Best Dispersed Camping in Colorado

When it comes to camping in Colorado, the options are almost limitless. From the valleys of the state’s highest peaks to Garden of the Gods and beyond, you’ll find alpine lakes, red rock formations, craggy peaks, dense pine forest, and wildflower-dotted meadows all right outside the tent door.

While Colorado claims many iconic destinations, Garden of the Gods ranks near the top of many visitors’ lists. The red rock formations backed by towering mountain ridgelines offers a jaw-dropping location for both hiking and camping in Colorado. Head to the Garden of the Gods RV Resort and pitch your tent for easy access to adventure, or opt for a cottage to enjoy a little luxury at the edges of one of Colorado’s most scenic locations. Enjoy easy day hikes through the namesake park, or explore the trails that trace through Red Rock Canyon Open Space.

If wilderness and solitude are more of what you’re looking for, ditch the big city and head for Twin Lakes, the basecamp for Colorado’s highest peak, Mount Elbert. Situated at a lofty 9,900 feet on the edges of Turquoise Lake, May Queen Campground offers both tranquility and million-dollar views. Sleep beneath a starry sky amidst lodgepole pines and spend your days exploring the Turquoise Lake Nature Trail. Ambitious hikers can post up at the Elbert Creek campground and head for the Mount Elbert trailhead to tackle the challenging trek to the 14,433-foot summit. And, don’t forget the fishing rod for this destination: angling on any of the nearby lakes is a great way to enjoy sunny summer days camping in Colorado’s mountains.

Those looking to stay closer to the Mile High City can find tent camping at Echo Lake campground on the outskirts of Idaho Springs, or at Aspen Meadows campground in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Whether it’s a weekend getaway not far from the city or a challenging and inspiring adventure deep in the mountains, the medley of camping in Colorado has something for everyone.

Best Dispersed Sites in Colorado (578)

    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

    51 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)

    38 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

    33 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. 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! "

    8. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    29 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."

    "Pretty average dispersed campsites. Far enough apart that you can’t see or hear your neighbors which was nice. Fire pits existed on the sites but no grates or bathrooms."

    9. Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground

    27 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."

    10. Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)

    26 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

2157 Reviews of 578 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