Top Free Dispersed Camping near Superior, CO
Want to go dispersed camping near Superior? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Colorado excursion.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Superior, CO (82)
1. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
49 Reviews•96 Photos•1317 SavesFive 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)
2. West Magnolia DCampground
26 Reviews•69 Photos•1222 SavesWest 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)
3. Beaver Park Reservoir
27 Reviews•87 Photos•1760 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
4. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
19 Reviews•37 Photos•1142 SavesNOTE: 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
5. Allenspark Dispersed Camping
21 Reviews•54 Photos•951 SavesWith 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
6. Gross Reservoir Dispersed
8 Reviews•22 Photos•455 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
7. Forest Road 332 Dispersed
7 Reviews•38 Photos•651 SavesFree 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
8. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping
15 Reviews•57 Photos•1193 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
9. Gold Lake Area
7 Reviews•16 Photos•623 Savesold Lake, situated in an open alpine forest, is a popular spot in both summer and winter. Although gas motors are not allowed on this small (100 acre, 25 feet deep) lake, electric motors (slow-no wake speed only), canoes, rafts and rowboats provide excellent fishing access. A primitive log shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the early 1940s provides a dry picnic area or overnight protection for cross country skiers in winter. Located very near the lake is Gold Lake Bog. This special area offers the visitor the opportunity to view deer, elk, and other smaller wildlife. In the late spring and summer this area abounds with wild flowers and huckleberries. This is a popular area to pick huckleberries in the late summer. This 21 site campground is situated near the Cascade crest with some sites adjacent to the picturesque Gold Lake. Visitors come for the alpine forest setting, quiet, autumn huckleberries, and wildlife viewing. The adjacent Gold Lake bog is ideal for viewing deer, elk, and beaver. Gas motors are prohibited on the small lake (100 acres in size and 25 feet deep), but electric motors are allowed at slow-no wake speed. Non-motorized craft are permitted, such as canoes and float tubes. The lake is fly-fishing only; please consult the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for the most up-to-date information. A historic "Willamette Winged" log shelter exists in the day use area, and provides an overnight place for cross-country skiers during the winter, and a day-use facility during summer. The shelter was designed by William Parke, the Willamette National Forest's first Recreation Planner, and constructed with Civilian Conservation Corps labor during the early 1940s. Parke was a 1932 graduate of the Oregon State College of Forestry, and was training as a Landscape Architect at the University of Oregon when hired by the Forest Service.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Cabins
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
$21 / night
10. Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail
15 Reviews•64 Photos•1019 SavesDispersed 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
Showing results 1-10 of 82 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Superior
458 Reviews of 82 Superior Campgrounds
- NNaomi K.
Traveler
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.
Ranger
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.
- AA A Ron J.
Guide
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.Traveler
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.Guide
Dispersed Camp Near Dream Canyon
Sketchy
Two beat up, broken down cars at the entrance. Road is very rough, full of potholes from the start. Did not feel comfortable staying here.
- Andria R.Guide
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.
- JJason R.Guide
Forsythe Canyon Trailhead Forest Service Road 357 Dispersed
Not free, golden gate canyon SP
Idk who did this but luckily there is service but anything nearby is outta the way. Says need permit online access filled it all out $10 plus camping. Dispersed without wheels requires a $4 fee too
Courtney D.
Scout
Bruno Gulch Dispersed
Loved it!
Not super busy! Lots of open spaces when we arrived around 6pm.
- GGrace S.Guide
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.Traveler
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.
- cclinton H.Traveler
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.
- PPaul K.Guide
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
- SSawyer S.Traveler
Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping
Super sick spot
We camped a very short walk from the parking lot. Amazing camp site with not many people around.
Drew M.Traveler
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!!
- TTristan S.Scout
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.
- JJordan B.Scout
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.
- LLW P.Scout
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.Scout
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.
Pete K.Guide
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.
Justin R.ScoutWest Magnolia DCampground
Campsite 21
Great campsite, enough room for 2 maybe 3 vehicles at campsite 21. Road is not too rough, would recommend 4wd if raining or snowing. There are some deep holes when coming in if raining. We did air down due to the rain and snow while we were there.
- VVictoria P.Traveler
Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite
Cozy
No one around
- TTara D.Scout
Gross Reservoir Dispersed
Road Closed Mid-September
There is no discernible reason that the road is closed 2 miles before where this app says the site is. Internet search says it should be open til middle of November unless there is some weather or other issue. Lovely weather, locked gate.
Andrew S.Scout
East Portal Distributed Camping Area
Great views buttttt
Great views and easy enough to get to with any vehicle. Near some foot trails and some offroading, but there were signs of homeless people that had been there all summer. Trash scattered in areas and some semi permanent camp setups that were kinda trashed. Trains pass at all hours of the day, so be ready for that. Beautiful area, though, and would go back even with the trash. No fires allowed, but definitely signs of fireworks..
Matthew L.Scout
Lake Granby
Awesome Primitive Beach Campsite
There are tons of options along the shore of the lake in this area. We kayaked into our campsite from Sunset Point campground on Labor day weekend and didn't have any issues finding a spot. There was lots of boat activity during the day but it slowed down in the evening.
Conny W.Scout
Forest Road 119
Still closed
The road is still closed
- Jason C.Scout
Beaver Park Reservoir
Quiet
It can get a little windy, don't expect to do anything with the lake other than look at it. Locals are protective of it. Drove my Class C with no problem. A truck and trailer will also get down here with ease. I don't believe a Class A would be able to find anything. But the view is beautiful. There are a few spots coming in. Keep driving until you hit the lake and there is a large open area with several spots to park.
Sue B.Guide
Forest Road 332 Dispersed
Quiet with lovely views
Found a nice big spot with sun and shade and a great overlook. Was a touch concerned that it would get ATV trafficy over the weekend as it was at a junction where 3 roads jet off. However upon inspection on mountain bike, they all dead end and aren't very long, so fun for a little bike ride but not much of an ATV or dirt bike adventure.
Being towards the end we saw very few people and it was quite and serene. We did it in our sprinter camper van with 2WD and pickup.
Only issue we had was due to the nature of disbursed camping not the site or area. A car with 3 men showed up Saturday evening. In the morning one of their dogs wandered over to our site (my husband had run into town so I was alone). Owner meandered over and retrieved her, without a word. Later the 3 of them started walking up one of the roads, them one walked across and just with the dog on the rock outcropping technically on our site. He eventually went back to their site. A while later one of the walkers returned and decided to use his metal detector on the road 30 from our site and right behind where I was sitting. There was oddles of space to explore so it was creepy that's he chose to be that close to me. As I got up to walk back to my van, the second dog came running at me barking. The guy eventually called it back and it left me alone, but again not a word.
I LOVE dogs, but I'm not a fan of their humans who don't keep them within their boundaries and let them charge after "the neighbors"
Except for the creepers, it was a wonderful place
Guide to Superior
Camping near Superior, Colorado, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Paddleboarding and Water Activities: Chatfield State Park Campground is a great spot for paddleboarding. One visitor mentioned, "Very pretty paddle boarding sites," making it a perfect place to cool off on hot days.
- Hiking Trails: Glacier Basin Campground offers access to scenic hiking trails. A camper noted, "The hiking trail to Sprague Lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters," which is great for nature lovers.
- Wildlife Watching: At East Portal Campground, you might spot elk and mule deer. One happy camper shared, "We saw elk and mule deer in the campground on multiple occasions."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Cherry Creek State Park Campground highlighted, "Bathrooms were exceptionally clean and well maintained."
- Friendly Staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Glacier Basin Campground said, "The staff were helpful and friendly."
- Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Chatfield State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "The group campsite was spacious," making it ideal for families or groups.
What you should know:
- Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Chatfield State Park Campground mentioned, "We were woken up multiple mornings before 7AM to the sound of model airplanes."
- Limited Shade: If you're camping in the summer, be prepared for sun exposure. One camper at Glacier Basin Campground advised, "A tarp is a good thing," due to the lack of shade in some areas.
- Coin-Operated Showers: At some campgrounds, showers require coins. A visitor at Golden Gate Canyon State Park mentioned, "Showers take quarters so come prepared if you plan to shower."
Tips for camping with families:
- Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. At East Portal Campground, one reviewer said, "Big playground and not crazy expensive," making it a hit with kids.
- Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A camper at Cottonwood Campground noted, "Large sites. Some trees for shade."
- Plan for Wildlife: Teach kids about local wildlife. A visitor at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake shared, "Every day I had mule deer visitors," which can be exciting for little ones.
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Levels: Make sure your RV site is level. A reviewer at Dakota Ridge RV Park mentioned, "The site was really bad. So uneven that no matter how much we tried we couldn't get level."
- Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. One camper at Cherry Creek State Park Campground appreciated, "The Gold Rush loop is all full hookups."
- Be Prepared for Noise: Some RV parks can be noisy. A visitor at Dakota Ridge RV Park warned, "Noise from the bar goes till around 11 and construction sounds begin around 6 am."
Camping around Superior, CO, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Just remember to check the specific amenities and features of each campground to find the best fit for your adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Superior, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Superior, 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 Superior, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 82 dispersed camping locations near Superior, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.