Free Dispersed Camping On Boreas Pass Road
On both sides of Boreas Pass Road, there are pull-offs for dispersed camping. However, on the Summit County side, the campsites are dedicated, and camping outside of the 23 sites will likely result in a citation from the USFS.
There are probably more campsites on the Park County side. Its a wonderful place to find a scenic, wooded campsite with access to both Fairplay and Breckenridge, as well as a fairly quick 1.5-hour drive from Denver. All dispersed camping is pack-in, pack-out.
- Closest town: Como Fairplay
- Address: Boreas Pass Road, Como, CO
- Specs: 23 dedicated dispersed campsites on the Summit County side, and pre-existed dispersed campsites on Park County/Como side.
- Getting There: From Como follow Boreas Pass Road toward Breckenridge until you reach the Pike National Forest. Youll begin seeing pull-offs along the road for preexisting dispersed campsites, and dedicated numbered sites on the Breckenridge/Summit County side.
When Is The Best Time To Camp Near Buena Vista
The answer to this question is a simple one you will want to embark on your dispersed camping adventure between June and October.
Due to snow, a lot of the roads leading to the campsites situated at high elevations become completely impassable all the way until June. That is not to say that you cant camp in this area at all before June you can, but only at lower elevations.
In my opinion, the months of June, July, and August provide the best conditions for dispersed camping near Buena Vista. However, an important thing to mention here is that, during this part of the year, afternoon thunderstorms are common. And if youre camping at higher elevations, they can be quite dangerous as well.
Autumn is also a great time to camp near Buena Vista the region is not as crowded and the nature looks breathtaking . But, as always, theres a catch the nights can be very chilly. Also, theres a possibility of having to deal with snow, particularly as you enter the month of October.
If you are interested in other camping locations in the US, check out our post on the Best Dispersed Camping Near Flagstaff as well. And, if you are interested in other camping spots in Colorado, check out our post on the best dispersed camping areas near Silverton.
Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn And Spa
During the cooler months, soaking in a hot spring in the Colorado sunshine is one of the most relaxing activities you can find. At Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn and Spa, those who are looking to spend a night in the great outdoors will enjoy their tent camping and small RV options
- Closest Town: Buena Vista
- Specs: 5 primitive campsites large enough for an 18 RV with no RV hookups as well as hotel lodging and cabins
- Amenities: Access to hot springs included with camping and hotel stays, dry sauna, spa services
- Recreation: Soaking in natural hot springs, fishing in Cottonwood Creek, hiking, wildlife viewing
- Reservations: Yes, call 719-395-6434
- Address: 18999 Co Rd 306, Buena Vista, CO 81211
- Directions: From Buena Vista, take Main St west until it become State Hwy 306. Follow 306 for 4.5 miles and then Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn and Spa will be on your right.
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Free Dispersed Camping On County Road 8 By Kite Lake
On the drive up to Kite Lake, there are some free primitive campsites along the route. Look for numerous turnoffs accessing the preexisting dispersed campsites. Lookout for private property. Clean up after yourself.
- Closest Town: Alma Fairplay
- Address: Co Rd 8, Alma, CO 80424
- Getting There: From Alma take County Road 8 toward Kite Lake Campground. On the drive up there are some dispersed campsites along the road.
Mushroom Gulch Dispersed Area
The Pike & San Isabel National Forest manages this region, which runs down Forest Road 307 and is easily accessible from US-285.
In some sections, the FR-307 might be lumpy and rutted.
There are, however, various camping spots along this route, all of which are within walking distance to Trout Creek.
However, cell service is almost non-existent here. Large RVs will benefit from this.
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Free Dispersed Camping On Cottonwood Pass/count Roady 306
Cottonwood Pass is one of the best places to camp for free near Buena Vista. There are dispersed campsites on both the west and east side of the divide directly on Cottonwood Pass. Check both sides of the street for prexisting campsites, The south side will have the creek running by. Clean up after yourself and treat your national forest with respect.
- Closest Town: Buena Vista
- Address: Co Rd 306, Buena Vista, CO 81211
- Directions: Follow County Road 306 at least 5 or 6 miles west from downtown Buena Vista at the junction of Highway 24. After you hit the San Isabel National Forest, after passing Cottonwood Hot Springs, youll begin to see places to pull your car over and check for prexisting campsites.
How To Find Dispersed Campsites In Colorado
Most dispersed camping sites are not listed online, and the few that are listed are often overrun by crowds. Part of the fun of dispersed camping comes from the excitement of searching for the right site, and not having to deal with reservations online. I recommend starting by picking a general area you want to camp in. Use Google Maps to identify roads in the area easily accessible from the highway.
I recommend bringing a 4WD vehicle if possible as many of these roads are in poor condition.Once you have a list of roads, program them into your GPS and head out to the mountains. Drive along the road and keep an eye out for campsites. You may wish to stop and hike around, as there may be better sites located down a trail or turn off away from the main road. When picking a site, look for areas without dead trees, which are a common falling hazard. Flat ground is better for tents, but avoid depressions that collect rainwater.
In some areas like Montezuma Road and Guanella Pass dispersed camping is not allowed or requires a permit or reservation. While there are usually roadsigns in the area that say this, it is ultimately your responsibility to know where you can and cannot camp. Check online at the Forest Service website to see a list of areas with dispersed camping regulations.
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Chalk Creek Campground And Rv Park
Creekside tent campsites and RV sites near the creek give Chalk Creek Campground and RV Park a tranquil and serene feel. Dont be fooled, howeverthis park is close enough to all of the sites that Buena Vista and Nathrop offer while offering a peaceful getaway.
- Closest Town: Nathrop , Buena Vista
- Specs: Full hookup RV sites, smaller electric-only RV sites near the creek, tent camping on Chalk Creek
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, laundry
Free Antero Reservoir South Shore Campground
This is a terrific free campground located on the south shore of Antero Reservoir. The sunsets from these spacious campsites are lovely. These campsites arent right lakeside but are a short walk from the reservoir, which has outstanding fishing and boating. The sites are spacious but can get a bit windy, especially for tent camping, so best suited for hard-sided trailers.
- Closest Town: Hartsel , Buena Vista , Fairplay
- Specs: 38 sites in an open meadow, no shade
- Amenities: Toilets, trash service, picnic tables, fire rings No hookups
- Reservations: No, first-come, first-serve
- Address: Co Rd 437, Hartsel, CO 80449
- Getting There: From Hartsel take US-24 west for 6.9 miles. Take a right onto County Road 437 and follow for 1.1 miles back to Antero Reservoirs south shore.
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How To Find Even More Free Camping In Colorado
The 15+ free campsites above are far from the only places for free camping in Colorado. In fact, countless popular dispersed campsites didnt make my list. Here are a few tips to find even more:
- USFS This interactive Colorado dispersed camping map, straight from the USFS, is perhaps the most useful online resource to find dispersed campsites around the state.
- Online Maps Paired with the map above, Google Maps satellite view is super helpful to find potential campsites. I also like Gaia GPS and FreeRoam.app, both of which allow you to turn on USFS and BLM land layers to clearly see their boundaries.
- Apps & Websites User-generated campsite review apps and websites are a great way to find potential dispersed campsites near you, although I wouldnt rely solely on these as they miss a lot of spots and sometimes provide inaccurate/outdated information.
- Ranger Station If possible, always stop by the nearest ranger station for the latest info on closures and road conditions. Rangers are always happy to share dispersed camping recommendations and typically have the most up-to-date knowledge on accessibility .
- YouTube Although the search algorithm seems to promote popular videos rather than those closest to your actual search terms, a deep dive with YouTube using popular keywords such as best dispersed camping in Colorado or free camping in San Juan National Forest can point you in the direction of even more promising spots.
When To Camp Near Buena Vista
The best time for dispersed camping in the Buena Vista area is from June through October. Many of the roads leading to the high elevation camping areas will be impassable due to snow until at least June most years. On the other hand, it is usually possible to camp at the lower elevations throughout most of May. June, July, and August are gorgeous months to camp near Buena Vista, although afternoon thunderstorms are common and can be dangerous in the high mountains. Fall is also a wonderful time, as youll enjoy breathtaking foliage and fewer crowds. However, be prepared for very chilly nights and the possibility of snow, especially as you enter late September and October.
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More Trash Less Wildlife
Outdoor recreation accounts for a third of Chaffee Countys economy, but that has come with a cost, according to Envision Chaffee Countys Recreation Report Card, published in 2020.
Almost as soon as we started looking into the state of recreation here, we started hearing a lot of concern that the quality of outdoor experiences is rapidly declining, said Cindy Williams, the co-chair of Envision Chaffee County, which started its review in 2017.
Local public lands volunteer groups documented more than 2,800 dispersed camping sites that generated more than a ton and a half of garbage, the report found. More than 550 sites were contaminated by human waste.
Dispersed campsites have more than doubled in the Fourmile Recreation Area in the past seven years, the report found. The sites are growing bigger, too. Survey results showed half of the campsites in the Fourmile area are two to five times larger than the average site seven years ago.
It used to be a couple decades ago, someone might go up there on the weekend and pitch a tent, but now youre seeing people with big RVs, multiple vehicles, toy haulers, four-wheelers, side-by-sides its much more intensive use, Williams said.
The surge in visitation, along with impacts from development, drought and climate change are having dire consequences for wildlife, the report found.
Mountain goat populations in Chaffee County dropped 32% between 2000 and 2019, the report found. Bighorn sheep bands dropped 29% in the same period.
Salida And Buena Vista Colorado Camping
If you are searching for a great camping location, San Isabel National Forest is the answer. Whether you are in the mood for a high mountain scenic spot or a quiet, private retreat by a fishing stream, San Isabel has it all. Fees are nominal and conveniences vary depending upon the campground. Check out the campgrounds by areas. But first, plan ahead by reading the following sections.
U.S. Forest Services Leave No trace Skills and Ethics
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What Does Dispersed Camping Mean
Dispersed camping is a type of camping where you camp on approved public lands away from developed campgrounds. Dispersed camping often allows you to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature, without having to worry about crowds or reservations.
But this also means there are no facilities for you to use and no staff to come around and clean up your campsite after you leave. Youll have to figure all that out for yourself. That includes packing out all trash, and toilet paper, and learning to dispose of human waste properly.
You wouldnt think that needs to be said, but it is an increasingly common issue in Colorado that results in large areas of our public being shut down and closed due to human poop.
Dispersed camping could refer to camping in or very close to your car along forest service roads, essentially car camping, or it could mean backpacking many miles into the wilderness with all your gear and finding a random spot to sleep in the middle of the woods. The biggest distinction is that youre not staying at a campground or designated campsite.
Camping By Arkansas River In Buena Vista And Nathrop
Arriving from the east via either Denver on US-285, or Colorado Springs on US-24 first leads you to Johnson Village. Its a small truck-stop type of community at the junction of Highway 24 and Highway 285. Go north via US-24 and youll reach Buena Vista in a few minutes. Go south via US-285 and youll pass by tiny Nathrop before you even realize youre in Nathrop. Theres camping in either direction from this junction.
Beginning near Leadville, the Arkansas River goes south to Buena Vista, Johnson Village and Nathrop before heading east after it reaches Salida. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is a state park with several different day-use areas and some campgrounds along the course of the Arkansas River in the Rockies. One of the most popular stints of the Arkansas is through Browns Canyon, a national monument and awesome place to whitewater raft.
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What Should I Pack For Dispersed Camping Near Buena Vista
Your preparations for a Buena Vista dispersed camping escapade are not over once youve selected a camping area that suits your needs. Making sure that you have all the necessary gear for such a trip is just as important its the only way to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in the backcountry.
You probably already have the essentials a quality tent, a comfortable sleeping bag, and a couple of camp chairs. Here are some other items you may want to consider packing for your Buena Vista dispersed camping trip:
Camping Near Como On Boreas Pass
There isnt much in Como in terms of businesses or tourist attractions, just a sleepy little community nestled along Highway 285 between Jefferson and Fairplay. Most of the towns visitors come from those passing through to drive the 2WD seasonal Boreas Pass. This is a beautiful backcountry route between Park and Summit counties, connecting Como with Breckenridge. Theres one USFS campground on the Como side, along with plenty of free opportunities for dispersed camping.
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Camping Near Fairplay Alma Como Hartsel And Jefferson Around South Park
Like most of the Rockies, the more time you spend in South Park the more you love it. What seems like a pretty lifeless high desert, is actually teeming with interesting gems waiting to be discovered. Theres camping spread across the whole alpine basin, from Fairplay to Jefferson and everything in between.
South Park houses the sleepy mountain towns of Alma, Como, Fairplay, Hartsel, and Jefferson. Although barren looking, the vast South Park basin holds numerous rolling alpine forests, lakes, and rivers. The Pike National Forest surrounds South Park on nearly all sides. It offers both campgrounds and dispersed campsites to choose from.
To the southwest of Hartsel, you can access the San Isabel National Forest and additional hiking and OHV trails.
List of the campgrounds in South Park, CO, in order of proximity:
Buena Vista Dispersed Camping The Overview
Before moving on to the locations themselves, I think its vital that we go over some of the dispersed camping basics first. In this part of the article, Ill try to provide all the necessary information one may need in order to plan a successful camping trip near Buena Vista, Colorado.
This includes the gear youll need for such an exploit, the best time to go there, as well as some important info on pets, fires, fees, and permits. Make sure to read all of this before heading out.
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Camping By Cottonwood Pass In Buena Vista
The incredible summer route over to Gunnison County on Cottonwood Pass is a must drive if youve never done it. Its now completely paved and suitable for nearly all vehicles. Its super easy to reach from downtown Buena Vista, just take County Road 306 west and itll start winding up the pass soon enough. On the way there a few places to camp, including free, dispersed camping on both sides of Cottonwood Pass in the San Isabel and Gunnison national forsts.
Buena Vista Campgrounds With All The Bells And Whistles
If you desire amenities while you camp or plan to bring an RV along, you can check out these paid camping sites. Campsites allow the convenience of on-site showers, restrooms, and more as well as the relief of having a saved spot when you book your reservation in advance. Theres no wandering around in the woods looking for a site when you reserve a campsite!
The Arkansas River Rim Campground & R.V. Park offers tent sites, recreational vehicle sites, and camper cabins for nightly and weekly rates. This campground features amenities including restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, on-site river access, WiFi, and even ice and firewood available for purchase.
For creekfront camping, head to the Chalk Creek Campground & RV Park. With both tent sites and space for R.V.s, this campsite offers access to Chalk Creek, a playground, games, and an on-site store stocked with all campground necessities! For even more comfort, you can book a cabin that comes complete with a bedroom, a bathroom, and a kitchen.
Book a tent site, R.V. site, cabin, or a yurt at Arrowhead Point Campground & Cabins. Amenities like a pavilion, playground, sand volleyball court, badminton court, horseshoe pits, restrooms, laundry facilities, and even an espresso bar will make sure that you never run out of fun and entertainment while camping!
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