Free dispersed camping along Stillwater Road in Arapaho National Forest spreads across a large area, with sites ranging from open mountain-view spots near the entrance to creek-side locations deeper in. The road gives access to a wide range of site sizes, including some large enough to accommodate travel trailers. Note that the road closes just before the creek crossing, so rigs with limited clearance should scout conditions before committing.
The area passed through a wildfire, and the burn is visible throughout much of the corridor, particularly in the back section where shade is minimal. Some sites have rock-built fire rings, though campers need to bring their own wood. Vault toilets appear at certain larger sites, roughly 500 yards from the stream. Mosquitoes run heavy in summer, so insect repellent is worth packing.
Spots fill up, especially on weekends. Arriving early in the day is the most reliable way to secure a site. The nearby StillWater Creek dispersed area and Stillwater Pass over Lake Granby Dispersed Campsite provide overflow options within a short distance if this stretch is at capacity. Aly V. notes that "this area is huge on Stillwater road so keep going for a spot," which holds up across multiple reviews. This campground works well for self-sufficient campers who want free, driveable dispersed camping with occasional amenities and proximity to water.
Description
Free camping (dispersed) is allowed on most national forest lands except in highly developed areas - such as trailheads, campgrounds and picnic sites - and in some of our most visited places. Be sure to check for regulations in advance and look for signs in the area to indicate if camping is allowed.
Some areas allow camping in designated sites only.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd613831
Check the weather and road closures before heading up. Follow Leave No Trace principles. There are no facilities or trash receptacles. Pack out what you pack in. Make sure camping is allowed. Many lands within the national forest boundary are private or otherwise owned. Check that you’re on National Forest lands: maps. Don't stay too long. Camping is limited to 14 days within any continuous 30-day period at any location within the same 20-mile radius. See Order Plan on building a campfire? Campfire restrictions can occur any time of year. Check for fire restrictions and if you build a campfire, know how to extinguish it.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsStillwater Pass Grand Lake Colorado is located in Colorado near Grand Lake
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
40.22622979097878 N
105.90690827661501 W
Connectivity
T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 8/19/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/27/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/29/26
Connectivity
- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 8/19/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/27/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/29/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
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 Stillwater Pass Grand Lake Colorado - Dispersed needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 4 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 14 min from Boulder, CO
- 2 hrs 45 min from Greeley, CO
- 2 hrs 49 min from Fort Collins, CO
