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Best Dispersed Camping near Thornton, CO

504 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities can be found in the mountain areas west of Thornton, Colorado, primarily in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Several free primitive camping areas exist within 1-2 hours of Thornton, including Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area near Nederland, Dream Canyon, West Magnolia Campground, and Gross Reservoir Dispersed. Forest Service land permits camping in designated dispersed sites, which are typically marked by existing fire rings and cleared areas for tents or small recreational vehicles. These sites are scattered along forest service roads and offer more privacy than developed campgrounds.

Many forest access roads require high-clearance vehicles, with several areas specifically noted as challenging for standard passenger cars. Gordon Gulch features rough, sometimes washed-out roads that become progressively more difficult the further in you travel. Most dispersed areas lack all amenities—no toilets, trash service, or drinking water available. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, and many sites have established fire rings that should be used when fires are permitted. Camping is typically limited to 14 days within a 30-day period on most Forest Service land.

The backcountry sites provide varying experiences depending on elevation and season. Areas near Nederland and Allenspark offer elevations around 8,000-9,000 feet, making for cold nights even in summer. Forest Road 332 Dispersed and North Boulder Creek areas receive high ratings from visitors for their seclusion and natural beauty. Off-road vehicle traffic is common in certain areas, particularly Gordon Gulch. One camper noted, "Gordon Gulch is a popular area for shooting as well, so if you absolutely hate guns it may not be the place for you." Another reviewer mentioned, "The road to the reservoir was closed, but we had no issues walking up to check it out. The water coming from the overflow was roaring and gorgeous."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Thornton, Colorado (80)

    1. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    30 miles
    Website

    "So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."

    "Like the title suggests, this campsite is typical for a free forest service campground. Prior campers have left some trash, bullet casings and obviously neglected to dig cat holes."

    2. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    25 miles
    Website

    "Was desperate to find "something" after driving 11 hours that day, and normal paid camp grounds were full. HOWEVER I was pulling a smaller trailer, and that turned out to be a real issue."

    "Went on a Tuesday afternoon and there was foot traffic around our spot from people headed on hikes."

    3. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    29 miles
    Website

    "Oe of my family's fav places, beautiful views, camping spots super far away from one another so awesome privacy, and completely free. Spots fill up quick on weekends, you can stay 14 days."

    "The roads around the whole campground were a little rough but i did okay in my Ford Escape. All of the sites seems to be really spread out.

    There were several people in the campground."

    4. Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Definitely need a high clearance vehicle. I saw a low clearance vehicle at site 6 & no idea how they got there.. they had to have gotten scraped up."

    "Great camping about 31 dispersed spots most with tables and a fire ring decent trout fishing a great kayaking feels remote without being so remote."

    5. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    33 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    34 miles
    Website

    "We were right up on the lake but turns out it's private property and you cannot even go up to the water."

    "You are pinned up against private property around the lake, the camp sites are in the dirt area when you get to the lake down to the left."

    6. Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    28 Reviews
    Allenspark, CO
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Fire ban was in effect when we went, but lots of fire circles available otherwise. Bring bug spray, the flies are bold."

    "Was super simple to access. the coordinates take   you to the beginning of the rural part of Ski road."

    7. Gold Lake Area Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    30 miles

    "My GPS from the coordinates just took me to the nearest town of Ward, CO.

    This is how I got there coming from the North:

    Take RT72 South to County Road 100."

    "Many spots along the CR once you find it, came in around 4pm on a Friday and there were still plenty of spots but started filling up fast. By 7pm, people were turning around as no spots were left."

    8. Forest Road 332 Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "If you go further down the road a high clearance vehicle is necessary the road gets worse as you go further. Lots of trash at the campsite. Overall, woke up to a nice view of mountains."

    "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."

    9. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    39 miles

    "So busy that we had to go in the middle of the week to get a spot, so plan ahead here and expect crowds. That being said, each spot is unique and we loved it."

    "We stayed here a couple weekends in a row and we were able to try out some different spots and trails close to those spots. This free campground is perfect! "

    10. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    23 Reviews
    Empire, CO
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 567-4382

    "It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving.

    Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake. "

    "Just outside of Idaho Springs, take the exit for Co Rd 275 off of I-70. It's a scenic drive up a curvy paved road for about 15 minutes."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Thornton, CO

339 Photos of 80 Thornton Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Thornton, CO

504 Reviews of 80 Thornton Campgrounds

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 20, 2024

    Kirby Gulch

    Worth the Rough Drive

    Kirby Gulch is a fantastic spot for anyone seeking a peaceful, off-the-grid camping experience near Grant, Colorado. Situated off Route 1038, this dispersed camping area offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife watching.

    The campsites are well-spaced, providing plenty of privacy, and the area is generally clean, thanks to considerate campers. Since it’s a dispersed site, there are no amenities like water or toilets, so make sure to come prepared. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing some of the sites, especially after rain or snow.

    What makes Kirby Gulch truly special is its tranquility. You can enjoy the sound of the wind through the trees, the crisp mountain air, and dazzling stargazing at night. It’s also a great starting point for exploring nearby trails or simply soaking in the serene environment.

    If you’re comfortable with primitive camping and leave-no-trace principles, Kirby Gulch is a hidden gem worth checking out.

  • Sun H.
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Pole Hill Rd Dispersed

    Access not worth the trouble

    Don’t believe the navigation apps and go through lyons, it’s private property ; furthermore if you like I did make the drive though Estes park, have 4WD high clearance and a small vehicle… maybe you’ll make it to this brutally elusive last free camping spot off the main mountain roads

  • Kelly G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2021

    Grays Peak Summer Trailhead Dispersed Camping

    Great base camp for summiting Gray’s/Torrey’s

    Stevens Gulch Road (321) is a dirt road off of I-70 west of Denver in the Arapaho & Rosevelt National Forests and the Pawnee National Grasslands. It has amazing scenery and access to gorgeous hiking trails to summit Gray’s, Torrey’s and Kelso Peaks. It is a fairly mellow SUV road with plenty of space to pass other vehicles and you will occasionally see passenger cars as well. The road leads to a large parking lot that fills up fast with car overflow parking spilling down both sides of the road. There are pit toilets and bear proof trash cans at the parking lot. The road continues past the parking lot a very short ways to some dispersed campsites by a river that have stone campfire rings. Definitely filter this water as there are uphill toilet paper gardens along the climb to summit.

  • Meg G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2020

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Spectacular - 4x4 is required to access.

    We drove our BRAND NEW 4x4 Revel and were nervous the entire trip up and back.  We are a high profile vehicle, luckily we had plenty of clearance but it was very nerve wracking both up and back.  It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving.

    Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake.  When you arrive, there are several dispersed campsites around the lake.  All the spots have beautiful views and tons of space between other campers.  There are firepits (even though CO is on a fire ban) that  will be nice for future visits.  We visited on Sept 17-19, 2020, so the evenings are cold and the days short.  Additionally, the water level was very low.  

    The area is nice for hiking and exploring, and especially to get away from it all.  No cell phone service.

    As the weekend approached, there were several ATV's heading up for the day.  While we were there, only 3 other groups camping on the weekend.

    You will be at 11,000 feet looking at the Continental Divide!  THIS is Colorado camping!  Enjoy and please remember to leave no trace!

  • Karl G.
    May. 6, 2019

    Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    Dispersed Campsite with Views - Gordon Gulch (4x4 recommended)

    So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites. I am reviewing one of these unnumbered campsites in particular, because this one had the best view. Before you read too far, I can't guarantee you will be able to reach this campsite without a 4X4 high clearance vehicle. We got to the site with a Jeep Wrangler and Toyota Tacoma TRD so we had no problems... I can't definitely say a Subaru would make it though. In the pictures I have included a map of the Gordon Gulch trail system. Entering through the Gordon Gulch entrance and taking 226.1 to 233.1 is the hardest route - there is one very steep and washed out spot. Entering via 120J/Switzerland Trail from the Peak to Peak Hwy and then turning right onto 233.1 is the easier option. On that map I have marked the general area of the campsite with a pink dot and here are the coordinates.

    DMS: 40°01'18.5"N 105°28'37.6"W

    DD: 40.021814, -105.477103 - if you type this into Google Maps it will locate it

    As for the actual campsite, it is a great option for spring/fall camping in Colorado. The elevation is about 8,800 ft and it is on the south side of a hill so it gets a lot of sunlight and is protected from northern winds. In terms of privacy, there are no other campsites that can be seen from this one. However, Gordon Gulch is a popular off-roading area so dirt bikes and Jeeps pass by frequently. This campsite is set up high above and away from the road though, so it is really not that bad. Another thing to point out is that this is a popular area for shooting as well, so if you absolutely hate guns it may not be the place for you. Also, as stated before, this is a dispersed campsite the only thing it has is a fire ring. Pack it in, pack it out!

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping

    Great spot close to Winter Park

    Went up Rollins pass road (you can access it from the Lakota Trail neighborhood or down the road a bit on 80). The first gate was open but not the second or third to get to the top where there are def more spots and fire rings. You can only camp places where there are dots on the side of the road on the official county map. Check the Rollins pass website it’s very informative and a sacred land so leave no trace. We got one of the like 3-4 spots we saw with a fire ring that wasn’t taken yet. (No fire ban 6/14/25 I check don’t worry :).. Some back trails are very hairy, pretty busy with motor vehicles but a lot of the new electric dirt bikes which don’t make much noise, probably 10-15 ppl the entire night riding by only once. Got great weather and the main trail is pretty easy up to the second gate which is supposed to be open June 15-Sept 15 I think.

  • A L.
    Aug. 21, 2017

    Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping

    Gorgeous getaway within minutes from Longmont

    My son and I joined a friend from Longmont and headed to this trail to camp for a couple days. Very accessible road, lots of spots to choose from (we showed up on Thursday, it did get a little busier on Friday and Saturday). Our spot was set back from the trail, right next to the stream. Just an amazing view, ample room for lots of tents, nice fire rings and huge logs around them for sitting. Fire wood abounds but it was all a little wet still from the rains they've been getting. Some folks didn't seem to be aware of the "leave no trace" rule when it comes to going to the bathroom, which was a little gross. Overall, great experience, pretty trail views, caught lots of trout (none big enough to keep). A great getaway.

  • Eileen S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 1, 2021

    Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping

    Crowded Camping Near Keystone

    This is beautiful camping close to keystone and likewise gets crowded in the summer months. If you want a spot on a weekend, get there early. There are a few pull offs along the road suitable for most cars, but if you have a high clearance 4WD you can go on a few offshoot roads and find more spacious spots. No cell phone signal or water, and frequent fire bans in the summer.

  • Alyse P.
    May. 21, 2021

    Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    Good but tricky

    I went here the week before campgrounds opened in this area, around May 7th. I had a pop up trailer and got there around 5pm on a Friday. Most spots were already taken and the road was a bit washed out. We got stopped by a camper letting us know not to go further because of the road condition and we shared a spot for the night. I would recommend this spot if you have a 4 wheel drive car with high clearance. Later in the season when the water levels are lower it might be easier to navigate but we saw a car or two get towed out

Guide to Thornton

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Thornton, Colorado, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of camping without designated sites.

Dispersed campers should check out Gross Reservoir Dispersed

  • This area is perfect for those with off-road vehicles, as the drive can be steep and rocky, making it an adventure in itself. Check out the Gross Reservoir Dispersed for a scenic getaway.
  • Campers can enjoy the stunning views of the reservoir, but be prepared for bright construction lights from the dam project that can disrupt the night sky.
  • While there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, the area allows for campfires, making it a great spot for a cozy evening under the stars.

Hiking and biking opportunities at Forsythe Canyon Trailhead

  • Located at the Forsythe Canyon Trailhead Forest Service Road 357, this area offers access to numerous hiking trails that cater to various skill levels.
  • The road leading to the dispersed camping sites can be rough, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for those looking to explore deeper into the forest.
  • Campers can find a peaceful retreat with fewer crowds, making it an ideal spot for outdoor yoga or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature.

Wildlife encounters while free camping at Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

  • Situated near Nederland, the Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area offers a chance to see local wildlife, including deer and various bird species.
  • While the area is known for its natural beauty, visitors should be cautious of the litter and signs of long-term camping that can detract from the experience.
  • The lack of amenities means campers should come prepared with all necessary supplies, including food and water, to fully enjoy their stay in this picturesque setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Thornton, CO?

Within driving distance of Thornton, you'll find excellent free dispersed camping options in the nearby mountains. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area offers around 15 numbered sites plus many more unnumbered spots further down Forest Road 233.1 with mountain views. For those willing to venture a bit farther, Grays Peak Summer Trailhead Dispersed Camping provides free camping along Stevens Gulch Road (321) with stunning mountain scenery and access to hiking trails. Most of these areas require no permits but follow a 14-day stay limit. Arrive early on weekends, especially during summer months, as popular dispersed areas fill up quickly.

What primitive camping options are available around Thornton?

The Thornton area offers several primitive camping options within a reasonable drive. Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping provides accessible spots along a stream with minimal amenities, perfect for authentic wilderness camping. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping offers primitive sites with breathtaking scenery, though the access road requires high-clearance 4x4 vehicles. These areas have no facilities (no toilets, water, or trash service), so come prepared with everything you need and practice Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all waste, bring sufficient water, and check fire restrictions before your trip as they change seasonally.

Is boondocking allowed in the Thornton area?

Boondocking (free, self-contained camping) isn't permitted within Thornton city limits, but several options exist within driving distance in surrounding national forests. Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping near Keystone offers beautiful boondocking spots with some suitable for most vehicles, while high-clearance 4WD vehicles can access more secluded areas on offshoot roads. Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping provides boondocking opportunities with established fire rings along designated spots. For successful boondocking, bring everything you need (water, waste disposal, power), respect the 14-day stay limit, and camp only in established sites with existing fire rings when permitted.

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