Dispersed camping near Watkins, Colorado requires preparation for high-altitude conditions, with many sites sitting above 8,000 feet. Weather changes rapidly in Pike National Forest and surrounding areas, with temperature swings of 30-40 degrees possible in a single day. The area features a mix of burn zones from past wildfires and dense forest, creating varied landscapes for campers seeking free overnight options.
What to do
Kayaking at Gross Reservoir: The reservoir offers excellent paddling opportunities with mountain backdrops. "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," notes a visitor to Gross Reservoir Dispersed.
Mountain biking near Buffalo Creek: The trail network connects to the Colorado Trail with routes for various skill levels. "Great camping spot, esp, if you like mountain biking... Not whistler in terms of terrain but plenty of trails for various ability levels," mentions one camper. Another adds, "There are several creeks that run through the area and a network of trails that intersect the Colorado Trail and the road."
Stargazing on Mt. Herman Road: The elevation provides clear night skies with minimal light pollution. "Beautiful views, ~50 minutes of rocky gravel road to reach the top but doable in any vehicle depending on the weather. Tons of spots and easy to be secluded," reports a visitor to Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping.
What campers like
Quick access from Denver: Many sites can be reached in under 90 minutes from the metro area. "This is a very nice area with many walking/biking trails. It is clear the sites are heavily used though, with small pieces of plastic and glass scattered about," reports one camper at Buffalo Creek Recreation Area.
Well-marked sites at Redskin Creek Road: The 33+ designated dispersed sites are clearly numbered with established fire rings. "I started camping this area a couple of years ago and have been coming back several times a year. Over 30 dispersed campsites along a moderately smooth dirt road. Sites are spaced well apart, some sites are covered in trees while others are wide open," notes a regular visitor to Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite.
Views from high elevation spots: Several campsites offer panoramic vistas of surrounding mountains. "This campsite is super cool, def a little busy but some really awesome canyon views. Went on a Tuesday afternoon and there was foot traffic around our spot from people headed on hikes," mentions a visitor at Dream Canyon.
What you should know
Early arrival is essential: Most dispersed sites fill by Friday morning during summer. "Beautiful spot with easy access to lots of trails and Wellington lake. Only downside is that it is very difficult to find a spot on a weekend. We got up there around 6:30pm on Friday night and after driving around for a couple hours ended up bailing and going home."
Target shooting noise: Several areas experience frequent gunfire that may impact camping experience. "The problem with this area is too much gunfire. At 7pm on a Tuesday evening just as we sat down to eat a group very close by started target shooting," reports a camper at Ice Cave Rd Dispersed Site.
Road conditions vary dramatically: Some roads require high clearance while others are passenger car accessible. "Road coming in has some gnarly washboard for the first 2ish miles, at one point we were just crawling cause it was so rough. After that it's smooth sailing until you get to the part of the road where it narrows."
Tips for camping with families
Bailey Area offers open and forested options: Families can choose between exposed sites with views or shaded forest camping. "This area is great! There are a lot of sites to choose from and some that are super open. Some within the trees where I stayed. There are many sites with beautiful views and comfortable space," notes a camper at Bailey Area Dispersed.
Be prepared for glass: Many sites require cleanup before setting up camp. "I give this site 3 stars cause of all the broken glass & shot guns shells. There was very minimal trash, but man, my dog couldn't walk anywhere cause of all the glass."
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active in these areas, especially around food. "We stayed in a loop site that was super cozy. All sites have fire rings and plenty of dead trees/branches in the area to gather for firewood."
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Many dispersed sites cannot accommodate large rigs. "Sorry, No photos. It is very beautiful up there. I have only been here once, and I did not do enough research. I recently purchased a 26ft sustainable travel trailer and decided to take it out for the first time. Well the road up is very tight. Very skinny switchbacks."
Hidden Wilderness Road challenges: The steep switchbacks make this area unsuitable for trailers. "Road is rough, as discussed in other comments. Make sure you have good clearance or you will bottom out," warns a visitor to Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp #2.
Unlevel parking at most sites: Bring leveling blocks or jacks for comfort. "Road on the way in is a washboard for a few miles and then a little sketchy but I made it with my 20ft Class B. There are 8 sites along this road. You have to camp in designated areas."
