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Dispersed Camping

Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping

Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping, near Colorado Springs, Colorado, offers a rugged outdoor experience for those looking to escape into nature. This area is perfect for campers who appreciate the freedom of dispersed camping, with various sites scattered throughout the Pike and San Isabel National Forests.

Visitors often mention the beautiful scenery and the peaceful atmosphere, especially when the noise from nearby OHV traffic dies down. Many campers have enjoyed the chance to set up their tents or trailers in spots that provide a mix of wooded areas and open spaces, making it a great choice for families or groups. As one camper noted, “The sights were beautiful and it was very quiet and peaceful when we visited.”

While there are no amenities like drinking water or electric hookups, the area allows campfires, which adds to the camping experience. Just be cautious with your fires, especially on windy days. Reviewers have pointed out that the terrain can be a bit steep in places, so it’s wise to choose your site carefully if you’re bringing a larger vehicle.

For those who love adventure, the area is popular for ATV riding and offers numerous trails for off-road vehicles. Just keep in mind that the sounds of dirt bikes and ATVs can be part of the experience. If you’re looking for a place to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors, Rainbow Falls is a unique spot that caters to those who appreciate a more rugged camping style.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands

The Rainbow Falls area offers many motorized roads and trails for four-wheel drive and off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts. This area contains several motorized trails open to motor vehicles 50 inches, or less, in overall width. The roads and trails in this area connect to the North Rampart Range OHV riding area as well. The North Rampart Range riding area is managed by the South Platte Ranger District. Be sure to consult with the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for offical Forest Service routes that are open to motorized vehicles. Free Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) are available at your local Forest Service Ranger District office. Please pick up a MVUM before you head out. These maps identify the designated Forest Service roads, and the designated motorized trails, that are open to motorized use. They also and identify what types of vehicles are allowed on the different types of routes that are displayed on the MVUM.

Fee Info

There is no fee to use this area, however, a State of Colorado OHV Registration (or an OHV Permit ) is required for all OHVs ($25.25 purchased through Colorado Parks & Wildlife).

Dispersed camping is available in this OHV area. Vehicle parking is only allowed immediately adjacent to system roads. Please be courteous.

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Location

Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Woodland Park, CO, take Highway 67 north out of Woodland Park. Travel approximately 9 miles north, on State Highway 67, from Woodland Park. Turn right onto Douglas County Road 49 (which also known as the "Rainbow Falls Road"). Continue down Douglas County Road 49, to the intersection with Forest Service Road 348. The Trailhead and parking area will be immediately on your right, along Forest Service Road 348.

Coordinates

39.13599119 N
105.1065444 W

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Access

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

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • 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.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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7 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 28, 2023

Great Spot for a Night

This was our first ever boondock spot on National Forest land. Most of the sites were inaccessible in our 33 foot travel trailer but we found one last minutes. We were right on the road in and OHV traffic was common along with the noise and dust. Still, it wasn't bad and the price was good. There are better places nearby if you're not into OHV riding. Early July 2022

Reviewed Mar. 14, 2023

Good camping site close to Colo Springs

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 :)

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping by Addison N., March 14, 2023
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2021

Some Decent sites with drawbacks

Decent number of sites with fire rings on Long hollow road in the ATV use area. My site was great great for the roof top tent, fenced in mini spur with fire ring. Downsides were the family group camped nearby riding ATVs and playing music into the night, and a rifle range to the west. Shooting went on into the night. Also spent about 10 minutes picking up trash in the campsite area. Overall, close to the pike national forest entrance, decent spots if you don't mind the drawbacks.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping by Abraham , August 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping by Abraham , August 26, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2021

Decent, but noisy

This campsite isn’t horrible. Plenty of sites to pick from in mainly wooded areas. Perfect for families or people camping in large groups.

Downside is that its heavily trafficked with ATV’s and also a shooting range near by where they’re firing round from 7am until 11pm - it was very irritating to say the least. There is black bear activity as one (middle aged I’d guess) activity walked up about 25 feet from our campsite at 11pm while we were still out, campfire still burning. It was eating some dog food we had laid out for the pups. PUT YOUR FOOD AWAY AT NIGHT to help preserve the wildlife and bear community as they’re sadly desensitized to humans.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping by Nathan G., July 18, 2021
Reviewed May. 24, 2021

Free, dispersed camping within 2 hours of Denver.

Nice spot! You come in off of 67. Are are w parking lots for day parking only. Then up the trail there are several spots to pull off and camp. Some spots are bigger and can have multiple vehicles/trailers/campers. A very windy weekend when I was there's so be cautious with your fires. People ride the trails from sunup to sun down, so the noise can get a little annoying. Lots of trails for 4x4 vechiles, ATVs, UTVs, SxS, and dirt bikes. Did 50+miles on my ATV. Got a little muddy after a night long rain, truck almost got stuck in the mud trying to leave.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping by Brandon N., May 24, 2021
  • Review photo of Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping by Brandon N., May 24, 2021
  • Review photo of Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping by Brandon N., May 24, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 18, 2020

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping?

    Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping is located at 7566 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is unknown.