Dispersed camping areas near Tabernash, Colorado typically sit at elevations between 8,500-9,700 feet, creating cooler overnight conditions even during summer months. Many sites require navigating forest service roads of varying conditions, from smooth dirt to rocky terrain that demands high-clearance vehicles. Weather patterns in this region can change rapidly, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months and early snowfall possible starting in September.
What to do
Mountain biking on nearby trails: Several campsites provide excellent access to mountain biking routes around Winter Park. A visitor to Robbers Roost Campground mentioned, "It's very pretty and kept clean for the most part... Very close to winter park if you're into downhill mountain biking."
Fishing in mountain streams: The waterways around tent camping spots near Tabernash offer fishing opportunities with minimal pressure. At Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail, one camper reported, "Our tent was literally right next to a stream of water which was good fishing as me and my friend caught our daily limit of fish very quickly the only day we were there."
Wildflower viewing: The alpine meadows surrounding camping areas burst with color during mid-summer. A visitor at Gordon Gulch noted, "Lots of chipmunks and hummingbirds due to the many wild flowers. Road gets tougher the further back you go, but my low clearance vehicle made it by driving slow."
What campers like
Access to running water: Many campers appreciate sites adjacent to creeks or streams. At Allenspark Dispersed Camping, a reviewer shared, "I went down a good ways and found the perfect spot on a creek just below me down a hill. Very quiet and relaxing."
Privacy at higher-elevation sites: Less-accessible camping areas reward visitors with more seclusion. One camper at Vasquez Ridge reported, "Went up for a day to try out my new Roof Top Tent. Took a while to find a spot as it was Saturday afternoon but after driving up and up and up I found a beautiful private spot."
Proximity to towns for supplies: Tent campers value the ability to resupply without long drives. A Gordon Gulch visitor mentioned, "This was a close 1 night get away spot. Pretty area, the sites we saw were numbered. The only disappointing thing was right before dusk was about an hour of shooting, constant and annoying. After dark, very quiet even though it was close to the road. Nederland is close enough to run into town if needed."
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Bears and moose frequent many camping areas near Tabernash. A camper at The Lost Site shared, "The second day staying there we ran into a bear and scared him off. Two hours later he can back and we scared him off again. He's afraid of humans but he did try to get into the car while we were sleeping."
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites requires appropriate vehicles. At Fall River Reservoir, a camper warned, "Note you will need a 4 x 4 vehicle to reach this campsite as the road starts to get bumpy due to boulders and rocks on the road towards the end of the end road. So be prepared for a little longer and bumpy 45 minute ride up to the top."
Campsite availability patterns: Many locations fill quickly on weekends but empty mid-week. A reviewer at Gordon Gulch observed, "We went on a Sunday, the weekend after the 4th of July. It was quite easy to find a campground for dispersed camping with other sites marked. Recommend a 4-wheel drive vehicle to reach some of the spots, especially if there is poor weather."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites with basic facilities: Some dispersed areas offer minimal amenities. At Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite, a camper noted, "We took a left at the fork and found a site with the best view and a porta-john at the end of the driveway. The site appears to have been freshly cleared."
Consider noise levels: Some camping areas experience more activity than others. A Gordon Gulch visitor mentioned, "It is populated with people on ATVs, as well as other campers near you if you decide on an easy-to-access campsite."
Look for natural features that entertain kids: Streams and small wildlife provide natural entertainment. At Allenspark, a camper shared, "It was gorgeous! Lots of spots, and also lots of people. Some folks coming in late night. It's definitely a bumpy ride in."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many dispersed areas have uneven terrain requiring additional setup work. At Stillwater Pass, one RVer cautioned, "Only a few places to camp and none are level, and if you want to go further on to the next dispersed camping area which I did not, you have to drive 10 Mi through private property on a cruddy Road."
Clearance requirements: Many roads to prime camping spots demand higher clearance vehicles. A Fall River visitor suggested, "Wonderful free dispersed camping. The majority of the road isn't that bad, but you'll certainly want something high clearance and 4WD for the last stretch of road up to the reservoir."
Early arrival timing: Securing suitable spots for larger vehicles requires planning. An RVer at The Lost Site advised, "Plenty of room for large and small campsites. Pull off areas right next to the dirt road mainly. Not a ton of trash which is awesome!"
