Best Free Camping Incolorado
While the Western United States are filled with seemingly endless opportunities to find beautiful, free camping, few states do it quite as well as Colorado.
From desert cliff-dwelling to the Rocky Mountains’ abundance of forests, and beyond to the Front Range including Denver and Fort Collins, finding free a free place to camp is not just about saving a buck it’s about living within the most splendid scenery the state has to offer.
Dispersed camping in the Centennial State is downright prolific throughout the dozen or so national forests and grasslands within the state’s borders. Are you looking for camping spots near Steamboat Springs? Forest roads and mountain passes galore await. Need beautiful free camping near Denver? Idaho Springs is only about a half-hour from town, yet filled with places to go mountain biking, tent camping, or enjoy your national forest.
See a map of all free camping in Colorado.
+ Best Places For Free Dispersed Camping In Colorado
Today, Im going to share my all-time favorite free campsites in Colorado.
The Centennial State is home to literally thousands of dispersed campsites , so let me be clear that my recommendations below are simply to help you start your search.
Here are my 15 favorite free dispersed campsites in Colorado .
Please always follow the 7 Leave No Trace principles when dispersed camping in Colorado.
About This Guide To Free Camping In Colorado
Before you pitch your tent, there are a few things you need to know about camping in Colorado. Well cover everything you need to know to choose the best free campsites in Colorado. Highlights of this guide include:
- Amazing free camping in Colorado
- Quick tips for camping in Colorado
- Additional Colorado travel resources
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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!
Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests
Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forests circle Rocky Mountain National Park. On the northern end, landmark cities include Fort Collins, Estes Park and Loveland. On the southern end, youll be closer to Boulder, Winter Park, Georgetown and Denver.
As of 2018, this area offers 33 no-reservation campgrounds. To see a full list of the areas campgrounds, .
If you prefer dispersed camping instead of campground camping, to check out a full list of dispersed camping options in this region.
Location: Meeker Park, CO
Available sites: 29
Close to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, Meeker Park Overflow Campground is a rustic option and all 29 sites are first-come, first served! Each one allows tents, campers, trailers and RVs but due to rough roads, tent camping is best.
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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:
Best State Campgrounds In Colorado
With a total of 41 state parks, there is a lot of camping to be done in Colorado. The following three campgrounds were picked for their locations, views, and amenities, and the perks of staying in a state park include these amenities.
Flushing toilets, showers, and sometimes even laundry makes staying at a state park practically a luxury. As a bonus, most state parks have a host or ranger who is more than happy to answer any questions you have.
Better yet, you can pick up a free Colorado State Park passport to record your journey and check off these destinations from your camping bucket list.
Other Posts of Interest
Reverends Ridge Campground
Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a four-season park with both summer and winter activities. In the fall, this is a great park to check out the aspen trees.
Reverends Ridge is one of the two campgrounds in the park and the only vehicle-friendly park. The campground is tucked amongst ponderosa pines and Rocky Mountain junipers. The abundance of trees provides a sense of seclusion for each site. The Rocky Mountains peek out above the treetops. A few notes:
Directions: from other locations are available on the park website. You can also visit this page for a map of the campground.
GPS Coordinates:39.8753, -105.4508
Dakota Terraces Campground
Sites are within walking distance of the reservoir. A few notes:
Location: Ridgway State Park Ridgway, CO
Northern Plains
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Flagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area
Location: Near Flagler
* Flagler Reservoir now requires a Colorado hunting or fishing license or State Wildlife Area pass for day use and camping.
Flagler Reservoir State Wildlife Area is an excellent free overnight stop along I-70 just after crossing from Kansas into Colorado.
Its nothing fancy and its not particularly scenic , but its conveniently located, accessible to all vehicles, and usually pretty quiet .
Although its far from the mountains, Flagler Reservoir does have its own unique beauty. The reservoir is often dry or nearly dry, but wildlife, especially birds, are abundant. Plus, the area is surrounded with trees, shrubs, cacti, and, even, wildflowers at the right time of the year.
This is a great spot for boondocking in RVs and trailers, even big rigs. Although passenger vehicles and tent campers can find more private sites around the dry lake bed, most RVs and trailers stick to the large main gravel lot.
As mentioned above, Flagler Reservoir is no longer completely free. A Colorado hunting or fishing license or SWA pass is now required for camping. Luckily, a 1-day SWA pass is just $9.00 while an annual SWA pass is currently $36.71.
What I Like:
This free campsite is just off I-70. The access road is well-maintained and theres space at the reservoir for all vehicles, even the biggest RVs and trailers. Its typically very quiet and peaceful here. The scenery might not be as stunning as the mountains, but its beautiful in its own right.
What I Dont Like:
Everything You Need To Know About Pueblo Reservoir Camping
The state of Colorado is one of the most popular destinations for summer RVers. The Centennial State usually surpasses expectations. For example, it has thousands of campsites from its eastern plains to its Rocky Mountain interior and along many of its compelling rivers and lakes. One of these enticing locations is Pueblo Reservoir camping. It lies just outside of the Front Range community of Pueblo, near a reservoir named after the town.
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Looking To Go Camping Near Pueblo Colorado
Within an hours drive of Pueblo in Colorado you have access to 10 different campgrounds to stay in whether staying for 1 or 14 nights.. There are many outdoor attraction such as mountain parks not too far away you can enjoy too. Here are the nearest campgrounds a short drive away to start your outoor adventure
Jones Pass Near Highway 40
Camping at Jones Pass brings the high alpine experience right to your tent. This isnt just some of the best free camping near Denver, but its also some of the best free camping in Colorado too.
Best visited from July through early September, this high alpine camping experience has a lot on offer. Just 40 minutes from Denver along Highway 40 youll find yourself immersed in a sea of wildflowers and picture-perfect mountain scenery.
If you have even the slightest amount of clearance you can crawl your way to the top of the pass and hike up directly to the famous Continental Divide Trail.
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White River National Forest
White River National Forest is surrounded by the must-visit mountain towns Glenwood Springs, Aspen and Beaver Creek.
As of 2018, White River National Forest offers 35 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 National Forest.
Location: Beaver Creek, CO
Sites available: 10
With 10 campsites total nine single sites and one double White Owl Campground is a beautiful and affordable campground near Beaver Creek and Vail.
The Lost Creek Wilderness
The Lost Creek Wilderness is home to some of the best camping in Colorado while the snow still hangs up high. These low elevation camping areas are great during the spring and fall.
Hit up the area surrounding Segment 3 and 4 of the Colorado Trail youll find an array of camping suitable for tents and some smaller campers.
Lost Creek Wilderness is a hikers paradise, thanks in part to being closed to mountain bikers. Theres a lot of beautiful wooded scenery and rocky outcrops to explore.
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Have Fun On Your Colorado Camping Trip
Colorado is hands down one of the most amazing states for dispersed camping.
With so much public land, and so much of it inaccessible without 4WD, youre almost guaranteed to find a private and secluded, yet absolutely stunning, free campsite if you come properly equipped with the will and time to explore.
Even those who want to stick closer to the beaten path are certain to find scenic free campsites along their route .
Please, let me know if you have any more questions:
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.
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.
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Twin Lakes And Chaffee County Road 399
If youve got a high clearance vehicle, head down County Road 399 outside of Twin Lakes. Continue 2 miles past the junction with Highway 82 for some exceptional camping.
What I love most about this area are the beautiful rocky peaks. Youll be nestled close to some of Colorados best 14ers, amazing fishing, and a few 4WD adventures.
Head up to the end of the road for the start of Grizzly Peak, the highest 13er in Colorado. Take the alternate fork in the road to explore old mining ruins and beautiful mountain views.
Local Tip: There is endless free camping along the Leadville to Salida corridor. Check out Caffee County Road 390 for more spots.
Halfmoon Road Near Leadville
Take Highway 24 south out of Copper Leadville. Just outside of Leadville make your way along Halfmoon Road. This is also home to the trailheads for both Mount Massive and Mount Elbert, Colorados tallest peak.
Halfmoon Road is bursting with free camping opportunities. What I love the most about camping here is that theres plenty of room for larger groups and campers.
Almost all of the camping has plenty of space and privacy. Go on a nearby hike , head into town for some grub, or just relax with friends at camp.
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Pueblo West Campground And Arena
If youre looking for a campground that will make you feel like youre truly in the Old West, the Pueblo West Campground and Horse Arena will surely satisfy. This 46-acre campground features wide-open fields for camping, as well as amenities to make it feel a bit more like home.
- Closest Town: Pueblo West Pueblo
- Specs: 46 acre campground, pull-through sites paved and gravel
- Amenities: Bathrooms, shower, laundry, paved road, pet-friendly
- Recreation: Hiking and biking, horseback riding, nearby access to state parks
- Reservations: Yes, call for reservations, 547-9887
- Address: 480 E McCulloch Blvd, Pueblo West, CO 81007
- Directions: From I-25 South, take Exit 101 for US-50 and turn right. Take US-50 for 7mi then turn right onto E McCulloch Blvd and continue for 1mi. The entrance to the campground will be on your right.
Grand Mesa Uncompahgre And Gunnison National Forests
Gunnison National Forest is on the east side of the Rocky Mountains and is accessible from Pueblo or Colorado Springs. To the west through Crested Butte and Gunnison, youll enter Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Uncompahgre National Forest near Ouray and Telluride.
This region offers more than 40 first come, first serve campgrounds. To see a full list of available sites, .
If you prefer dispersed camping instead of campground camping, to check out a full list of dispersed camping options in this region.
Location: Telluride, CO
Sites available: 41
Woods Lake Campground features three loops with 41 campsites adjacent to Woods Lake in a thick aspen forest. This is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, due to its proximity to Telluride, Lone Cone and Woods Lake Trails in the Lizard Head Wilderness.
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