Dispersed-camping regions in Colorado

Hand-curated zones inside Colorado that concentrate the highest-quality dispersed and free camping. Each region page lists the federal and state managers, named pull-outs, the practical camping season, and the elevation band that controls almost everything else.

mid-June–September · 8,500–12,000 ft

San Juan Mountains

Managers: San Juan, Rio Grande, & Uncompahgre National Forests; BLM Tres Rios

Areas: Cinnamon Pass road, Lime Creek Road, Owl Creek Pass…

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June–September · 8,800–11,500 ft

Sawatch & Collegiate Peaks

Managers: San Isabel & White River National Forests

Areas: Cottonwood Pass road, Chalk Creek Canyon, Lincoln Creek Road…

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May–October · 7,000–10,500 ft

Front Range & Pike

Managers: Pike-San Isabel National Forest; BLM Royal Gorge

Areas: Rampart Range Road, Lost Creek perimeter roads, Tarryall Reservoir area…

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April–October · 4,500–7,500 ft

Western Slope BLM

Managers: BLM Grand Junction, Uncompahgre, & Colorado River Valley Field Offices

Areas: Rabbit Valley, North Fruita Desert, Dominguez-Escalante NCA…

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June–September · 7,500–10,500 ft

North Park & Medicine Bow

Managers: Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest; BLM Kremmling

Areas: Buffalo Pass road, Rabbit Ears Pass dispersed, North Sand Hills SRMA…

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