Best Tent Camping near Superior, CO
Dispersed tent camping prevails in the foothills west of Superior, Colorado, with several primitive options in the Roosevelt National Forest. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area and Dream Canyon offer tent campsites within 20 miles of town, while Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir provides designated tent sites with more developed facilities approximately 15 miles southwest. Most areas permit tent camping with minimal restrictions, though some require staying in designated sites only, particularly during high fire danger seasons.
Tent campsites at Winiger Ridge feature fire rings and picnic tables, but require high-clearance vehicles to access. A camper noted, "All-wheel drive and higher clearance car helped getting in, as the road is pretty bumpy." Most dispersed tent camping areas have no drinking water, no trash service, and no toilets, requiring strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles. Gordon Gulch and Dream Canyon accommodate walk-in tent campers with sites set on natural, ungraded surfaces. During summer weekends, tent sites fill quickly by Friday afternoon, particularly at Winiger Ridge, where limited designated spots create competition.
Early morning and evening views make these primitive tent sites worth the effort despite limited amenities. Areas near Gross Reservoir provide both lakeside tent camping options and forest sites with more shade coverage. Tent campers frequently use these locations for weekend escapes from Boulder and Denver, but should arrive early to secure spots. While some tent campgrounds remain peaceful, others experience weekend crowds. One visitor commented, "Stayed at campsite 18, had great views and nice weather, no water though but there is a lake down the road." Most tent-only areas remain snow-covered until late spring, with best camping conditions from June through September when overnight temperatures remain moderate.
