Free Camping in Colorado
Colorado has 36 free camping spots in the Camphive database. Every listing on this page has a $0 fee. Most are dispersed sites on BLM land and in national forests; some are no-fee developed campgrounds. The highest-rated are listed below by Vistas score, Camphive's 1-10 scenic rating, and every listing links to a full page with location and details.
Back to all campgrounds in Colorado.
Of the 36 top-rated spots listed below, 12 score 8 or higher on the Vistas scenic scale.
Top free camping spots in Colorado
- Aspen-Sopris Ranger District — Aspen-Sopris Ranger District · Free · Vistas 9
- Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park Glacier Basin Campground · Free · Vistas 9
- Rocky Mountain National Park Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park Moraine Park Campground · Free · Vistas 8.8
- ASPEN (CO) — ASPEN (CO) · Free · Vistas 8.7
- Weminuche Wilderness BLM — CO - Silverton · Free · Vistas 8.5
- MATTERHORN — MATTERHORN · Free · Vistas 8.5
- Lodgepole (Jefferson Lake, Fairplay Colorado) — Lodgepole (Jefferson Lake, Fairplay Colorado) · Free · Vistas 8.5
- Gates of Lodore Campground — Gates of Lodore Campground · Free · Vistas 8.2
- Dispersed - Boreas Pass — CO - Breckenridge · Free · Vistas 8
- FLORIDA CAMPGROUND (CO) — FLORIDA CAMPGROUND (CO) · Free · Vistas 8
- SEEDHOUSE GUARD STATION — SEEDHOUSE GUARD STATION · Free · Vistas 8
- Echo Park Campground — Echo Park Campground · Free · Vistas 8
- Transfer Campground — Transfer Campground · Free · Vistas 7.8
- Zapata Falls Campground — Zapata Falls Campground · Free · Vistas 7.8
- Parks Ranger District — Parks Ranger District · Free · Vistas 7.7
- RED ROCKS GROUP CAMPGROUND — RED ROCKS GROUP CAMPGROUND · Free · Vistas 7.7
- MANITOU LAKE PAVILION — MANITOU LAKE PAVILION · Free · Vistas 7.5
- PIKE COMMUNITY — PIKE COMMUNITY · Free · Vistas 7.5
- PAINTED ROCKS — PAINTED ROCKS · Free · Vistas 7.5
- TEAL LAKE GROUP CAMPSITE — TEAL LAKE GROUP CAMPSITE · Free · Vistas 7.5
- Box Elder — Box Elder · Free · Vistas 7.3
- Cottonwood Grove Campground — Cottonwood Grove Campground · Free · Vistas 7.2
- South Meadows - Pike San Isabel NF (CO) — South Meadows - Pike San Isabel NF (CO) · Free · Vistas 7.2
- Rampart Range Recreation Area Designated Dispersed Camping — Rampart Range Recreation Area Designated Dispersed Camping · Free · Vistas 7.2
- LAKE ISABEL CABIN — LAKE ISABEL CABIN · Free · Vistas 7.2
- COLORADO CAMPGROUND — COLORADO CAMPGROUND · Free · Vistas 7.2
- Deerlodge Park Campground — Deerlodge Park Campground · Free · Vistas 7
- Sand Gulch Campground — Sand Gulch Campground · Free · Vistas 7
- JEFFERSON CREEK — JEFFERSON CREEK · Free · Vistas 7
- MINGUS RANCH — MINGUS RANCH · Free · Vistas 6.8
- Jouflas Campground — Jouflas Campground · Free · Vistas 6.5
- Peach Valley OHV Staging Area — Peach Valley OHV Staging Area · Free · Vistas 6.5
- Rampart Range Recreation Area — Rampart Range Recreation Area · Free · Vistas 6.2
- Hartman Rocks Recreation Area — Hartman Rocks Recreation Area · Free · Vistas 6.2
- TARGET TREE CAMPGROUND — TARGET TREE CAMPGROUND · Free · Vistas 6
- Lyons Gulch Boat Launch — Lyons Gulch Boat Launch · Free · Vistas 5.7
Open the interactive Colorado camping map on Camphive to browse all 36 spots with filters for free camping, RV access, and scenic ratings.
Colorado camping FAQ
Is camping really free in Colorado?
Yes. Every spot on this page lists a $0 fee: mostly dispersed sites on BLM land and in national forests, plus some no-fee developed campgrounds. Rules can change seasonally, so confirm with the managing agency linked on each spot's detail page before you go.
How long can you camp for free in Colorado?
On most BLM and national forest land the limit is 14 days within a 28-day period at one location, after which you must move. Exact limits vary by district, so check locally.
What should I expect at a free campsite in Colorado?
Most free sites are primitive: no water, no trash service, and often no toilets. Pack in your water, pack out your trash, check fire restrictions, and download an offline map since many of these spots have no cell coverage. 12 of the spots listed below score 8 or higher on Camphive's 1-10 Vistas scenic scale.
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