Best Dispersed Camping near Windsor, CO
Primitive campsites near Windsor, Colorado are predominantly concentrated in the Roosevelt and Arapaho National Forests to the west, where off-grid camping is permitted without reservations or fees. Most dispersed sites are situated along forest service roads, with options like Hell Canyon, Gordon Gulch, and Allenspark offering established fire rings but minimal infrastructure. The closest primitive camping area is found along Weld Road 49, though this site receives lower user ratings compared to mountain alternatives.
Access varies significantly across dispersed sites, with many requiring high-clearance 4WD vehicles to navigate rough forest roads. Gordon Gulch features several numbered sites along forest road 233.1 but includes challenging sections described as "steep and washed out." Fire restrictions are common during dry seasons, with several reviews noting seasonal bans. Most areas have no amenities—no drinking water, toilets, or trash receptacles—making self-sufficiency essential. Almost all sites operate on a leave-no-trace principle, with campers responsible for packing out all waste.
The dispersed camping areas provide varying degrees of privacy and natural settings, from creek-side spots at Allenspark to mountain views at Gordon Gulch. Wildlife sightings are common, with one camper mentioning fox visits to their site. Several reviewers note the challenges of maintaining these public lands, with occasional reports of accumulated trash at popular sites. Primitive camping in the national forest offers stargazing opportunities away from city lights. "Most sites are fairly level. All sites are in the sun which is great for solar. Verizon cell service was a major bonus," noted one camper about Arapaho National Forest sites. Another review cautioned, "The road to lost lake requires high clearance. It is located 30 min away from Red Feather Lakes."
