It’s no secret: backpacking is my jam. However, I’m not such a wilderness snob that I don’t appreciate and frequently prefer the comfort of car camping, too! But here’s the catch: if I’m going to camp from my car, I want it to be as remote and wild as possible. Fortunately, there is plenty of opportunity for dispersed camping in Colorado!

When I first introduced the idea of dispersed camping to Will, he gave me a little scoff. You see, dispersed camping gets a bad rap. Too often, people have vivid {and horrifying!} 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. Guys, it doesn’t have to be that way!

Featured tent: REI Kingdom 6 {affiliate link}

If you’re unaware, dispersed camping is completely free and sites are spread throughout Colorado. Basically, they are just primitive locations for people to pitch a tent. A fire ring frequently exists but thankfully, crowds rarely do. Some areas have dozens of dispersed camping sites spread over the mountainside while others flaunt solitary sites, away from civilization. Some are easy to go to via car while others require 4wd or AWD. Regardless, dispersed camping has one major theme: you can arrive at the site with your car!

I’ve spent years camping in dispersed sites in Colorado, and I’ve racked up a few favorite locations. I’m reticent to give away all of the good spots, but I’m happy to share enough to get people exploring. After all, not everyone wants to lug a 50-lb backback up a 4,000 foot climb, and I appreciate that. Doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the great outdoors!

Want more info on car camping gear and what I recommend? Check out this post detailing my fave car camping essentials. 

Jones Pass Road

Although not the absolute most peaceful camping site, the Jones Pass sites are close to Denver and really easy to access. I stumbled on them one time while exploring 4WD roads with my old Pathfinder.I love these dispersed sites for a couple reasons. Aside from their location, I’m a big fan of the nearby trails. Campers can hike Vasquez Peak or explore the Continental Divide Trail. Or, if hiking isn’t your thing and you have a sturdy car, drive the road a bit and catch the views above treeline. Freaking spectacular!

To get there: Take I-70 west to the US-40 exit towards Winter Park. Drive on 40 for roughly 8-10 miles. Just before the road begins climbing Berthoud Pass, you will see a sign for Henderson Mine with a sharp left turn. Take the road a few miles to Henderson Mine {obeying all of the Mine rules}, and then continue on the dirt road. Just passed the parking lot, you will notice dispersed camping sites. If you have 4WD you can take the road higher where the sites are more isolated.

Cottonwood Pass

Buena Vista is a quintessential Colorado mountain town and Denver residents can get there within two hours. {Save yourself some face: locals pronounce it like “Byoo-nuh Vis-tuh” and NOT the correct Spanish pronunciation!} Not only is there fantastic dispersed camping on Cottonwood Pass just outside of town, but the local vibe in town kind of rocks too. If you go, check out Eddyline Brewing. Yum!

Cottonwood Pass was an accidental discovery years ago while hiking 14ers. You see, most of the 14ers in Colorado have long dirt roads that act as approaches to the trailheads. More often than not, these roads have little else other than a parking lot by the trail sign. We were hiking Mt. Yale and continued driving on County Road 306, past the trailhead until the road turned to dirt. Once it was dirt, we found a plethora of dispersed camping sites!

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.

To get there: From Denver, take US-285 south to just outside of Buena Vista. Take a right (north) on US-24 towards downtown Buena Vista. At the stoplight in town, take a left on County Road 306.

Twin Lakes

To be fair, this area was an accidental discovery but it was such a happy accident! A few years back, the group of us attempted La Plata Peak and….accidentally hiked the wrong mountain. We came back and conquered La Plata another weekend, but in the process, we discovered some fantastic dispersed camping!

People don’t tend to travel down this road, and if you take the time drive all the way to the end, you will likely have it to yourself. Occasional hikers or ATV-enthusiasts will ride by, but we camped there for two nights without seeing anyone! Again, the area has some beautiful hiking so there is plenty to do, and the Creek provides ample access to water. 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!

To Get There: From US-24 south of Leadville, take CO-82 west towards Twin Lakes. From Twin Lakes Village, drive 8 miles west to the South Fork Lake Creek Road (aka Forest Road 391) on the left side. The first 1.5 miles is on private property, but dispersed campsites can be found after that point.

Kebler Pass

Do I need to remind you of the photos of this place?!

If you’re looking for a stunning place to camp in search of fall color, look no further because nothing can top Kebler! It’s a bit far from Denver–roughly 4.5 hours– but if you have the time, it’s totally worth it. Crested Butte is one of my all-time favorite mountain towns in Colorado, and this drive takes you smack through it. 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.

Kebler Pass itself is a beauty and is full of hiking and mountain biking. Many argue that CB is the birthplace of mountain biking, so it’s definitely a great place to give the sport a try. The pass is covered in aspen groves, and I’ve heard rumors that they are some of the largest in the country. Towering peaks loom in the background in that rugged, sharp way that the Elk Range has. In short, it’s stunning!

Forest Road #706 has dozens of dispersed campsites before reaching the Lost Lake Campground. However, they get higher in elevation and are heavily shaded, so we only camp there in the heat of the summer. Otherwise, sites are littered throughout Kebler Pass Road {Gunnison County Road 12}. Literally, you will see dozens of offshoots from the main road, and every single one of them leads to bomb dispersed camping. You can’t go wrong!

To Get There: Take US-285 south from Denver until it connects with US-50. Take 50 into Gunnison before taking a right and heading north on CO-135/Main Street. Once in CB, take a left on Whiterock Avenue which turns into Kebler Pass Road.

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