Best Dispersed Camping near Wetmore, CO

Searching for a dispersed campsite near Wetmore? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Wetmore just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Wetmore, CO (28)

    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site

    1. Penrose Common Rec Site

    9 Reviews
    29 Photos
    83 Saves
    Penrose, Colorado

    Penrose 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
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

    3. Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    84 Photos
    836 Saves
    Victor, Colorado

    Don'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
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Medano Pass Primitive Road — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Medano Pass Primitive Road — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Medano Pass Primitive Road — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Medano Pass Primitive Road — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Medano Pass Primitive Road — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Medano Pass Primitive Road — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve

    6. Medano Pass Primitive Road — Great Sand Dunes National Preserve

    8 Reviews
    23 Photos
    376 Saves
    Crestone, Colorado

    Roadside 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
    Camper-submitted photo from Cripple Creek BLM Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cripple Creek BLM Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cripple Creek BLM Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cripple Creek BLM Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cripple Creek BLM Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cripple Creek BLM Area

    7. Cripple Creek BLM Area

    3 Reviews
    8 Photos
    245 Saves
    Victor, Colorado
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Drinking Water
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    8. The Dunefield — Great Sand Dunes National Park

    7 Reviews
    46 Photos
    337 Saves
    Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve, Colorado

    Explore 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
    • Dispersed
    • No image available

      9. Oil Well Flats

      1 Review
      20 Saves
      Cañon City, Colorado
      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      • Picnic Table
      Camper-submitted photo from Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area

      10. Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area

      2 Reviews
      21 Photos
      46 Saves
      Hillside, Colorado

      Don'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)
    Showing results 1-10 of 28 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews in Wetmore

    69 Reviews of 28 Wetmore Campgrounds


    • Angela E.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cotton Creek Trailhead
      Oct. 7, 2024

      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!

    • aThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cripple Creek BLM Area
      Oct. 6, 2024

      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.

    • Lily R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
      Sep. 20, 2024

      Gold 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.

    • mThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
      Sep. 8, 2024

      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.

    • W D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead
      Aug. 27, 2024

      Wild 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

    • mThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hayden Creek Roadside Camp
      Aug. 26, 2024

      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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Deweese state wildlife area
      Aug. 25, 2024

      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.

    • Erika L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Sand Area 1
      Aug. 14, 2024

      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!?

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Crestone Needle Trail
      Jul. 30, 2024

      Crestone Needle Trail

      I stayed for days. Really liked the location.

      There are more than one listing for places to camp along FS 949. I stayed on a pad that was build along with the road. Loved the views, The area is very interesting. Crestone is a tiny town with just about anything you might want within a walk from where I parked. Plenty of camping spots all the way up to the end of the road where there is a fairly busy trailhead.

    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
      Jul. 30, 2024

      Phantom Canyon

      Beautiful, but Far from Pristine.

      Absolutely beautiful area! We pulled in on a Friday evening with thunderstorms all around. There were plenty of sites available when we showed up, but they were all full by Saturday morning. We weren’t able to get one of the spots near the creek, but had our own hidden ravine tucked away on the left side of the road. I believe it was the 3rd to last pull out and the last one on the left side of the road. Stunning… but the smell from previous campers unsuccessfully trying to burn their trash in the fire rings (thankfully we brought our solo stove to cook on) and all the litter was a bit overwhelming. Broken glass, toilet paper/feces not buried, cigarette butts, and just trash everywhere. Unfortunate for the area, our spot was the cleanest one we came across. We took some walks past others near the creek that looked like they had just hosted full on frat parties.

      It was just super unfortunate and disgusting to go to such a beautiful area and have previous campers all but ruin it for us.

    • Charles L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
      Jul. 22, 2024

      Phantom Canyon

      Late July camping trip

      I’m a rooftop tent camper and the views are amazing but was hoping to be close to the water and isolated from other campers. Definitely was isolated and found one spot that worked out well for rooftop camper. Like 14 miles on dirt road, on the right, 20 feet before a sign that reads “leaving public land.” Had fire ring and more than enough room. About 20 yards away from creek. Quiet. No Att cell service but don’t expect anyone can get service in that canyon.

    • NThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hayden Creek Roadside Camp
      Jul. 20, 2024

      Hayden Creek Roadside Camp

      Perfect spot

      Quite a few flat tent spots right by the creek although there are boulders from preventing you from driving too far into the woods. The water was flowing well in July and we loved the sound overnight. Very clean and lots of fire pits. A few cars drove by but otherwise it was super quiet, even arriving on a Friday afternoon. No T-Mobile service. We will definitely be back!

    • Charles L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
      Jul. 10, 2024

      Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

      Awesome spot

      Easy to find. Went early July 2024. Tons of open spots and only saw one other camper a couple hundred yards away. Make sure to bring your bug spray. Nice fire pit and gorgeous views. Saw fish in stream a couple of deer and tons of chipmunks. Saw a little trash here and there. Please be respectful and pack in and PACK OUT! One sketchy bar of Att

    • Macy E.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Phantom Canyon
      Jul. 2, 2024

      Phantom Canyon

      Great Spot

      It was absolutely beautiful! Upwards of 20 spots to park. There is no service which is fine but something to leave in a review. It is a very populated area so if you plan to go on a holiday weekend plan accordingly. We showed up around 10 at night on a Monday night of the fourth week and found lots of open spots. they were all very secluded away from everyone else Over all great spot!

    • phil G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Sand Area 1
      Jun. 30, 2024

      Dispersed Sand Area 1

      Beautiful views, remote feeling, near town

      There are about 10-15 dispersed camping spots along the dirt road that leads up to trailheads at the end. The spots are spread out enough to where I did not see or hear a soul while camping 2 nights. A large gathering of mountain goats hanging out along the road was a fun surprise! Gorgeous views of Crestone peak and other neighboring mountains. The only negative was the mosquitos. They are horrendous. If you can’t handle it or find a way to keep them away it could ruin someone’s ability to enjoy the beauty.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Common Rec Site
      Jun. 15, 2024

      Penrose Common Rec Site

      Great First stop in Colorado

      We got in at about 10:00 pm with no problems at all, 2wd Truck. Found a beautiful spot to park up for the night before doing the Royal Gorge. Previous camper even left a nice pile of pinewood by the fire ring! Restrooms were available at entrance as well as a loves a couple few miles away for showers. Definitely coming back to this spot, seems reliable and plenty of friendly campers around to keep company👍🏽

    • EThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed
      Jun. 13, 2024

      Gold Camp Road/Forest Service Road 376 Dispersed

      Best campsite I've ever had

      I've stayed at some great campsites but I think this one has them beat. HUGE site right next to a creek. Not a solid around on a Wednesday. I expect the weekend to pick up but for right now it’s quiet and peaceful.

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hayden Creek Roadside Camp
      Jun. 13, 2024

      Hayden Creek Roadside Camp

      Dispersed camping along Hayden Creek Rd

      There are a handful of dispersed camping sites along Hayden Creek Rd, South of Cuttys and before you get the the USFS campground. These sites seems to be primarily tent camping, though we were able to get our pop-up in 1 spot. We saw 2 other larger RVs near the upper Rainbow Trail camping area. The creek is nice and the sounds was much louder then we anticipated, which was good. In June 2024 it is really flowing. It looks as though USFS has been adding boulders to restrict vehicles from driving too far off road. Lots of places to park and set up a tent though.

    • Stephani The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area
      Jun. 6, 2024

      Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area

      Nice balance

      We have neighbors 100 yards away and others further, so you won’t have the whole wilderness to yourself, but that might be comforting!

      Well maintained with an ice fire pit. Be careful of cactus, bring firewood, download the off-line maps. The trails can get confusing so remember your way in!

    • Jake M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Sand Area 1
      May. 29, 2024

      Dispersed Sand Area 1

      Great camping for some 14ers

      Stayed here some years ago before hitting challenger and kit carson. Plenty of dispersed spots available. Stayed here in a truck with a rtt. With others in a group. Close enough to town where we hit up the local brewery for drinks and food. Short drive from here to willow creek trailhead.

    • Shivors The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area
      May. 28, 2024

      Cloverdale Mines Dispersed Area

      Nice quiet area

      Plenty of spots to stop. Entry road has multiple water runoff ditches that make the road best for vehicles with decent clearance. If dry 4x4 not necessary.

      We hiked some of the surrounding areas and found bear scat close to our pull off.

      Intermittent cell service for AT&T and Verizon. Periods with no connection.



    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Wetmore, CO?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Wetmore, CO is Penrose Common Rec Site with a 4-star rating from 9 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Wetmore, CO?

      TheDyrt.com has all 28 dispersed camping locations near Wetmore, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.