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Best Dispersed Camping near Woodland Park, CO

284 Reviews

Primitive campsites are scattered throughout Pike National Forest near Woodland Park, Colorado, with several free dispersed camping areas along Rampart Range Road and Mount Herman Road. These public lands permit no-fee camping without reservations at established pull-offs and clearings. Popular dispersed camping zones include the Rampart Reservoir area, Mount Herman Road sites, and various points along Rampart Range Road, where campers can find secluded spots with views of Pikes Peak.

Access routes to these camping areas vary in condition, with many requiring careful navigation. Several forest service roads are unpaved with rough sections that may be challenging for low-clearance vehicles. While some areas are accessible with standard vehicles, others recommend high-clearance or 4WD, particularly after rain or snow. Most dispersed sites have no amenities - no drinking water, toilets, or trash service - and campers must pack out all waste. Fire restrictions frequently apply, especially during dry seasons, though most areas permit fires when conditions allow.

The dispersed sites around Woodland Park offer isolation and natural beauty, with many spots providing excellent views of Pikes Peak and surrounding mountains. Wildlife sightings are common, and proximity to Rampart Reservoir provides fishing opportunities. The camping areas can become busy during summer weekends and holidays. Campers note the varying road conditions: "Aprox. 1 mile of the road was bad, other quite good," according to feedback on The Dyrt. The area's popularity sometimes creates challenges, as another camper observed: "Literally right outside of Woodland park. We got there late on Saturday afternoon and still found a spot. Very quiet area but some atvs run through." Despite the traffic, many find the scenery worth it, with one review noting "Gorgeous camp sites on top of hill from where you park less than half a mile walk from them to the cars. Gorgeous views excellent spot to be far away from other people camping."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Woodland Park, Colorado (54)

    1. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    35 Reviews
    Monument, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "If you enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies, drive in dispersed camping and putting your off-roading skills to the test, this dispersed campsite is a must visit!"

    "It took us about 15 minutes driving past the coordinates (trailhead) to start seeing campsites. There was nobody around, and we picked a very spacious one with a great view."

    2. Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park

    21 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    3 miles

    "A Long rocky and dirt road lays ahead of these dispersed camping areas. This park has set up campgrounds, but we chose to drive off road a bit and set up camp on the edge of a rocky overlook."

    "Access GPS Cascade-Chipita Park, CO 38.9694000, -105.0081000 To get to this spot from Rampart range road was a bit tricky pulling a 28ft trailer with a Chevy Suburban 2500 The road up after Loy Creek"

    3. Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "Only 18 minutes from Woodland Park, but you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. Tucked back in National Forest land."

    "Rampart Range Road is the main dirt road that has plenty of smaller trails branching off of it to keep you busy exploring all summer."

    4. Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite

    12 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "We were going from direction Divide town using provided coordinates. All went fine until we ended up in a dead end road with private residence."

    "Rough road getting there though"

    5. Dispersed Camping - Pike National Forest Divide

    9 Reviews
    Woodland Park, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "This dispersed camp site has numerous spots with rock fire pits. There are a lot of dirt bikes and atvs driving during the day however I didn’t find it overly disruptive."

    "If you like dispersed camping with 360 views this is the place for you. This was our second time dispersed camping and off-roading here."

    6. Rampart Reservoir Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    4 miles
    Website

    "There are three dispersed camping areas on this road. It is close to the rampart reservoir, which is very nice."

    "Great dispersed camping here and relatively unknown, I was here for 3 days and didn’t see a single person."

    7. Rampart Range Dispersed Site

    6 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "Literally right outside of Woodland park. We got there late on Saturday afternoon and still found a spot. Very quiet area but some atvs run through."

    "Dispersed is further up the mountain but what a beautiful drive! We found a wooded spot that was super private and cozy! Climbed nearby rocks for some amazing views 🏔️"

    8. Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Woodland Park, CO
    5 miles

    "This free campsite is about 40 minutes from Colorado Springs, which sounds kinda far, but the gorgeous views on the way up are stunning, so it makes it feel like a shorter drive!"

    "We reserved the site ahead of time, right above the reservoir with an easy path down to the water . Garbage and bathrooms available . Spacious sites with a good amount of privacy from neighbors ."

    9. Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Woodland Park, CO
    10 miles
    Website

    "Lots of shade in the morning at our spot. We were by a dirt road and did have a few vehicles drive by but not bad. There is bear scat, not old and not new, in the area but no wildlife was seen."

    "Terrain was interesting on the drive in, some of the pull off camping spots are pretty steep off the road. However, the sights were beautiful and it was very quiet and peaceful when we visited :)"

    10. Mt. Herman Road Dispersed Site 2

    5 Reviews
    Palmer Lake, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Woodland Park, CO

251 Photos of 54 Woodland Park Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Woodland Park, CO

284 Reviews of 54 Woodland Park Campgrounds

  • pThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 22, 2021

    Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

    Stunning Views of Pikes Peak

    Only 18 minutes from Woodland Park, but you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. Tucked back in National Forest land.

  • Doug C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 10, 2022

    Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

    Choose Your Own Adventure From Rampart Range Road

    Rampart Range Road is the main dirt road that has plenty of smaller trails branching off of it to keep you busy exploring all summer. Rampart Range Road is accessible by 2wd vehicles while some of the smaller trails that branch off of Rampart Range Rd do better with a 4wd with high clearance. The southern portion of the road (south of Devils Head Trail) is open year around while the northern half of the road is closed seasonally during winter. Easily accessible outside of Woodland Park on the south end of the road and west through Sedalia. Lots of dispersed camping sites along the road, some are very large and could easily accommodate a large RV or large groups. Other campsites are tucked away off the road a little which is great because this road can be very busy & dusty in the summer. All in all, this place makes for a fun and easy weekend getaway as long as some ohv traffic doesn’t bother you too much. The best part of Rampart Range Road is the several forest service roads that branch off with dispersed camping. These smaller trails and dispersed camping make for a much more relaxing and peaceful weekend, I highly recommend if you have a 4x4. Find the right forest service road and you’ll feel like you are a million miles from it all.

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2023

    Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping

    Good but not great

    Tarryall creek dispersed camping. The road in is a bit bumpy. I would not trade in a low clearance vehicle. Four-wheel-drive is needed if it should get wet or slippery. Once you get onto the road, the sites are big and spacious. This is dispersed camping, so there is no water no electric and very little cell service. We have periodic two bars of Verizon. The sites are definitely big enough to accommodate big rigs. You just have to take the road really slowly on the way up. If you carry on all the way up to 10, you get to fenced areas where there is no camping so we took 293 off to the left and immediately after the Turner a couple of sites. We followed it all the way down for a long way. The road is incredibly bumpy and four-wheel-drive is absolutely necessary. Along with high clearance. I would not advise it for big rigs. The Site that we got just on the left after the turn walls reasonably wide. Big enough to get a big rig into. It’s pretty flat too but it’s also very exposed. There’s not a lot of shelter for our tent or our gazebo. The views are OK but nothing spectacular.

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2023

    Fraile’s Campground - Dispersed

    Huge sites on gnarly road

    CR 290 off Tarryall Rd. Campsites are all designated on 290 but there are numerous firepits on the side roads. The road to get up is very rutted. I recommend a high clearance vehicle. Definitely four wheel drive is required. I did see a Subaru forester up near the top. The sites are wide open once you get onto the plateau at the top. Easily could accommodate a big rig, but the issue would be getting it up the road. The views from the top are really nice. It opens out and you get some spectacular views of Pike National Forest. The sites are spacious with some pine tree coverage for tent campers. This would definitely be a possible back up spot if nothing on Matukat rd was available. Because they are dispersed there is no electrical hook ups or water. There’s no Creek running through the area. I imagine it would be really quiet and remote up here because the road to get in is going to deter a lot of people. We did find some spots with fire pits, but not sure you can camp there given there is no sign post reading designated campsite but they are off the main road so give it a try.

  • Izzy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2022

    Penrose Common Rec Site

    Delightful af

    Road in is rough, but manageable with a high clearance vehicle. Plenty of space to spread out. Popular with those ATV things. Pit toilet, no trash. Not many trees, but a great view of the surrounding area. T-mobile service was good enough to get some work and school done. Close enough to groceries and other stores. Love this spot.

  • Monte P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 23, 2020

    Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    A small price for freedom

    If you enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies, drive in dispersed camping and putting your off-roading skills to the test, this dispersed campsite is a must visit! My 9 yr old son and I happened upon this mountain top paradise somewhat by accident. We were looking for a less challenging day hike with low traffic and decided to try the Mt. Herman trailhead. My ever burning desire for a view and solitude lead us up Mt. Herman rd to the location I marked on the map for this listing. Access was challenging, even with our 4x4 Jeep seeing as there was pretty deep snowfall accumulation, steep grades, and hairpin switchbacks heading up. However in warmer seasons this would be easy access for most stock 4x4 vehicles. No lift necessary, just a desire for the boundless views afforded at the summit. There are multiple pull offs, relatively low traffic aside from the occasional off-roading convoy passing through spreading merriment and good cheer. There are some really cool fire ring setups and plenty of epic views to make your own. If Colorado’s what you want, here’s a great place to experience the back country without having to drive for hours to access it. We had a blast! Please ALWAYS remember, be Kind & rewind!! Wait... wrong slogan😅 LEAVE NO TRACE & PACK IT OUT! Thanks & have fun! Photos are in my phone, I’ll update with photos... sure to amaze! 😉✌🏾

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2023

    Route 31 Camp

    Close to perfect if you’re in the right spot

    County Road 31 dispersed camping On entering the area, there is immediately a sign that reads that OHV’s are prohibited. At least in this area you know you’re going to get some peace and quiet. The road to get in is mainly washboard. Totally possible even with a low clearance 2 Wheel Dr. vehicle. The sights designated only. Once you get past the information board you’ll see turn off‘s on the left and right wave Campers and fire pits. If you continue down County Road 31 spectacular. The biggest issue I can see again is a lack of firewood. There appears to be no downed trees or burned trees in the area. You need to bring in your own. There’s also no water source in this area so come well prepared. Since this is dispersed camping, there is no reservation or electric hook ups or sewer hook ups. These sites are plenty big enough for big rigs, and most of them appear to be pull through sites. Tent campers the sites do appear to be a little bit too exposed. There are sites with better tree coverage for tent campers when you go further into the back areas of some of the side roads the downside is you lose the views of the surrounding mountains. If you keep going further back, CR 31 connects to 896, and there are sites way back there that give you the impression that you’re just even further removed from everybody else. There are so many sites in this area. This could be a good back up spot for Matukat Road if it’s not available. There is a site on 896 right before the no camping sign, which is designated as a campsite, and it has some tree coverage, and all the mountain views. 896 is a very tough road requiring high clearance and four-wheel-drive. Numerous places have deep holes and you need to take it very slow.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2020

    Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping

    OHV Camp Area

    Nice area that has some flat or flatish spots for smaller RV and campers. It is normally busy with atv, dirt bike and jeeps. 15 min drive from woodland park.

  • Charles L.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

Guide to Woodland Park

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Woodland Park, Colorado, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning mountain views and a variety of outdoor activities, these areas offer the perfect escape for adventurers.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

Outdoor Activities While Free Camping Near Woodland Park

Unique Features for Dispersed Campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping areas near Woodland Park, Colorado?

Several excellent dispersed camping areas are located near Woodland Park. Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping is only 18 minutes from town, offering that secluded wilderness feel while remaining conveniently close. The main dirt road has numerous smaller trails branching off for exploration. For those seeking panoramic mountain views, Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping provides drive-in sites with spectacular vistas of the Rockies. Other options include Rainbow Falls dispersed camping (15 minutes from Woodland Park), Route 31 Camp, and various sites throughout Pike National Forest. Most dispersed areas are accessible via forest service roads, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles while others are suitable for standard passenger cars.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Woodland Park?

Dispersed camping sites near Woodland Park are primitive with minimal amenities. Penrose Common Rec Site offers pit toilets but no trash service, with plenty of space to spread out and decent T-mobile cell service for work or school needs. At Route 31 Camp, you'll find peace and quiet with OHV prohibition, but no facilities. Most dispersed sites have no water, electric hookups, or bathrooms. You'll need to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Some areas have established fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally. Manchester Creek Trailhead campers can access a water station on Highway 67 in nearby Divide. Always arrive with full water tanks and empty waste tanks, and be prepared for self-sufficient camping.

What outdoor activities are available near Woodland Park dispersed camping areas?

The dispersed camping areas around Woodland Park offer diverse outdoor activities. Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping is popular for ATV, dirt bike, and Jeep enthusiasts. Phantom Canyon provides stunning views and isolation for hikers and photographers. Off-road exploration is excellent throughout the region, with Rampart Range Road offering numerous trails for vehicles of varying capabilities. Hiking opportunities abound, from easy day hikes to challenging mountain treks. Mountain biking trails weave through the forests. Fishing is available in nearby streams and reservoirs, with Tarryall Creek offering good spots. Wildlife viewing is excellent year-round. During winter months, areas remain accessible for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The proximity to town allows for easy supply runs while enjoying a wilderness experience.

Is free camping available in Woodland Park and what are the regulations?

Yes, free camping is available in the Woodland Park area on public lands, primarily in Pike National Forest. Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping and Penrose BLM sites are popular free options. Standard regulations include a 14-day maximum stay within a 30-day period. You must camp in designated areas only where indicated. Practice Leave No Trace principles—pack out all trash and waste. Campfires are permitted only in established fire rings when no fire restrictions are in place. Most sites require camping at least 100 feet from water sources. Many areas prohibit camping within 1 mile of developed recreation sites, campgrounds, or trailheads. Always check current forest service regulations before your trip, as rules may change seasonally.

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