp lying around. Trees are slashed, cut, and the forest is not doing well. There are multiple long term campsites here so watch out for squatters. I stayed near the start and then a bit deeper, which prompted me to take photos. I forget the site numbers but honestly it’s not looking good in most places. At the very back are what look like a few nicer spots because they are hard to get to with a non off-road vehicle. It breaks my heart how this campground exists.

  • Lori L.
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia DCampground
    Oct. 13, 2024

    West Magnolia DCampground

    Fall camping

    Great location with single tracks for hiking and mountain biking. Camping spots are well-marked. WiFi was decent. The sad part was the trash left behind from former encampments in some of the camping spots.

  • Andria R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 12, 2024

    Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    4x4 and tents only

    Beautiful, but really need a compact 4x4 to get into and out of parking lot and there are tent sites only. We almost didn’t make it out with our 24 ft van (checked it out but didn’t stay overnight). Very crowded on a Saturday at 4:30pm.

  • Conner The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Breckenridge Overlook
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Breckenridge Overlook

    Sleep in car only - park on the edge of a cliff with breathtaking views

    Just one mile further up the road or so you will reach Destinated camp sites which I prefer.

    Although I saw 5 camp cars parked on the side of the road (this is a Monday night) facing the cliff that night and like 2 the next morning when I left for work. I was jealous a little bit of their views

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Pass
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Stillwater Pass

    Easy Spot, Trash Left Behind

    This spot was really easy to get to and had at least one bar of service for Verizon and T Mobile. The spot was nice and secluded, but there was some trash left behind from previous campers:(

  • Savannah B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    Perfect for a quick overnight trip

    My husband bought a new tent so we just wanted to find something kinda close to Denver but still beautiful for just a quick overnight trip. Our goal was Chinns lake but stupid Apple Maps took us here instead. It was still beautiful and there were a handful of spots still open for us. I wouldn’t recommend for a big group unless you get there early and claim the whole top but we really enjoyed it! The lake was low but still beautiful.

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site
    Oct. 3, 2024

    Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    Great spot, minus the “no camping” signs

    We camped here after a Red Rocks show. The spot is a great area. About 20 minutes off of I-70. There are many pull offs along this road that could theoretically be good camp sites. However there are “no camping” signs, which is why I gave it 3 stars. Everything is great besides that: beautiful stars, good tent site, safe parking area.

    The spot we chose is a bit farther down the road than the one listed here. It’s in between the bend in the road. We parked at the pull off and walked down a small hill to find a good tent site and a fire ring.

    Also be aware it’s pretty chilly compared to just a few miles up the road. It was in the mid 30s at night.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Pass
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Stillwater Pass

    Stillwater drive

    Plenty of spots available. But land and trees are decimated from fire in 2020. But hey it’s a free spot to sleep

  • t
    Camper-submitted photo from Spruce Creek/Crystal Creek Designated Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Spruce Creek/Crystal Creek Designated Dispersed Camping

    Autumnal leaf-peeping and star-gazing

    Site 4 featured 3 well established campfire rings, one with a lean-to. The three spots are separated enough to enjoy with seclusion, also had plenty of parking. There are a number of easily accessible trails nearby. Surrounded by pines there weren't a lot of Aspens turning for the season visible from camp, but the hikes in the area led to some beautiful vistas and meadows that afforded opportunities to see seas of leaves turning. This site required AWD and good clearance to get to, but well worth it and offered a good out of the way camping experience and great star gazing opportunity as there was a new moon when we went, so saw plenty of shooting stars and the milky way!

  • Drew M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Black Hawk
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Dispersed Camping Black Hawk

    Great Spot

    Wish I had more time to spend at this spot! The views are amazing! The road up was designed for more of an off-road rig. Fire ban was in effect. Just like the rest.. you will here atvs all night ripping trails in the distance. And the trains !! Still a great area!!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gross Reservoir Dispersed
    Sep. 29, 2024

    Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    Great Spot, Bright Construction Lights

    Overall a very fun spot if you have a vehicle with some ground clearance to get to the nice sites by the reservoir. My Peak Edition Atlas handled it well. Only complaint is the damn project at Gross reservoir is a 24 hour site and the lights are ridiculously bright.

  • h
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed

    Beautiful, but a little busy

    Went out late on a Friday night. My timing was wrong to get a good spot, but I was hoping there would be at least one spot left, unfortunately all the established sites I could reach were taken! I couldn't get more than a few miles up the road, the first few were manageable in my Impreza but having a higher clearance vehicle is definitely ideal. I was able to find a spot to pitch my tent for the night, but it was far from level or smooth. Still, incredible views of the stars and absolutely gorgeous to see the Aspen leaves changing!

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Pole Hill Rd Dispersed
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Pole Hill Rd Dispersed

    Camping 10/10. Off-road Trail Extreme

    I went up Pole Hill road in a 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD off-road and it took everything in me to not scrape or bottom out. Lifted 4x4 is highly recommended.

    Once you get past the off-road portion, the camping is amazing.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from West Magnolia DCampground
    Sep. 28, 2024

    West Magnolia DCampground

    Good potential, poor experience

    I have lived in the Boulder/Nederland area for over 30 years and have always enjoyed this part of the state. The West Magnolia area has great potential for dispersed camping. My wife and I tried to camp here this past week after not having camped at this location for many years. As others noted, it could make for a convenient base camp for tons of activities in the area. 

    Unfortunately, we were unable to find any usable campsite. All sites were occupied, even during the middle of the week. Many of those sites were occupied by long term campers as made clear by the multiple tents and bags of trash piled up. A couple primo sites had been abandoned by long term campers who left their trash, broken tents and chairs, food containers and other refuse in the campsites. It was really creepy coming upon these sites. Sadly, West Magnolia has become an extreme heavy use/abuse area. As someone who has spent years in the outdoors for days and weeks at a time, I would even question the health and safety of staying in some of these heavily used sites due to obvious lack of care and stewardship (think human waste close to camp). If you decide to camp here, and can find a suitable site, please be mindful of keeping yourself and gear away from potential health hazards.

    West Magnolia is still a nice place to hike and bike, but I cannot recommend it for overnight camping.

  • Hanna K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 27, 2024

    Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping

    Quiet with a lot of options

    We parked in the parking lot and walked into the valley. After a while we found quite a lot of options with fireplaces already there. So you should mostly find something.

    It is quiet, but also a popular spot for hikers so early in the morning, some people arrived. But you can camp far enough in the valley and away from the trail. Water is available if you have a purifier or filter system.

  • Leah S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Boreas Pass Roadside Campsites
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Boreas Pass Roadside Campsites

    Beautiful & Easy

    We stayed on site 21, arrived around 5pm on a Thursday night and it was amazing! We were shocked the site was still available, a couple other sites also had great views but 21 was definitely impressive. We read the previous reviews which made it easy for us to find. Sunset was beautiful, it was quiet and peaceful, and the moon lit up the entire area. Each site had a stoned fire pit and there are marked site numbers. The road up was busy with people leaf peeping so drive carefully, as of Sept 19th aspens were bright yellow and leaves were changing beautifully.

  • Pete K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ute Pass Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Ute Pass Dispersed Camping

    Easy and secluded

    We came here after failing to find a dispersed location closer to Silverthorne. It turned out to be a hidden gem with lots of secluded sites. Plus the drive in/out is super easy (apart from the final road to the campsite; that requires a 4WD vehicle, without question) - it was more-or-less the same drive time as original choice. Just without the hassle of navigating a busy one-way dirt road.

  • Stacy T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Boreas Pass Roadside Campsites
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Boreas Pass Roadside Campsites

    Easy to get to, beautiful scenery

    Easy to get to from metro Denver and it's super close to Silverthorne. Dispersed camping sites are still somewhat close together. We could definitely hear other campers around us talking and such. The road to get up was easy (we stayed in #9 - not sure about the ones farther up the road). I had to come in later as I had a work appointment, so I drove up in my Jetta to meet up with my husband. If my little Jetta can make it, almost any car can! Timing wise, we were up Sept 21 & 22 (2024) and the fall colors were GORGEOUS.



Guide to Rollinsville

Camping near Rollinsville, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails nearby, perfect for all skill levels. One camper mentioned, "The hiking trail to Sprague Lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters" at Glacier Basin Campground.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife. A visitor at Moraine Park Campground shared, "You can drive to see elk, coyotes, pika, marmots and more."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds have nearby lakes and rivers. One reviewer at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake noted, "Tons of fishing in and out of the park."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Chatfield State Park Campground said, "Can’t beat the view!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A reviewer at Golden Gate Canyon State Park mentioned, "Very well kept with nice clean bathrooms."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful hosts. One camper at East Portal Campground said, "The staff were helpful and friendly."

What you should know:

  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds are only open during specific months. For example, Glacier Basin Campground is open from May 23 to September 11.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A camper at Prospector Campground noted, "There is no water, no electric, no sewer, but they do have pit toilets."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can get busy. A visitor at Moraine Park Campground mentioned, "It's a bit overcrowded."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A camper at East Portal Campground highlighted, "Big playground and not crazy expensive."
  • Plan for Wildlife: Keep an eye on kids and pets. One reviewer at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake shared, "Every day I had mule deer visitors."
  • Pack for Weather Changes: Be prepared for chilly nights. A camper at Glacier Basin Campground noted, "Chilly, clear starry night."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Chatfield State Park Campground mentioned, "We had plenty of room to center our rig."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds have noise from nearby activities. A camper at Dakota Ridge RV Park said, "Noise from the bar goes till around 11 and construction sounds begin around 6 am."
  • Bring Cash for Amenities: Some campgrounds require cash for showers and firewood. A reviewer at Prospector Campground noted, "Firewood is nine dollars a bundle."

Camping near Rollinsville, Colorado, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Rollinsville, CO is Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area with a 3.6-star rating from 49 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 107 dispersed camping locations near Rollinsville, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.