Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Ward, CO is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near Ward, reviewed by campers like you.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
$1 / night
"My son and I joined a friend from Longmont and headed to this trail to camp for a couple days."
"We went here with our 2 dogs for a quick overnighter-only about 45 minutes outside of Boulder. It was a Sunday morning and the lot was almost full when we got there around 9am."
"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."
"4x4 drive is a requirement. Good Verizon signal. Narrow road, however not busy at all. Stayed here for 4 days, no issue. The Google Maps directions is slightly wrong."
"Turn just before or after Yogi Bear Campground and go up the decently maintained dirt road. (You will pass RVs at the beginning of the road as you head up)."
"Dirt road for The last mile or so but it’s in great condition."
"Very seclude, easy to access. I saw about 10 different pull in sites, maybe more. Never found a creek or water but there are some cute cows nearby! Wildflowers we’re crazy 7/3/23"
RangerKirby 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.
ScoutDon’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
LegendStevens 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.
GuideWe 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!
RangerSo 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!
GuideWent 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.
ScoutMy 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.
GuideThis 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.
TravelerI 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
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Ward, Colorado, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best dispersed camping areas near Ward, Colorado?
Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area is one of the best options near Ward, offering about 15 numbered sites plus numerous unnumbered sites further down road 233.1, some with excellent views. For those seeking a higher elevation experience, Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping provides spectacular mountain views with sites scattered along the road. Access Rollins Pass from the Lakota Trail neighborhood. Both areas are popular on weekends, so arrive early to secure a spot. Other options include West Magnolia Campground near Nederland and Forest Road 332 dispersed camping areas, all within a short drive of Ward.
What regulations should I know about for dispersed camping in the Ward, Colorado area?
In the Ward area, dispersed camping is generally limited to 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. Camp only in established sites with existing fire rings, staying at least 100 feet from water sources. During fire restriction periods, campfires may be prohibited entirely. At Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping, camping is permitted in designated areas near the stream. Pole Hill Rd Dispersed requires high clearance 4WD vehicles and careful navigation to avoid private property. Always pack out all trash, bury human waste 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, and practice Leave No Trace principles. No permits are required, but conditions and regulations can change seasonally.
Is Beaver Reservoir a good spot for dispersed camping near Ward?
While Beaver Reservoir itself doesn't offer extensive dispersed camping, the surrounding area has some options. For a similar mountain lake experience, Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping offers beautiful scenery but requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle to navigate the challenging 4-mile section of rough road. Alternatively, Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping provides beautiful mountain settings with water access. If you're specifically looking near Beaver Reservoir, check Forest Service roads in the immediate vicinity for established dispersed sites, but be aware that designated sites may be limited. The area is popular year-round, so weekday visits are recommended for better site availability.
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