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."
"4x4 drive is a requirement. Good Verizon signal. Narrow road, however not busy at all. Stayed here for 4 days, no issue. The Google Maps directions is slightly wrong."
"Turn just before or after Yogi Bear Campground and go up the decently maintained dirt road. (You will pass RVs at the beginning of the road as you head up)."
"So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."
"Like the title suggests, this campsite is typical for a free forest service campground. Prior campers have left some trash, bullet casings and obviously neglected to dig cat holes."
"Fire ban was in effect when we went, but lots of fire circles available otherwise. Bring bug spray, the flies are bold."
"Was super simple to access. the coordinates take you to the beginning of the rural part of Ski road."
"We were right up on the lake but turns out it's private property and you cannot even go up to the water."
"You are pinned up against private property around the lake, the camp sites are in the dirt area when you get to the lake down to the left."
"There are pit toilets but as nice as any pit toilets, adequate. Mounted grills and fire pit rings are available on most sites."
"You have to drive through a neighborhood to get to the serving road. Follow the directions on Google and you’ll be fine. The best spots are a little further back. The road will come to a Y go left."
"Awesome scenic drive, great spacious spot. But only for one party. If someone else is there, you're outta luck. Fire road is gated off so no other options."
"Was desperate to find "something" after driving 11 hours that day, and normal paid camp grounds were full. HOWEVER I was pulling a smaller trailer, and that turned out to be a real issue."
"Went on a Tuesday afternoon and there was foot traffic around our spot from people headed on hikes."
"Moderate to heavy foot traffic -Busy, mostly big groups staying at sites having their own fun but plan ahead for finding a site -Friendly and respectful people -Very well maintained sites, trails, signage"
"A number of sites will dot both sides of the road on the way into Pingree (take the CSU mountain campus exit off of Poudre Canyon). Most are good, some are in burn scars."
"My GPS from the coordinates just took me to the nearest town of Ward, CO. This is how I got there coming from the North:
Take RT72 South to County Road 100."
"Many spots along the CR once you find it, came in around 4pm on a Friday and there were still plenty of spots but started filling up fast. By 7pm, people were turning around as no spots were left."
ScoutDon’t believe the navigation apps and go through lyons, it’s private property ; furthermore if you like I did make the drive though Estes park, have 4WD high clearance and a small vehicle… maybe you’ll make it to this brutally elusive last free camping spot off the main mountain roads
TravelerBeautiful views of gold lake, this specific spot has a rough road that will require high clearance. The other spots are off of a well maintained fire road if you’re in a low clearance vehicle. High 38mph winds all night long at 24 degrees F. Lake is private and there’s lots of private property lines to look out for. The only reason it’s not a 5/5
RangerSo the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites. I am reviewing one of these unnumbered campsites in particular, because this one had the best view. Before you read too far, I can't guarantee you will be able to reach this campsite without a 4X4 high clearance vehicle. We got to the site with a Jeep Wrangler and Toyota Tacoma TRD so we had no problems... I can't definitely say a Subaru would make it though. In the pictures I have included a map of the Gordon Gulch trail system. Entering through the Gordon Gulch entrance and taking 226.1 to 233.1 is the hardest route - there is one very steep and washed out spot. Entering via 120J/Switzerland Trail from the Peak to Peak Hwy and then turning right onto 233.1 is the easier option. On that map I have marked the general area of the campsite with a pink dot and here are the coordinates.
DMS: 40°01'18.5"N 105°28'37.6"W
DD: 40.021814, -105.477103 - if you type this into Google Maps it will locate it
As for the actual campsite, it is a great option for spring/fall camping in Colorado. The elevation is about 8,800 ft and it is on the south side of a hill so it gets a lot of sunlight and is protected from northern winds. In terms of privacy, there are no other campsites that can be seen from this one. However, Gordon Gulch is a popular off-roading area so dirt bikes and Jeeps pass by frequently. This campsite is set up high above and away from the road though, so it is really not that bad. Another thing to point out is that this is a popular area for shooting as well, so if you absolutely hate guns it may not be the place for you. Also, as stated before, this is a dispersed campsite the only thing it has is a fire ring. Pack it in, pack it out!
ScoutMy son and I joined a friend from Longmont and headed to this trail to camp for a couple days. Very accessible road, lots of spots to choose from (we showed up on Thursday, it did get a little busier on Friday and Saturday). Our spot was set back from the trail, right next to the stream. Just an amazing view, ample room for lots of tents, nice fire rings and huge logs around them for sitting. Fire wood abounds but it was all a little wet still from the rains they've been getting. Some folks didn't seem to be aware of the "leave no trace" rule when it comes to going to the bathroom, which was a little gross. Overall, great experience, pretty trail views, caught lots of trout (none big enough to keep). A great getaway.
TravelerI went here the week before campgrounds opened in this area, around May 7th. I had a pop up trailer and got there around 5pm on a Friday. Most spots were already taken and the road was a bit washed out. We got stopped by a camper letting us know not to go further because of the road condition and we shared a spot for the night. I would recommend this spot if you have a 4 wheel drive car with high clearance. Later in the season when the water levels are lower it might be easier to navigate but we saw a car or two get towed out
GuideThere are tons of sites along the back roads. As long as you steer clear from the private property you'll find a site. Some roads will turn sour and require high clearance.
TravelerCamped here for one night in August. Like the title suggests, this campsite is typical for a free forest service campground. Prior campers have left some trash, bullet casings and obviously neglected to dig cat holes. After a quick clean up, the site was fine for my purposes. I hammock camp and I was happy to see that many of the sites here have more than adequate trees for hanging. The roads can be a bit rough so the further back you go the necessity for a high clearance vehicle increases. There are several off road and hiking trails directly attached to the camping areas. I noticed that the forest service had erected wooden barriers at several of the campsites in an effort to control where people park. At my campsite #6 someone had obviously pulled off road vehicles into the campsite and tore the ground up pretty good. Tent camping at this particular site would be difficult due tot he lack of flat spots. Other sites seemed to be flatter. All in all this was a great place to camp for free with several nearby hikes and attractions.
Guide29 really spread out dispersed camping spots along a very long road. Some of them are hard to find. A few really awesome hiking trails a couple different lakes to choose from for fishing kayaking. It’s along rd 151 you also have Peterson lake nearby as well. I found two group campgrounds that are pay per night (22 a night) they have toilets and water. The dispersed by Peterson lake was very rough road high clearance recommended. The 151 to long draw relatively smooth and vehicle could make it
GuideThe coordinates on Dyrt are a little off from the actual location but if you drive down roads that lead to toward views of the canyon, you’ll get there. The road passes through lots of private property, which can trick you into thinking you’re driving down the wrong road. The trailhead parking lot has one giant rut that you must be careful to navigate around. 2 Wheel Dr. and low clearance vehicles can do it, but should be extremely careful in how they approach. Parking lot is a short walk to some beautiful views of the canyon! Please be respectful as many people live within eyesight of the trailhead
Dispersed camping near Windsor, Colorado concentrates primarily within Roosevelt and Arapaho National Forests, with sites ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 feet elevation. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing at higher elevations, while summer conditions can feature afternoon thunderstorms. Most primitive sites require self-sufficiency with no water sources or waste facilities available.
Mountain biking access: West Magnolia Campground provides direct access to single track trails. "Great spot for mountain biking, hiking, and camping," notes one visitor at West Magnolia Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Sites near water offer fishing possibilities. At Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed, campers can set up with reservoir views, though "it was private and the locals were pretty protective as others have said," according to one camper.
Stargazing conditions: Dispersed sites away from towns provide excellent night sky viewing. A visitor to Allenspark Dispersed Camping mentioned, "Clear skies at night, but tree cover if you prefer. Quick drive to Estes Park. No Verizon cell service."
Creekside camping: Several sites feature running water for ambient sound. "We had a great night here! Spacious site with a fire ring. Easy time finding, just follow all the arrows when there is a fork in the road," reports a camper at Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot.
Relative solitude: Weekday camping typically offers more privacy. At Gordon Gulch, a camper noted, "We went on a Sunday, the weekend after the 4th of July. It was quite easy to find a campground for dispersed camping with other sites marked."
Wildlife encounters: Animal sightings enhance the primitive camping experience. One visitor to Allenspark Dispersed Camping shared, "The second day staying there we ran into a bear and scared him off. Two hours later he can back and we scared him off again."
Vehicle requirements: Many forest service roads demand high-clearance 4WD. A camper at Hell Canyon Dispersed advised, "Road up is a bit rough but I saw many SUVs make it, the gate sign recommends 4x4. Great views and only got busy on the 4th of July."
Fire restrictions: Seasonal bans often limit campfires. "Signs were posted about no fires," reported a visitor to West Magnolia.
Campsite availability: Weekends see high competition for sites. "We rolled up to West Magnolia TH on 9/7/19. All sites were filled, however, we managed to find someone packing up at Site 18 and waited for about 20 mins for them to clear out," noted one camper.
Site selection priorities: Look for level ground away from challenging terrain. A camper at Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area shared, "This was a close 1 night get away spot. Pretty area, the sites we saw were numbered."
Water planning: No potable water exists at most sites. "No amenities—no drinking water, toilets, or trash receptacles," applies to virtually all dispersed camping areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Windsor, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Windsor, CO is Hell Canyon Dispersed with a 3.4-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Windsor, CO?
TheDyrt.com has all 61 dispersed camping locations near Windsor, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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