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Camper submitted image from Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40View 39 Photos
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Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40

8 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Pulling off Highway 40 about 9.7 miles south of campgrounds near Steamboat Springs, this free dispersed area in Routt National Forest sits close enough to the road that traffic noise is a consistent presence during the day. It quiets down after dark, but campers who are light sleepers should factor that in. The site overlooks Lake Catamount, with open sightlines toward the valley below. No formal facilities exist here. This is pack-in, pack-out camping.

The area has roughly three to five pull-off spots, depending on how you count them. Space is limited. Reviewers note it can feel cramped if multiple groups arrive at the same time, and the sites work best for self-contained setups. One reviewer spotted two moose from camp on a spring morning. Cell service is available but inconsistent. Campfires are permitted, and pets are welcome.

Cleanliness has been an issue at times, with multiple visitors reporting trash left behind by previous campers. A few have cleaned up after others. Off Highway 40 Dispersed sits just 0.1 miles east along the same corridor if this area is full, and Pleasant Valley Roadside Camp on Hwy 40 is less than a mile northwest. As Nora S. notes, pulling into a spot a bit higher on the hill can provide more distance from road noise. If you arrive early and catch it uncrowded, this overlook makes a solid one-night stop.

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Map & DirectionsDispersed Overlook off Hwy 40 is located in Colorado near Steamboat Springs

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

40.354317 N
106.764758 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 11 users
    Last on 9/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 11 users
    Last on 9/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

Reviews8 Camper Reviews - Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40

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4.5

out of 5

8 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted this roadside dispersed camping spot for its easy highway access and scenic valley views. Several guests observed spacious areas suitable for both tents and RVs, though pack-it-out ethics aren't always followed by previous campers.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2026

Views w/ traffic

Showed up fairly early (2:30pm) and other than a few other cars driving through, didn’t see anyone else. It is directly off the HW, so you will hear traffic pass by, but it does calm down at night. Good views, pretty private spots- (3 total, I believe).

Edit to add: while packing up, a stranger drove in off the highway and walked into my site and attempted to “offer me a bible,” and after declining, placed it on the ground in front of my vehicle and left.

**please always be careful and aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40 by Alison L., July 6, 2026
  • Review photo of Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40 by Alison L., July 6, 2026
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2026

Great Views and Easy to Access

Only a few spots but you have great views and it’s easy to access them. Stayed there for a night, you have road noise, but I’d stay there again.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40 by Joel J., June 14, 2026
  • Review photo of Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40 by Joel J., June 14, 2026
Reviewed May. 5, 2026

Easy in/out with great views

Stayed here one night while visiting Steamboat. This area is right off the road, super easy in and out, perfect for a night. There are about 4-5 spots here, I had all to myself, would feel cramped if there are many others. Lots of road noise because it’s so close. Highlight - I saw two beautiful moose while making my morning coffee ❤️🫎

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40 by Meisa M., May 5, 2026
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Reviewed Jul. 21, 2025

Jet here early period only a couple of spots.

Very easy to find right off Highway 40 and there is a space on the right for a couple of tents and the space on the left which is almost a pull through or a trailer. Views are amazing and there is some cell reception but not great. Definitely for self-contained campers and pack it in pack it out unlike the last people who left a big black garbage bag full of who knows what!

SitePull through sight on the left when you drive in
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2025

A little farther up the road…!

I stayed at another pull off a little higher up on the hlll and with that pull off you can get a little more down the mountain and hence away from the noise. Secluded and easy to access, can’t complain. Really pretty

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40 by Nora S., July 1, 2025
  • Review photo of Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40 by Nora S., July 1, 2025
  • Review photo of Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40 by Nora S., July 1, 2025
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2023

Pull off overlook

Pull off the road 30 yards through the trees to a large area overlooking Valley 

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40 by Bill K., July 15, 2023
Reviewed Apr. 20, 2023

Overlook camping

Quick stop overlooking Lake Catamount. This is actually a pull off from the highway but noticed people had camped here so we did too. Wasn't the first to camp here as I found others fire and trash left behind and cleaned it up. Very peaceful with beautiful view.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40 by Jason , April 20, 2023
  • Review photo of Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40 by Jason , April 20, 2023
  • Review photo of Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40 by Jason , April 20, 2023
  • (8) View All
Showing results 1-8 of 8 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Route 40 a good access road to Unknown Campground?

Highway 40 provides excellent access to this dispersed camping spot. The site is located right off the highway with very easy entry - you simply pull off about 30 yards through trees to reach the camping area. There are multiple pull-offs available, with some spots higher up the hill offering more seclusion from highway noise. The access is straightforward enough that both cars and trailers can navigate to the site without difficulty. No special vehicles or four-wheel drive is required to reach this convenient overlook camping area.

What camping supplies can I purchase near Unknown Campground?

The campground is located near Lake Catamount and is likely within driving distance of Steamboat Springs where you can purchase camping supplies. Since this is a primitive dispersed site with no facilities, you'll want to arrive fully prepared with all necessary camping gear, food, and water. Remember this is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out location, so bring trash bags for waste removal. For specific camping supplies, check in Steamboat Springs before heading to the site, as there are no immediate stores at this highway pull-off location.

Are fires allowed at Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40 have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40 does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Dispersed Overlook off Hwy 40?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is some coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and good coverage for Verizon.

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