Author: Maria Panuli
Published on: April 26th, 2023
Free Camping In Colorado
If you’re serious about camping or moving around the country with your camping gear, you know nightly camping ground fees can quickly add up.
As a way to combat this and experience camping away from the usual hustle and bustle, you can now enjoy free or wild camping in Colorado national parks, state roads, and public lands.
Below are some of the highest-rated Colorado spots. Each has its unique charm and camping spots open for free camping. Take a look and choose your next camping destination in Colorado!
Portal Campground
Portal Campground sits southeast of Aspen in White River National Forest and has become a favorite among local and international campers. The place is based on a first-come, first-serve system and offers many amazing hiking trails for campers to enjoy. Besides hiking, you can also bring ATVs to explore. The area hosts a variety of gorgeous mountains, wonderful camping spots, and views you aren’t likely to forget
Priest Lake
Priest Lake is one of the best Colorado camping spots and a favorite among regular free campers. The park has nine camping spots. All of them are far enough away from each other so that you can enjoy your privacy. The campground also has lavatories and a fire pit. Besides being easily accessible, Priest Lake offers some of the best views around.
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is near Idaho Springs and Continental Divide Scenic Trail, making it a truly unique travel destination. It’s the first of five lakes in the area and is connected to Steuart Lake, Ohman Lake, and Reynolds Lake. It has many corners and waterfalls to discover and is great for campers looking to fish. The Continental Divide Scenic Trail also has a variety of hiking and biking routes. Put on the best hiking playlist and go explore like never before.
Sage Campground
Sage Campground in North Sand Hills is a hidden gem with sandy dunes and beautiful views. The campground is perfect for tents and RVs and, to make things even better, you’re allowed to drive ATVs and other OHVs (off-highway vehicles) on the dunes. Sage Campground is near Cowdrey, where you can relax and take in the spectacular view of the dunes and surrounding environment.
Forest Road 788
Forest Road in Gunnison National Park is perfect if you want to escape both the city and campground people. It’s the perfect place to recharge. There are a few camping spots on the road and they are very isolated from one another. They also aren’t used as frequently as other free camping sites. Besides the stunning views and isolation, you can also hike the Cannibal Plateau trail. It’s a five-mile hike with an ending view guaranteed to bring a tear to your eyes.
Little Molas Lake
Little Molas Lake Is a great layover camping spot between Durango and Silverton. Although it's not a dispersed camping spot, the designated camping spots are still great to enjoy time away from the city. Another plus of this campground is the drive to the camping area. It's one of the most scenic drives in the state and is a great precursor for the beauty of the campground.
Escalante Canyon
Based in the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area is the spectacular Escalante Canyon. This canyon area is simply beautiful and great for landscape photography with its majestic red rocks. On clear nights at Escalante, you can enjoy stargazing in a way you won’t be able to anywhere else. It’s also the perfect place to enjoy if you feel like being alone. There are hiking trails to explore, rock climbing spots, and naturally forming canyon pools.
Mount Herman Road
Mount Herman Road is another isolated spot with very few human visitors. The area hugs the Pike National Forest and takes you straight to the peak of Mount Herman. It also takes you to a few other service roads with a ton of routes and spots to explore. Because it is so isolated, make sure to follow these camping safety tips. The area also isn’t great for RVs or campers, so make sure you have a high-quality tent fit for the weather.
Explore Colorado
Whichever free camping spot you use, make sure to have fun!
Keep the area clean, stay safe, and never stop exploring the natural wonders in Colorado.
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