Best Dispersed Camping in Colorado (Free Sites + GPS Coordinates)
Looking for free dispersed camping in Colorado? I've mapped out 22 locations across the state, from easy-access spots perfect for beginners to remote sites that require 4WD and backcountry skills.
This guide covers real campsites with GPS coordinates, access requirements, and practical tips based on actual experience. No generic advice—just the information you need to find and camp at these locations.
Best Free Camping Spots in Colorado
1. Williams Fork Backroads
"Free dispersed camping around Arapaho NF Colorado. Lodgepole forest and creeks with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Williams Fork. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Moose present; give space Arrive early to claim a legal
GPS Coordinates: 40.02000°N, 106.35000°W
Access: SUV or truck recommended. Roads can be rough, especially after rain.
Water: No water available. Pack everything you need (plan 1 gallon per person per day minimum).
Crowds & Cell Service: Moderate crowds on weekends, spotty cell service.
On-Site: pack out all waste
View photos and detailed directions →
2. Lake City – Alpine Loop Access
"Free dispersed camping at Lake City – Alpine Loop Access in Colorado. High basins and creek benches with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Engineer and Cinnamon Pass. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. High clearance Arrive early
GPS Coordinates: 38.02400°N, 107.32300°W
Access: Most vehicles can access. Maintained dirt/gravel roads.
Water: No water available. Pack everything you need (plan 1 gallon per person per day minimum).
Crowds & Cell Service: Moderate crowds on weekends, spotty cell service.
On-Site: and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures."
View photos and detailed directions →
3. Glenwood – Transfer Trail Spurs
"Free dispersed camping at Glenwood – Transfer Trail Spurs in Colorado. Limestone benches and forest roads with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Transfer Trail. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Rocky; 4WD Arrive early
GPS Coordinates: 39.57800°N, 107.32000°W
Access: Most vehicles can access. Maintained dirt/gravel roads.
Water: No water available. Pack everything you need (plan 1 gallon per person per day minimum).
Crowds & Cell Service: Moderate crowds on weekends, spotty cell service.
On-Site: and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures."
View photos and detailed directions →
4. State Bridge – Trough Road Pullouts
"Free dispersed camping at State Bridge – Trough Road Pullouts in Colorado. River overlooks and sage benches with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Upper Colorado River. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Steep grades Arrive early
GPS Coordinates: 39.94600°N, 106.64200°W
Access: Most vehicles can access. Maintained dirt/gravel roads.
Water: No water available. Pack everything you need (plan 1 gallon per person per day minimum).
Crowds & Cell Service: Moderate crowds on weekends, spotty cell service.
On-Site: and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures."
View photos and detailed directions →
5. Divide Road – Uncompahgre Plateau
"Free dispersed camping around GMUG NF Colorado. Pinyon–juniper to ponderosa transition with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Uncompahgre Plateau. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Dusty; limited water Arrive early to claim a legal
GPS Coordinates: 38.36200°N, 108.35010°W
Access: SUV or truck recommended. Roads can be rough, especially after rain.
Water: No water available. Pack everything you need (plan 1 gallon per person per day minimum).
Crowds & Cell Service: Moderate crowds on weekends, spotty cell service.
On-Site: pack out all waste
View photos and detailed directions →
6. Weston Pass (CR 22) Pullouts
"Free dispersed camping at Weston Pass (CR 22) Pullouts in Colorado. Alpine basins and krummholz with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Weston Pass. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Rough east side Arrive early
GPS Coordinates: 39.17000°N, 106.21000°W
Access: Most vehicles can access. Maintained dirt/gravel roads.
Water: No water available. Pack everything you need (plan 1 gallon per person per day minimum).
Crowds & Cell Service: Moderate crowds on weekends, spotty cell service.
On-Site: and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures."
View photos and detailed directions →
7. West Elk Loop Backroads
"Free dispersed camping around GMUG NF Colorado. Sage foothills and timbered slopes with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Paonia/Black Canyon region. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Seasonal closures Arrive early to claim a legal
GPS Coordinates: 38.70000°N, 107.43000°W
Access: SUV or truck recommended. Roads can be rough, especially after rain.
Water: No water available. Pack everything you need (plan 1 gallon per person per day minimum).
Crowds & Cell Service: Moderate crowds on weekends, spotty cell service.
On-Site: pack out all waste
View photos and detailed directions →
8. Kebler Pass Pullouts
"Free dispersed camping around GMUG NF Colorado. Aspen corridors and high meadows with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Crested Butte. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Muddy shoulders Arrive early to claim a legal
GPS Coordinates: 38.94170°N, 107.15860°W
Access: SUV or truck recommended. Roads can be rough, especially after rain.
Water: No water available. Pack everything you need (plan 1 gallon per person per day minimum).
Crowds & Cell Service: Moderate crowds on weekends, spotty cell service.
On-Site: pack out all waste
View photos and detailed directions →
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Vehicle Requirements
Most sites are accessible with standard SUVs or trucks. 0 locations work for any vehicle with decent clearance.
Water Situation
Most Colorado dispersed sites have zero water. Pack everything—typically 5 gallons per person for a weekend minimum. Water is heavy but non-negotiable.
Best Season
Most Colorado dispersed camping is accessible spring through fall. Some low-elevation sites work year-round. Check fire restrictions before every trip—they change frequently.
Pro Tips for Camping in Colorado
- Download offline maps: Cell service is terrible to nonexistent. Use Gaia GPS or similar with downloaded topo maps.
- Check fire restrictions: Colorado fire bans change based on conditions. Call local Forest Service or BLM offices before departure.
- Arrive with daylight: Finding dispersed sites in the dark is frustrating. Give yourself 2-3 hours before sunset.
- Pack recovery gear: Traction boards, shovel, and tow strap if going remote. Getting stuck is expensive.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out everything. Use existing fire rings only. Bury waste 200+ feet from water.
Rules and Regulations
Most Colorado dispersed camping is on BLM or National Forest land. Standard rules apply:
- 14-day stay limit in one location
- Camp 200 feet from water sources
- No camping in designated "No Camping" zones
- Follow current fire restrictions (check before every trip)
- Pack out all trash—leave sites cleaner than you found them
National Parks in Colorado typically don't allow dispersed camping except in designated backcountry areas with permits. Focus on BLM and National Forest lands for true dispersed camping.