Note: Washington Gulch Dispersed 2 is permanently closed. The information below reflects conditions when the area was active.
A dirt road runs roughly 10 miles from Crested Butte through Washington Gulch, with this dispersed section beginning past a "Narrow & Steep" road sign that marks the transition from the lower WG area. Free to use and managed by the US Forest Service within Gunnison National Forest, the area has around 47 numbered sites spread across varying terrain. Some sit in the open with wide sightlines; others are tucked into trees along short side roads that branch off the main route.
Vehicle requirements vary by site. A handful of sites are accessible to 2WD vans and standard vehicles, while the majority are marked for 4x4 use. Sites 12 through 26 are more concentrated and accommodate RVs and trailers. Further up the road, sites are spaced farther apart, and campers report lower noise levels at those locations. Each site has a fire pit. Pit toilets are located near site WG-2, so they require a drive or walk from the upper sites.
A creek runs through the area and is audible from camp. Moose have been spotted nearby, and reviewers from early July flag heavy insect activity, so bug spray is worth packing. Cell coverage is available, though it varies by carrier, with Verizon noted as relatively reliable. Julie K. notes that "some sites were exposed but still beautiful," a fair summary of the tradeoff between open and wooded spots. Spot-saving has been flagged as an issue on busy weekends, since all sites are first-come, first-served. This area works best for self-sufficient campers comfortable with high-elevation conditions and variable road terrain.
Description
Due to new ordinance in 2024, this area is no longer permitted for dispersed camping. Please use the designated established campgrounds in Crested Butte.
Map & DirectionsWashington Gulch Dispersed 2 is located in Colorado near Crested Butte
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
38.94061207 N
107.02158997 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/28/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 8/28/26- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 8/28/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/28/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 8/28/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 8/28/26
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
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- 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 Washington Gulch Dispersed 2 - PERMANENTLY CLOSED needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 59 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 4 hrs from Colorado Springs, CO
- 4 hrs 24 min from Denver, CO
- 4 hrs 33 min from Boulder, CO
