Sand Wash Basin, near Maybell, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those who love wide-open spaces and a bit of adventure. This area is perfect for camping without the fuss of reservations or permits, allowing you to set up wherever you find a good spot.

Visitors rave about the stunning views and the chance to see wild horses roaming the landscape. As one camper noted, “Bring your camera because you just may be able to see some of the 700 wild horses roaming the area!” The location is also a hit for dirt biking and ATV riding, with plenty of trails to explore. Just be prepared for some rough roads; a vehicle with high clearance is recommended.

While there are no amenities like bathrooms or trash services, the freedom of this place is part of its charm. Campers appreciate the peacefulness, especially at night, although it can get windy, so be ready for that. If you’re looking for a remote getaway with beautiful scenery and a chance to connect with nature, Sand Wash Basin is definitely worth checking out.

Sand Wash Basin

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Maybell, CO has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Maybell. Find the best campgrounds near Maybell, CO. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Maybell

The Best Camping Near Maybell, Colorado

\-BLM management camping

\-Free

\-Awesome place to camp! 

\-Bring your dirt bikes and ATV’s! Perfect spot for riding. Tons of trails!

\-Bring your camera because you just may be able to see some of the 700 wild horses roaming the area! Beautiful moment and capture if you do! 

\-This campground spot fills up quick on weekends due to the riders but still is pretty remote and the riders don’t bother you. 

\-Lots of hiking around.

\-Beautiful scenery!

\-Maybell,CO is the closest town to get anything so be sure to bring all your survival necessities( plenty of water, food, gas if you’ll be riding atv’s or dirt bikes, etc..)

\-4wd recommended, especially if you go further down through the valley, gets pretty rough and big broken sharp rocks on the road. 

\-There are no bathrooms

Sand Wash Basin BLM

This area is located directly in the middle of the Wild Horse area of Northwest Colorado. This seems to be the place to ride dirt bikes or do some mountain biking. 

  

This is easy to find location since there is a large sign right off the road and there is TONS of space for camping. 

  

We stayed here one night on the way to Idaho and it was a great stopover spot for the night but due to ATV's and lots of people coming through, it's not a quiet long term camp spot. 

  

Co Rd 67, Maybell, CO 81640

Be on the Lookout for Wild Horses

There's a few spots it's a dirt/mud road through the entire Basin but there's some beautiful spots overlanders or vans can make it too. Lookout mountain in particular has amazing views and a few small spots, however 4wd is recommended. I made it when it was dry I. A 2wd van but it was sketchy the whole way up. Definitely gonna have to leave immediately if it rains

Sandwash Basin BLM - Dispersed 

I ended up driving to Sand Wash after my first site about an hour west was kind of flooded and crowded. I showed up right when the sun was setting and was able to catch some horses about 20 mins after driving past the entrance to the area. The roads were very sketchy at some points, but by 2014 RAV4 was able to make it (though I did bottom out one time and came very close several others - at least AWD and high clearance are a must). Make sure you go to Sand Wash Basin's website. People that live there published an unofficial map of the different parts of the park with way more detail than Google Maps ever could, plus other facts and info about the place. The only downfall was it was super duper windy at night to the point where it was tough to sleep even with my heavy canvas tent walls. I ended up leaving the next morning because the wind had gotten worse and the forecast said it would be twice as bad as the next night. Definitely keeping this spot on my favorites list.

Beautiful and Wide Open

Great quiet spot with a bathroom and some great views for just off the highway 

Photos of Sand Wash Basin

Real photos from real campers