Where Can You Car Camp Near Denver?
The areas around Denver offer dispersed car camping, as well as car camping on established campgrounds. Dispersed car camping refers to camping outside of a designated campground.
| Dispersed Camping | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Creek Recreation Area | No | Free |
| Guanella Pass | No | Free |
| Jones Pass Road Dispersed Camping | No | Free |
| Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot | No | Free |
| Kenosha Pass Camping | No | Free |
| Rampart Range Road | No | Free |
| BLM Land | No | Free |
| Campgrounds | Reservation? | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Chatfield State Park | Yes | $21-$31 per night |
| Indian Paintbrush Campground | Yes | $25 per night |
| Standley Lake Regional Park Campground | Yes | $22 per night |
7 Dispersed Camping Spots Near Denver (Free)
As a rule of thumb, the sooner you show up to any dispersed site, the more likely you are to snag a spot. Dispersed sites are all first-come, first-served.
When at any dispersed camping site, assume there are no amenities. Be sure to pack water and food, and practice “Leave No Trace” ethics.
Read on to see the 7 free sites listed below.
1. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area
Buffalo Creek Recreation Area is located inside Pike National Forest a little over an hour south of Denver. Remember, where there is a National Forest, there is more often than not free dispersed camping.
Designated camping spots are located starting from Forest Road 550, with clear signs to guide campers. Failing to park or camp within the designated spaces may result in a hefty penalty. There are a little over 5 miles of spots to choose from full of drive-in spots.
Buffalo Creek Mountain Bike Area and Colorado Trail are two popular trails within walking distance of these campsites.
Amenities: Vault Toilets, Big Rig Friendly, Pets Allowed, Fire Pits
2. Guanella Pass
In the Arapaho Roosevelt National Forest at an elevation of 10,000 feet, Guanella Pass is another popular spot for camping that offers free sites. Be prepared for the possibility of encountering snow and temperatures that drop below freezing at night, regardless of the season due to the high altitude.
It is mandatory for you to choose from one of the dispersed sites along Geneva Creek Road/FR 119.
With around 35 designated dispersed campsites available along this road, you’ll find that the sites become more remote the deeper you venture.
This dispersed area is only an hour west of Denver. For more information on Guanella Pass from the USFS, check out this page.
Amenities: Fire Pit, Firewood, Toilets
3. Jones Pass Road Dispersed Camping
Arapaho National Forest maintains Jones Pass Road so that it can be accessible to almost all types of vehicles. I’ve even seen huge trailers on this road, although I would not recommend it. 4WD is preferable as the road can become a bit rough, but obviously not required.
As you drive along Jones Pass Road, you will encounter many campsites on both sides of the road. The views are phenomenal. Nearby is the Butler Gulch trailhead which is a hike you don’t want to miss.
This dispersed camping road has no amenities, so be sure to plan ahead when packing.
4. Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot
There are tons of spots to choose from along Forest Road 1181 (Allenspark). The main area at the bottom holds enough room for around 3 cars, while there are more spots further up the road.
Allenspark Dispersed is a forest road that you can park along, so keep in mind, that the further up you go, the more steep and treacherous. This is probably the steepest dispersed camping spot on the list.
The surrounding forest is stunning and you have easy access to many hiking trails nearby! Not to mention, there are some beautiful creeks. You are a quick 30-minute drive from Rocky Mountain National Park.
Amenities: None
5. Kenosha Pass Camping
Located in Pike National Forest, Kenosha Pass offers views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Sitting at an elevation of over 10,000 feet, the area is a gateway to Colorado’s backcountry, offering a serene and picturesque setting for camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
The pass is particularly famous for its spectacular fall colors, with aspen trees turning vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red, creating a mesmerizing landscape.
The area offers various recreational activities, including hiking trails like the Colorado Trail, which crosses Kenosha Pass and provides access to some of Colorado’s most scenic backcountry. Fishing, wildlife photography, and star gazing are other popular activities enjoyed by visitors.
Accessibility to Kenosha Pass dispersed camping sites can vary depending on the time of year and weather conditions. The pass is typically accessible by vehicle during the summer and fall months but may require a four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicle to reach some of the more remote camping spots.
Winter conditions can make the pass inaccessible to vehicles, turning it into a popular spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Kenosha Dispersed is located right next to the Kenosha East Campground. And while the campground has road noise, the Dispersed area does not.
Amenities: None
6. Rampart Range Road
This area, also in Pike National Forest, stretches along the Rampart Range, a long mountain ridge that defines the western edge of the Great Plains. Offering stunning vistas, challenging trails, and a peaceful escape from city life, Rampart Range Road and its surrounding areas are a hidden gem for dispersed camping.
There are no reservations, no amenities, and no fees, but with this freedom comes the responsibility to adhere to Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural environment.
Rampart Range Road itself is a dirt road that meanders through dense forests, open meadows, and rocky outcrops, providing access to numerous dispersed camping opportunities. The road and camping spots are more accessible during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall, as snow and muddy conditions can make travel challenging in the winter and early spring.
The area is known for its variety of recreational activities. Off-road enthusiasts will find miles of trails suitable for motorcycles, ATVs, and 4×4 vehicles, while hikers and mountain bikers can explore the numerous trails that crisscross the region. For those interested in shooting sports, there are designated areas for safe and responsible shooting. Wildlife viewing is another popular activity, with opportunities to see deer, elk, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
Access to Rampart Range Road and its dispersed camping spots generally requires a vehicle capable of handling rough, unpaved roads. High-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended, especially after rain or snow when conditions can deteriorate.
7. BLM Land
BLM land refers to land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal agency within the United States Department of the Interior. The BLM oversees approximately 247.3 million acres of public land, representing about one-tenth of the landmass of the United States.
Recreational use of BLM land has minimal restrictions compared to national parks or state parks. Many areas are open for dispersed camping, which means visitors can camp outside of designated campgrounds without amenities, often free of charge.
Here is a map of where to find BLM land near Denver.
3 Campgrounds Near Denver
- Chatfield State Park
- Location: Littleton, CO, about 40 minutes south of Denver
- Amenities: Nearly 200 campsites with full RV hookups, showers, and disability accessible sites. The park features rolling hills and a massive reservoir, making it popular for boating and fishing.
- Price: $21 – $31 per night
- Description: A great camping area for Denverites with a variety of camping options and extensive amenities, located in a scenic state park (Trips To Discover) (The Dyrt).
- Indian Paintbrush Campground
- Location: 20 minutes south of downtown Denver, CO, in the center of Bear Creek Lake Park
- Amenities: Moderately-sized, semi-rustic campground with electrical hookups, fire rings, grills, and picnic tables. Offers beautiful views of the Rocky Mountain rolling foothills and close to Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Big Soda Lake swim beach.
- Price: $25 per night
- Description: Popular for its proximity to the city and scenic views, making it an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy nature without straying too far from urban amenities (The Dyrt).
- Standley Lake Regional Park Campground
- Location: Half an hour north of Denver, CO, in Westminster
- Amenities: Offers canoe, kayak, and paddleboat rentals, with sites that have little tree cover. Known for its tranquility and wildlife, it’s a great spot for a day on the lake.
- Price: $22 per night
- Description: A serene camping spot with clean campsites and ample amenities, perfect for water sports enthusiasts and those looking for a peaceful escape near the city (The Dyrt).
Each of these campsites offers a unique experience close to Denver, from serene lakeside spots to campgrounds with extensive amenities for RVs and tents alike.
Can You Car Camp in the City?
Technically, it is illegal to camp in the city. It is illegal to park on any city street overnight.
Although, it’s completely legal to sleep in your car at any rest stop for up to 7 hours in most states. As for neighborhoods, if you are stealthy, you are not likely to encounter enforcement.