Dispersed camping near Walden, Colorado ranges from high alpine sites at 8,000-9,000 feet elevation to sagebrush plains surrounding reservoirs and lakes. The region experiences short summers with cool nights, even in July and August when temperatures can drop into the 40s. Water access varies significantly between locations, with reservoir sites offering shore fishing while forest locations provide more shade and protection from elements.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Seymour Lake State Wildlife Area, campers can fish in a serene setting just 5 miles off the freeway. One visitor noted, "Picturesque, serene. We arrived late in the evening, well after dark. Easy to find. Plenty of rustic spaces."
Wildlife viewing: The Delaney Lakes complex offers excellent wildlife spotting chances. At South Delaney Lake, a camper reported, "Nice mountain views, and some wildlife, saw an otter. Though we heard much more through the night, the heavy steps and gutterral sounds nearby."
Mountain biking: The Buffalo Pass area provides trail access for cyclists. A visitor mentioned, "Great free spot if you're looking for somewhere not too far from the town. Awesome bike trails not very far. No bathroom or water it is dispersed."
What campers like
Solitude: Many campers value the quiet atmosphere in the Walden area. At Laramie River Road Dispersed, visitors found "Peaceful and beautiful. We will go back again for sure. Plenty of camping sites even though some were destroyed in the fires."
Diverse landscapes: The region offers varied terrain from lakeshores to forests. One camper described the area as "Aspen wetlands and is beautiful. The road is a county dirt road but it is very well maintained and fairly wide."
Fall colors: For those camping outside peak summer season, the changing leaves create spectacular scenes. A visitor to Buffalo Pass Dispersed shared: "It was such a beautiful area mid September. All the leaves were changing, it was cool and misty, the view was spectacular."
What you should know
Insect activity: Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be intense, especially near water. A visitor to South Delaney Lake warned, "First, SO many mosquito! They were biting through our jeans. This multi lake site has multiple vault toilets that may be just shy of a mile walk. Once we managed to get out on the lake to SUP, they follow you for hundreds of feet."
Road conditions: Many camping areas require careful navigation. One camper reported, "Very busy on a weekend and hard road. Some nice spots but many are blocked from a view so get there early."
Wildlife precautions: Large wildlife regularly passes through campsites. A visitor to Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping observed, "Pelicans and seagulls. Flat, no trees and darned few bushes taller than sage. SO MANY BUGS."
Weather preparedness: The high elevation means wide temperature swings. Even summer nights can be cold, as noted by a camper: "It does get cold at night even in summer as it's about 9,000 ft above sea level."
Tips for camping with families
Timing considerations: For family camping trips, many experienced campers recommend weekday visits. A reviewer noted, "Further down the road you get it opens up with some nice areas to camp. I choose wisely when to camp in order to avoid the mass gathering of campers on the weekends."
Shelter options: The lack of natural shade at some sites requires planning. At Walden Reservoir, a camper advised, "Better for campers/cans as there isn't much privacy for tent campers. Not enough trees for bathrooms so you may want to bring a hide-able set up."
Activity planning: Families should prepare entertainment that works in changing conditions. At Cowdrey Lake State Wildlife Area, a visitor observed, "Right off the Hwy 125, several spots for RVs and tents. You should buy the (SWA) Annual Pass, $11 for the year for seniors."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers should scout locations before committing to a spot. One RVer shared, "I wouldn't take anything more than a teardrop or Airstream Basecamp up. The road up got rough and really did a number on my top mounted bike racks."
Access limitations: Many rustic camping areas near Walden have significant access challenges. A camper warned, "Rough road up, in a sprinter 4x4, not a lot of great options. Seems better for tent camping. Did see one or two RVs up, shocked they made it."
Length restrictions: Longer RVs will find limited suitable options. Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only, with one visitor noting they "camped in a 22ft travel trailer" at Cowdrey Lake State Wildlife Area.
