Dispersed camping opportunities near Superior, Colorado range from established sites with amenities to primitive backcountry spots in Roosevelt National Forest. The area sits at approximately 5,500 feet elevation with the nearby camping areas climbing to 8,000-9,500 feet in the foothills. Weather patterns shift dramatically between summer and winter, with overnight temperatures in higher elevation camping areas often dropping below freezing from October through May.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: N Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping offers immediate access to trails through aspen forests and mountain meadows. "Wildflowers were crazy 7/3/23," notes one camper at N Boulder Creek. The area features several established paths where hikers can observe wildlife and alpine flora.
Creek exploration: Set up near water features for both recreation and practical camping needs. At Allenspark Dispersed Camping, visitors appreciate the natural soundtrack: "Right next to a creek, nice to have a water feature," according to one reviewer. The creeks run highest in late spring during snowmelt.
Mountain biking: Trails surrounding Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area connect to broader networks throughout Roosevelt National Forest. Many routes accommodate intermediate riders with moderate technical sections. "We saw complaints on here about trash around the campsites, but they were clean. Very little trash, even when exploring around the campsites and into the wooded areas," reports a visitor.
Stargazing: The reduced light pollution at higher elevation sites creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. Clear nights reveal impressive celestial displays, especially during meteor showers like the Perseids in August. Campers can bring telescopes or simply observe with the naked eye from open meadow areas.
What campers like
Natural isolation: Many dispersed sites provide substantial distance between camping areas. At Dream Canyon Campsites, a reviewer appreciated that "We camped a very short walk from the parking lot. Amazing camp site with not many people around." The canyon area offers seclusion despite its popularity with day hikers.
Wildlife encounters: The forested camping areas host diverse animal species. "Moose visitors at dawn and evening, and hungry bears scavenging for food at night is a common occurrence," explains one Gordon Gulch camper. Bringing proper food storage containers becomes essential, as wildlife activity remains high throughout the camping season.
Mountain views: Higher elevation camping spots provide panoramic perspectives of the surrounding landscape. "Incredible views," writes a reviewer about Gordon Gulch. "I spent multiple days at this site due to its remote beauty. Campsites far apart, and it was quiet other than the occasional atv. Lots of chipmunks and hummingbirds due to the many wild flowers."
Fishing access: Several camping areas near Superior provide opportunities for anglers. Ceran St. Vrain Trail offers stream fishing along the camp route. "Caught lots of trout (none big enough to keep)," mentions one visitor. The cold mountain streams support small but active fish populations requiring light tackle and catch-and-release practices.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas require careful navigation on unimproved forest roads. At Sugarloaf Road Camp, a visitor warns, "The road turns into a rocky challenge pretty quickly. High clearance would make life easier but I have a low clearance sedan that made it down towards the end of the road. I never went over 3 mph but I made it there and back without damage."
Variable cell service: Communication capabilities fluctuate throughout the camping region. Some areas maintain surprisingly good coverage: "Something I was happy to have was moderate (2-3 bars) cell (T-Mobile) and WiFi (AT&T) service," notes a Sugarloaf Road camper. Other locations, particularly in canyons and north-facing slopes, have no signal whatsoever.
Bear precautions: The forested areas around Superior require proper food storage to prevent wildlife encounters. "A huge bear got into my tent while I was gone for 2 hours and absolutely destroyed it," cautions an Allenspark camper. Proper food storage in vehicles or bear-resistant containers becomes essential throughout the camping season.
Seasonal accessibility: Most tent camping Superior, Colorado locations remain snow-covered until late spring. Access roads become impassable with even moderate snow accumulation. "It snowed on me overnight and the road was still very passable. The last few sites felt just a little too sketchy for my driving skills. It was pretty empty in January," reports a winter visitor to Gordon Gulch.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner backpacking: For families new to backcountry camping, Sawmill Hiker Campground provides an ideal introduction. "My husband and I came in through the West Trailhead. It is a 1 mile, easy hike. The first 1/3 of a mile is dirt, the remainder is gravel. It is fairly hilly, but easy enough that we actually opted to push our Jogging Stroller with our kid the entire way," explains a parent who visited with a one-year-old.
Group site options: When camping with multiple families, seek locations that accommodate larger gatherings. "Very good for a large group. Plenty of tent sites. Good water supply. Bear proof storage containers," notes a visitor to Rifleman Phillips Campground at Golden Gate Canyon. Established group sites often require reservations several months in advance.
Noise considerations: For tent camping with children, selecting sites away from busy trails helps ensure better sleep. At Ceran St. Vrain Trail, a camper explains, "The only thing that I'm not too fond of is the first few camping spots on the trail are so close to the trail that in the early morning when hikers start coming in it can get pretty loud and had woke me up."
Weather preparation: Mountain weather changes rapidly and significantly impacts comfort for families with young children. Pack additional layers even for summer camping, as overnight temperatures frequently drop below 45°F at higher elevations. Rain gear remains essential throughout the camping season, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most dispersed camping areas near Superior accommodate only smaller RVs and campers due to narrow forest roads. "Gnarly ass road, not for trailers/sedans," warns a visitor to Winiger Ridge at Gross Reservoir. "Camp sites are nice, but except for a few (~5) the rest require a serious climb (drive) up a gnarly hill with deep ruts."
Water management: No water hookups exist at dispersed camping areas, requiring RVers to bring adequate supplies. "No water though but there is a lake down the road," notes a Winiger Ridge camper about resource planning. Most RVers recommend 1-2 gallons per person per day minimum, plus additional water for cleaning and cooking.
Leveling challenges: The mountain terrain creates significant campsite slope issues. "Not all campgrounds are really that flat but it's free and it's Boulder, CO environment so I can't complain," mentions a Gordon Gulch visitor. Bringing extra leveling blocks helps RVers establish stable parking positions on uneven surfaces.
Seasonal campgrounds: RVers seeking more amenities should consider established sites during their limited open seasons. Aspen Meadows Campground offers electric hookups from late May through early October. "Nice natural features, shade is appreciated in the summer," notes a visitor regarding the developed facilities.
