Free Dispersed Camping in Colorado: Where to Actually Go
I've spent the last few seasons exploring Colorado's dispersed camping scene, and I'm constantly surprised by how many incredible free spots are hidden in plain sight. With 25 dispersed sites scattered across the state, you can camp for free in some truly stunning locations—no reservations, no fees, just you and nature.
The beauty of Colorado is the variety. You've got everything from easily accessible lowlands to moderate elevation areas. Most sites require you to pack in all your water, and many require some backcountry experience.
The Best Spots I've Found
After camping at dozens of these locations, here are my top picks. Each one offers something unique, and I've included the exact coordinates so you can find them on your GPS or mapping app.
1. North Fork Gunnison – Kebler Side Roads
"Free dispersed camping at North Fork Gunnison – Kebler Side Roads in Colorado. Aspen slopes and meadows with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Paonia and Crested Butte. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Fall color crowds Arrive early
Coordinates: 38.8470°N, 107.2710°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in poor.
Cell service: Spotty at best. Don't count on it.
2. 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
Coordinates: 38.9417°N, 107.1586°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in no.
Cell service: Limited but sometimes works for emergencies.
3. Creede – Bachelor Loop Corridors
"Free dispersed camping at Creede – Bachelor Loop Corridors in Colorado. Historic mining roads and benches with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Bachelor Loop. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Narrow shelf roads Arrive early
Coordinates: 37.8610°N, 106.9280°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in poor.
Cell service: Spotty at best. Don't count on it.
4. 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
Coordinates: 39.5780°N, 107.3200°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in poor.
Cell service: Spotty at best. Don't count on it.
5. Rampart Range Road Pullouts
"Free dispersed camping around Pike NF Colorado. Ponderosa ridges and OHV routes with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Rampart Range. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Weekend crowds Arrive early to claim a legal
Coordinates: 39.3000°N, 104.9500°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in no.
Cell service: Limited but sometimes works for emergencies.
6. Flat Tops – Buford/New Castle Road
"Free dispersed camping around White River NF Colorado. High country meadows and lakes with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Buford/New Castle. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Remote; afternoon storms Arrive early to claim a legal
Coordinates: 39.7080°N, 107.3720°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in no.
Cell service: Limited but sometimes works for emergencies.
7. Red Feather Lakes Backroads
"Free dispersed camping around Roosevelt NF Colorado. Lodgepole and granite outcrops with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Red Feather Lakes. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. OHV dust on weekends Arrive early to claim a legal
Coordinates: 40.8220°N, 105.5850°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in no.
Cell service: Limited but sometimes works for emergencies.
8. 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
Coordinates: 40.0200°N, 106.3500°W
What you need to know: You'll need some experience and probably a higher-clearance vehicle. Pack all your water—I learned that the hard way on my first trip here.
When to go: Best in no.
Cell service: Limited but sometimes works for emergencies.
What You Actually Need to Bring
Forget the generic packing lists. Here's what actually matters for Colorado dispersed camping, based on real experience:
Water is your top priority. Most of these sites have no water. Seriously. I usually pack 5-gallon jugs—one per person for a weekend trip. It's heavy but non-negotiable.
Vehicle matters more than you think. Most sites are accessible with a regular SUV, but check recent trip reports. Roads change after rain and snow.
Navigation tools. Cell service is terrible or nonexistent at most dispersed sites. I use Gaia GPS with downloaded offline maps. The USFS Motor Vehicle Use Maps are also helpful—grab them from the ranger station or download PDFs before you leave.
Finding These Spots
All the sites I've listed include exact GPS coordinates. Plug them into your navigation app. But here's the thing—these are general areas, not specific campsites. You'll need to find your actual spot within that area. Look for established pullouts and fire rings. Don't create new sites.
Recent trip reports are gold. Check forums, AllTrails, iOverlander. Conditions change constantly. A road that was fine in August might be impassable in June with snowmelt mud.
