Best Tent Camping in Colorado
Dispersed tent camping areas in Colorado offer seclusion across multiple elevations and terrain types. Allenspark Dispersed Camping near Rocky Mountain National Park and Boreas Pass Road Designated Dispersed Camping outside Breckenridge provide free tent sites with drive-in and walk-in access. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area near Nederland offers additional options with fire rings but no facilities.
Most tent sites require visitors to pack in all supplies including water and pack out all trash. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer months when wildfire risk is high. Campers should check current conditions before setting up tents, especially at high-elevation locations where weather changes rapidly. Walk-in tent sites typically offer more privacy than roadside options but require carrying gear short distances. A camper wrote, "Lots of dispersed camping spots along the road that leads up to trailheads. The spots are spread out enough to where I did not see or hear a soul while camping." Access roads to many primitive tent areas require high-clearance vehicles, with several reviewers noting road closures or difficult conditions.
The tent-only experience in Colorado's backcountry areas provides unmatched solitude and scenery. Morning temperatures drop significantly, even in summer months, making proper tent insulation essential. Many tent campsites sit above 8,000 feet, offering cooler temperatures during hot periods but requiring acclimatization for lowland visitors. Reviews indicate mosquitoes can be problematic at sites near water sources, particularly in mid-summer. Forested tent sites generally offer better wind protection than open meadow locations. Primitive tent campgrounds throughout national forests typically allow 14-day maximum stays and require campers to position tents at least 100 feet from water sources to minimize environmental impact.
