Best Dispersed Camping in Colorado

Colorado's dispersed camping areas span BLM land and national forest locations, where campers can set up for free periods up to 14 days. Sacred White Shell Mountain near Blanca provides access to hiking trails along dirt roads, while Black Canyon dispersed sites sit right on the access road to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area includes around 15 numbered sites, with additional unnumbered locations extending further down Forest Road 233.1 for those willing to drive deeper into the area.

These primitive camping locations require complete self-sufficiency since no water, restrooms, or electrical hookups exist at dispersed sites. High-clearance vehicles help access many areas, especially after rain or snow when roads become challenging. Campers must pack in all water and pack out all waste following leave-no-trace principles, while cell service disappears quickly beyond main highways.

Buffalo Creek Recreation Area stays busy enough that mid-week visits improve chances of finding spots during peak seasons. Fire restrictions apply seasonally across most areas, so checking current regulations before departure prevents violations. Colorado dispersed camping works best for experienced campers comfortable with primitive conditions and complete outdoor self-reliance.

Best Dispersed Sites in Colorado (585)

    1. Sacred White Shell Mountain

    54 Reviews
    Blanca, CO
    Website

    "This is BLM land that's free to camp on for up to 14 days every 45 days. The camp sites are just off a dirt road that leads to the trailhead for hiking to Blanca Peak."

    "We spent two nights here, in our camper van, while visiting the national park. It’s proximity is so great."

    2. Black Canyon Dispersed Camping

    53 Reviews
    Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, CO
    Website

    "This was my first time using Dyrt and accessing BLM/public land. The campgrounds at Black Canyon OTG were packed and hotels in the area were outrageously priced (2-star hotel for $200)."

    "Nestled right on the access road to Black Canyon of The Gunnison NP, camps did not require a ton of dirt driving to access."

    3. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    51 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    Website

    "So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."

    "Like the title suggests, this campsite is typical for a free forest service campground. Prior campers have left some trash, bullet casings and obviously neglected to dig cat holes."

    4. Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping

    39 Reviews
    Blue River, CO
    Website
    +1 (970) 468-5400

    "I drove a Nissan camper van the whole way with a trailer. I saw every kind of car on the road so easy (a little rough in some places) drive the whole way"

    "Most are accessible to any vehicle. Further on up the mountain you will find the remanence of an old train stop, cabin, train car... It's all free but there's been a fire ban all summer."

    5. Alta Lakes Campground (Dispersed)

    39 Reviews
    Ophir, CO
    Website
    +1 (970) 327-4261

    "Perfect lake views, snow capped mountain tops, and wildflowers for days."

    "20 spots to camp and first come first serve no reservations. Recommended to take a 4x4 vehicle up here."

    6. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    35 Reviews
    Monument, CO
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "If you enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies, drive in dispersed camping and putting your off-roading skills to the test, this dispersed campsite is a must visit!"

    "It took us about 15 minutes driving past the coordinates (trailhead) to start seeing campsites. There was nobody around, and we picked a very spacious one with a great view."

    7. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    30 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    Website

    "We were right up on the lake but turns out it's private property and you cannot even go up to the water."

    "You are pinned up against private property around the lake, the camp sites are in the dirt area when you get to the lake down to the left."

    8. Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

    28 Reviews
    Aspen, CO
    Website

    "The further along the path you travel, the more rugged it becomes; so most people seemingly settled for the first few spots. Personally, site 5, 8, and 11 are best."

    "No water so bring in your own, or filter from the running stream/lake surrounding camp."

    9. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    28 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO

    "So busy that we had to go in the middle of the week to get a spot, so plan ahead here and expect crowds. That being said, each spot is unique and we loved it."

    "We stayed here a couple weekends in a row and we were able to try out some different spots and trails close to those spots. This free campground is perfect! "

    10. Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)

    27 Reviews
    Mesa Verde National Park, CO

    "These dispersed campsites were recommended to us and they did not disappoint! Secluded dry camping spots with great views of the monuments."

    "This is a good free spot near Mesa Verde, but if it is closed check out the many BLM spots on road 316 off the highway, barely West of Target Tree Campground slightly East of Mancos."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews in Colorado

2247 Reviews of 585 Colorado Campgrounds



Guide to Colorado

Experience the beauty of Colorado's wilderness with dispersed camping, where you can enjoy nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This style of camping offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the great outdoors.

Top Attractions for Dispersed Campers

Activities While Free Camping in Colorado

Features to Look for When Dispersed Camping