A beginner’s guide to dispersed camping in Colorado

Take the (forest) road less traveled to escape the crowds and camp for free 

Story and photos by Malena Larsen 

Camping in Colorado can sometimes feel like shopping on Black Friday or a trip to Disneyland. The tightly squeezed campgrounds that you only get after fighting for a spot on recreation.gov six months in advance can take away from the serenity and peace that camping is supposed to bring.

While it’s true that not all official campgrounds are packed to the brim and require months of planning, there are more dependable ways to skip the dog-eat-dog process and the fees. And that way is dispersed camping. 

WHAT IS DISPERSED CAMPING? 

Dispersed camping provides a free, secluded and primitive experience on public land without the amenities. Imagine: a flat area of dirt surrounded by aspen trees, a grass clearing just a short distance from a crisp alpine lake, or a gravel pull-off near a forest road. If you’re willing to spend the night with no picnic table, fire ring, dumpster or the other perks that come with a campground, it may be time to add dispersed camping to your bucket list. 

WHERE AND HOW TO GO

The first step in your journey is understanding where you’re allowed to camp. You can’t just throw your tent or pop up your camper on the first flat spot of land you find. For the most part, national forests and Bureau of Land Management space are fair game. But what is that and where do you find it?

Apps: Apps like The Dyrt, iOverlander, and OnX Offroad have reviews, photos, offline maps, and details on land access and cell service. Each has their strengths, but to see which one works best for you, test out their free trial options. 

Official Public Land Resources: Resources like the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management websites aren’t always the most user-friendly, but they’re often the most accurate, with maps that show exactly where you can camp and which roads you can legally access. You can also call or stop by a local ranger district office. 

Community Tips & Forums: Reddit (think threads like r/camping or r/coloradohikers) can be a great resource for dispersed camping spots. While some users can be resistant to sharing their favorite areas, others share ideas, updates and tips on where to go and when. 

Local Facebook groups and outdoor forums can also help with current conditions, road access and seasonal closures. 

WHAT TO BRING 

Because dispersed camping comes without amenities, you’ll need to be more self-sufficient than you would at a developed campground. Here’s what you need to bring to have a successful trip. 

The Basics: A tent or shelter is the foundation of any camping setup. My husband and I use a rooftop tent, which gives us a lot of flexibility when choosing a site. We don’t have to worry as much about uneven or bumpy ground. If you’re sleeping in your car or a camper, consider bringing levelers just in case the spot isn’t perfectly flat.

From there, you’ll want a sleeping bag and some kind of pad for insulation and comfort. That could be a simple foam pad, an air mattress, or a more built-out sleeping platform. Depending on the time of year, we also bring plenty of blankets and pillows for extra warmth (and ultimate coziness). You’ll also want a headlamp, flashlight, or lantern, along with plenty of water; we typically bring a 5-gallon reusable jug for weekend trips. 

Cooking & Food: You’ll want a camp stove and fuel, a lighter or matches, and cookware and utensils. If you’re car camping and not backpacking, food can usually remain stored and bear proof in the locked car. 

A cooler can also be helpful, depending on what you’re bringing and how long you plan to stay out (we usually fill ours with our favorite craft beer). Bring camp chairs and a table, too, since you won’t have a picnic table.

Navigation: Remember to download maps ahead of time. If we know we’ll be without service, we bring our Garmin inReach.

Hygiene & Waste: When you’re dispersed camping, you’re also your own bathroom and cleanup crew. Bring toilet paper, a trowel for digging a cathole, and hand sanitizer. When nature calls, dig your cathole at least 6 to 8 inches deep and at least 100 to 200 feet away from water, trails and campsites. After use, cover it back up and pack out used toilet paper in a sealable bag. 

Body wipes are nice to have for an overall refresh. Trash bags are a must because whatever you bring in, you’ll need to pack out.

Extras: Bring a power bank, especially if you plan to use your phone. Sometimes we download movies ahead of time to watch at night. Bring your favorite form of entertainment, whether that’s books, card games or other games. Fairy lights or extra lanterns can add a little ambiance, and a mat or pad to leave your shoes can help keep your tent or camper clean. We also bring a portable propane fire ring because fire bans are common. 

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND 

Dispersed camping comes with a little more freedom and a little more responsibility. We want to keep these places wild, accessible and beautiful for everyone, so it’s important to: 

• Leave no trace. Pack out everything you bring in, including trash, food scraps and toilet paper. 

• Check fire restrictions. In Colorado, conditions can change quickly, especially in the summer.

• Camp away from water. Camp at least 100 to 200 feet away from water to protect the ecosystem and keep water sources clean.  

• Feel confident in your spot. Pay attention to land boundaries and signage to avoid accidentally camping on private property.

It’s important to remember that patience is part of the adventure. Dispersed camping doesn’t always mean you can pull off the first road and call it a day. Sometimes it takes a bit of driving, scouting, and exploring to find the right spot. That’s part of the experience. Use it as a chance to enjoy the scenery and check out different areas. Trust me, patience pays off when you finally find that perfect secluded nook.

While these tips and tricks are a great springboard, a lot of dispersed camping involves trial and error. It’s important to figure out how and where you like to camp, how fancy you want your setup to be, and what you expect from the experience. Whether you’re nestled in the trees around Rollinsville, perched by a mountain lake near Leadville, or tucked along a forest road outside Salida, have fun, be safe and respect your surroundings.