Imagine the thrill of waking up to the breathtaking beauty of Colorado’s wilderness, with nothing but nature surrounding you. Dispersed camping allows you to experience the best of the great outdoors in a more intimate and adventurous way.
From high alpine adventures to serene lakeside escapes and captivating desert havens, Colorado offers a wealth of dispersed camping opportunities. With millions of acres of national forests, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, and wilderness areas to explore, you’ll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and immerse yourself in nature’s splendor. Let’s dive in and explore the wonders of dispersed camping in Colorado!
Colorado’s Dispersed Camping Landscape
Colorado is a dispersed camping paradise, offering an incredible variety of opportunities for campers seeking a more immersive and intimate experience with nature. With national forests, BLM lands, and wilderness areas providing ample space to spread out, you’ll have the chance to find more peaceful spots with stunning views and unique adventures. From high alpine meadows to desert landscapes, the options are endless.
National Forests
The United States Forest Service manages millions of acres across 11 breathtaking National Forests in Colorado, offering hundreds of dispersed camping areas that cater to a variety of preferences and skill levels. With locations ranging from the enchanting Rocky Mountains to the awe-inspiring Great Sand Dunes, you’ll never be short of options when it comes to finding the perfect dispersed campsite.
Some popular dispersed camping spots in Colorado’s National Forests include:
- Roosevelt National Forest
- Arapaho National Forest
- San Juan National Forest
- Uncompahgre National Forest
- Gunnison National Forest
More specifically, several districts within the forests are considered to be prime locations for dispersed camping:
In the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, campers can find quality spots in the Boulder Ranger District, the Canyon Lakes Ranger District, the Clear Creek Ranger District, the Pawnee National Grassland, and the Sulphur Ranger District.
For San Juan, the Hermosa Creek Special Management area is a favorite among dispersed campers.
And in the Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forests, campers should look for campsites in/around the North Fork Valley, the Needle Creek Reservoir Area, Soap Creek, Priest Lake, the Commissary Trailhead, Spalding Park Trail #237, and the Uncompahgre Plateau.
Each of these areas offers diverse outdoor recreation opportunities such as mountain biking, climbing, backpacking, fishing, and paddling.
So whether you’re an experienced camper or a first-timer, you’ll find a little piece of paradise in Colorado’s National Forests.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands
The Bureau of Land Management, part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, manages over 8.3 million acres of land in Colorado, providing even more exciting dispersed camping opportunities for adventure-seekers. BLM lands offer a different experience from national forests, with landscapes ranging from alpine lakes to desert plateaus. The best part? Most BLM lands in Colorado allow for free camping!
Before embarking on your BLM dispersed camping adventure, it’s a good idea to reach out to one of the four BLM administrative offices in Colorado for information on specific areas and any potential restrictions. BLM campsites can vary in terms of amenities, with some offering vault toilets or trash services, while others may only have fire rings. Regardless of the services available, dispersed camping on BLM lands offers a unique and memorable outdoor experience.
Wilderness Areas
Wilderness Areas in Colorado are designated areas of land that are protected from development and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. These pristine areas offer an even more secluded and immersive dispersed camping experience, allowing you to truly connect with nature and escape the hustle of everyday life.
Dispersed camping in wilderness areas often comes with specific regulations to protect the environment and ensure the preservation of these lands. For example, in the Canyons of the Ancients, campers must stay at least 200 feet away from water sources, refrain from building campfires, and avoid camping within 1/4 mile of archaeological sites.
High Alpine Adventure
High alpine dispersed camping in Colorado offers a unique and exhilarating experience, with breathtaking views and challenging terrain that will leave you in awe. From the rugged peaks of the San Juan Mountains to the pristine landscapes near Silverton, high alpine adventures await you in Colorado.
For example, the Willow Creek Trailhead near Crestone offers exceptional high alpine camping opportunities. To access the camping spots, take E Galena Avenue out of town and follow it for approximately one mile until you see a sign that says you are now on public land. Keep an eye out for campsites while you’re driving. They’re to be found on both sides of the road until you get close to the Willow Lake trailhead, which is 1.3 miles ahead. Remember, camping is not allowed at the trailhead. The policy regarding this is strictly enforced.
Lakeside Escapes
Lakeside dispersed camping in Colorado provides a serene and picturesque retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With crystal-clear waters and lush forests, lakeside campsites offer a tranquil setting for relaxation and recreation.
Some of the best lakeside dispersed camping areas in Colorado include Blue Mesa Reservoir near Gunnison, Williams Fork Reservoir in the Arapaho National Forest, and the picturesque Gross Reservoir near Boulder. These lakeside escapes offer an idyllic setting for fishing, swimming, boating, or simply soaking in the beauty of nature.
Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of lapping waves and the sight of the sun rising over the water – pure bliss!
Desert Havens
For those seeking a more rugged and arid landscape, desert dispersed camping in Colorado offers a distinctive and captivating experience. From the stark beauty of the Great Sand Dunes to the remote expanses of the San Luis Valley, desert havens provide a stark contrast to the alpine and lakeside environments found elsewhere in the state.
One such desert haven is the Hartman Rocks area near Grand Junction, popular among hikers, bikers, and campers for its striking rock formations and vast open spaces. Unaweep Canyon is an interesting geological feature with a divide running down the center. There are two streams flowing out of either side in opposite directions. With cooler temperatures due to its high elevation, Unaweep Canyon offers a comfortable desert camping experience amidst breathtaking scenery.
Tips for a Successful Dispersed Camping Trip in Colorado
To ensure a successful and enjoyable dispersed camping trip in Colorado, it’s essential to plan your trip, pack the necessary essentials, and follow Leave No Trace principles.
In this section, we’ll share valuable tips and advice to help you fully embrace the dispersed camping experience and make the most of your time in Colorado’s great outdoors.
Planning Your Trip
Taking the time to research and plan your dispersed camping trip in Colorado is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable experience. Start by learning about the different types of lands where dispersed camping is allowed, such as national forests, BLM lands, and wilderness areas. Then, consult maps and resources to identify potential camping spots that suit your preferences and skill level.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, reach out to the relevant land management agencies for information on specific areas, regulations, and any potential restrictions. This is particularly important when camping on BLM lands or in wilderness areas, as different locations may have unique rules and requirements.
By planning ahead and gathering all the necessary information, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable dispersed camping adventure in Colorado.
Packing Essentials
Packing the right essentials for your dispersed camping trip in Colorado is crucial to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Since dispersed campsites often lack amenities, it’s important to think about your needs in advance and pack accordingly.
Some essentials to consider include a waterproof jacket, wicking clothes, hiking boots, sandals, tent with a rain cover, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, firewood, and camp kitchen essentials. Additionally, don’t forget to pack a first aid kit, navigation tools, and any necessary permits or passes.
By carefully packing the essentials, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any challenges that may arise during your dispersed camping trip in Colorado.
Leave No Trace Principles
Following Leave No Trace principles is essential for minimizing your impact on the environment and ensuring that Colorado’s wilderness remains pristine and beautiful for future generations. These principles include planning ahead and preparing, traveling and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly, leaving what you find, minimizing campfire impacts, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors.
By adhering to these principles, you’ll be able to enjoy a truly immersive and responsible dispersed camping experience in Colorado. Not only will you be protecting the environment, but you’ll also be setting a positive example for fellow campers and contributing to the preservation of Colorado’s natural beauty.
Navigating Colorado’s Dispersed Camping Regulations
Understanding and navigating Colorado’s dispersed camping regulations is an important part of planning your trip. In this section, we’ll discuss permits and fees, stay limits, and fire restrictions, helping you to confidently and responsibly enjoy the incredible dispersed camping opportunities that Colorado has to offer.
Permits and Fees
In most cases, you do not need any official permits to camp in Colorado, with some exceptions. For example, if you plan to camp in a State Wildlife Area, you will need a Colorado hunting or fishing license or a State Wildlife Area pass.
It’s always a good idea to check with the relevant land management agency or office before embarking on your dispersed camping trip, as regulations and requirements may vary by location. By obtaining any necessary permits and paying any required fees, you’ll be supporting the preservation and maintenance of Colorado’s public lands and ensuring a hassle-free camping experience.
Stay Limits
Stay limits for dispersed camping in Colorado generally restrict campers to 14 days within any continuous 30-day period. This rule is in place to protect the environment and prevent long-term impacts on the land. It’s important to plan your trip around these limits to avoid any issues with local authorities and to minimize your impact on the environment.
When planning your dispersed camping trip in Colorado, be sure to factor in these stay limits and consider rotating between different camping locations if you plan to stay in the area for an extended period. This will not only ensure that you comply with local regulations, but it will also give you the opportunity to experience a variety of stunning landscapes and dispersed camping sites throughout the state.
Fire Restrictions
Fire restrictions are an essential aspect of dispersed camping in Colorado, as wildfire season can be brutal, and the majority of wildfires are started by humans. Before starting a campfire or engaging in any open burning activities, it’s imperative to check current fire restrictions in the area where you plan to camp. These restrictions may vary depending on the location and time of year.
To safely and responsibly manage fires during your dispersed camping trip, always use a fire ring or fire pan and keep your campfire small and contained. Make sure to completely extinguish your fire before leaving the campsite, and never leave a fire unattended.
By taking these precautions and adhering to local fire restrictions, you’ll be doing your part to protect Colorado’s natural beauty and prevent devastating wildfires.
Time to Go Dispersed Camping In Colorado
With so many beautiful spots to choose from, it’s easy to see why dispersed camping is so popular in Colorado.
Whether you’re looking for a mountainous area or the desert is your thing, Colorado has something to offer everyone! So grab your camping gear; it’s time to plan a dispersed camping trip in Colorado!
For more information about different types of camping in the state, check out our post on the 15 Best RV Parks in Colorado and our post on the 7 Best Places for Glamping in Colorado!
- About the Author
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Hey there, I’m Ryan, the face behind Beyond The Tent.
With decades of camping experiences, my journey into the wilderness began on the rustic trails of a farm in southern Minnesota, where my childhood was filled with explorations and camping by a picturesque river.
My family’s adventures across the United States, from the majestic Colorado mountains to the serene national parks and the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area of Northern Minnesota have given me a broad perspective. With each journey, whether in state parks or private encampments, and through the homely comfort of our camping trailers, we’ve amassed a trove of stories, experiences, and invaluable camping wisdom.