What is dispersed car camping and how to do it
Not sure if you’ve noticed, but we love camping! And sometimes we want to jet off at the last minute and get some much-needed great outdoors time. That means no reservations and little time to fight for a first-come/first-serve site in a designated campground that’ll probably end up being too packed to be relaxing anyway. This is where dispersed camping comes in handy plus you will have a more backcountry camping experience.
What is dispersed camping?
Dispersed camping is basically free car-camping in approved areas on public lands. Dispersed sites aren’t in established campgrounds and usually have no facilities or amenities of any sort, meaning no tables, fire pits, toilets, freshwater, or trash pickup. You’ll be roughing it a bit, so it’s important to be self-sufficient and pack with multiple contingencies in mind.
Dispersed campsites are often next to roads so a campervan or roof-top tent are great options. They also typically afford you more privacy and serenity as the sites are well-spaced and the views divine. You’ll end up feeling like you’re backpacking in the backcountry, but your truck or van is only steps away.
A typical dispersed camping site
Type of public lands that allow dispersed camping
National Forests
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land
From a user standpoint, both types are the same. The difference is really which branch of the federal government manages the land. National Forests are, as the name suggests in forested/mountainous lands (very common in Colorado), whereas BLM is usually in desert terrain (very common in Utah).
Map with labels showing access to public lands for camping. Map is from Gaia GPS
How to find a site
Dispersed camping can look different everywhere you go. Often, they can be found off of forest access or county roads. You’ll likely see a fire ring or a flat, dirt pull-off from the road. It is required that you stay at previously established sites. This way, we all get a chance to enjoy the wild without ruining it.
Look at maps
You’ll always want to bring a paper map in case there’s no cell service, but they can also be great ways to find county/forest service roads to explore.
Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) are an excellent resource to find dispersed camping sites. The approved dispersed camping areas are marked with dots along one or both sides of the road. Print them out as well in case of emergencies!
US Forest Service Dispersed Camping Website
This is an awesome resource for finding dispersed campsites all over Colorado. And it includes directions and information on regulations and restrictions.
Use a map that shows land ownership such as the Trails Illustrated topo maps, which will indicate where publics lands are.
Do some digital scouting ahead of time
Gaia GPS provides maps and tools to navigate, track, and explore in the backcountry. Here is a great blog they did about using map layers to find sites.
COTREX (Colorado Only)
A free computer and phone tool built by Colorado Parks and Wildlife that let’s you filter map view to show 4x4 roads (called OHV Riding >55”)
Trails Offroad is another great site that gives detailed trail guides of 4x4 roads and highlights dispersed campsites.
Free Campsites lists hundreds of spots to camp for free in Colorado and beyond. Also shows gas stations and established campgrounds
Similar to iOverlander They even have a trip planner to plan your route.
Zoom in on the map to find dirt pull-offs with campfire rings or other campers
A dispersed site off of a dirt road with fire ring visable (we added the blue icon)
Sometimes you can even see other campers at a spot!
Even a simple Google search can bring up articles and maps of amazing places to explore, like this blog from Uncover Colorado. Just remember that if you found a campsite easily by Google searching that others probably found it too!
3. Call the local ranger station
There’s really no better way to get advice and up-to-date regulations and restrictions than calling the experts.
4. Designated Dispersed Areas
There are some areas that have free dispersed camping but he usage is high enough that the Forest Service has made specific campsites to camp in. Sites will be marked with a number, don’t camp elsewhere. Some areas you might find this in Colorado are outside Crested Butte and on Upper Geneva Road near Guanella Pass.
Make sure you know the rules!
Once you’ve decided where you’re going, make sure you are aware of all of the rules and restrictions in the area. Including:
How far from the road or water do you need to be?
A good rule of thumb is to stay 100-200 feet away from any trailhead, picnic area, water source, or road when picking your camping spot, but make sure you check to see your specific location’s parameters.
The maximum number of nights you can camp
You’ll most likely be restricted to 14 nights of camping in any 30 day period at one spot.
Current fire restrictions
You’ll need to check the fire restrictions in the area you are planning on camping. Try the ranger station or research online.
Will you need to bring a portable toilet device?
If you don’t travel with your own toilet and there isn’t a pit toilet in sight, check to see the regulations on human waste in the area, and follow proper guidelines for relieving yourself in the outdoors. It is good practice to either pack out or dispose of human solid waste in a 6–8 inch deep cathole that is at least 200 feet away from a source of water. For a more detailed rundown, check out How to Go to the Bathroom in the Woods from REI.
Will you need to pack out all of your waste?
Short answer—Yes! Follow the Leave No Trace principles—Pack it in, pack it out. And be aware that there will probably not be any trash pickup at the site. Bring a trash receptacle and garbage bags, and save room in the car to carry all your waste back out of the campsite with you. Check out these tips from Tread Lightly, to help Leave No Trace.
Where is camping allowed?
When in doubt, err on the side of caution, do your research, and pay attention to the signs. Respect Private Property and No Camping signs. The last thing you want is to have your adventure brought to a halt and with a ticket to boot!
Where can you roam, both by car and on foot?
Stay on existing roads and trails, minimizing your impact on the environment and keeping it beautiful for the many travelers to come.
What to bring
In addition to your typical camping gear list (check out ours if you want a little help), you’ll need to make sure you are completely self-sufficient. Chances are there will be no facilities, tables, fire pits, bear boxes, toilets, drinking water, or trash pickup. Bring:
Water- at least a gallon per person per day, and a water filtration system just in case
Bear canisters- if in bear country
Portable toilet device and toilet paper
Garbage bags and trash container
Camping stove
Approved firewood
Paper maps for when you can’t get cell service
Extra layers
Rain gear
Safety/emergency items- knife, flashlight, fire supplies, small shovel/trowel, flares, bug spray, first aid kit, multi-tool, back-up batteries, compass, waterproof matches, whistle, nonperishable food, etc.
Getting there
We would like to remind you to always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back. That being said—how are you getting there?
You’re most likely going to be traversing dirt roads to get to your destination. Of course, the terrain will vary, whether you are looking to do some off-roading on a 4x4 road, or keeping it cool on a county-maintained path. A high clearance 4x4 vehicle will give you the most access and allow you to get further away from others. Stock vehicles and vans can work fine, too, you just need to stay on the more maintained dirt roads, and sometimes you will be competing for spots with larger RV-type vehicles.
Dispersed camping is a lot of fun and even car camping in a dispersed site will give you the feel of a backcountry adventure.
How can we help?
Titus Adventure Company is the one-stop shop for your next Colorado adventure. Our Denver camping rentals include campervans, and overland 4x4 trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps with rooftop tents allowing you to camp in serious comfort and style. Vehicles come all the gear for your camping trip, taking care of the details so that you can enjoy yourself!
If you are not ready to plan your own dispersed camping adventure, we can also do the trip planning for you! Contact us with any questions. And check out more of our camping blogs while you’re here.
