The whole area is gorgeous, but finding an actual camping requires a little more driving. But if you’re fine with a gravel lot, it’s a super easy rest area for road trippers. Saw a Pronghorn this morning! There are cool destinations—like Buckhorn Draw petroglyphs—accessible via this exit.
I kept driving past the map dot and further toward the canyon and as elevation increases, you get a 360 view of the valley below—it’s incredible! Saw no one, but it’s also the middle of winter. 2 bars of at&t cell service!
This isn’t one of those horribly loud OHV spots. There are tons of dispersed spots along these trails and many are spread out from one another. Didn’t get to camp next to water, but this is the next best.
I’m sure there is beautiful camping in the area because it’s gorgeous out here, but after having to camp high up on an extremely rocky trail, I learned 2 lessons:
- Don’t enter at night
- Don’t trust directions via Dyrt + Google Maps
I don’t know how you could not like a place with a huge lake that bald eagles nest beside. With a rookery, this is the spot for bird enthusiasts!
Damnit, I’m so tired of Dyrt leading me astray with false information. This campground is FAR from free, fees start at $36/night. Thought you should know before you drive across the Front Range for free camping.
I hadn’t been back here in 10 years and it’s just as good, if not better! Hot tip: if you keep driving on the trail past Swasey’s, there are dispersed(primitive) free spots up the road. I didn’t camp directly on the beach, but next to it at a beautiful overlook. 🌅
Saw some huuuge tracks when I woke up and then realized they’re from the adorable cows that free roam this area 🥰
Well I suppose it’s not a secret anymore now ha but here are the coordinates: (37.1652150, -109.9198720)
It’s basically at the dead end of the canyon. Requires 4x4, ideally high clearance as it’s very rocky (but worth it). It’s so secluded, you can’t even see the more “civilized” area of the campground! I also made a bad ass fire ring for you to enjoy. You’re welcome 😉🥳🔥
And here are the coordinates for the [great] last camping spot before 4x4 is suggested: (37.1707403, -109.9202973)
It’s a bit tricky to find, but the spots that were most promising were found by taking a left before the Mexican Hat road sign (left as you’re heading into the town of Mexican Hat).
It isn’t directly on the river with river access, which I was hoping for, but many spots overlook the river and it’s gorgeous nonetheless. If you have 4x4, I’d take a left at the fork after pulling onto the initial dirt/gravel road. Follow that until it dead ends at a beauuutiful spot overlooking the river. You’re welcome 😉🥳
Well, I nearly got myself lost in one of the most remote places I’ve ever been. Maybe they took a different route in, but the way Google Maps brought me in was a pretty terrifying trail. DO NOT attempt at night or when it has recently rained or snowed.
The trail is gorgeous, but it’s a looong way in to access the water and I got lost trying to find my way South, so had to exit the way I came in. This trail is not for beginners, probably not even intermediate, but for [high clearance] experienced 4x4ers, it can be worth it for a secluded spot overlooking the water and a helluva adventure!
Seriously though, this place is butteful. 🏜
Not free, but affordable. I believe it’s $20 or $10 with parks pass. No ranger checked in on payment, but these places do need funds to be maintained. Restrooms on site, solid hiking options, and fire rings with grill attachments 💯
Definitely bring firewood if you’re into campfires! And plenty o water, o course. Oh and the trail in is quick and mild. 4x4 recommended, but probably not required.
One of the best dispersed camping spots I’ve experienced! The trail is about 30-45 min in and bumpy, so I’d say 4x4 is required.
Definitely recommend entering and exiting during daylight hours as part of the route is along the side of a [gorgeous] cliff. Make sure to bring plenty of water and firewood if you’re into campfires!