White River National Forest Offers Tips For Enjoyable Dispersed Camping
Posted: May 25, 2021 / 02:07 PM MDT
Posted: May 25, 2021 / 02:07 PM MDT
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. With a larger number of campers expected on the White River National Forest this holiday weekend, forest officials have some suggestions for those hoping to camp outside of developed campgrounds, also called dispersed camping.
Dispersed camping is allowed throughout much of the White River National Forest if some basic rules and practices are followed.
Dispersed camping within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and forest system trails is prohibited. Visitors are permitted to drive vehicles up to 300 feet from designated routes for purposes of dispersed camping as long as no resource damage is incurred in the process. This includes vegetation trampling, so visitors should stick to previously disturbed routes.
With so many people camping in the forest, we really want people to keep their camping footprint small, said Matt Henry, acting recreation program lead. Whenever possible, use an existing campsite rather than creating a new one. Remember that the best campsites are found, not created.
Campers may stay for a maximum of 14 days in any 30-day period in most areas.
Visitors hoping to find an area to camp should plan ahead and arrive early for their best chance at obtaining a site and come prepared with a Plan B or C in case the first option is full.
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Pike And San Isabel National Forests Cimarron And Comanche National Grasslands
This area is located on the Front Range just west of Colorado Springs and it includes Pikes Peak and the famous Garden of the Gods.
As of 2018, this area offers 44 no-reservation campgrounds. To see a list of all the available campgrounds, .
If you prefer dispersed camping instead of campground camping, to check out a full list of dispersed camping options in this region.
Location: Woodland Park, CO
Sites available: 13
Just 3.5 miles from the Rampart Reservoir Recreation area, Springdale Campground is a quiet campground and the camping fee includes two vehicles or one RV.
Sacred White Shell Mountain
Location: Near Great Sand Dunes National Park
For dispersed camping and boondocking near Great Sand Dunes National Park, look no further than Sacred White Shell Mountain.
Although its widely known as Lake Como Road , the access roads official name is Mt. Blanca Road. Confusing, I know. Luckily, the turn-off for Mt. Blanca Road is clearly marked.
Dispersed campsites appear almost immediately after turning off of Highway 150. Big rigs should stick to the first couple pull-outs as these are the largest and most level. Smaller RVs and trailers can venture further up the unpaved road .
Wait until the road starts winding up the side of the mountain for the campsites with the best views. The more elevation you gain, the better the views of the surrounding plains of the beautiful San Luis Valley. Most campsites here are quite exposed to the elements.
Do know that the road does become rougher the further up you travel. Although the road continues all the way to Lake Como, this last stretch of road is for serious off-road 4X4 vehicles only .
Sacred White Shell Mountain does get quite with those visiting Great Sand Dunes and those hiking Blanca Peak , but theres plenty of room to spread out.
What I Like:
Theres plenty of room to spread out here. And the roads rapidly worsening roughness allows those with 4WD to escape the busier RV-friendly spots to find something more peaceful. These difficult-to-reach spots are also those with the best views.
What I Dont Like:
For More Info:
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Turquoise Lake Dispersed Camping
Distance to Leadville: 10 milesRestrooms: NoMap
Although there is no dispersed camping permitted in the Turquoise Lake Recreation Area, there are ample opportunities to pitch your tent for free in the surrounding wilderness. In addition to County Road 48, described above, there is also excellent dispersed camping available on Forest Service Road 105A above Turquoise Lake.
This area is best suited for those with 4WD and high-clearance as the road up can get quite rough. However, for those who are prepared youll enjoy a beautiful hilltop campground overlooking the lake.
To get here take County Road 4 along the southside of Turquoise Lake. Stay on CR4 until you get to the intersection with Forest Service Road 105A. From here, head up the road until you reach the camping area.
Looking for more camping in the area? Check out our Turquoise Lake Camping guide.
North of Leadville along Highway 24 is the West Tennessee Creek dispersed camping area. This is a good option for those hoping to camp near the top of Tennessee Pass or who want easy access to the Colorado Trail. Dont expect any big views here as most of the camping options are located in dense forest. However, that provides a bit of privacy that can be hard to find at other dispersed camping areas.
Distance to Leadville: 9 milesRestrooms: No, although there are vault toilets at nearby trailheads.Water: No, although creek access is possible. Crowds: BusyMap
Distance to Leadville: 10 milesRestrooms: No.Map
Our Rv Sites & Cabins
The owners are super friendly people. We loved our site and the creek and the little town of New Castle has everything you need to make your camping experience great. The area is so serene and peaceful and the views are absolutely wonderful. Cannot say enough positive things about it. The bathroom and showers were very clean and there was easy access to firewood for reasonable prices on site.
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Camping Near Glenwood Springs
This year round resort town attracts tourists from around the world. With a trio of in-town hot springs resorts to choose from, plus an adventure park, Glenwood Springs will both keep your adrenaline going and keep you relaxed. The Colorado River flows through town, and theres a whitewater park if youll looking to kayak or spend a half day whitewater rafting. Explore the local ski area, Sunlight Mountain Resorts in the summertime for a myriad of alpine activities. At only three hours of easy, highway driving, Glenwood Springs is easy to reach to from Denver.
Looking to stay close to Glenwood Springs but not give up the beautiful outdoor views? Amis Acres Campground offers a host of amenities for RV and tent campers just minutes from the town of Glenwood Springs.
- Closest Town: Glenwood Springs , Chacra , Cabondale
- Specs: Full hookup RV, tent, and group campsites close to Glenwood Springs
- Amenities: Bath house, picnic tables at each site, level campsites
- Recreation: Hiking, biking, mountain climbing, hot springs, close to Glenwood Springs recreation
- Reservations: Yes, call 910-987-4805
- Address: 50235 US-6, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
- Directions: From Glenwood Springs, take Hwy 6 east for about 2 miles. Once you reach the traffic circle, take the second exit onto Hwy 6, then drive for another hundred feet or so and you will see the campground on your right.
Must See Dispersed Camping Near Glenwood Springs
Last Updated on June 12, 2022 by Ted Mosby
Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is a great place to visit in the summer.
Take a dip in the regions famous hot springs, stroll through downtown, or hike one of the areas well-known trails. Whatever adventure you choose, youre guaranteed to have a great time in Glenwood Springs.
Youll be happy to know that there are many wonderful options for free, dispersed camping around Glenwood Springs for campers.
This dispersed camping guide for Glenwood Springs attempts to make your life easier by listing our top selections for dispersed camping in the area.
We have got you covered whether you are towing a trailer, grinding it in your Jeep, or just seeking some easy riverside camping.
Here is our list of best dispersed camping near Glenwood Springs.
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Old Stage Road/gold Camp Road
This road was the original stagecoach route from Colorado Springs to the gold fields of Cripple Creek and is a great easy weekend getaway, close to the city but miles apart in terms of atmosphere. Camping is limited for the first several miles, as private property lines the road, but campsites abound as you get deeper into Pike National Forest. High-clearance-vehicle drivers will find lovely though heavily used campsites up Forest Road 379 in Frostys Park, which sits in a valley between Mount Rosa and Almagre Mountain.
While youre there: Hike up Almagre Mountain, which at 12,367 feet is topped only by Pikes Peak in the Colorado Springs skyline.
The Hideout At Glenwood Springs
Nestled between the White River National Forest and downtown Glenwood Springs, The Hideout at Glenwood Springs is a campground that features both RV spaces, historic cabins, and tent sites. Youâll find an intimate campground along the banks of Three-Mile Creek, just a few minutes from downtown.
The eight campsites feature fire rings and picnic tables, as well as electric hookups. All sites are back-in only if youâre bringing your RV or trailer. Some of the camp amenities include Wi-Fi, a clubhouse, and coin-operated laundry.
Whatâs cool about The Hideout is its history. The park was actually founded at the end of the 18th century by fur traders. Today the nine-acre park still retains much of what the original pioneers fell in love with: privacy, outdoor space, and close proximity to the hot springs.
The park is also home to long-term residents, so if youâre looking for something more than just a weekend camping trip, The Hideout may offer what youâre looking for.
Address: 1293 Co Rd 117, Glenwood Springs, Colorado
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How To Camp In Glenwood Springs Colorado
Located on I-70 about an hour west of Vail, Glenwood Springs serves as the gateway to the Roaring Fork Valley and Aspen. The name of the town comes from the hot springs that are a popular tourist attraction. Just east of Glenwood Springs is Glenwood Canyon, a spectacular gorge cut by the Colorado River. White River National Forest is both north and south of Glenwood Springs, offering numerous camping possibilities. Additionally, there are several commercial campgrounds in Glenwood Canyon for RV camping.
Camping By Maroon Bells Near Aspen
One of the most photographed selfie spots in all of Colorado is the . The Maroon Bells peaks mirror off the stunning Maroon Lake. In autumn the colors are mesmerizing. Theres fishing in the lake and plenty of nearby day and overnight hikes. There are three campgrounds to choose from, opt for Silver Bar or Silver Bells walk-in tent-only sites if youre tent camping. Theyre located only 15 minutes from downtown Aspen.
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Dispersed Camping Near Aspen Co
The following list contains what we consider the five best dispersed camping areas near Aspen, CO. Weve done our best to include a variety of options in the surrounding area. The map below gives an overview of each sites location with a full description included in the following section. Enjoy!
Looking for more camping in the area? Be sure to check out our guide to dispersed camping near Glenwood Springs.
Looking to find more dispersed campsites? Check out The Dyrt PRO to get campsite reviews, offline maps, and the best map layers for finding public dispersed camping!
Our Top Camping App The Dyrt PRO
The Lincoln Creek Dispersed Campground has 22 individual campsites and is just 20 minutes from Aspen. This is a very popular place to camp, so be sure to get there as early as you can, especially on weekends. The campsites are tucked back of Lincoln Creek Road, and a few even have direct creek access. Note that there is a five night limit on camping here that is strictly enforced. Also, be sure not to park/camp on Lincoln Creek Road itself as you are very likely to get a ticket!
To get here, head up Independence Pass from Aspen until you reach Lincoln Creek Road. Turn off here and follow Lincoln Creek Road for a short ways before turning off to your right where the campsites are located.
The road is rough, and 4WD is recommended.
The road is rough up to the Portal Campground, so you will definitely want a 4WD vehicle with high-clearance.
Free Camping In Colorado
Free camping is easy to come by, as long as you know where to look. National forests hold most of the free camping in Colorado, followed up by BLM land .
Camping for free is generally referred to as dispersed camping, which is camping in approved areas other than campgrounds. The best part about primitive campsites, aside from the cost, is the privacy. The campsites are often wider apart than in a campground. And sites are usually right next to the road, so its perfect for car camping.
The downside to dispersed camping is a lack of amenities. You are not going to have running water or restrooms nearby. If you need a little bit of luxury, consider renting an RV around Denver before you head out.
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The Procrastinators Guide To Camping In Colorado
This post was updated June 12, 2018 to include current information and recommendations.
There are those fortunate people who plan their summertime camping adventure months in advance clearing their schedules, making campsite reservations, checking the air mattress and tent for damage, preparing their campfire menus, and packing the Suburban with the utmost care and organization.
And then there are the procrastinators who scramble to come up with a camping plan the day before, just hoping they will have a space to set up camp when the sun goes down.
If you fit in the latter category of folks who have spent the summer stargazing rather than calling around to Colorado campgrounds to make your reservations, this guide is for you.
Free Dispersed Camping By Triangle Peak/forest Service Rd 534
- Closest town: Woody Creek , Aspen
- Address: 4111 Co Rd 16, Snowmass, CO 81654
- Directions: From Aspen take CO-82 10.2 miles, right onto Gerbaz Way just past Woody Creek. Then almost an immediate left to Lower River Drive/Co Rd 16. Follow that around 2.7 miles to a right turnoff for FSR 534. Follow that back to camping one it hits the national forest. Check out this street view.
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Camping Near Woody Creek
Secluded just far enough off CO-82 that most of the tourists miss this little gem of a mountain village. Woody Creek was the former home of Hunter S. Thompson, you can visit Hunters shrine after playing at Snowmass Mountain. Its located halfway between Aspen and Snowmass Village. Stop by the Woody Creek Tavern for a bite to eat, cold brew, and gaze at all the crazy polaroids on the wall, ceiling, door. Otherwise, the communitys a sleepy respite best utilized for the surrounding White River National Forest, and the aforementioned beer at the tavern.
Rifle Gap State Park Camping
There are five campgrounds located within Rifle Gap State Park, all of which offer unique amenities and views of the gorgeous landscapes just north of Rifle. The most popular types of recreation in this area are hiking, boating, fishing , and other water sports.
Cottonwood Campground
- Closest Town: Rifle , New Castle
- Specs: 7 lakeside pull-thru campsites with electric hookups, 1 group pavilion
- Amenities: Bathrooms w/ flush toilets and coin operated showers
- Reservations: Yes, at CPWShop.com
- Address: 5775 CO-325, Rifle, CO 81650
- Directions: From Rifle, take CO-13 N/Government Rd for a little over a mile. Turn right onto CO-325 N and follow this road for about 6 miles. Turn left onto Rifle Gap Rd and after about a half-mile, turn left. The campground will be on your left.
Sage Campground
- Closest Town: Rifle , New Castle
- Specs: 13 pull-thru and back-in sites for RVs and tent camping
- Amenities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pits
- Reservations: Yes, at CPWShop.com
- Address: Rifle Gap Rd, Rifle, CO 81650
- Directions: From Rifle, follow CO-13 N/Government Rd for about a mile. Turn right to get onto CO-325 N and keep going for about 6 miles. Turn left onto Rifle Gap Rd and continue for a little over a mile. Turn right and you will see the campground on your left.
Pinion Campground
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Camping Near You Find A Free Campsite
Whether you just need to know where to camp nearby or you want to plan a free camping road trip, we’ve got you covered. You can simply use your smart phone’s GPS to find camping near you or even use our trip planner to plan your route from coast to coast.
Our community provides the best free camping information available. Free campgrounds can be hard to find. Freecampsites.net makes it easy. We give you a simple, map based search engine to find free and cheap camping areas. Community reviews and ratings provide you with up to date information and help you select the best camp site for your next camping trip.
This is a platform for sharing campgrounds and camp sites you have discovered. We are community driven, and while we will be adding many free camping spots, we hope that you will add some of your favorite camping places as well. By sharing camping information freely, we can all spend less time researching campgrounds, spend less money, and more time camping. If everyone contributes a few campsites, we’ll all have more places to go camping.
Please come back and let us know what you find!
We are not actively seeking Wal-Marts, truckstops or other parking lots and will not be adding very many of these. There are enough Wal-Mart and truck stop directories out there already. However, if a member of the community finds one of these locations to be useful for overnight RV parking and creates an entry, we may approve the listing.
Please come back and let us know what you find!