If you’re looking for free camping in Colorado, then odds are you’ll want to check out the plentiful camping opportunities on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, or BLM for short.
This public agency manages hundreds of thousands of acres of public land across Colorado, much of which is open to free camping. However, deciphering the regulations, rules, and restrictions can often be confusing.
We wrote this guide to help you navigate camping on BLM land in Colorado and also provide some of our favorite sites to checkout on our next camping trip.
Let’s get started.
Colorado BLM Camping Guide
- BLM Camping Overview
- The Best BLM Camping in Colorado
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Overview of BLM Camping in Colorado
The BLM is the second largest land manager in Colorado, with the US Forest Service the only entity managing more acres. The BLM manages over 8.3 million acres of land in Colorado, with much of it located on the Western Slope. Much of this land is open to a variety of users and is leased for oil & gas extraction, cattle grazing, and other commercial purposes.
However, large swaths of BLM land in Colorado are open to dispersed camping, making this a good option when searching for a campsite.
The BLM has four administrative offices in Colorado, and we always recommend reaching out to them if you’re not clear whether camping is permitted in a specific area or not:
In addition, you can find a good overview of BLM dispersed camping rules here.
How to find free BLM camping in Colorado
Generally speaking, dispersed camping is permitted on BLM land in Colorado unless it isn’t explicitly forbidden. For most BLM land, you’ll have a fairly easy time understanding if camping is permitted. In areas where it isn’t, you’ll generally find ample ‘No Camping’ signs posted, or the land will clearly be being used for another purpose.
Once you’ve determined that camping is permitted, you’ll only be allowed to stay for 14 days within any 28 day period, although this can vary depending on the location.
If you’re looking for more specific camping suggestions, we always recommend reaching out to the local field office for the region you are interested in camping in. They will have the most up to date info and be able to provide valuable intel on where to camp.
When searching for a good dispersed campsite in Colorado ourselves, we prefer to use a combination of several online apps/websites along with publically available BLM maps.
Our favorite resources are below:
- Freecampsites.net – Our go to resource for finding free camping in the US. Simply enter your desired location and filter through the results.
- The Dyrt – An app that let’s you filter for free and dispersed campsites.
- Campendium – A website and app that allows you to see user reviews for campsites and campgrounds across the country.
Check out our Dispersed Camping App guide here for more information on how to use apps to find dispersed camping in Colorado.
If you’re interested learning exactly how we find free, dispersed campsites BEFORE we head out, check out our mini-course here.
Download Our FREE Dispersed Camping Cheat Sheet
Our free printable cheat sheet outlines how to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next trip.
Leave No Trace Principles & Dispersed Camping
One of the most important considerations when camping on BLM land is to follow Leave No Trace principles. This will minimize your impact and ensure your campsite can be enjoyed by future visitors. Here are the seven principles of Leave Not Trace camping:
- Plan Ahead & Prepare: Have an idea of where you’d like to camp and always be sure you are camping in an area that permits dispersed camping.
- Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces: Never camp on fragile ground or create a new campsite.
- Dispose of waste properly: Pack out all of your trash and bury human waste away from water sources. Ideally, carry out human waste or use a portable toilet.
- Leave what you find: Never take anything from your campsite. Other than trash of course!
- Minimize campfire impacts: Never create new fire rings and only have fires if permitted.
- Respect Wildlife: Properly store food at all times and be aware of the area’s wildlife.
- Be considerate of Other Visitors: Pack out your trash, don’t be loud, and leave your campsite in better condition than you found it.
You can read more about the seven principles of Leave No Trace camping here.
Our dispersed camping checklist has everything you need.
Want to know the essentials for your next camping trip?
Our dispersed camping checklist has all the camping essentials plus specific items for dispersed camping.
The Best BLM Camping in Colorado
Now that you’ve got some good background we’ve put together the following list of some of our favorite BLM camping areas in Colorado.
North Fruita Desert BLM (18 Road)
Restrooms: Yes, at developed campground and trailheads
Water: No
Crowds: Busy
Map
Since most of the BLM managed land in Colorado is located on the Western Slope, it’s no surprise that one of the most popular areas for free BLM camping is located north of the town of Fruita. The North Fruita Desert (also known as 18 Road) is a very popular destination for mountain bikers, as there are miles and miles of trails to explore.
There is a developed campground all the way at the north end of the road as well. However, free, dispersed camping is still permitted in certain areas along the road. Just be sure to only camp where it is permitted, as ample signage will let you know where it is not allowed.
There is tons of additional BLM land in the area, so also consider reaching out to the BLM Grand Junction office for more intel of free camping in the area.
Sacred White Shell Mountain
Restrooms: No
Water: No
Crowds: Busy
Map
Located in the San Luis Valley, the Sacred White Shell Mountain BLM camping area is a popular free camping area very close to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. The camping area is located just east of Highway 150, which is the main road that leads into the National Park, so it is hard to miss.
This is very basic, primitive camping, so you won’t find any restrooms or water sources, but the location is hard to beat with easy access to the surrounding wilderness as well as the town of Alamosa.
Note that it can get quite crowded with campers here, especially during summer weekends. There is also a fair amount of ATV and OHV traffic during the day, so if you’re after peace and quiet, you may want to look elsewhere. Overall, though, you’ll find this to be an excellent free, BLM camping area in a beautiful part of the state.
BLM Camping near Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Restrooms: No
Water: No
Crowds: Moderate
Map
Adding a free camping area near another one of Colorado’s National Parks to our list, let’s take a look at the excellent BLM camping near Black Canyon of the Gunnison. This is one of the lessor visited national parks, but we HIGHLY recommend you add this to your list. The views are simply spectacular, and the lack of crowds lets you enjoy it all the more.
For free BLM camping, look no further than the road that leads in to the south entrance of the park, Highway 347. As you are making your way towards the park, you’ll come to a hairpin turn that has two dirt road pullouts, with the second one being a bit larger.
Once off the main road you’ll immediately see campsites start to appear, all of which are free. There are more sites the further back you head, but keep in mind that the road does get much rougher as you go. For those in a smaller vehicle with low clearance, we recommend grabbing a site closer to the highway.
There is no water or other services here, but the location can’t be beat for those hoping to visit the park!
McElmo Dome/Sand Creek Overlook
Restrooms: No
Water: No
Crowds: Light
Map
Located in the far southwest corner of Colorado, the McElmo Dome area has some of the most spectacular BLM camping in Colorado. There aren’t many sites here, but there also aren’t many people willing to make a trip to this remote area either!
Situated on BLM land within the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, there are a handful of campsites located south of Road N, once it passes the Sand Canyon Pueblo archeological site.
While the remoteness of this area is certainly worth celebrating, the real prize is the incredible views available at the top of road. The overlook of the Sand Creek drainage is simply stunning. The roads here are often rough, and not well maintained, so we only recommend this area for those with a high-clearance vehicle and a sense of adventure.
Poncha Loop Road BLM
Restrooms: No
Water: No
Crowds: Moderate
Map
Moving to the central part of the state, one of our favorite places for free BLM camping that can accommodate larger rigs is the Poncha Loop Road area, south of Poncha Springs. This section of BLM land is located right off Highway 285 near Poncha Pass, and has a huge number of free campsites available.
The road in is passable by most vehicles, and the campsites themselves are large, flat, and have great views. We often see several larger rigs, RVs, and trailers camped here, so this is a great choice if your camping setup falls into one of those categories.
As with most of the sites in this guide, you won’t find any services here. Please be sure to bring all the water you need, and always pack out all of your trash!
Shavano Wildlife Management Area
Restrooms: No
Water: No
Crowds: Moderate
Map
The Shavano Wildlife Management Area is located on BLM land at the base of, you guessed it, Mount Shavano. This is a wonderful part of Colorado with easy access to multiple 14ers, Monarch Pass, as well as the fun town of Salida.
The camping area is set back from Highway 285 & Highway 50 on a relatively rough road. Many reports you read online will say that the road is just fine, but those are a bit older and we’ve found the road to have gotten progressively worse the last few years. As such, we recommend this for folks with high-clearance or 4WD vehicles as opposed to larger rigs.
The campsites themselves are basic, but numerous, with several enjoying incredible views of the camping area’s namesake mountain. You’re also just a short drive to Salida or Poncha Springs, making this a convenient place to spend a few nights.
Irish Canyon BLM Campground
Restrooms: Pit toilet
Water: No
Crowds: Light
Map
Located in one of the most secluded and beautiful places in Colorado, the Irish Canyon BLM campground is a true hidden gem. Situated in the far northwest corner of the state, just north of Dinosaur National Monument, you’ll find this free, BLM campground.
There are only six campsites here, but even on summer weekends the place is rarely full. Small trailers are easily accommodated, and the campground has basic amenities like trash service and a pit toilet. The star gazing is truly astounding here, as you’re far from any developed areas.
Nearby, you can explore both Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge and Dinosaur National Monument. Although it isn’t a quick trip from anywhere to get to Irish Canyon, you won’t be disappointed once you arrive!
Hecla Junction BLM
Restrooms: No
Water: No
Crowds: Light
Map
Another wonderful, free, BLM camping area near Salida is Hecla Junction. This camping area is located between Highway 285 and the Arkansas River, on the same road that leads to the developed Hecla Junction Campground.
Along the way, you’ll pass what is affectionately known as “Dan’s Land”, which is a sliver of private land surrounded by BLM land. Unlike most private land, you are actually permitted to camp here, with ample signage explaining that it is allowed. Just please don’t have any fires!
This is a great location for boating of the Arkansas, hiking a few 14ers in the Collegiate Range, or any other outdoor activity you can think of. You’re also not far from Salida if you fancy a night on the town before returning to your free campsite.
Looking to find more dispersed campsites? Check out The Dyrt PRO to get campsite reviews, offline maps, and the best map layers for finding public dispersed camping!
Our Top Camping App – The Dyrt PRO
The Dyrt PRO
Looking to find more free, dispersed camping?
The Dyrt PRO is our favorite resource for planning your trip. Use the custom map layers to find public land, download offline maps, and navigate to your perfect dispersed campsite. Highly recommended!
Have a great trip!
That’s it!
We hope we’ve provided all of the information you need to plan a Colorado BLM camping trip, and we know you’ll find the perfect campsite for your upcoming adventure!
Be sure to let us know in the comments below if you have any questions and be sure to tell us about your trip!
Don’t forget to check out some of our other state specific dispersed camping guides below:
