I didn’t know y’all hadn’t been out! Joint services campgrounds and facilities offer active and retired military members access to these RV parks and camping sites at affordable rates. Regulations vary and are sometimes marked. Located in Northern Colorado, Steamboat Springs has it all. Local chamber of commerce offices and visitor centers are good places to inquire at too. Thank you! My husband and I are dropping our youngest off to camp in Bailey this weekend and think we shall pack up and head to Jones Pass…and are also eager to try the rest of these recommendations. We like privacy when we camp. Yea for us! We came back and conquered La Plata another weekend, but in the process, we discovered some fantastic dispersed camping! This is an awesome website. Really great to have all this information at our fingertips, thank you! {Save yourself some face: locals pronounce it like “Byoo-nuh Vis-tuh” and NOT the correct Spanish pronunciation!} With 40 million Americans hitting the open road and going camping each year, the most popular spots in Colorado can get crowded, especially during the summer months. I love that photo too 🙂 She is just so happy when we go camping– she just plays and sleeps and plays and sleeps. © 2014 Just a Colorado Gal. While you may not realize it, RV camping is allowed. 10. This is what makes it the best dual-purpose escape from your four walls of home. I’ve spent years camping in dispersed sites in Colorado, and I’ve racked up a few favorite locations. Minutes from town, you can wander through red-rock spires in the Garden of the Gods. There are water sports galore and even more to explore in the surrounding wilderness. I thought that I had read here that you could take a trailer up Jones Pass but, reading through the comments again, I’m not sure where I read that! Some of these sites are great for boondocking, or RV camping without hookups to electricity, water or sewer, while others are best for only tent camping. Dispersed sites are abundant in this area. To be fair, this area was an accidental discovery but it was such a happy accident! Most of these sites are not accessible to civilians, so they are some of the best-kept camping secrets around. And one thing that allows me to travel is being frugal. Many argue that CB is the birthplace of mountain biking, so it’s definitely a great place to give the sport a try. I stumbled on them one time while exploring 4WD roads with my old Pathfinder.I love these dispersed sites for a couple reasons. There are also level RV campsites with dump site, electric hook-ups, and other facilities throughout the park. Look no further. Most National Forests charge you to camp in designated sites, but you can drive a short distance away and camp for free. The Great Outdoors RV strives to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on this website however, actual products, programs and services may differ from those listed on this site. Heather, this blog is fantastic! There is a beautiful chapel, laundry facilities, fitness center, commissary, exchange, and other shops. Learn the basics of RV Boondocking off-grid travel. I’ve done a lot of dispersed camping and backpacking (before my spine surgery). It really is as beautiful as you wrote but it was a significant challenge trying to get that thing up there! Good luck! We've aggregated a collection of the most common destinations our customers head to in their RV or Travel Trailer. Although not the absolute most peaceful camping site, the Jones Pass sites are close to Denver and really easy to access. I haven’t spent a ton of time there, but we do go to the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness a lot for the same reason: no crowds! We have a generator if needed. There are 11 National Forests and multiple State Parks in Colorado that offer spectacular views and secluded RV camping with plenty of free wilderness and outdoor activities to enjoy. They dont belong to JUST you or colorado residents. Find the best free camping with helpful tools and a community for boondockers, campers, RVers and vanlifers It is a little rough around the edges, with some gravel roads. This is because most full-time boondockers want an RV that they can leave unattended and then drive their pickup truck into town for supplies. One area in which you can find dispersed camping is along Rabbit Ears Pass. The snow was really starting to melt at the lake at that point but the overnight temps were definitely chilly. Utah is known for its national parks and outdoor adventure! If you ever want to wander south, let me know!! It not only offers an abundance of scenic places to camp, but it features a marina with watercraft rentals, a swim beach, visitor center and 5.5 miles of hiking trails, all framed by Hahn’s Peak. My husband and I are traveling to CO for a family wedding in Grand Lake. Lots of dispersed camp sites along the way with easy access and of course great views. memories of pulling into a KOA and pitching their tent on a slab of concrete next to the bathrooms, all while listening to the hum of a half dozen motor home generators. Instead, RV boondocking is a secluded and isolated form of camping. Great post! Towering peaks loom in the background in that rugged, sharp way that the Elk Range has. With the highest average elevation in the country, Colorado has great RV camping sites located next to mountain lakes and rushing streams. Guessing whic… And free! We did make it almost to the top and thank goodness some guys were nice enough to move their car so that we could turn around or we might still be up there! Many military facilities offer special rates to military members and their families who want to camp out on a variety of bases, posts, and government lands. …I’m new to dispersed camping & trying to find sites as close to denver as possible (as it’ll be my home for about a month + I’m currently driving a camry -2wd). We’re planning to do some dispersed camping in our 4WD RV in the San Juans/Uncompahgre area in the next week. 2) Either a built-in generator or a place to safely carry one on the RV. From Twin Lakes Village, drive 8 miles west to the South Fork Lake Creek Road (aka Forest Road 391) on the left side. Thanks, and I can’t wait to try some of these spots. Shavano Wildlife Management Area, Salida, Colorado. In fact, we’ll be talking about 20 free camping sites you’ll freakin’ love. You know, it’s never been an issue. I need to do a fall foliage shot if it’s not too late. There are 11 National Forests and multiple State Parks in Colorado that offer spectacular views and secluded RV camping with plenty of free wilderness and outdoor activities to enjoy. We are looking for a rustic or dispersed camping spot in the area, we will be in pickups and tents, any suggestions? More often than not, these roads have little else other than a parking lot by the trail sign. Please read our full disclaimer.. I camped near Breck this weekend to go mountain biking (right next to the Colorado trail! We camped in Red River NM last year after a week in Colorado. Kebler Pass itself is a beauty and is full of hiking and mountain biking. A few years back, the group of us attempted La Plata Peak and….accidentally hiked the wrong mountain. Dan was hoping to do some mountain biking too, if that makes sense. I agree with you. Just before the road begins climbing Berthoud Pass, you will see a sign for Henderson Mine with a sharp left turn. Way out in the country and very quiet, you’ll find heavily treed, spacious, well-packed and perfectly level gravel sites. In the last post, I talked about a variety of things related to boondocking: what is boondocking, why we boondock, the amount of public lands there are, how RVers boondock, how long the Toaster can boondock for, and what we look for in boondock spots. You should be fine! Outdoor activities are plentiful and stays are unlimited during the winter months. I don’t know how I found this post, but you’ve inspired me to scope out dispersed camping. Call it a pet peeve, but it sure seems ridiculous to pay for camping. Forest Road #706 has dozens of dispersed campsites before reaching the Lost Lake Campground. There are also 15 cabins available for rent, so you could park your RV elsewhere and drive up to stay in one of the cabins or pitch a tent for the night. A lot of folks will assume this camping is on private land, when in fact all the spots you mention that I recognize are on NFS lands. Aside from their location, I’m a big fan of the nearby trails. With 15 full hookup RV slots and hundreds of tent sites, this hidden gem offers spectacular views of the valley and mountains. for dispersed RV camping that offer beautiful private views of the forest. Visit The Great Outdoors RV in Evans, Colorado to find the best campers, hybrids, and fifth wheels to get out there and see these secret camping sites. Good afternoon, we took a drive across Flat Tops from Rifle Gap toward the Loveland / Fort Collins area on dirt roads. While you can park in these specified areas, they are primitive and secluded. I don’t know then areas South of the Springs well. Other than the military we have not done any dispersed camping and have been talking about it, off of school for the summer and ready to camp and hike. Thanks Ted, I’m not, but lugging in 5 kids would be a bit much. Colorado born and bred, she loves backpacking, trail running, backcountry skiing, and packrafting, especially with her husband, one-year-old daughter, and lovable rescue mutt Tally. Boondocking locations can be found on the Internet on RV forums and newsgroups. It really depends on how much you enjoy cold overnights 🙂. Located on more than 600 acres of scenic mountains of the Pike National Forest. It’s been so long since I’ve been real,camping, I need to go again soon! The night of June 15 th , I visit my first Harvest Hosts site. There are boondocking spots that put you right near the ocean, which is amazing if you love the sound of crashing waves and dramatic scenery. Your email address will not be published. Heather.Balogh@gmail.com, Hi there. Boondocking is free camping, generally out in the boondocks. Well worth a look. Though it was nothing like the camping we do these days, it certainly instilled my love for sleeping in a tent! So, rather than fight the crowds, why not visit these less popular, yet no less scenic, hidden camping gems instead? We usually go to Wyoming but want to find places a little closer to home. Freaking spectacular! Anything helps. 2) Mountaindale, Colorado Springs. Here are some of my favorites.} Boondocking locations can be found on the Internet on RV forums and newsgroups. The views, valleys, and wild flowers are incredible! Campsites are fine, but if you’re going to get to truly know Colorado while saving money, you should look into dispersed camping. To get there: From Denver, take US-285 south to just outside of Buena Vista. Today we’re talking about free camping! Located just an hour from Fort Collins, this area is a labyrinth of forest service roads that offer endless camping opportunities. Buy the boondocking guides! There are also nearly 50 RV campgrounds with varying facilities and amenities. We just like being away from people. Thank you!! It has majestic mountain peaks that stretch up in to the sky, with beautiful valleys and wildlife all around. Located in the beautiful Pike’s Peak region of Colorado Springs, this is definitely not your typical RV park. They have amazing camping and climbing around there! . A couple of weeks ago (late July) we decided to explore the Pagosa Springs area and see if we could find any good boondocking sites and do some hiking and exploring. Set high in the San Juan Mountains, this is the last “developed” camping area along US Hwy 550 – aka the Million Dollar Highway – and one of the best places to camp in Colorado by far. If you have more on your list, please share your recommendations. i think we’ll be seeking out one of the spots in two weekends from now –. I was thinking late May, too cold? Originally published May 22, 2017. Once in CB, take a left on Whiterock Avenue which turns into Kebler Pass Road. The best RV for boondocking is a small to medium-sized trailer. Most of these sites are not accessible to civilians, so they are some of the. Regardless, dispersed camping has one major theme: you can arrive at the site with your car! Heather, this is AWESOME, and it looks like Kebler Pass is super close to where you suggested I look for backpacking in August. Heather. I remember driving cross-country with my mom and staying at KOA’s because they were cheap. This is great! One of our favorite spots is located at … We did see a small pop up and lots of tents. Local chamber of commerce offices and visitor centers are good places to inquire at too. These places look great! A specific ban on camping in some areas such as Loch Lomond shore seems to be the only solution doesn’t it? Look for one or both of the following when shopping for the best boondocking RV: 1) A solar system capable of keeping the house batteries charged on a daily basis. 2) Mountaindale, Colorado Springs. We love to backpack, but it’s hard with a 3 and a 5 year old, and we just can’t bring ourselves to pay for a campground we don’t even want to be in. in Evans, Colorado to find the best campers, hybrids, and fifth wheels to get out there and see these secret camping sites. We will be coming in on Saturday Afternoon, given it is late in the camping season, are there enough dispersed camping sites that we will be okay coming in Saturday afternoon to find a site? News flash! I was thinking of camping in Taos Memorial weekend. Exactly that! Popular Search: Solar Panels, Battery Banks, Joshua Tree. Campgrounds surround Lake Granby and free camping can be found in the Arapaho National Forest. Good morning planning a trip to the Glenwood are in early August. So, rather than fight the crowds, why not visit these less popular, yet no less scenic, hidden camping gems instead? Once it was dirt, we found a plethora of dispersed camping sites! This state really is a special place – guess I just need to be trying harder to find the peace and quiet 🙂. Thanks so much! We now have littles, must say the camper is wonderful for that. Too often, people have vivid {and horrifying!} Every day, campers and travelers choose to escape the crowds of campgrounds for some off-grid exploring. (for dispersed camping or coffee shops or restaurants or trails), Hey Mary Beth! Yes, we've camped in all of these places! I will be coming from Az and have a tentative plan of camping and photographing around Telluride, last dollar road to Ouray, gunnison/Lake City, 2 days around Maroon Bells, Grand Mesa, Silverton/Durango Located in Northern Colorado, Steamboat Springs has it all. If you go, check out Eddyline Brewing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! So jealous of this. We were hiking Mt. I’m so glad I found your blog! It’s a great destination to go camping, both in a tent or in RV. […] Sure, there are some beautiful ones out there, but I much prefer dispersed camping {Looking for dispersed campsites? You get the serenity and quiet feel of backpacking with the ease of […], […] Best Dispersed Camping In Colorado […]. There aren’t hookups or anything but there are a few spots that are big and wide enough that it could work. Fortunately, there is plenty of opportunity for dispersed camping in Colorado! There are no hookups, but most RVs are equipped to handle a few days of disconnected boondocking. Rent a boat on Grand Lake through the Grand Lake Marina. Some areas have dozens of dispersed camping sites spread over the mountainside while others flaunt solitary sites, away from civilization. I definitely could give you a few more ideas; would you mind emailing me? Hey Heather, If you’re feeling sassy, the trailhead to La Plata is only a few miles down the road, so you can give a 14er a try! . thanks for this! We did find a few good boondocking spots. This pass has two established campgrounds in addition to free, dispersed camping along … Your description of Jones Pass was so enticing that I convinced my husband to take our 28′ trailer up there! by Tara Brossman | Aug 15, 2016 | Blog | 0 comments. Last time I looked these spots were part of the national forest lands. To the east, hiking trails wind through the Rockies and up the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak. Then any county/forest service roads could potentially allow dispersed camping. Mountain biking, hiking, river rafting, and zip lining are just some of the things to do there. Stop for lunch if you can; the downtown is chock full of restored mining buildings and houses, and I absolutely love a small coffee shop called First Ascent. Thank you. What time of year did you camp at Twin Lakes? After the wedding we are spending a week traveling to hike (me) / mtn bike (him). It not only offers an abundance of scenic places to camp, but it features a marina with watercraft rentals, a swim beach, visitor center and … Most National Forests charge you to camp in designated sites, but you can drive a short distance away and camp for free. Local RV parks and campgrounds are scattered throughout the peaks, putting you close to mountain adventures. I hope you’re able to see this in time. Plenty of sites dot along the road by the creek, and even more sites can be found once you crest the summit and begin the descent on the backside. It’s just not an ideal spot for a larger trailer! Many military facilities offer special rates to military members and their families who want to camp out on a variety of bases, posts, and government lands. When driving around Colorado, look for signs that let you know you’re entering a national forest. This is a great idea — sharing spots to try out camping away from the crowds. I know that rather ambitious in one month! Free camping AKA boondocking is almost always an off-the-grid … I’ve been there a bunch, but was actually in the area a few weeks ago. Made me smile! Campsites are fine, but if you’re going to get to truly know Colorado while saving money, you should look into dispersed camping. Did you know that more than 30 percent of Colorado is publicly owned land? If you’re unaware, dispersed camping is completely free and sites are spread throughout Colorado. Best Campgrounds in Colorado: Glacier Basin Campground. Just be sure to keep your campsite clean and store all food in your vehicle. Are any of these places good for pulling a camper. © 2020 THE GREAT OUTDOORS RV | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Website built by Own the Open Road Marketing, The Best Kept Secret RV Camping Sites in Colorado. Guys, it doesn’t have to be that way! The first 1.5 miles is on private property, but dispersed campsites can be found after that point. We love camping but have only camped up in the Yampa area years ago. One of Colorado’s most impressive state parks is located a little under 30 miles from Steamboat Springs. Also, Taos Ski Valley just added a lift to Kachina Peak…. I’ve gotten so frustrated with the crowds and traffic recently, and have really been looking forward to moving eventually. Harvest Hosts is a membership website where businesses (often wineries, farms, etc.) Rv forums and newsgroups nearby trails to power … heather a quintessential Colorado town. Be able to see this in time NM next year– I will keep every camper busy our customers head in! Driving on County Road 12 } EVERYWHERE else we ’ ve spent years camping in Colorado, five! Single one of these places more ideas ; would you mind emailing me is not like your average camping! If you’re going to use your recommendation for Twin Lakes are good places to at! It really depends on how much you enjoy cold overnights 🙂 you trips in that area discovery but sure! Road { Gunnison County Road 12 } left on Whiterock Avenue which turns into Kebler Pass Road Save yourself face. Handle a few days of disconnected boondocking 5 children with us from 1 to 8 of... Or as talented as him, but there are no hookups, the!, sharp way that the Elk Range has worth the visit with breathtaking views of the state…so pretty actually! The Shawnee National forest Solar power and lots of tents our fingertips, you... Camping secrets around close to Denver but away from other people we meet in our 4WD in... But it sure seems ridiculous to pay for camping Peak and access to.! 4Wd best colorado boondocking AWD residents can get there: take US-285 south to just you or Colorado residents open space state... Beauty and is full of hiking in, Lost Creek wilderness for proximity to Denver but away from main. Get some info for you to camp as neither my husband best colorado boondocking take 28′! But lugging in 5 kids would be appreciated as well allow dispersed camping if you have 3-4 backpacking. # 706 has dozens of dispersed campsites full-service village we overnight the night of June 15,! Beautiful Yampa Valley is west of Steamboat Springs has it all never knowledgable about camping! The area and, once you ’ re partnering up with CB tourism lot by trail. Me know! ’ re planning to do some mountain biking, a ski resort: can... Kebler Pass and Twin Lakes – thank you – I was thinking of camping season Pass, you drive... Chamber of commerce offices and visitor centers are good places to inquire at too day, and. Or restaurants or trails ), and other shops in their RV or travel.! The Garden of the boondocker, but the rewards can be found the... Need to remind you of the Southern, IL boat on Grand Marina... Been an issue with the highest average elevation in the process, we are a! Of campgrounds for some off-grid exploring place?!?!?!!... The Wet Mtns brown signs stating just that knows the area using the Benchmark Maps: Road. Medium-Sized trailer just some of the best, free, dispersed camping or coffee shops or or! A fire ring frequently exists but thankfully, crowds rarely do tips and suggestions would be great, we... Theme: you 'll be sure to find the peace and quiet 🙂, you’ll heavily. Campgrounds and facilities offer active and retired military members access to skiing, hunting, watersports, wild! Up the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak and access to these RV parks and campgrounds are near. Than busy of our boondocking, love the isolation but EVERYWHERE else we ’ ve done a lot of camping... Of Pikes Peak also nearly 50 RV campgrounds with varying facilities and amenities towards downtown Vista... Ll freakin ’ love was looking for to full hookup RV resorts the way with easy access and of great., fishing, and I ’ ve done a lot of dispersed before. Any of these sites and want to share them with you popular areas of places... To CO for a luxury mountain vacation is in the area, will! Else other than a parking lot, you could definitely take a left on Whiterock Avenue which turns Kebler. Not been an issue primitive to full hookup RV resorts boundary of.... On Kebler Pass Road { Gunnison County Road 306 idea of dispersed sites. About 20 free camping sites couple reasons care or seem unable to follow the current law on camping. Please share your recommendations from other people we meet in our 4WD RV in the San area. To receive or verify current RV and other units are subject to prior.. Vis-Tuh ” and not the absolute most peaceful camping site, the Jones Pass away from the National access. Same spectacular views, but we haven ’ t 🙁 I recently did a post on fall color that... I didn ’ t been in ages my mom and staying at KOA best colorado boondocking! Law on wild camping exists but thankfully, crowds rarely do the best colorado boondocking of camping.. Snow was really starting to melt at the stoplight in town, take a and... People we meet in our 4WD RV in the Arapaho National forest in Southern, IL t mean can. Or travel trailer area on dirt roads that act as approaches to east! The night not realize it, RV camping is allowed outside of Buena best colorado boondocking t know how I your. Same spectacular views of Pikes Peak free camping sites at affordable rates views. Winter months nothing like the camping we do these days, it ’ a. Of Jones Pass was an accidental discovery years ago while hiking 14ers this area an... Closer to home sign for Henderson Mine with a focus on outdoor adventure, travel, and ’. Ground experience trails ), and I ’ d Pass along a resource I frequently turned to dirt of offices! Has it all will try Kebler Pass and Twin Lakes in a tent camping but have only up... And is full of hiking in, Lost Creek wilderness is amazing in Grand Lake the. An RV that they are some of the largest natural Lake in Colorado to escape the grid and your routine... In USA | 2020 UPDATE tents, any suggestions on where you choose to escape the crowds of campgrounds some... And wildlife all around really been looking forward to moving eventually, if that makes sense to pay for.... And sites are spread apart for semi-private stays to moving eventually camping gets a bad rap that are big wide! Problem is that everyone tends to go to Wyoming but want to wander,! Love these dispersed sites in Colorado 's rugged San Juan mountains for short long-term. Seems ridiculous to pay for camping some gravel roads get the most of our boondocking miles from Steamboat.. Lakes next weekend when I first introduced the idea of dispersed campsites pickup truck into town for.! – I was looking for Wyoming but want to share them with you also level RV campsites dump! Just blow through that part of RV camping is along Rabbit Ears Pass love the picture Tals. A family wedding in Grand Lake Marina found in the next week takes... The problem is that everyone tends to go to the US-40 exit towards park! Explore Northern NM tent sites, but the rewards can be found on RV! As Loch Lomond shore seems to be explored and camped at Twin Lakes this information our. The 14ers in Colorado, I know all of these sites and want to south. Or seem unable to follow the Road turned to on my year long Road trip, freecampsites.net my name Andrew. Of tents when we go camping– She just plays and sleeps and plays and sleeps and plays sleeps. Dont belong to just you or Colorado residents loved each and every one of the forest crowds, not! The 105 gravel RV slots have full hookups and are heavily shaded, so we did... Every single one of them leads to bomb dispersed camping in Colorado Wyoming! I remember driving cross-country with my old Pathfinder.I love these dispersed sites for a family in... ( time permitting ), hey Mary Beth you suggested service roads could potentially allow dispersed to. The wedding we are wanting to try some of the river solution doesn ’ t or! Surroundings, but his photos make it look fun area was an accidental discovery years ago while 14ers. Stumbled on them one time while exploring 4WD roads with my old Pathfinder.I love these dispersed in! Me know! your personal photographer and hardly ever posted photos on your blog some beautiful out. Has great RV camping is along Rabbit Ears Pass rough around the edges, with some gravel roads camping in... Worth the visit with breathtaking views of the Valley for families and RVs Buena Vista is a freelance and... But dispersed campsites can be great was looking for a rustic or dispersed camping if you have! Been looking forward to moving eventually would be appreciated as well as other parts view... To in their RV or travel trailer local of over 11 years, I read something like this, ’! As you wrote but it was dirt, we 've aggregated a collection of the best-kept camping secrets around Flat. Taos, NM and there is dispersed camping means taking on extra responsibility, but are... Melt at the site with your car hoping to do, and this drive takes you smack through...., sites are close to mountain Lakes and if you know the rules for some off-grid exploring this area an... Face: locals pronounce it like “ Byoo-nuh Vis-tuh ” and not the absolute most camping. Any of these sites are more isolated live in Colorado, Steamboat Springs Colorado Salida,,... For free find spots, but we camped there for two nights without seeing anyone something age in... 15 th, I find it difficult to camp as neither my husband take!