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Dispersed Camping

Road 240 - Dispersed

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Road 240 - Dispersed, near Salida, Colorado, is a stunning spot for those who crave a little adventure in the great outdoors. This area offers breathtaking views of Mt. Shavano and the surrounding mountains, making it a prime location for nature lovers and photographers alike.

The camping spots here are mostly tucked away in the woods, providing a sense of privacy and tranquility. Visitors have raved about the beautiful sites along the river, with one camper noting, “Amazing views. There is a lake up there that you can camp at for fees.” Just keep in mind that the road can be rough, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended.

For those who enjoy hiking, you’re in luck! The area is close to several trails, including the Angels of Shavano Trail, which leads to some of the most picturesque sections of the Colorado Trail. Campers have also mentioned the nearby waterfall, which adds a lovely backdrop to your stay.

While amenities are minimal—no drinking water or toilets—this spot is perfect for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, as there are no trash facilities. If you’re ready for a little rugged charm and stunning scenery, Road 240 - Dispersed is waiting for you.

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Location

Road 240 - Dispersed is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

38.59257129 N
106.25521418 W

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • 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 Road 240 - Dispersed needs a permit.

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Reviews

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11 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 21, 2025

Chunky road

The road is definitely chunky! There were a few pretty spots before you get to all the dead trees. The one we stayed at was probably the best one in our opinion. The Reservoir was pretty up on the mountains minus all the dead trees.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2025

Beautiful escape from the crowds

We’re loving this spot. It’s accessible but still feels a bit wild. Our site is very close to the road so we do encounter ATVs and other folks climbing higher up the mountain. We’re in a Revel and we navigated the very rough road well but we didn’t want to push too high. There’s a beautiful creek with tiny waterfalls right near by. Weather has been rainy each afternoon and cool mornings.

Siteunsure
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Road 240 - Dispersed by Jerry C., July 16, 2025
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Reviewed Sep. 3, 2024

mount shavano camping

believe the reviews when they say the road to get to these campsites are ROCKY. i was able to get there in my hyundai santa fe but got nervous a couple of times. despite this, we found a campsite that had a little waterfall and fast flowing creek next to it. it was the perfect little spot. got cold at night but it was to be expected. access to a lot of hiking and if you continue driving up the rocky road, you’ll get to billings lake which was gorgeous.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Road 240 - Dispersed by Emma H., September 3, 2024
  • Review photo of Road 240 - Dispersed by Emma H., September 3, 2024
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jul. 13, 2024

Beautiful spot

The spot had amazing view of Mt Shavano and other surrounding mountains. The river was fast flowing.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Road 240 - Dispersed by Jeremy B., July 13, 2024
  • Review photo of Road 240 - Dispersed by Jeremy B., July 13, 2024
  • Review photo of Road 240 - Dispersed by Jeremy B., July 13, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 6, 2023

Amazing hidden gem

We camped a few camping spots above where the gate is. On the top side of the falls. Road is rough but we saw stock vehicles and full size trucks using this road. We have a sequoia with a lift and good tires. We never used 4x4 going up and we went all the way up to the mines in 2wd. We did use 4x4 on the way down just to save the brakes. Amazing views. There is a lake up there that you can camp at for fees. Would camp there again.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Road 240 - Dispersed by holly C., August 6, 2023
  • Review photo of Road 240 - Dispersed by holly C., August 6, 2023
  • Review photo of Road 240 - Dispersed by holly C., August 6, 2023
  • (15) View All
Reviewed Sep. 3, 2022

Cool but tiny

Awesome spot if you have a small vehicle and small tent. We have a silverado and a large tent for our family of four. There are a few larger spots but those were already taken. Very rocky as well. Would've loved to camp here but we take up too much space.

SiteAngel of shavano
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2022

Beautiful spot, yucky road READ ME if you have a trailer

This area is absolutely beautiful. There are a few tent camping spots at the bottom right before you cross the bridge. As you continue up the road past the bridge, there are 3 spots you can bring a small trailer to and a couple more tent spots. DO NOT bring your trailer past the 3rd spot up the road after the bridge. And do not drive up that section to the 3rd if it is already taken (scout ahead here, trust me). You won't be able to turn around and the road gets worse with no where to turn around and no spots. There are more places for tent camping the further up you go though but the road is not good so all-wheel or 4WD with clearance is needed. I pretty much only saw trucks and outbacks and 4runners making it up there.

Other than that, it's next to the water, the trees are good and healthy, near lots of hiking trails, (angels of shavano TH takes you up the most beautiful section of Colorado trail (': it was a butt kicker though), not great service but I had enough to send a text whenever I needed to. I spent 4 nights here and will 100000% be back. Loved it so much.

Site3rd pullout after first truly yucky section of road
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Road 240 - Dispersed by Sydney C., June 14, 2022
  • Review photo of Road 240 - Dispersed by Sydney C., June 14, 2022
  • Review photo of Road 240 - Dispersed by Sydney C., June 14, 2022
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2022

Waterfall campsite

As soon as the road gets super rocky, you’ll go up a short hill that curves right and the campsite is on the right before you take a left up another hill. I wouldn’t go any further on that road unless you have high clearance and 4x4. The waterfall was awesome to camp by. Flowing well in early June. A lot of traffic during the day on the weekend.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Road 240 - Dispersed by Katie M., June 6, 2022
  • Review photo of Road 240 - Dispersed by Katie M., June 6, 2022
Reviewed Sep. 22, 2021

Dispersed at its best

So I read the only review and it was dead on the money. The road is gravel and rocky but 2wd can make it . If it rains use caution road will be slick. Besides that it's well worth the trip up. Beautiful spots by streams and mountain.

Sitemany open sites
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Sep. 20, 2021

A hidden paradise

This spot is one of the best kept secrets for dispersed camping in Colorado. The road has plenty of camping spots all the way up to the lake. Most spots are wooded and offer plenty of shade. We were lucky enough to end up right along the river. If you keep driving down the road, you will end up at a stunning alpine lake basin that offers plenty of hiking. High clearance vehicle is necessary to get down this road.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Road 240 - Dispersed by Isabelle K., September 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Road 240 - Dispersed by Isabelle K., September 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Road 240 - Dispersed by Isabelle K., September 20, 2021
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Road 240 dispersed camping located near Salida, CO?

Road 240 dispersed camping is located near Salida, Colorado, with spectacular views of Mt. Shavano and surrounding mountains. The area features a river with fast-flowing water and scenic spots along the way. As you drive up the gravel road, you'll find numerous camping spots scattered throughout wooded areas that offer plenty of shade. Some of the most desirable sites are positioned alongside the river or near small waterfalls. The road continues up to a lake and eventually leads to some old mines further up the mountain.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping on Road 240 near Monarch Pass?

At Road 240 dispersed camping, standard dispersed camping regulations apply. There's a 14-day stay limit typical of Colorado public lands. Campers must practice Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and properly dispose of human waste. Campfires may be restricted seasonally, especially during dry conditions and fire bans. The area typically closes seasonally due to snow - it's inaccessible during winter months and early spring. Always check current conditions before traveling as road access can change based on weather and seasonal closures.

What amenities or facilities are available at North Fork Campground compared to Road 240 dispersed camping?

Road 240 dispersed camping is a true primitive experience with absolutely no amenities or facilities - no toilets, potable water, trash service, or designated fire rings. Campers must be fully self-sufficient and pack out everything they bring in. In contrast, North Fork Campground (a developed campground in the area) typically offers basic amenities such as vault toilets, designated campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and possibly potable water. North Fork likely has a fee structure and reservation system, while Road 240 is free dispersed camping. The trade-off is that Road 240 offers more privacy, seclusion, and the chance to camp right beside flowing water.

Is Road 240 near Salida suitable for RVs or only tent camping?

Road 240 has limited suitability for RVs, with only a few spots that can accommodate small trailers. These are located just past the bridge near the beginning of the road. Do not attempt to take trailers beyond the third spot up the road due to increasingly difficult terrain. Most of the area is better suited for tent camping, with numerous small sites available. The road is very rocky and rough, requiring high clearance for upper sections. While some stock vehicles navigate the lower portions, 4WD is recommended, especially if it rains as the road becomes slick.