Free Camping in Colorado
Discover 35 free and dispersed camping spots
Best Seasons
Summer, Fall
Climate
Alpine and semi-arid with cold winters and mild summers
Terrain
Mountains, Forests
Free Spots
35 locations
Complete Guide to Free Camping in Colorado
Overview
Colorado boasts 11 national forests covering over 14.5 million acres, plus extensive BLM lands, making it a paradise for dispersed camping. The Rocky Mountains provide spectacular alpine settings, while western Colorado offers high desert camping around mountain towns like Leadville, Salida, and Gunnison.
Best Times to Visit
High country camping is best from late June through September when snow has melted from mountain roads. Lower elevation sites can be accessible from May through October. Aspen viewing season in late September brings peak fall colors.
Popular Camping Areas
The areas around Leadville offer hundreds of dispersed sites with mountain views. Gunnison National Forest provides excellent alpine camping. San Juan National Forest near Durango features diverse terrain.
Regulations & Important Information
Standard 14-day limit applies, with some areas requiring moves of at least 5 miles. Campfires are restricted in many areas from June through September. Above timberline camping requires special care and Leave No Trace practices.
Camping Spots (35)
Rabbit Valley Recreation Area
Free dispersed camping around McInnis Canyons NCA, Colorado. Desert benches with OHV access with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Rabbit Valley. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Crowded spring/fall Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
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, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Trappers Lake Road Dispersed
Free dispersed camping around White River NF, Colorado. High spruce–fir forests and lakes with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Trappers Lake. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Washboards on gravel Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Maroon Creek Corridor (outside permits)
Free dispersed camping around White River NF, Colorado. Aspen groves and alpine views with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Aspen/Maroon Bells boundary. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Seasonal closures Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
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, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Taylor Park – County 742 Spurs
Free dispersed camping around GMUG NF, Colorado. Basins and lakes with dispersed spurs with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Taylor Park. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Afternoon storms Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Guanella Pass Corridors
Free dispersed camping around Arapaho NF, Colorado. Subalpine pullouts near 14ers with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Mt. Bierstadt. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Weekend restrictions Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Cottonwood Pass East Dispersed
Free dispersed camping around San Isabel NF, Colorado. Timbered slopes and creek benches with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Buena Vista. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Snow shoulder seasons Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
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, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Stunner/Platoro Roads
Free dispersed camping around Rio Grande NF, Colorado. High valleys and spruce forests with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Conejos River. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Remote; limited services Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Mount Evans/Barbour Fork
Free dispersed camping around Arapaho NF, Colorado. Timbered foothills with creek pullouts with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Idaho Springs. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Busy near trailheads Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
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, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Sopris/Crystal River Spurs
Free dispersed camping around White River NF, Colorado. Aspen stands and valley views with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Carbondale/Redstone. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Narrow gravel roads Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
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, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Leadville – Halfmoon/FS 110
Free dispersed camping around San Isabel NF, Colorado. Glacial valley with views of 14ers with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Halfmoon Creek. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Very popular in summer Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
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, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
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, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Pagosa – East Fork/Blanco Basin
Free dispersed camping around San Juan NF, Colorado. River benches and timbered flats with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Pagosa Springs. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. High runoff in spring Arrive early to claim a legal, existing site, pack out all waste, and verify current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
South Park – Jefferson Lake Road Spurs
Free dispersed camping at South Park – Jefferson Lake Road Spurs in Colorado. Subalpine forest and meadow pullouts with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Jefferson Lake. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Snow into late spring Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Tarryall Reservoir Vicinity
Free dispersed camping at Tarryall Reservoir Vicinity in Colorado. Foothill valleys and rock outcrops with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Tarryall. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Weekend fishing crowds Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Cochetopa Hills – FR 891 Network
Free dispersed camping at Cochetopa Hills – FR 891 Network in Colorado. High country meadows and aspen with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Cochetopa Hills. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Storms; muddy spurs Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
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, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
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, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
San Juan – Lime Creek Road
Free dispersed camping at San Juan – Lime Creek Road in Colorado. Forest pullouts along creek with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Lime Creek. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Tight turnouts Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Silverton – South Mineral Vicinity (outside CG)
Free dispersed camping at Silverton – South Mineral Vicinity (outside CG) in Colorado. High alpine valley with waterfalls with informal pullouts and some level clearings near South Mineral. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Crowded; bear activity Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Dolores – House Creek/FR 528
Free dispersed camping at Dolores – House Creek/FR 528 in Colorado. Ponderosa benches above reservoir with informal pullouts and some level clearings near McPhee Lake. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Windy afternoons Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
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, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
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, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
North Park – Deadman Road
Free dispersed camping at North Park – Deadman Road in Colorado. Lodgepole flats and views with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Deadman Road. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Snow into June Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Gypsum – Hardscrabble/Brush Creek
Free dispersed camping at Gypsum – Hardscrabble/Brush Creek in Colorado. Pinyon-juniper and aspen mix with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Hardscrabble. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Dusty OHV traffic Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Salida – Shirley Site/Spurs
Free dispersed camping at Salida – Shirley Site/Spurs in Colorado. Arkansas River benches and foothills with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Salida east. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Windy afternoons Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
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, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
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, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Durango – Junction Creek FS 171 Spurs
Free dispersed camping at Durango – Junction Creek FS 171 Spurs in Colorado. Pine ridges above town with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Junction Creek. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Busy near trailheads Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
San Juan – Missionary Ridge Roads
Free dispersed camping at San Juan – Missionary Ridge Roads in Colorado. Pine ridges overlooking the Animas with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Missionary Ridge. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Narrow switchbacks Arrive early, use established sites, pack out all waste, and check current fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.
Popular Camping Areas
- San Juan National Forest
- Pike National Forest
- White River National Forest
- BLM Desert Areas
Important Regulations
- Seasonal closures due to snow
- Fire restrictions common
- High altitude awareness needed
Permits: Most national forest camping is free, some wilderness areas require permits
Complete Guide to Free Camping in Colorado
Colorado provides exceptional high-altitude camping with stunning mountain vistas, alpine lakes, and extensive national forest dispersed camping opportunities.
Best Free Camping Areas in Colorado
Colorado offers diverse free camping opportunities across mountains, forests, alpine lakes, high plains. The most popular areas include San Juan National Forest, Pike National Forest, White River National Forest, each offering unique landscapes and camping experiences.
When to Visit Colorado for Camping
The best times for free camping in Colorado are during summer, fall. The state's alpine and semi-arid with cold winters and mild summers means weather conditions vary throughout the year, so planning your visit during optimal seasons ensures the best camping experience.
Colorado Camping Regulations
Before camping in Colorado, it's important to understand local regulations. Most national forest camping is free, some wilderness areas require permitsMost dispersed camping follows standard federal guidelines, but some areas may have specific restrictions.
What to Expect
Free camping in Colorado typically involves camping on public lands managed by the Forest Service, BLM, or state agencies. Expect primitive conditions with no hookups, but incredible natural beauty and the freedom to explore mountains, forests, alpine lakes, high plains at your own pace.