The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campground location near Winter Park, Colorado
Camper submitted image from Vasquez Ridge Dispersed - CLOSEDView 5 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Winter Park, Colorado

Vasquez Ridge Dispersed - CLOSED

5 ReviewsAdd Review

Free dispersed camping in Arapaho National Forest comes with a catch here: access to Vasquez Ridge depends heavily on road conditions, and as of May 2026, Vasquez Road has been fully blocked by construction, leaving the area reachable only on foot. Campers planning a drive-in trip should check current road status before heading out. No reservations are required.

When the road is open, finding a spot takes some patience. Reviewers note that Saturday afternoons tend to see heavier use, and camping is now prohibited within a quarter mile on either side of NFS Road 148 and NFS Road 156, which reduces the available dispersed sites along the lower corridor. Driving further up the road improves the odds considerably. "After driving up and up and up," one camper noted, "I found a private spot."

A creek runs alongside part of the area, and the surrounding vegetation is dense enough that higher sites offer a degree of seclusion from the road. Pets are allowed and no fee applies. Idlewild Campground sits roughly 1.3 miles east and provides a developed alternative if dispersed camping restrictions push you out. The town of Winter Park is close enough for supply runs, which proved useful for at least one group that needed last-minute gear.

Campers who arrive mid-week or push farther up the road tend to have better luck securing a workable site.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

The Loneliest Road Road Trip

The Loneliest Road Trip

The Loneliest Road Road Trip Segment: Pueblo to Delta

Pueblo to Delta: 3 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsVasquez Ridge Dispersed is located in Colorado near Winter Park

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

39.902249986388604 N
105.80463178542442 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 8/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 5 users
    Last on 9/11/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 5/18/26

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 8/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 5 users
    Last on 9/11/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 5/18/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets

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 Vasquez Ridge Dispersed - CLOSED needs a permit.

Try PRO for Free

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Colorado Contest

Enter to Win

Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Vasquez Ridge Dispersed

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

40%
20%
20%
0%
20%

3.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Multiple campers commented on finding peaceful, private spots with natural beauty including creek access. However, the area is now closed to camping within 1/4 mile of main forest roads.

Reviewed May. 9, 2026

Road construction

There’s road construction so Vasquez road is completely blocked off as of now. No way to get up other than to hike. 

May, 9th, 2026

Not sure how the campsites are so rating isn’t fair

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Jun. 23, 2024

Beautiful and Private but close to Winter Park

Went up for a day to try out my new Roof Top Tent. Took a while to find a spot as it was Saturday afternoon but after driving up and up and up I found a beautiful private spot.

SiteDispersed because the Campground area was not open
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Vasquez Ridge Dispersed - CLOSED by Anne C., June 23, 2024
  • Review photo of Vasquez Ridge Dispersed - CLOSED by Anne C., June 23, 2024
Reviewed Aug. 18, 2023

creekside-disbursed

didn’t go up too far but far enough up to get past no camping signs. sweet peaceful

Siten/a
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2023

Great little spot

We camped here 4th of July Weekend 2022 and loved it. There were plenty of spots available, despite getting there around 2:00 on a Saturday, and the creek next to the site was a nice touch.

It’s also not far from the town of Winter Park which proved helpful when we needed to pick up some last minute supplies.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Vasquez Ridge Dispersed - CLOSED by Pete K., July 11, 2023
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities or facilities are available near Vasquez Creek dispersed camping?

Vasquez Creek dispersed camping is primitive with no developed amenities at the campsites themselves - no toilets, water, or electrical hookups. However, the proximity to Winter Park is a significant advantage, as the town offers various facilities including stores for last-minute camping supplies, restaurants, and other services. The natural amenity of Vasquez Creek itself is a highlight for many campers, providing a water source and pleasant ambiance. Be prepared to bring everything you need for dispersed camping, including water, waste disposal bags, and other essentials.

Where is Vasquez Creek dispersed camping located and how do I access it?

Vasquez Creek dispersed camping is located near Winter Park, Colorado. To access the area, take National Forest Service Road 148 (also known as County Highway 7) or NFS Road 156. The camping spots are situated along these roads as you drive up into the mountains. The further you drive up, the more secluded and private spots you can find. Many campsites are positioned near the creek, offering a peaceful setting with water access. The area is conveniently located not far from the town of Winter Park, making it easy to access supplies if needed.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping at Vasquez Creek?

IMPORTANT: Camping is now prohibited within 1/4 mile on either side of National Forest Service Road 148 (County Highway 7) and NFS Road 156. This closure means that most of the previously available dispersed camping spots in the Vasquez Creek area are no longer accessible for overnight stays. Before planning a trip, contact the local Forest Service office to verify current regulations. For dispersed camping in the Winter Park area in general, standard regulations typically include packing out all trash, proper human waste disposal, respecting fire restrictions, and camping in previously used sites when possible.

What is the best time of year to go dispersed camping at Vasquez Creek?

Summer, particularly from June through early September, is ideal for camping in the Vasquez Creek area. The Fourth of July weekend offers pleasant conditions with good availability of spots despite the holiday popularity. Weather is typically mild during summer months, making outdoor activities comfortable. The area can be busy on weekends, especially Saturday afternoons, so arriving earlier in the day or mid-week can help secure a good spot. Fall can also be beautiful but brings cooler temperatures. Always check road conditions and camping regulations before visiting, as winter and spring access may be limited by snow and mud.

Keep Exploring