Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site, near Buena Vista, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape into nature without the fuss of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a laid-back vibe with ample space for tents and RVs, making it a great choice for anyone wanting to soak in the stunning mountain views and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Visitors rave about the spacious sites, with many noting the privacy and seclusion they found during their stays. One camper mentioned, “Our camping spot was excellent and provided great views and seclusion.” While there’s no drinking water or electric hookups, the freedom to have campfires and the absence of permits make it a hassle-free experience. 

For outdoor lovers, the location is a gateway to numerous hiking trails, including access to the Colorado Trail. Campers have enjoyed exploring the nearby Browns Creek and taking in the breathtaking scenery. As one reviewer put it, “It was very quiet and the sky was amazing at night,” highlighting the area's natural beauty and tranquility.

If you’re looking for a place to unwind under the stars, Raspberry Gulch is a solid pick. Just remember to pack in your water and firewood, and you’ll be set for a memorable camping adventure.

Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".

Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.

 

Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:

In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only.  Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers.  Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted.
Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only.
Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation.  Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source.
Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged.
Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites.
BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine.
Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed.
In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge.
Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations.  Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.

Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site

Searching for the best camping near Nathrop, CO? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Nathrop, reviewed by campers like you.

Nathrop

The Best Camping Near Nathrop, Colorado

Close to both BV and Salida

Located at the bottom of Mount Princeton (14,199 ft) and Mount Antero (14,275 ft). 270-272 is one of the most unpleasant roads I’ve driven, but worth the traverse. Sites are heavily shaded. Great location if you’re visiting the Arkansas River. Apparently there is really great service here, but we didn’t experience it on T-mobile. Buena Vista and Salida are close. Stayed Sunday night and left in the morning. Very quiet at night, but busy during the day. 

Nice spot 

We did a video review of the Raspberry Gulch and Browns Creek Dispersed Camping Areas. The Link is below and also uploaded to the Video Reviews here.

  

https://youtu.be/1I3WzEGaJXE

Amazing Location, Great for all sized rigs (Video Review)

Close to hiking at browns which is really pretty hike and lots of options. We found a place on Memorial Day without a reservation which never happens in Colorado. It is near the co trail too! Quiet enough for our 1 year old

Loved this spot

This place is heavenly for dispersed camping. We had a wide open spot with some shade and no other people within sight or sound. The perfect spot for us was up and up past the trailhead and around the road to where there's a long pull off spot on the left. 
There's no creeks so plan for that. People left plenty of wood for campfires. 
It's so quiet at night. The definition of wide open spaces. When the moon goes down and the millions of stars come out - you feel like you stepped back in time a million years and like you're the only people on earth. It's spectacula! 

Endless Stars

This is a great place to boondock. There is even one port-o-potty in summer. Plenty of sites suitable for trailers and RVs.

In the boonies with cell service!

Kinda busy with good access to Browns creek and the Colorado trail, but otherwise quiet if you can squeeze in. Easy for trailers too.

Under big mountains

We needed a place to camp on the road. This place sounded good and had the bonus of being next door to the Mt Princeton hot springs. It was in the middle of the holiday weekend and the place was pretty packed but we managed to find a site. There is loads of space in there and great views. We had to do some work to level our vehicle to make the roof tent comfortable as our site was on a slope but we got there. It was quiet despite the many people camping in the vicinity. We really loved the stay. 

Great place to spend the night or longer 

Will definitely be back to this area. Plenty of spots to pick from on memorial day weekend when we rolled in around 5pm. The spot we found had 360 views of mountains. Plenty of open space with trees for shade and hammock hanging. Loved the porta potty option. Dogs loved the freedom and we loved not being on top of other campers. 

Perfect spot 

It is gorgeous and so easy to access. From the 285 going north turn left on County road 270 until it becomes the 272 we went straight to the 274. At the cross of 2 National Forests, San Isabel and pike . We arrived around 5 pm on a Wednesday and most of the spots were taken but we were able to find one to fit our 40 feet toy hauler. We went for a hike, there were multiple hiking trails including access to the Colorado Trail. We also rode our mountain bikes on 272, 274A and the 273. It was very quiet and the sky was amazing at night. I highly recommend it if you are traveling on the 285. 

Beautiful views 

We camped here ahead of whitewater rafting and found a huge, private site.
Arrived mid-day Friday and plenty of sites available, definitely filled up through Friday evening. Great views and areas to walk around. Road was in great shape when we visited.

Super accessible huge sites

We loved it! Very spread out, lots of space. Our camping spot was excellent and provided great views and seclusion. The creek on the map didn’t have any water in it though and the sun was brutal for a few hours. 

Great views, lots of options

Great site, plenty of room, but there were so many open-range cows wandering around. Really didn’t mind during the day, until they started loudly mooing and screaming during the night. All the reviews here say it was quiet at night, so this must be a new development or we just got unlucky with timing. Never experienced anything like it. Put a damper on what was otherwise a great area for camping

Photos of Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site

Real photos from real campers