Primitive camping near Slater, Colorado offers access to multiple free wilderness sites at elevations between 8,000-9,000 feet in Routt National Forest and on BLM lands. Sites along the Middle Fork Elk River provide river access with temperature variations of 40-50 degrees between day and night, even during summer months. Most campsites require at least 30-45 minutes of driving on unpaved roads to access the best locations.
What to do
Fishing access points: The North Platte River Treasure Island - Public Access Area serves as both a boat launch and camping area along the river. "There is a bridge with a 12ton limit per vehicle. More allowed if you are towing. Peaceful and quiet at night with a very nice trail and bridge over the river," notes one camper.
Wildlife viewing: Many dispersed sites offer chances to see local wildlife. One camper at Middle Fork Elk River Camp described their spot as having an "epic view of the mountains in Zirkel Wilderness" where wildlife sightings are common in the early morning and evening.
Mountain biking: Forest service roads throughout the area provide easy riding options. At Routt NF Dispersed areas, riders enjoy both road and trail options. "There are numerous dispersed sites in Routt National Forest. This site had an elevation of about 8800'. CR 27 was very good but the site was about 8 miles from highway 13," reports one visitor.
What campers like
Seclusion from crowds: Many campers appreciate the remote nature of these sites. At Robbers Gulch Road, one visitor noted: "A good spot to find. No services. No cell. Just a couple of spots but no one else around the 1st of October. A traveler's overnight spot."
Mountain views: The high elevation provides exceptional vistas. A camper at Green Mountain Overlook shared: "This place marked had a row of trees blocking road view and awesome views of Green Mountain and even Mtns down by steamboat springs. Easy parking even with full size truck pulling bumper pull trailer. Hiking down to meadows and creek."
River proximity: Camping along waterways is popular. "Discovered an excellent dispersed site on 64 going east from Glen Eden. As soon as you reach BLM land there is a sign indicating Dispersed Camping on both sides of road. The south side has excellent sites along the fast paced Elk River and views of Mt. Zirkel," reported one Elk River Dispersed camper.
What you should know
Road conditions vary: Many roads require high-clearance vehicles. At Buffalo Pass Dispersed, a visitor warned: "Very busy on a weekend and hard road. Some nice spots but many are blocked from a view so get there early. Found a dirt road that took off from the main road but my car couldn't handle it (AWD)."
No services: Most sites have no amenities. At Cow Creek Road camp area, a visitor noted: "This is less of a campground and more of a parking lot. We pulled behind the bathroom and camped out on the grass around the existing fire pit. Camping is allowed. There are beautiful views backed up to a cow farm."
Cell service limitations: Most areas have limited or no connectivity. At Robbers Gulch Road, a visitor reported: "The coordinates get you here but there is nothing at the coordinates. You have to drive just a short distance further to find a spot. It is super quiet and very pretty. 4 bars Verizon." This reliable cell service is uncommon for most dispersed sites in the area.
Seasonal closures: Many roads close in winter or due to conditions. A Buffalo Pass Dispersed visitor warned: "Road closed right by Buffalo Pass campground. No way of getting through to spots and no sign of when the road will open."
Tips for camping with families
Store access: Camping with kids requires planning for supplies. A visitor to Middle Fork Elk River Camp shared: "There's a nearby convenience store in Clark that has a liquor store, deli, and post office. We would love to return and visit the Glen Eden Lodge, too!"
Bug prevention: Insects can be intense during certain seasons. A Buffalo Pass camper warned: "When you see other reviews that say there are lots of bugs… they were not exaggerating, there are massive swarms of mosquitoes everywhere. Not sure if more bug repellent would even help at this point."
Temperature preparedness: Pack for significant temperature swings. "This spot was prime... Epic View of the mountains in Zirkel Wilderness. It was amazing to come back to our camp spot after hiking the Mount Zirkel Loop trail all day, only being 3 miles down the road. 70s during the day and 30s at night in June," noted a Middle Fork Elk River camper.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most areas are not big-rig friendly. "Rough road up, in a sprinter 4x4, not a lot of great options. Seems better for tent camping. Did see one or two RVs up, shocked they made it," reported a Buffalo Pass visitor.
Pull-through options: Some sites offer easier RV access. At Green Mountain Overlook, a camper noted: "All along hwy 70 West of Encampment there are various pull offs most with trees and views. Most accessible are close to the hwy."
Time limits: Most areas restrict camping duration. "This is not really a campsite, just a nice free place to spend the night and then move on, but you can stay up to 5 days," explained a visitor to the North Platte River access area.
