Best Dispersed Camping near Westcliffe, CO
Looking for the best dispersed camping near Westcliffe? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Westcliffe, CO (53)
1. Sacred White Shell Mountain
Blanca, Colorado53 Reviews•137 Photos•940 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
2. Lake Deweese state wildlife area
Westcliffe, Colorado5 Reviews•10 Photos•189 Saves- Pets
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Toilets
3. The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, Colorado8 Reviews•50 Photos•338 SavesExplore any part of the 30 square mile dunefield you wish; there are no designated trails in the sand. A dunes-accessible wheelchair is available for free loan at the Visitor Center. Summer air temperatures are pleasant at this high elevation, but during afternoon hours the sand surface can reach 150F degrees, and dangerous thunderstorms can develop. Plan to hike the dunes in early morning or evening to avoid heat exhaustion, burned feet, or fatal lightning strikes.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Market
- Firewood Available
4. Medano Pass Primitive Road — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve
Crestone, Colorado8 Reviews•23 Photos•377 SavesRoadside camping is permitted at 21 campsites in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve beginning 5.2 miles from where the road begins near Pi__on Flats Campground. These designated sites are free of charge and first-come, first-served. All 21 sites fill on summer weekends. Passable only in the warmer months and only with high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles. This road crosses areas of deep sand, traverses Medano Creek nine times, and passes through excellent habitat for bighorn sheep.
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Toilets
- Alcohol
5. Dispersed Sand Area 1
Crestone, Colorado3 Reviews•5 Photos•83 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
6. Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area
Hillside, Colorado2 Reviews•21 Photos•46 SavesDon't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".
Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.
Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:
In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
7. South Colony Basin
Crestone, Colorado2 Reviews•8 Photos•101 SavesSouth Colony Basin and the surrounding 14,000-foot peaks offer a broad range of recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, fishing and hunting. This diversity of activities, combined with the natural beauty of the basin and the rough but passable access provided by the road, has made South Colony Basin the most popular destination in the Sangre de Cristo Range. Trailhead register data indicate 3,500 to 4,500 persons (7,000 to 9,000 visitor days) visit the small (1500 acre) upper basin at the head of the South Colony drainage during the summer season. Since 1996, the Forest Service has worked in partnership with Rocky Mountain Field Institute, Colorado Fourteeners Initiative, Colorado Outward Bound, and other educational and environmental service organizations to reconstruct trails and climbing routes within the basin, stabilize eroding alpine slopes (caused by user-created trails), inventory and restore undesirable campsites and social trails. To date, nearly $1,000,000 (of mostly non-federal funds) and 40,000 volunteer hours have been spent restoring long-term recreational impacts, rebuilding the lower road, constructing trailhead facilities and creating sustainable summit trails in South Colony Basin.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
8. Cotton Creek Trailhead
Crestone, Colorado2 Reviews•9 Photos•78 SavesThe Cotton Creek Trail is 13.1 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 962 and ends at Forest Trail #745. Trail is well marked and maintained. It follow the creek through a rugged, steep canyon and diverse scenery, with views of high peaks and many beautiful wildflowers in season. Some stream crossings can be tricky if water level is high. Attractions are fishing in creeks and lakes, and many good campsites. Teacup Lake presents an opportunity for primitive route finding.
The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding, Dispersed Camping, and Wildflower Viewing
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
9. Penrose Common Rec Site
Penrose, Colorado9 Reviews•29 Photos•83 SavesPenrose Commons Recreation Area offers a warm, arid climate among pinon and juniper woodlands. The best time to visit is September through May when temperatures are comfortable and the snowy peaks of the Sangre De Cristo mountain range are visible in the distance. With 30 miles of motorized trail, the area is popular for ATVs, motorcycles and four wheeling. Independence Trail system is known for its extreme 4x4 rock crawling opportunities with easy access for spectators to enjoy the trail activity. Penrose Commons is also popular for horseback riding, hunting and dispersed camping. The area has a restroom, trail map information and ample parking space for trailers. A wet weather gate closes the area to motorized use during wet conditions. For more information, please contact the Royal Gorge Field Office.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
10. Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead
Crestone, Colorado3 Reviews•3 Photos•11 SavesThe Wild Cherry Creek Trail is 5.7 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 961 and ends at Wild Cherry Lake. This trail offers the opportunity for a long day trip or a pleasant overnight. It is easy to follow and easy access to fishing in the lake and big game. Several good campsites exist along the route.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Westcliffe
182 Reviews of 53 Westcliffe Campgrounds
Paulina B.
Ranger
The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
Wild and Untamed
Backcountry dispersed camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park offers an unforgettable and truly unique wilderness experience. If you’re seeking solitude and raw, untamed landscapes, this is the perfect spot to pitch your tent. With no designated sites, you have the freedom to find your ideal spot beyond the busy dunes and under an expansive star-filled sky.
The journey begins with a hike deep into the park’s rugged terrain, where you’re surrounded by towering sand dunes, alpine forests, and sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The lack of light pollution makes stargazing an absolute highlight—this is one of the best places to witness the Milky Way.
Keep in mind, this is true backcountry camping: no facilities, no water sources, and you must pack out all waste. Permits are required, so be sure to plan ahead. The environment can be challenging, with extreme temperature swings and strong winds that shift the sand beneath your feet. Good preparation and Leave No Trace practices are a must.
The rewards are well worth the effort. From sunrise hikes to the serene sound of nothing but wind across the dunes, this camping experience immerses you in nature’s raw beauty like few others can. It’s an adventure you’ll carry with you long after you’ve left the dunes behind.
Highly recommend skipping the tent and sleeping under the stars!
Wendy S.
Scout
Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
Great views
Lots of open spots in mid October. Slow going on rocky and bumpy dirt road but Chevy express 2wd did fine. Low clearance vehicles take extreme caution. Stayed in loop A, also a B&C.
- CCaitlin C.
Traveler
BLM Mt. Blanca Rd. Dispersed
Great Spot
Was able to find a really nice open spot with amazing views of the mountains. Was big and spacious enough for me and my friend to camp in our vans. No one around for miles!
Grace R.Scout
BLM Near Great Sand Dunes Hwy 150
Not accessible
Gated off. Not accessible
Angela E.Traveler
Cotton Creek Trailhead
Beautiful and peaceful 💚
The sky is GORGEOUS. The road is very rocky & very rough, so you'll want to have decent clearance and be prepared to take it slow. I've never seen so many stars!
- aandrew G.Traveler
Cripple Creek BLM Area
Great secluded spot!
We went on a Saturday and it wasn’t crowded at all. The dispersed sites aren’t far from the road since most of the road goes down a valley with hills on both sides however there’s a nice creek running down the whole way. Definitely check it out if you don’t mind a colder night in a valley. Not much room to explore outside your vehicle unless you’re okay walking down the dirt road to see other sites and views.
- PPeterScout
Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead
Blocked off by private gate
Couldn’t get to trail head due to private gate blocking the road.
- KK D.Traveler
Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
Great spot!
Was pretty busy, hard to find a spot at first but found a campsite across the stream that you cross a log on. Beautiful drive to get to.
Levi S.Traveler
Sacred White Shell Mountain
Easy free camping
Got here on a Saturday night in September and found a spot right away. It had been raining for awhile too. No issue on the road with a kia sorento.
Lily R.TravelerGold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
Secluded sites along creek
Drove ~3 miles along the service road to find our spot, it was the second pull off “open-area” with several fire pits to choose from. Road was a little bumpy but would be fine with a 2WD. Gorgeous, secluded spot next to the creek. No Verizon service.
Kevin M.ScoutBLM Near Great Sand Dunes Hwy 150
Area Gated; No Access
Locked gate at indicated entry point.
- DDeitz B.
GuideMt. Shavano Wildlife Area
Lots of Options
A lot of stuff if the road. I was pulling a popup trailer so we didn’t go too far up the road just in case it got choppy. Seemed like there is quite a few spaces. Talked to a few people who had been staying there for around a week.
- DDeitz B.Guide
Sacred White Shell Mountain
Wide Open Spaces
Not much tree cover at a lot of these spots. Great location to be close enough to the dunes.
Was pretty windy and sandy while we were there
- SSofia T.Scout
Hendricks Flat
Beautiful little spot
My friend and I are roadtripping around a couple states and found this cute little camp site!! There is no running water or toilets but we didn’t mind :)) absolutely gorgeous place!
- mmichelle H.Traveler
Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
great spot by creek
loved this spot even stayed a couple extra days right by nice size creek the cooler weather was nice and meant not alot of bugs. more traffic on road than expected but not bothersome. people close by but not close enough to hear or bother you in anyway. site was clean. there were more shaded ones but we chose next to water. were a couple empty close by on a holiday weekend.
- JJeff C.Scout
Shavano Mountain
Amazing vistas
Amazing vistas! Big private sites. Tough road that gets progressively technical as you go farther up towards trail head.
- SStephenTraveler
Sacred White Shell Mountain
Good dispersed sites
Dispersed sites start about 1 mile east of Hwy 150. Very quiet! T-Mobile 5G at 4 bars.
- DDeitz B.Guide
Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
Peaceful and Secluded
Came mid August. Arrived about 5pm on a Saturday and there were a handful of spots left. I was right next to the river. Had 2 groups close to me that I could see, but it wasn’t an issue. Easy enough to get to.
- JJason
Legend
Sacred White Shell Dispersed Camping
Peaceful BLM camping
Very easy access to several spots in the area. Can hike up the mountain.
W D.TravelerWild Cherry Creek Trailhead
Quiet camping and stars
Several good spots with fire pits right near the trailhead. A few bugs in late August but nothing terrible. Very quiet except for the sound of the rushing creek. Verizon cell service was between 1 and 3 bars LTE depending on your line of sight to the tower. Road in is rougher towards the end but definitely doable in any SUV
- mmichelle H.Traveler
Hayden Creek Roadside Camp
great spot!
This is a terrific find! level, shaded, right by nice size creek. perfect for exploring and quiet. we were in tent but saw several largeRV. some traffic but never heard another person. were a few spots right next to us but we were the only ones there . several a long road though nicely spaced out. small gas station close for gas and ice if needed otherwise about 45 min for supplies. ark river couple miles great spot to enjoy also rafting close etc.stayed couple extra days we just enjoyed the quiet. was also very clean and maintained. will definitely be back!
- Amy L.Guide
Lake Deweese state wildlife area
Fine for a night
The directions from this app didn’t exactly take me to the campsites. The campsites are along Lake Deweese Rd at the NE end of the reservoir. There are several sites all in very close proximity. There is virtually no privacy from neighbors but it worked from me for a night. It looked like some campers may be permanently occupying the sites.
- AAshley W.Traveler
Great Sand Dunes Dispersed
Good spot if you get there early
There’s plenty of spots off the main road, but seems like you need to get there early. We showed up around 6 pm. The road does get pretty rough eventually, and we didn’t trust our minivan going through the “unmaintained” section, we turned around and were able to find a connecting side road that had plenty of open space out there. When entering the road initially, the side road would be about half way up to your left. Pretty close to Great Sand Dunes National Park, so we were happy with this location! Nice mountain view.
Carla B.Traveler
clyde dispersed camping
Amazing place
First time dispersed camping and it was amazing. Beautiful. The warms days and cold nights were incredible.
- Edward P.Scout
Sacred White Shell Mountain
Free- bumpy road, windy, and lots of sand
It's a nice spot with a spectacular view but it's very windy and there's a lot of sand.
Erika L.Guide
Dispersed Sand Area 1
Door and peaceful
Loved hearing the creek roaring in the background and feeling the sun on my skin surrounded by cactus - an I in Texas!?
- Matt B.Traveler
Lake Como Road Dispersed Colorado
Lake Como Dispersed
Great for a quick overnight stop. Woke up to people unloading there side by sides.
Guide to Westcliffe
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Westcliffe, Colorado, where nature's tranquility meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Medano Pass for dispersed campers
- The Medano Pass Primitive Road offers a unique experience with its scenic views and 4x4 trails, making it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts.
- Campers can enjoy the thrill of crossing Medano Creek while taking in the breathtaking surroundings, perfect for those seeking a bit of adventure.
- This area is known for its spacious camping spots, allowing for a more private experience in nature.
Beautiful landscapes while free camping near Westcliffe
- The Dunefield showcases striking sand dunes framed by majestic mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop for your camping experience.
- Visitors have noted the stunning sunsets and starry nights, making it an ideal spot for photography and stargazing.
- The area is well-maintained and offers a clean environment, enhancing the overall camping experience.
Dispersed campers should check out Lake Deweese State Wildlife Area
- The Lake Deweese State Wildlife Area features beautiful lakeside views and opportunities for fishing, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Campers can find several dispersed sites that provide a sense of seclusion while still being close to amenities in nearby Westcliffe.
- The area is known for its diverse wildlife, offering a chance to observe nature up close while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Westcliffe, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Westcliffe, CO is Sacred White Shell Mountain with a 4.5-star rating from 53 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Westcliffe, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 53 dispersed camping locations near Westcliffe, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.