Hiking and creek access draw campers to Saints John Trail Roadside Campsites, a free dispersed area within White River National Forest where sites sit directly alongside a running creek. The road in is the first thing to plan around. Multiple visitors report that a high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended, and one reviewer made it partway up in a Kia Telluride by moving slowly to avoid bottoming out on rocks. Snow can block the route well into late May, so timing matters.
Sites are positioned close to the water, and Jim H. captures the experience well: "Had a nice sound of the creek rushing along beside us." Each pull-in site has a fire ring, and firewood is available to cut nearby, though fire bans are common in the area during dry seasons. Shade comes from surrounding pines, and the 4WD requirement keeps foot traffic low. Campers consistently note seeing very few other people once they reach the sites.
There are only a handful of spots along the trail, so options are limited. The campground is free, pets are allowed, and no reservation is required. Montezuma Road Dispersed — White River NF and Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping are nearby alternatives if the Saints John sites are taken. This area makes the most sense for self-sufficient campers with capable vehicles who want creek-side access and minimal company.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSaints John Trail Roadside Campsites is located in Colorado near Montezuma
Coordinates
39.57352688 N
105.879487 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/7/26- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/7/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- 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 Saints John Trail Roadside Campsites needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 45 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 55 min from Boulder, CO
- 2 hrs 30 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 2 hrs 33 min from Colorado Springs, CO
