Good free option right outside of Vail
Plenty of dispersed camping up Red Sandstone Road. Go 2.5 miles up a smooth dirt road once you leave the paved road to reach the start of camping (head right at a junction after those 2.5 miles). The road gets much more rough here, so take it slow, definitely some clearance needed (I was clear in my Subaru Forester). I found a great spot for 2 nights just before the Piney Lake Road junction. Seemed like there were plenty more options on the way up to that junction and leading up to the Lost Lake Trailhead. Managed to camp here on a Friday and Saturday summer night without any issue. Super quiet and beautiful spot. Hard to find any better option for free in this area.
Month of VisitAugust