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Dispersed Camping

Washington Gulch - Dispersed Camping

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Location

Washington Gulch - Dispersed Camping is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

38.93910883347128 N
107.02105308259956 W

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Access

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

Connectivity

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Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • 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.


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Reviews

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17%

4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 21, 2025

Camping with the Cows!!

On a friend’s recommendation, we ventured out to this fantastic camping area, just 20 minutes outside of Crested Butte. We were eager to pitch our tent and secure a spot, as our friend had mentioned that it was likely to be “popular.” Surprisingly, at 2:30 PM on a Friday, it seemed to be the last campground available.

We were thrilled with our choice. The campsite offered a breathtaking view of Gothic Mountain, surrounded by a mix of RVs, campervans, and car campers. What truly set this place apart were the cows grazing peacefully around us.

While our section of campers didn’t offer much privacy, other sections further up the road provided more seclusion but at the cost of the stunning views of Gothic Mountain.

After setting up camp and taking a short hike up the road, we returned to Crested Butte to watch our son play soccer. Afterward, we had a quick and delicious dinner at the renowned Secret Stash before heading back to the campsite.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Washington Gulch - Dispersed Camping by Philip P., September 21, 2025
  • Review photo of Washington Gulch - Dispersed Camping by Philip P., September 21, 2025
  • Review photo of Washington Gulch - Dispersed Camping by Philip P., September 21, 2025
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2025

Beautiful spot but very popular!

We got here Sunday night to escape the crowds but it was still pretty full and we got super lucky with campsite #38. The road is quite rough but I could get here with my FWD sedan (just make sure to drive slow and carefully). Saw some deer right by our site and Gothic mountain looked stunning. Highly recommend!

Site38
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Washington Gulch - Dispersed Camping by Nidhi S., August 7, 2025
  • Review photo of Washington Gulch - Dispersed Camping by Nidhi S., August 7, 2025
  • Review photo of Washington Gulch - Dispersed Camping by Nidhi S., August 7, 2025
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2025

Amazing spot!

We just got back from this spot. We camped at campsite 44 and 45. Camped with friends. The views were amazing and plenty of room for activities! We even saw 3 bears (from afar with binos) and a ton of elk! Deer were very curious and coming into our site. They are so sneaky! 10/10 will go back in a heartbeat. We came on a Sunday-Monday and not a lot of campers. Ton of people driving the pass, hikers, bikers and dirt bikes. This is first come first serve!!

Site44-45
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Washington Gulch - Dispersed Camping by Jenny S., August 5, 2025
  • Review photo of Washington Gulch - Dispersed Camping by Jenny S., August 5, 2025
  • Review photo of Washington Gulch - Dispersed Camping by Jenny S., August 5, 2025
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Jul. 13, 2025

Great camping spots

We got their around 8 and it took us awhile to find a spot in a truck but we eventually did an was worth it . When it’s not a busy time of the year you can find some amazing spots out here . Great views and really close to town road is a little rough .

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Washington Gulch - Dispersed Camping by michal W., July 13, 2025
  • Review photo of Washington Gulch - Dispersed Camping by michal W., July 13, 2025
  • Review photo of Washington Gulch - Dispersed Camping by michal W., July 13, 2025
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jul. 5, 2025

All sites were taken

Drove around about few hours around and around to find all of the sites were taken. Would have thought there would be some available but due to the holiday weekend I’m sure it is expected.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2025

Wow!

Stunning views at this FREE campground. Most sites don’t need 4x4. Sites can be hard to come by. I must have got lucky with mine. Dry Bathrooms near sites 6-8.

Bugs not too bad.

Had several deer sightings while there.

Chilly nights and nice days.

Incredible views!

SiteWG 7
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Washington Gulch - Dispersed Camping by Mack Daddy Van L., July 3, 2025
  • Review photo of Washington Gulch - Dispersed Camping by Mack Daddy Van L., July 3, 2025
  • Review photo of Washington Gulch - Dispersed Camping by Mack Daddy Van L., July 3, 2025
  • (9) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping at Washington Gulch?

Washington Gulch offers free dispersed camping with limited facilities. There are numbered campsites (at least up to #45), and all sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Dry toilets are available near sites 6-8. Standard dispersed camping rules apply: pack out all trash, maintain appropriate distance from water sources, and practice Leave No Trace principles. During busy periods, especially holiday weekends, finding an available site can be challenging, so arriving early is recommended.

Where is Washington Gulch dispersed camping located near Crested Butte?

Washington Gulch dispersed camping is located just outside Crested Butte, Colorado. The campground is positioned relatively close to town, making it convenient for accessing urban amenities while enjoying the wilderness. The site offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Gothic Mountain, and provides good wildlife viewing opportunities. The area features multiple numbered campsites spread along Washington Gulch Road in the Gunnison National Forest.

Is 4WD required to access Washington Gulch Road for camping?

4WD is not strictly required to access Washington Gulch Road, but the road is described as rough in some sections. Front-wheel drive sedans can make it to the camping areas when driven slowly and carefully. Most campsites don't require 4x4 to access, though having higher clearance is beneficial. During wet conditions or early spring snowmelt, the road may become more challenging for low-clearance vehicles. Take your time navigating the road, especially if driving a standard passenger car.

What is the best time of year to camp at Washington Gulch near Crested Butte?

Summer is the prime season for camping at Washington Gulch, with July and August offering pleasant daytime temperatures and chilly nights. The area provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities during this time, with visitors reporting sightings of deer, elk, and occasionally bears. Weekdays typically have better site availability than weekends, and holiday periods can be extremely crowded. Early fall likely offers beautiful foliage with fewer crowds, while late spring may have muddy conditions as snow melts.