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Best Dispersed Camping near Denver, CO

507 Reviews

Multiple free dispersed camping areas surround Denver within a 1-2 hour drive, primarily concentrated near Nederland and Buffalo Creek. These primitive sites offer no drinking water, hookups, or facilities, though Buffalo Creek Recreation Area provides vault toilets. Most locations permit campfires, but Dream Canyon prohibits fires and requires tent camping only. According to one visitor, Dream Canyon requires "a compact 4x4 to get into and out of parking lot and there are tent sites only."

Road conditions vary significantly between sites and often require appropriate vehicles. Gordon Gulch and West Magnolia near Nederland accommodate both tent and RV camping but need careful navigation. A camper at Gross Reservoir warned that "once past site 6 I highly recommend SUV or truck. Getting up to site 6 is possible in a sedan if you're careful." Allenspark Dispersed Camping, rated highest among Denver-area primitive sites, allows drive-in tent camping in the mountains northwest of the city. Mount Herman Road sites southwest of Denver also remain popular for their accessibility and permit campfires despite their proximity to urban areas.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Denver, Colorado (75)

    1. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    54 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    38 miles
    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."

    2. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    36 miles

    "About as good as it gets for drive up dispersed, free camping. Well marked, spaced out, large campsites and not too far from Denver. We love coming here for quick weekend trips."

    "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."

    3. Dream Canyon Campsites - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    34 miles
    Website

    "Was desperate to find "something" after driving 11 hours that day, and normal paid camp grounds were full. HOWEVER I was pulling a smaller trailer, and that turned out to be a real issue."

    "Went on a Tuesday afternoon and there was foot traffic around our spot from people headed on hikes."

    4. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    37 miles
    Website

    "Oe of my family's fav places, beautiful views, camping spots super far away from one another so awesome privacy, and completely free. Spots fill up quick on weekends, you can stay 14 days."

    "The roads around the whole campground were a little rough but i did okay in my Ford Escape. All of the sites seems to be really spread out. There were several people in the campground."

    5. Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    34 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    43 miles
    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."

    6. Gross Reservoir Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Definitely need a high clearance vehicle. I saw a low clearance vehicle at site 6 & no idea how they got there.. they had to have gotten scraped up."

    "Great camping about 31 dispersed spots most with tables and a fire ring decent trout fishing a great kayaking feels remote without being so remote."

    7. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    35 Reviews
    Monument, CO
    48 miles
    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."

    8. Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    28 Reviews
    Allenspark, CO
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6600

    "Fire ban was in effect when we went, but lots of fire circles available otherwise. Bring bug spray, the flies are bold."

    "Was super simple to access. the coordinates take   you to the beginning of the rural part of Ski road."

    9. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    24 Reviews
    Empire, CO
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 567-4382

    "It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving. Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake. "

    "Just outside of Idaho Springs, take the exit for Co Rd 275 off of I-70. It's a scenic drive up a curvy paved road for about 15 minutes."

    10. Gold Lake Area Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Ward, CO
    39 miles

    "My GPS from the coordinates just took me to the nearest town of Ward, CO. This is how I got there coming from the North:

    Take RT72 South to County Road 100."

    "Many spots along the CR once you find it, came in around 4pm on a Friday and there were still plenty of spots but started filling up fast. By 7pm, people were turning around as no spots were left."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Denver, CO

351 Photos of 75 Denver Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Denver, CO

507 Reviews of 75 Denver Campgrounds

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 20, 2024

    Kirby Gulch

    Worth the Rough Drive

    Kirby Gulch is a fantastic spot for anyone seeking a peaceful, off-the-grid camping experience near Grant, Colorado. Situated off Route 1038, this dispersed camping area offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife watching.

    The campsites are well-spaced, providing plenty of privacy, and the area is generally clean, thanks to considerate campers. Since it’s a dispersed site, there are no amenities like water or toilets, so make sure to come prepared. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing some of the sites, especially after rain or snow.

    What makes Kirby Gulch truly special is its tranquility. You can enjoy the sound of the wind through the trees, the crisp mountain air, and dazzling stargazing at night. It’s also a great starting point for exploring nearby trails or simply soaking in the serene environment.

    If you’re comfortable with primitive camping and leave-no-trace principles, Kirby Gulch is a hidden gem worth checking out.

  • Kelly G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2021

    Grays Peak Summer Trailhead Dispersed Camping

    Great base camp for summiting Gray’s/Torrey’s

    Stevens Gulch Road (321) is a dirt road off of I-70 west of Denver in the Arapaho & Rosevelt National Forests and the Pawnee National Grasslands. It has amazing scenery and access to gorgeous hiking trails to summit Gray’s, Torrey’s and Kelso Peaks. It is a fairly mellow SUV road with plenty of space to pass other vehicles and you will occasionally see passenger cars as well. The road leads to a large parking lot that fills up fast with car overflow parking spilling down both sides of the road. There are pit toilets and bear proof trash cans at the parking lot. The road continues past the parking lot a very short ways to some dispersed campsites by a river that have stone campfire rings. Definitely filter this water as there are uphill toilet paper gardens along the climb to summit.

  • Meg G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2020

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Spectacular - 4x4 is required to access.

    We drove our BRAND NEW 4x4 Revel and were nervous the entire trip up and back.  We are a high profile vehicle, luckily we had plenty of clearance but it was very nerve wracking both up and back.  It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving.

    Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake.  When you arrive, there are several dispersed campsites around the lake.  All the spots have beautiful views and tons of space between other campers.  There are firepits (even though CO is on a fire ban) that  will be nice for future visits.  We visited on Sept 17-19, 2020, so the evenings are cold and the days short.  Additionally, the water level was very low.  

    The area is nice for hiking and exploring, and especially to get away from it all.  No cell phone service.

    As the weekend approached, there were several ATV's heading up for the day.  While we were there, only 3 other groups camping on the weekend.

    You will be at 11,000 feet looking at the Continental Divide!  THIS is Colorado camping!  Enjoy and please remember to leave no trace!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    A new favorite!

    This campground is just above Idaho Springs, which made it a relatively quick trip from Denver. Tons of dispersed campsites in various places all the way up to the reservoir.

    Be warned, this road is no joke. We did see a few brave drivers in Subaru’s, but most campers had high clearance 4x4 vehicles. The road is a mixture of rocks, small water crossings, and potholes. If you can tackle it, it is absolutely worth it!

    Very buggy at night, probably because we were camping right next to a running stream. Which was amazing! Just bring lots of bug spray.

  • Karl G.
    May. 6, 2019

    Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    Dispersed Campsite with Views - Gordon Gulch (4x4 recommended)

    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. I am reviewing one of these unnumbered campsites in particular, because this one had the best view. Before you read too far, I can't guarantee you will be able to reach this campsite without a 4X4 high clearance vehicle. We got to the site with a Jeep Wrangler and Toyota Tacoma TRD so we had no problems... I can't definitely say a Subaru would make it though. In the pictures I have included a map of the Gordon Gulch trail system. Entering through the Gordon Gulch entrance and taking 226.1 to 233.1 is the hardest route - there is one very steep and washed out spot. Entering via 120J/Switzerland Trail from the Peak to Peak Hwy and then turning right onto 233.1 is the easier option. On that map I have marked the general area of the campsite with a pink dot and here are the coordinates.

    DMS: 40°01'18.5"N 105°28'37.6"W

    DD: 40.021814, -105.477103 - if you type this into Google Maps it will locate it

    As for the actual campsite, it is a great option for spring/fall camping in Colorado. The elevation is about 8,800 ft and it is on the south side of a hill so it gets a lot of sunlight and is protected from northern winds. In terms of privacy, there are no other campsites that can be seen from this one. However, Gordon Gulch is a popular off-roading area so dirt bikes and Jeeps pass by frequently. This campsite is set up high above and away from the road though, so it is really not that bad. Another thing to point out is that this is a popular area for shooting as well, so if you absolutely hate guns it may not be the place for you. Also, as stated before, this is a dispersed campsite the only thing it has is a fire ring. Pack it in, pack it out!

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping

    Great spot close to Winter Park

    Went up Rollins pass road (you can access it from the Lakota Trail neighborhood or down the road a bit on 80). The first gate was open but not the second or third to get to the top where there are def more spots and fire rings. You can only camp places where there are dots on the side of the road on the official county map. Check the Rollins pass website it’s very informative and a sacred land so leave no trace. We got one of the like 3-4 spots we saw with a fire ring that wasn’t taken yet. (No fire ban 6/14/25 I check don’t worry :).. Some back trails are very hairy, pretty busy with motor vehicles but a lot of the new electric dirt bikes which don’t make much noise, probably 10-15 ppl the entire night riding by only once. Got great weather and the main trail is pretty easy up to the second gate which is supposed to be open June 15-Sept 15 I think.

  • A L.
    Aug. 21, 2017

    Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping

    Gorgeous getaway within minutes from Longmont

    My son and I joined a friend from Longmont and headed to this trail to camp for a couple days. Very accessible road, lots of spots to choose from (we showed up on Thursday, it did get a little busier on Friday and Saturday). Our spot was set back from the trail, right next to the stream. Just an amazing view, ample room for lots of tents, nice fire rings and huge logs around them for sitting. Fire wood abounds but it was all a little wet still from the rains they've been getting. Some folks didn't seem to be aware of the "leave no trace" rule when it comes to going to the bathroom, which was a little gross. Overall, great experience, pretty trail views, caught lots of trout (none big enough to keep). A great getaway.

  • Monte P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 23, 2020

    Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    A small price for freedom

    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! My 9 yr old son and I happened upon this mountain top paradise somewhat by accident. We were looking for a less challenging day hike with low traffic and decided to try the Mt. Herman trailhead. My ever burning desire for a view and solitude lead us up Mt. Herman rd to the location I marked on the map for this listing. Access was challenging, even with our 4x4 Jeep seeing as there was pretty deep snowfall accumulation, steep grades, and hairpin switchbacks heading up. However in warmer seasons this would be easy access for most stock 4x4 vehicles. No lift necessary, just a desire for the boundless views afforded at the summit. There are multiple pull offs, relatively low traffic aside from the occasional off-roading convoy passing through spreading merriment and good cheer. There are some really cool fire ring setups and plenty of epic views to make your own. If Colorado’s what you want, here’s a great place to experience the back country without having to drive for hours to access it. We had a blast! Please ALWAYS remember, be Kind & rewind!! Wait... wrong slogan😅 LEAVE NO TRACE & PACK IT OUT! Thanks & have fun! Photos are in my phone, I’ll update with photos... sure to amaze! 😉✌🏾

  • Alyse P.
    May. 21, 2021

    Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    Good but tricky

    I went here the week before campgrounds opened in this area, around May 7th. I had a pop up trailer and got there around 5pm on a Friday. Most spots were already taken and the road was a bit washed out. We got stopped by a camper letting us know not to go further because of the road condition and we shared a spot for the night. I would recommend this spot if you have a 4 wheel drive car with high clearance. Later in the season when the water levels are lower it might be easier to navigate but we saw a car or two get towed out

Guide to Denver

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Denver, Colorado, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations offering stunning views and outdoor activities, it's the perfect escape for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Denver, Colorado

  • Make sure to arrive early, especially on weekends, as spots can fill up quickly. Many visitors have reported difficulty finding available sites at popular locations like Buffalo Creek Recreation Area.
  • Bring your own water and supplies, as many dispersed camping areas, such as Gross Reservoir Dispersed, do not provide drinking water or trash disposal.
  • Be prepared for rough roads; some sites, like Dream Canyon Campsites, require a vehicle with good clearance to navigate the terrain.

Enjoy mountain biking while free camping near Denver

  • The Buffalo Creek Recreation Area is a popular spot for mountain biking, with numerous trails that cater to various skill levels, making it a great choice for biking enthusiasts.
  • If you're looking for a quieter experience, consider Forest Road 332 Dispersed, where you can enjoy serene rides without the crowds.
  • Many dispersed camping areas, like N Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping, offer easy access to biking trails that lead to breathtaking views and natural beauty.

Dispersed campers should check out Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp

  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp provides stunning vistas and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for unwinding in nature.
  • Be aware that some roads leading to these sites can be challenging; visitors to Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp recommend having a vehicle with good clearance.
  • This area is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure, making it a great choice for families and pet owners alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free camping available near Denver and where can I find it?

Free camping is readily available near Denver in the surrounding national forests. Grays Peak Summer Trailhead Dispersed Camping off I-70 west of Denver in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests offers spectacular scenery and access to hiking trails for summiting Gray's, Torrey's, and Kelso Peaks. The dirt road is manageable for SUVs. West Magnolia Campground near Nederland is another free option with drive-in and walk-in access. Additional free camping can be found at Gross Reservoir Dispersed, Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camps, and along Rollins Pass Road. These areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with most requiring you to camp in established sites with existing fire rings and pack out all trash.

What BLM land allows dispersed camping near Denver?

While Denver is primarily surrounded by National Forest land rather than BLM land, there are dispersed camping opportunities on public lands within driving distance. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping offers drive-in dispersed camping with panoramic views of the Rockies and opportunities to test your off-roading skills. For true BLM dispersed camping, you'll need to travel further from Denver toward areas like Kirby Gulch near Grant, Colorado, which provides peaceful, off-the-grid camping with stunning mountain views. Most dispersed sites on public lands follow the 14-day stay limit rule and require you to camp in established sites with existing fire rings. Always check local fire restrictions before your trip.

Where are the best areas for dispersed camping near Denver?

The best dispersed camping areas near Denver are found in the national forests west of the city. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area near Nederland offers around 15 numbered sites plus additional unnumbered spots with mountain views, suitable for 4x4 vehicles but accessible by standard cars. Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping provides stream-side spots with easy road access. Other excellent options include Rollins Pass (accessible from the Lakota Trail neighborhood), Hidden Wilderness Roadside Camp with scattered sites, and Fall River Reservoir above Idaho Springs for those with high-clearance vehicles. These areas typically fill up on weekends, so arriving Thursday or early Friday is recommended for the best selection of sites.

What are the best spots for car camping near Denver?

For car camping near Denver, Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail just above Idaho Springs offers numerous dispersed sites all the way up to the reservoir, though high-clearance 4x4 vehicles are recommended for the challenging road. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping is accessible for vehicles with good clearance via approximately 7 miles of dirt road and 4 miles of more challenging terrain. For easier access with standard vehicles, check out Dream Canyon Campsites or Beaver Park Reservoir. The best car camping spots tend to be within 1-2 hours of Denver, with most filling up quickly on summer and fall weekends. Arrive early on weekdays for the best selection, and always have a backup plan if your first choice is full.

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