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!
List Of The Best Colorado Dispersed Camping Areas
1. Red Feather Lakes Deadman Road
Located just an hour from Fort Collins, this area is a labyrinth of forest service roads that offer endless camping opportunities. Dispersed sites are abundant in this area. One of our favorite spots is located at the junction of Deadman Road and Forest Service Road 502.
How to Get There: The area is located up Deadman Road, northwest of Red Feather Lakes. To get there from Fort Collins, take US Hwy 287 north to Livermore, turn west onto County Road 74E towards Red Feather Lakes. Turn left on County Road 86 . There are spots all along Deadman Road, which runs about 15 miles.
Colorados Great Outdoors
2. Jones Pass
This area offers some great off-road driving and dispersed camping sites. Its located just an hour from Denver and provides quick access to the Continental Divide. Some of the campsites have amazing views perfect for staring down valley while roasting marshmallows over an open flame.
How to Get There: Drive west on I-70 from Denver. Take exit 232 from I-70 onto US Hwy 40, and head towards Empire/Winter Park. Continue on US-40 west past Empire. Take a left on Henderson Mine Road to Jones Pass Road.
3. Caribou Townsite
The Caribou Townsite has 11 designated camping spots that can fill up quickly especially on the weekend. This is an exceptional location, camping next to Colorados famed Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Its just miles away from the funky mountain community of Nederland.
4. Guenella Pass
5. Montezuma Road
San Juan National Forest
San Juan National Forest is in the southwest corner of the state, just west of Rio Grande National Forest. Landmark towns include Durango, Telluride and Ouray.
Most campgrounds in San Juan National Forest are large and offer a mix of both reservable sites and non-reservable sites. To see a full list of San Juan National Forests campgrounds, .
San Juan National Forest does not currently offer any dispersed camping grounds.
Location: Durango, CO
Sites available: 26
South Mineral Campground provides a diverse selection of 26 campsites for the taking. Relax on-site along South Mineral Creek, take on the Ice Lake Basin Trail, or cast a line at Clear Lake, just a 3-mile hike from camp.
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Where To Outfit Yourself For These Winter Camping Destinations
While winter camping might seem too intense for some, being prepared with the right gear will set you up for a great Colorado adventure. Mountain Equipment Recyclers has all the winter gear you need. We are a used outdoor gear consignment store whose mission is to provide outdoor gear for a great cause. Visit us at our conveniently located store in Colorado Springs for winter tents, sleeping bags, warm clothing, winter boots, snowshoes, cross country skis, and more.
Hiking Garden Of The Gods
Are you wanting a more extended hike? 5.5 miles of interconnecting trails traverse the landscape of Garden of the Gods. See a variety of flora and fauna specific to Southern Illinois. Enjoy the delicate wildflowers of Spring or the beautiful colors of Autumn while you traverse the Garden of the Gods. Make Garden of the Gods a day trip and bring lunch to eat at one of the various picnicking sites located along the trails.
Equestrian trails and hiker-only trails meet up with the River to River trail along this scenic valley. Each trail is marked by a different color making the hikes easy to navigate. If you are looking for a wonderful family friendly and educational afternoon along the observation trail or a more vigorous hiking or horseback riding experience, Garden of the Gods in Southern Illinois has everything you want and more.
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Rv Campgrounds Near Pikes Peak
For those in search of full service RV campgrounds near Pikes Peak youre in luck. There are tons of excellent RV campgrounds near the famous peak and youre sure to find something that suits your needs.
Weve outlined the best RV campgrounds near Pikes Peak below including information on amenities, hookups, and more!
Number of sites: 10 full hookup, 30 water/electric, and 4 pull through sitesRVs: Yes, full hookups available.Reservations: Recommended.
The most convenient option for RV campers looking to stay near Pikes Peak is the Lone Duck Campground, located right at the base of the Pikes Peak Highway. This family oriented campground has 44 RV specific sites, as well as 22 tent-only sites. The RV sites vary in terms of hookups, with options available for both full hookups as well as water/electric only.
The amenities at Lone Duck are top notch and include free Wifi throughout, a heated pool, game room, convenience shop and much more.
It is easy to leave your trailer/campsite set up and take the scenic drive to the top of Pikes Peak, or explore any of the surrounding wilderness from here.
Lone Duck is our top pick for RV camping near Pikes Peak.
RVs: Yes, full hookups available.Reservations: Recommended.
The RV sites are all fairly close together, so you wont get a ton of privacy at your campsite. However, you will get good amenities including full hookups, interet, and access to a playground. There is also a tent camping area at Rocky Top.
The Best Dispersed Camping Near Colorado Springs
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As Colorados second largest city, Colorado Springs has tons to offer. From climbing Pikes Peak, to exploring the Air Force Academy, to checking out the lovely downtown, there is plenty to do for all. What may surprise many visitors is that you have the ability to plan a free, dispersed camping trip near Colorado Springs.
Although youll end up being a little ways from downtown, you can still end up being well located to explore all that the area has to offer from your campsite.
However, finding a great dispersed campsite can often be difficult. To help make it a bit easier for you, weve compiled the best dispersed camping near Colorado Springs, CO in to this easy to read guide.
Keep reading to find your perfect campsite!
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Who Is Going To Love It
This is a startlingly pristine area, given the amount of use it gets. It is a perfect portal to the deep Pike National Forest that stretches up the northwest flank of Pikes Peak. Because it is a primitive campground, with no modern conveniences , it isnt overrun with giant RVs. This is the side of Pikes Peak that gets the most snow, so the season here is relatively short.
Places To Camp For Free In Colorado
Camping Below the Stars Scenic view along the Colorado River with tent illuminated from within with Milky Way.
Colorado has some amazing campgrounds, with scenic beauty and accommodations like drinking water, restrooms, and picnic tables all for a nightly fee that is a fraction of what a hotel would cost. But sometimes, dont you just want to find a secluded spot along a dusty road and enjoy some privacy? Or maybe you just forgot your checkbook. With that in mind, here are 7 places to camp for free in Colorado. Please keep in mind that no fee means no cleaning or trash pickup, so for the sake of the forests, follow Leave No Trace principles by using existing campsites and campfire rings and packing out all your trash.
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Camping Regulations By Segment Of The Ring The Peak Trail
Starting on the south side and going counterclockwise, camping is allowed from Forest Road 376, along Forest Service Road 379, and Forest Service trails 701, and 668 up to the ridge between the Cheyenne watershed and the Bear Creek watershed. Additionally, campfires are not allowed in the Cheyenne watershed , so while trail users can camp in the area near 701 and the south part of 668, they cannot have campfires there.
Then comes a long stretch of trail through areas that prohibit camping.
Though Forest Service generally allows dispersed camping, camping and campfires are not allowed in the Bear Creek watershed, which includes the north part of 668, 667, 776, and 666. Sections of those trails are in El Paso County property, Jones Park, which also does not allow camping. The next part of the Ring is in Colorado Springs parks, on the Bear Creek trail, High Drive, the Palmer Red Rock loop, and part of the Intemann Trail, through Bear Creek Canyon Park and Red Rock Canyon Open Space, so also no camping through there. Manitou Springs does not allow camping, so there is no camping along the Intemann Trail or Iron Mountain Trail. El Paso County does not allow camping, so there is no camping along the Ute Pass Trail, and no camping along the current work around for the missing parts of the Ute Pass Trail, and also no camping on the lower part of the Mount Esther trail, which is on an easement through private property.
Dispersed Camping Is Out Of Control In Chaffee County Officials Are Seeking Solutions
If spontaneity is your thing, its still possible to plan a last-minute trip. Reservations are released at Arapaho and Roosevelt and Rocky Mountain National Park a few days in advance. The park has a number of first-come, first-serve locations, like Longs Peak campground in the national park. But you would still need a timed entry reservation to get through the gates.
Mount Sneffels Wilderness Zone and its surrounding areas could be next for reservations. The Forest Service has proposed a permit system restricting the number of visitors to Blue Lakes in Ouray County.
Outdoor leaders want feedback to understand the success of reservations, even before they are implemented. The group developing the management plan for Maroon Bells is holding a workshop in early June to hear public input on how to best protect natural resources while welcoming crowds that have more than doubled in the past decade.
The involvement of stakeholders and the public from the onset of this effort is critical to ensuring we consider and address all interests and concerns, White River ranger Kevin Warner said in a statement. The long-term visitor management strategy for the Maroon Bells Scenic Area could have a large impact on aspects of the local economy.
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Colorado Springs Koa Holiday
This fully equipped RV campground is a destination in itself. With a wide varied of family based activities, crafts and programs there is something for everyone at the park. Close proximity to the Colorado wilderness and the many attractions of Colorado Springs are just a few minutes away.
- Closest town: Fountain Downtown Colorado Springs
- Specs: 177 RV sites, full hookups, 70 50 amp sites, 10 tent sites, open year-round
- Amenities: Playground, dog walk, showers, restrooms, laundry
- Recreation: On site water park, ice cream socials, bubble park, bike rentals, playground, corn hole, golf cart rental, wagon rides, life size chess, jumping pad
- Reservations: at 800-562-8609
- Address: 8100 Bandley Drive Fountain, CO 80817
- Directions: From Colorado Springs city center take South Nevada Avenue 1.7 miles to Interstate 25. Take Interstate 25 south 8.2 miles to Bandley Drive in Fountain. Turn right on Bandley Drive go 1 mile to the campground.
When Is The Best Time To Camp Near Colorado Springs
Situated along the Southern Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs sits only 12 miles away from the majestic Pikes Peak. One of the reasons why this city has a longer camping season than many other places in Colorado is due to the fact that it sits at an elevation of just over 6,000 feet.
But still, a lot of the dispersed camping areas found in the vicinity of Colorado Springs are situated in the foothills that surround this city. In other words, those planning to camp here should do so during a specific time period between April and October.
This period is about two months shorter for camping areas located at higher elevations. As you can already guess, the reason behind this is that they hold snow significantly longer than the low-elevation zones.
The last thing worth mentioning here is that folks who decide to spend time in the wilderness around Colorado Springs in their RVs dont have to worry about this that much they can easily extend their camping season.
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Motor Vehicle Use Maps
These are large PDFs made available from the Forest Service.
Many, but not all, of these maps show where dispersed camping is permitted. Roads with dots on either side represent free campsites. Each map has a legend.
Its best to download them for an easier time viewing, and so you have them with you if bring a computer on the road. I havent tried viewing them on a cell phone, but they are very large and it would be a headache.
To Print Open the map and find the area you need to print. Go to File, Print, and under Pages to Print, select More Options and Current view. Next under Page Sizing & Handling choose Fit. Select Orientation and then Print.
Tip Bring up the location in Google Maps too, so you can get more street names and info.
MVUM National Forests
How To Find Exact Dispersed Camping Boundaries
The trickiest part about dispersed camping is finding out exactly where its legal to camp. National Forest boundaries are not clearly marked from the road.
Our #1 tip is to talk to a local park ranger. They can give you the best lay of the land, road conditions, and any special considerations that need to be taken into account.
Aside from that, the USDA offers this helpful map which accurately labels the National Forest boundaries in Colorado.
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Pike National Forest Campgrounds
The Pike National Forest encompasses a lot of the land west of Colorado Springs. In addition to fishing, this stretch of CO-67 N contains hiking, biking, off roading and even river tubing in the summer. Another nice advantage of this region is its almost equal proximity to Denver and Highway 285 to the north. From Colorado Springs take Highway 24 to Woodland Park and take a right onto Highway 67. The USFS Pike N.F. Campgrounds will start just north of Woodland Park. Colorado Campground is among the first you reach at 25 miles:
- Closest town: Woodland Park Colorado Springs
- Specs: 80 campsites, vault toilet, water, 30 parking areas, open June 1 to September 7
- Amenities: Amphitheater, hosted campground
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 dispersed camping, aside from the cost, is the privacy. 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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Practical Amenities At Garden Of The Gods Rv Resort
There are three bath houses, two with laundry rooms. The main laundry room has nice big front loading washing machines, and huge dryers that can dry three loads at once. Washers are $2.50 $3.50 per load depending on settings, but the dryer are inexpensive and powerful, which evens out the cost of doing your laundry on site. Laundry soap vending machine and a coin dispenser are located in the main laundry room.
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Pikes Peak Dispersed Camping
If youre looking for free camping near Pikes Peak then there are several good dispersed camping areas in close proximity. Weve highlighted two of our favorites below, but we also recommend reading our Colorado Springs dispersed camping guide to get additional ideas.
Rampart Range Road
The Rampart Range Road camping area is located northwest of Colorado Springs and accessed via the town of Woodland Park. This is the most convenient place to dispersed camp near Pikes Peak and youll also be relatively close to services here. Most sites along the road enjoy excellent views and there are even a few fire rings available for your use.
To get here, take Highway 24 to Woodland Park and then drive through town until youre on Rampart Range Road. Take a right on Loy Creek Road before turning right again on Forest Service Road 300. Campsites start just past the Rainbow Gulch trailhead.
The road is rough in places, though there are reports of passenger vehicles making it up here.
Manchester Creek Road
Restrooms: Vault toilets available at Manchester Creek TrailheadWater: NoMap
The Manchester Creek area is a popular dispersed camping north of the town of Divide. Youre a bit further from Pikes Peak here, although still just 30-40 minutes from the base of the Pikes Peak Highway. Access is straightforward and the roads here are in good condition, making this an excellent dispersed camping option for those without high-clearance vehicles.
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