Colorado offers some of the most stunning and diverse dispersed camping experiences in the United States. Whether you’re looking to pitch a tent, park your RV, or escape deep into the wilderness with a high-clearance 4×4, the Centennial State has a spot for you.
In this article, I’ll take you through the top dispersed camping sites in Colorado, showcasing the state’s breathtaking landscapes and the hidden gems that make each spot special. And yes, you read that right—all of these incredible sites are completely free!
Colorado’s geography is a camper’s dream, featuring alpine mountains, sprawling plains, towering sand dunes, and rugged canyons. Each destination offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature.
However, with these privileges comes responsibility. Sadly, I’ve encountered instances of litter, discarded toilet paper, and general disrespect for these beautiful public lands.
So, please do your part: clean up after yourself, stay on established trails and campsites, and be mindful of your environmental impact.
Table of Contents
1 Sacred White Shell Mountain – Near Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Reservation Required: No
- Best Season: Spring to Fall
- Number of Campsites: Multiple dispersed sites
- Campsite Types: Tent, RV, and dispersed
- Pets Allowed: Yes
- Max stay time: 14 days
- Big Rig friendly: Yes
- Location on Map: 37.527, -105.5935
Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of Colorado’s crown jewels, and camping near this natural wonder is an experience like no other. A short drive from the park entrance, Sacred White Shell Mountain offers secluded spots for those seeking a more private experience. The main road climbs the mountain, becoming accessible only to off-highway vehicles (OHVs) at a certain point. However, several offshoots provide ample room for both tent campers and larger RVs. Expect stunning sunsets and some of the darkest night skies for stargazing.
2 County Road 34 – Near Mesa Verde National Park
- Reservation Required: No
- Best Season: Spring to Fall
- Number of Campsites: Numerous dispersed sites
- Campsite Types: Tent and RV
- Pets Allowed: Yes
- Max stay time: 14 days
- Big Rig friendly: Yes
- Location on Map: 37°21’35.4″N 108°25’42.0″W
It is located in the southwest corner of Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is a must-visit for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Just outside the park on County Road 34, you’ll find a fantastic free BLM (Bureau of Land Management) camping spot. Originally planning to stay just one night, many campers, including myself, end up staying longer, drawn in by the convenience and beauty of the location. It’s an ideal base for exploring Mesa Verde and offers excellent mountain biking opportunities. The nearby towns of Cortez and Mancos provide all necessary services, making this a perfect spot for an extended stay.
3 Madden Peak Road Dispersed Camping
- Reservation Required: No
- Best Season: Summer to Fall
- Number of Campsites: Numerous dispersed sites
- Campsite Types: Tent, RV, and dispersed
- Pets Allowed: Yes
- Max stay time: 14 days
- Big Rig Friendly: No
- Location on Map: 37°21’31.6″N 108°09’35.0″W
South of Durango, Madden Peak Road offers plenty of spacious and well-separated camping spots. The sites are mostly level, providing an excellent base for exploring the Durango area. Whether you prefer shade or sun, this site has options for both. The location offers excellent weather, ideal sunlight for solar power, and blazing-fast Verizon service. The low insect presence and abundance of cows grazing nearby add to the peaceful atmosphere. It’s a fantastic choice for dispersed camping for anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty of southern Colorado without sacrificing comfort.
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4 Anvil Camping Area – Dispersed Camping near Silverton
- Reservation Required: No
- Best Season: Summer to Early Fall
- Number of Campsites: Limited dispersed sites
- Campsite Types: Tent and RV
- Pets Allowed: Yes
- Max stay time: 14 days
- Big Rig friendly: Yes
- Location on Map: 37°49’15.6″N 107°43’13.2″W
Nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains along the Million Dollar Highway, the Anvil Camping Area is a hidden gem. This serene spot is located right by a creek, offering beautiful views and peaceful surroundings. The sites are well-spaced, providing a sense of privacy that makes you want to stay forever. If time permitted, I would have gladly spent the full 14 days allowed here.
5 East Fork San Juan River – Near Pagosa Springs
- Reservation Required: No
- Best Season: Spring to Fall
- Number of Campsites: Multiple dispersed sites
- Campsite Types: Tent, RV, and dispersed
- Pets Allowed: Yes
- Max stay time: 14 days
- Big Rig friendly: Yes
- Location on Map: 37°23’26.9″N 106°50’26.1″W
Another fantastic free camping spot in the San Juan Mountains is the East Fork San Juan River area near Pagosa Springs. This site is popular for good reason, offering riverside sites that can accommodate rigs of all sizes, as well as tent and car camping. The road to the campsite leads to Elwood’s Pass, the original route into Pagosa Springs, adding a historical twist to your stay.
6 Forest Road 272 – Near Buena Vista
- Reservation Required: No
- Best Season: Summer to Fall
- Number of Campsites: Numerous dispersed sites
- Campsite Types: Tent, RV, and dispersed
- Pets Allowed: Yes
- Max stay time: 14 days
- Big Rig friendly: Yes
- Location on Map: 38°41’35.7″N 106°08’07.7″W
For those exploring the heart of Colorado, the base of Mount Antero on Forest Road 272 is a must-visit. Surrounded by mountains, this spot offers plenty of space to take your dogs for a hike, with easy access to nearby trails, including a waterfall hike and the Colorado Trail. Whether you choose to stay close to the road or venture further off the grid, this site provides a perfect blend of accessibility and seclusion.
7 Shavano Wildlife Management Area Dispersed Camping in Colorado
- Reservation Required: No
- Best Season: Spring to Fall
- Number of Campsites: Multiple dispersed sites
- Campsite Types: Tent and RV
- Pets Allowed: Yes
- Max stay time: 14 days
- Big Rig friendly: Yes
- Location on Map: 38°35’44.1″N 106°11’57.0″W
Located in the shadow of Mount Shavano, this BLM site in the Shavano Wildlife Management Area offers ample space for both small and large rigs. This site is well-regarded for its breathtaking sunrises, sunsets, and starry night skies. It’s an excellent spot for those looking to experience the beauty of Colorado’s public lands without the crowds.
8 Williams Fork Reservoir
- Reservation Required: No
- Best Season: Summer to Early Fall
- Number of Campsites: Multiple dispersed sites
- Campsite Types: Tent and RV
- Pets Allowed: Yes
- Max stay time: 14 days
- Big Rig friendly: Yes
- Location on Map: 40°00’24.6″N 106°13’18.6″W
Further north along the Colorado River Headwaters Byway, Williams Fork Reservoir offers a perfect lakeside getaway. The well-maintained roads make it easy to access, and the secluded, gorgeous views make it a favorite among campers. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a base for exploring the surrounding areas, this spot has it all.
9 Stillwater Pass – Near Grand Lake
- Reservation Required: No
- Best Season: Summer to Early Fall
- Number of Campsites: Numerous dispersed sites
- Campsite Types: Tent and RV
- Pets Allowed: Yes
- Max stay time: 14 days
- Big Rig friendly: No
- Location on Map: 40°13’11.7″N 105°53’15.0″W
Near Grand Lake, Stillwater Pass is a popular free camping area known for its breathtaking views, pine forests, and proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park. The well-maintained road accommodates even large motorhomes or campers, making it an accessible option for all. With plenty of private areas to choose from, this site offers both convenience and natural beauty in abundance.
10 Rabbit Valley Camping Area – Near Fruita
- Reservation Required: No
- Best Season: Spring to Fall
- Number of Campsites: Multiple dispersed sites
- Campsite Types: Tent and RV
- Pets Allowed: Yes
- Max stay time:
- Big Rig friendly: Yes
- Location on Map: 39°11’12.2″N 109°01’08.3″W
On the western slope, between Fruita and the Utah border, Rabbit Valley Camping Area provides a convenient and well-maintained spot for campers. The gravel roads are level, and each site includes a fire ring. With easy in-and-out access and proximity to the Colorado National Monument and Grand Mesa, this site is a great choice for those exploring the western edge of Colorado.
11 Washington Gulch Road
- Reservation required: No
- Best Season: summer (June to August) when wildflowers are in full bloom.
- No. of Campsites: There are no designated campsites; it’s all dispersed camping.
- Campsite types: Tent, RV, and Group
- Pets allowed: Yes, but keep them leashed as wildlife is abundant.
- Max stay time: 14 days
- Big Rig friendly: Yes
- Location on Map: 38°56’02.3″N 107°00’55.6″W
Washington Gulch Road is nestled in the stunning Gunnison National Forest, offering postcard-perfect scenery. With its magnificent mountain views, meadows, and vibrant wildflowers, this spot feels like a dream come true for nature lovers. However, it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends. The dirt areas serve as makeshift camping spots, but they fill up quickly. One of the highlights is its close proximity to Crested Butte, a charming ski town just 15 minutes away. With easy access to town amenities and strong cellphone connectivity, Washington Gulch Road is a prime camping destination.
12 County Road 48 – Near Turquoise Lake National Recreation Area
- Reservation required: No
- Best Season: mid-summer (July to September)
- No. of Campsites: offers endless choices for dispersed camping.
- Campsite types: Tent and RV
- Pets allowed: bring your furry friends along for the adventure
- Max stay time: 14 days
- Big Rig friendly: Yes
- Location on Map: 39°14’52.1″N 106°21’32.3″W
Located just outside the Turquoise Lake National Recreation Area, this spot offers a serene and spacious place to camp for free. With a 14-day stay limit, you’ll find plenty of dispersed camping options, from cozy forest spots to ridges with breathtaking mountain views. Turquoise Lake is perfect for those looking to enjoy nature while staying connected; cellphone service is reliable. You’re only 15-20 minutes from Leadville, a historic town worth visiting. Though you need to pack out your trash, Leadville provides a convenient dump station and water fill-up for just $5.
13 Slate River Road – Near Crested Butte
- Reservation required: No reservations are required for dispersed camping along the river
- Best Season: The best time to visit is July and August, during the peak wildflower season
- No. of Campsites: designated sites
- Campsite types: Tent and RV
- Pets allowed: Yes, but given the presence of wildlife, extra caution is advised.
- Max stay time: 14 days
- Location on Map: 38°20’05.8″N 107°24’17.7″W
Camping near Crested Butte offers a magical experience, especially along the Slate River. Known for its picturesque views and endless wildflowers, the area is sometimes referred to as the wildflower capital of Colorado. This location provides a remote and rugged camping experience, so don’t expect cell phone reception or cozy, warm nights. Instead, prepare for an immersive experience filled with waterfalls, fresh wildlife tracks, and mesmerizing mountain landscapes.
14 Zapata Falls Area – Near Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Reservation required: No
- Best Season: late spring through early fall (May to September)
- No. of Campsites: several dispersed camping sites like Wild Horse, Spring Creek, and White Oaks Campground.
- Campsite types: Tent and RV
- Pets allowed: Yes making it a great choice for a family-friendly adventure.
- Max stay time: 14 days
- Location on Map: 37°37’11.0″N 105°33’37.0″W
Situated just west of the Sacred White Shell Mountain (Blanca Peak), the Zapata Falls area offers dispersed camping with unmatched views of the surrounding mountains and the expansive San Luis Valley. The main attraction is the trail leading to Zapata Falls, but if you prefer solitude, there are plenty of secluded spots away from the trail where you can camp. This location serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions, and the views alone make it worthwhile.
These sites are just a small sample of what Colorado’s public lands have to offer. Whether you’re seeking solitude in the mountains or a convenient base for adventure, these dispersed camping sites provide an incredible way to experience the beauty of Colorado.
We hope this guide helps you plan your free camping trip through Colorado. If you found this information helpful, please share it with your friends and family to inspire their next outdoor adventure!
FAQ
Is dispersed camping still allowed in Colorado?
Yes, dispersed camping is still allowed in Colorado, particularly on public lands such as national forests, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas, and some state lands. However, it’s essential to check for any temporary restrictions or closures due to fire danger, wildlife protection, or other environmental concerns. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and any local regulations to help preserve these natural areas.
How do you find dispersed camping in Colorado?
To find dispersed camping in Colorado, you can use a variety of methods:
- National Forest or BLM Websites: These provide maps and details on dispersed camping locations.
- Apps like Campendium, The Dyrt, and iOverlander: These crowd-sourced apps show dispersed camping spots with user reviews and GPS coordinates.
- Visitor Centers or Ranger Stations: They can offer local advice on where dispersed camping is permitted.
- Topo Maps or GPS Units: These tools can help you locate national forest roads and other public land areas suitable for dispersed camping.
What is the best website for dispersed camping?
There are several excellent websites for finding dispersed camping in Colorado, but some of the best include:
- Campendium: Offers a comprehensive list of dispersed sites with reviews, photos, and detailed information.
- The Dyrt: Offers both dispersed and developed camping options with user-generated content.
- BLM and U.S. Forest Service Sites: These official websites offer maps and guidelines for dispersed camping on public lands.
Can you camp anywhere on BLM land in Colorado?
You can generally camp anywhere on BLM land in Colorado, as long as it is not within designated no-camping areas. Dispersed camping is permitted, but you must camp at least 100-200 feet away from water sources, respect any posted regulations, and follow Leave No Trace principles. Be aware that some areas may have specific restrictions or require a permit, especially during high-use seasons. Always check local BLM regulations before setting up camp.