Best Dispersed Camping near Silver Plume, CO

Numerous remote dispersed camping areas dot the mountains surrounding Silver Plume, Colorado, with sites primarily located on Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest lands. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping, Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail, and Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping provide free primitive camping options throughout the region. Most sites offer no amenities, requiring campers to pack in all necessities and pack out all waste. The standard 14-day camping limit applies to most locations, consistent with Forest Service regulations for dispersed sites.

Many access roads require high-clearance 4WD vehicles to reach the best camping areas. Fall River Reservoir's road features rocks, small water crossings, and potholes, while Chinns Lake access includes several miles of challenging terrain with large rocks and narrow paths. Peru Creek Road is generally more accessible but still unpaved. Fire bans are common during summer months, so visitors should check current restrictions before planning campfires. No drinking water, toilets, or trash services are available at these primitive sites, though a few locations like Bruno Gulch Dispersed do have natural water sources nearby that require filtering.

These mountain campsites offer exceptional scenery with many positioned near alpine lakes, abandoned mines, and high-elevation terrain. Elevations often reach 9,000-11,000 feet, resulting in cold nights even during summer months. Wildlife viewing opportunities and hiking trails connect many of the camping areas, particularly around Peru Creek and the Grays Peak trailhead. Privacy varies by location and season. "Camping at Chinns Lake sits at 11,000 feet looking at the Continental Divide - THIS is Colorado camping," notes one visitor. Another camper observes that Peru Creek "gets crowded in the summer months. If you want a spot on a weekend, get there early."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Silver Plume, Colorado (163)

    1. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Empire, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 567-4382

    "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. "

    "Just outside of Idaho Springs, take the exit for Co Rd 275 off of I-70. It's a scenic drive up a curvy paved road for about 15 minutes."

    2. Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    16 Reviews
    Georgetown, CO
    6 miles
    Website

    "Resources were running low on a Friday night so it was great pull off great views close to idaho springs down town , nice hiking trails as well traffic is pretty much non existent after 9pm"

    "Any unpaved areas around it are not flat."

    3. Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    16 Reviews
    Empire, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 567-4382

    "Tons of dispersed campsites in various places all the way up to the reservoir.

    Be warned, this road is no joke."

    "Head down the dirt road, you will see a lot of private property signs but the road all the way to the reservoir is not private property. Beautiful reservoir area can get busy at times."

    4. Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    Montezuma, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 945-2521

    "Most SUVs will be fine on this AWD access road. There's not many difficult sections and since there are pull offs to camp or let others pass, navigating the road isn't much problem."

    "with 30 campsites, in a cool old mining area, a few of the campsites are across a creek which was probably 18” deep when I crossed but will likely lower later in the season, I’d recommend a mid-high clearance"

    5. Kirby Gulch

    14 Reviews
    Montezuma, CO
    11 miles

    "Kirby Gulch is a fantastic spot for anyone seeking a peaceful, off-the-grid camping experience near Grant, Colorado."

    "Plenty of trail heads nearby and had moose visitors right by camp each day which was cool but be sure to respect the wildlife and give them space."

    6. Grays Peak Summer Trailhead Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Silver Plume, CO
    4 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "Great location - it’s advised you have a good 4WD vehicle for the uphill dirt road."

    7. Bruno Gulch Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Grant, CO
    12 miles
    Website

    "We arrived around Monday lunchtime. There are 19 sites in this area as they are all designated. There were only two available when we arrived so we selected site number three."

    "Great spots hidden in the trees. Dispersed free spots."

    8. Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping

    45 Reviews
    Blue River, CO
    23 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!"

    9. Loch Lomond Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Empire, CO
    9 miles
    Website

    "There were some mixed reviews about needing a high clearance vehicle/4x4. We took our Subaru Crosstrek and the drive up was rough."

    "Leading to Loch Lommond, as well as plenty of sites around the lake.

    Really nice loop trail around the lake, not too difficult. Also a direct trail to James Peak which sits a little above 13,200ft."

    10. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    25 miles
    Website

    "So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."

    "Like the title suggests, this campsite is typical for a free forest service campground. Prior campers have left some trash, bullet casings and obviously neglected to dig cat holes."

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Showing results 1-10 of 163 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Silver Plume, CO

809 Reviews of 163 Silver Plume Campgrounds



Guide to Silver Plume

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Silver Plume, Colorado, where nature meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Silver Plume

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Silver Plume, Colorado

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, which can fill up quickly on weekends.
  • Be prepared for rough roads; many areas, such as Kirby Gulch, require high-clearance vehicles to navigate safely.
  • Always pack out what you pack in, as sites like Ute Pass Dispersed Camping often lack trash disposal facilities, ensuring the beauty of the area is preserved for future visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Silver Plume, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Silver Plume, CO is Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Silver Plume, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 163 dispersed camping locations near Silver Plume, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.