Dispersed camping areas near Morrison, Colorado offer rugged sites at elevations between 6,500-9,000 feet in Pike National Forest and surrounding public lands. Most sites experience wide temperature fluctuations, with summer daytime highs averaging 75-85°F and nighttime lows dropping to 45-55°F. Camping regulations follow US Forest Service rules limiting stays to 14 days within a 30-day period.
What to do
Mountain biking on established trail networks: Buffalo Creek Recreation Area provides access to over 40 miles of trails suitable 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," notes a Buffalo Creek Recreation Area visitor.
Fishing in nearby streams and lakes: Dispersed sites along Redskin Creek Road put campers within 15-20 minutes of prime fishing locations. A camper at Redskin Creek Rd mentioned, "Just an hour from Denver… nice road… large campsites with fire pits, hiking trails. Minutes from fishing. Perfect!!"
Stargazing from high-elevation sites: Higher elevation camps provide exceptional night sky viewing during clear weather. "Road leading to spots is dirt but not bad. Once you turn onto where the spots are the road does get Rocky. We stopped at the first site. Quiet," reports a visitor to York Gulch Road.
Paddle sports at higher elevation lakes: Some dispersed areas provide access to alpine lakes. "Loved Chinns lake! Had to do a little 4x4 to get to our spot. Got to hike, fish, paddle board, and just enjoy time away from the city," shares a Chinns Lake camper.
What campers like
Well-spaced campsites: Many dispersed camping areas offer significant privacy between sites. "Sites were big and far enough away from neighbors," notes a visitor to Buffalo Creek, while another at West Magnolia observed, "The campsites are spread out enough to limit others noise pollution and feel secluded."
Quick access from Denver: Most areas are accessible within 60-90 minutes from Denver, making them popular for weekend trips. A York Gulch Road visitor appreciated that it's "Close to town easy to get to... I spent the night here while I partied in Idaho springs for a mini vacation."
Established campfire rings: Most designated dispersed sites include stone fire rings. "Each of them have a parking area right along the road with a fire ring a short distance away surrounded by awesome rock outcroppings," explains a camper at Redskin Creek Road.
Views of the Continental Divide: Higher elevation sites provide panoramic mountain vistas. One Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp visitor described it as "a beautiful secluded site... it overlooks the town of idaho springs in faces. Mostly westbound at the continental divide."
What you should know
Early arrival crucial midweek: Competition for sites extends beyond weekends. At Buffalo Creek, "It is busy and can easily fill for the weekend by Thursday mid-day," while another camper noted, "We got up there around 6:30pm on Friday night and after driving around for a couple hours ended up bailing and going home."
Vehicle requirements vary significantly: Road conditions differ dramatically between areas. A Chinns Lake Dispersed visitor warned, "You'll absolutely need a 4x4 or a high-clearance SUV to get up there. The road is rocky and steep in places, but manageable with careful driving and the right vehicle."
Pack out all waste: These areas have no facilities or trash service. "I had to put on disposable gloves and walk the ground and pick other human beings used TP," reported one disappointed Redskin Creek Road camper who found unsanitary conditions.
Weather changes rapidly: Mountain conditions can shift quickly, particularly at higher elevations. A Hidden Wilderness camper reported, "It was peaceful and beautiful, but extremely windy. We stayed there may 15, 2025. It snowed during the evening."
Tips for camping with families
Choose lower elevation sites for milder conditions: Families with young children may prefer more accessible areas with moderate temperatures. "It was in the mid 30s at night," noted a camper at one higher elevation site near Idaho Springs.
Look for natural play features: Some sites offer rocks, fallen logs, and open spaces that engage children. A West Magnolia Campground visitor mentioned, "Camping spot 21 is the best for privacy but the road is a bit rugged getting back there... Campsite 15 also has a pond right by it if you want a bonus view while camped."
Plan for wildlife encounters: Children should be taught proper wildlife safety. "Moose visitors at dawn and evening, and hungry bears scavenging for food at night is a common occurrence," warned a camper at Gordon Gulch.
Check site leveling before setting up: Many sites have limited flat areas for tents. "Just a heads up that many of the spots aren't flat for parking or even for a tent," observed a Redskin Creek Road visitor.
Tips from RVers
Size limits for most dispersed areas: Large RVs have limited options in these areas. A Dream Canyon Campsites visitor warned, "If you have anything bigger than a sprinter van, I wouldn't try this."
Scout before committing: Narrow forest roads can create difficult turning situations. A Hidden Wilderness camper reported, "Got to the final turn and it was too tight for my rig and I bottomed out. It took some maneuvering but we managed to get out but it was super stressful."
Plan for uneven parking: Designated pull-offs rarely offer level parking. "The parking areas tend to be very unlevel and there are only a few that you can pull right up to your campsite," noted a Redskin Creek Road camper, adding "#6 had a level spot large enough for my van and the camping area just a few steps away."
Beware rough roads after rain: Even accessible areas become challenging in wet conditions. One camper mentioned, "We did air down due to the rain and snow while we were there" when discussing access to West Magnolia.
