Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Yampa, CO has a lot to offer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Yampa is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Yampa, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
"Please make sure you are leaving no trace! There are a lot of people around this area, please do your part to keep the land as natural as possible. The poop fairy does NOT live here- pack it out!"
"Allen Basin Reservoir is roughly 1 mile from Crosho Lake. The only way to access this reservoir is by using trail #1181 and either hiking in, or using an ATV/dirtbike."
"Very nice spot close to Steamboat Springs. (Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest) We arrived a little before noon on a Saturday in July."
"There was one beautiful site in a meadow about 1/4 past the one we chose, but the stretch of dirt road between them was deeply rutted and potholed, with a couple of sections that were fairly steeply pitched"
"Quick stop overlooking Lake Catamount. This is actually a pull off from the highway but noticed people had camped here so we did too."
"As it says in the name is RIGHT off the highway so be ready for lots of car noise and close quarters with other campers."
"Summer is over, Labor Day evening, nobody except me here. 5-6 potential spots all in a row, lined up on dirt road that parallels 40 and far enough away to be quiet. Convenient to Steamboat 15 min."
"Some are more accessible than others, but main road is well maintained. Definitely buggy during the summer, but manageable. Most if not all sites are right next to the creek."
"secluded and quiet, sites have mountain grass. creek runs next to sites on west side. #5 is my favorite. fishing, wildflowers, hiking.. love."
"Spots for dispersed camping around the reservoir are only around the one end of the road and there are a good half dozen or so but they are all pretty good sized."
"I had just done Rock Creek's drive up to dispersed near Dillon and thought that was bad, but this was worse. "
"Good camping right close to the road. Secluded and private with beautiful views. Currently a stage 2 fire ban so no campfires allowed."
"There were many other campers all around but did not hear any noise other than from highway nearby which wasn't disturbing at all."
"The camping is directly off is route 40, a minute or two drive until campsites. Decided to park in the asphalt/gravel lot. There is camping directly behind this in the grass land though."
TravelerRecommend 4x4 high clearance to get to the campsites. If you have low clearance, there are a couple right at the start but they don't have much tree clearance.
We drove about a quarter mile down the road and got a campsite that was lush with a ton of tree coverage. It felt like we were alone in the world, no other campsites in site. We even saw elk walking around the mossy ground. Bring bug spray!
Dog friendly, no amenities.
RangerBeautiful Aspen groves surround you as you roll on endlessly down well maintained dirt roads. I've put in specific coordinates, but you can follow any of these FS roads after you pass through the "town" of Columbine. I prefer to go up to the right along 550. But you can't go wrong.
Free range sheep are being guarded by Great Pyreneese dogs, Moose and Pronghorn are all abundant. Bears too, so lock it all up.
Great easy MTB on the roads and some smaller trails.
Leave no trace.
TravelerJust to update this since the last review had it closed. The road leading up to the summit is back open, but it is ROUGH. I had just done Rock Creek's drive up to dispersed near Dillon and thought that was bad, but this was worse.
You will not be able to get anything low clearance or anything you're towing that does not have independent suspension + high clearance (I dropped my 18' TT at Walmart and went to scout - glad I did) While I was 1/4 up into the climb, a Sprinter Van was stopped at what is probably the worst portion of the road. If you can make it past that first choke point, you'll pass a park then walk-in camp site on the left and then shortly after another camp spot on the right that is more van friendly. Both are not good for trailers. It is after those two sites the road goes from bad to worse.
If you have a Camper on a F350 or high clearance + tent, it has some of the best views I've seen at a park spot. It's worth the drive up there for pictures if you're curious, but I would unhook anything you're carrying before doing so.
GuideGood camping right close to the road. Secluded and private with beautiful views. Currently a stage 2 fire ban so no campfires allowed.
GuideThis dispersed campsite has an incredible view, but it’s located on a “primitive road,” so google maps won’t show you the route all the way. I was using the OnX off-road app when I found it. If you approach from the south side (County Rd 48?), you will need a high clearance 4wd. If you approach from the north side (County Rd 51) it is accessible by any mid-clearance AWD vehicle, unless it’s wet. Then you’ll probably need a legit 4wd. I was there in mid-October, and there were hunters camped out all over the forest. But I found this place and had complete privacy, great view, and occasional Verizon service.
GuideJust got back from a solo camping trip at the Ute pass dispersed camping site. My usual spot was under a fire ban, but I acted quick and found this place. Only one additional hour away so I made the well worth it trek.
A bad comment I saw in other reviews was the amount of loose trash. However, someone had collected it all and left it in a large pile to be removed. Much appreciated to that person, and if I had truck space I would have thrown some out.
This campsite was easy enough to find with gps to the coordinates on Dyrt. However each dirt road branching off to the left once you get off Ute Pass is a road to more camping sites.
The dirt trail is a bit bumpy but I’d imagine most cars can make it. I used the third dirt road, southern most fire circle next to the river off that road. The river is loud, but calming. and you can still hear your friends or listen to music. Overall great spot, was also able to hammock right next to the water so that was a big plus.
I’m the morning, the sun felt amazing as I made some breakfast, and eventually got too hot. Packed up and left, no disruptions at all which was great. I was here on a Tuesday night, Wednesday morning. And only saw one person on an atv as I was leaving.
Definitely will visit this spot again!
TravelerCamp sites were plenty when I visited on a Thursday. Only people I saw were the forest service workers who were friendly and just out reminding people of the fire ban.
GuideWe came here after failing to find a dispersed location closer to Silverthorne. It turned out to be a hidden gem with lots of secluded sites. Plus the drive in/out is super easy (apart from the final road to the campsite; that requires a 4WD vehicle, without question) - it was more-or-less the same drive time as original choice. Just without the hassle of navigating a busy one-way dirt road.
TravelerRoad was very easy to find and was very smooth. The first couple sites on the water were already taken so we headed up further. Found a steep, secluded pull-off just past marker #6 that looked like an old off road trailhead or access road that didn't seem to be in use anymore.
The site was a good size but there wasn't a great flat option for the tent but it would be great for a van or small trailer and could easily fit 2-3.
The views were absolutely amazing which is why I'm giving 3 stars. The mosquitos and thunderstorms were insane. Shout out to the REI base camp tent holding dry and not too many bugs in the tent.
We also had the pleasure of a bunch of night riders on the first night traversing up and down the road all night which was incredibly loud. 2nd night was much quieter. I also moved the car to block the entrance to the site so people could see it was taken instead of driving up right next to us just to turn around the first night.
Overall, easy access to the site, views were stunning, easy to get to Glenwood Springs.
Edited to add that this site did have cell service
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Yampa, Colorado, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Yampa, CO is Bear River Designated Dispersed with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 68 dispersed camping locations near Yampa, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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