7 Rustic Spots Around Denver That Are Extraordinary For Camping

This time of year is simply sublime for backcountry camping in Colorado, with breathtaking fall foliage, crisp mountain mornings, and wildlife on the move. Enjoy stunning vista views, serene alpine lakes, and a whole lot of solitude at these stellar rustic camping spots near Denver that promise an unforgettable experience. Grab your gear and your friends and get a move on before (too much) snow falls!

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The dispersed camp sites off Jones Pass Road near Idaho Springs are easily accessible from Denver, offer tons of nearby hiking trails, and boast spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valleys of the Arapaho National Forest. To get there: Take I-70 W to exit 232, follow US-40 W to Henderson Mine Road and continue onto Jones Pass Road. (If you have 4WD you can access even more isolated sites higher up the pass.) More Info

Photo by Reid Phillips

For more fantastic dispersed camping, check out the Twin Lakes area near the lovely town of Leadville. There is plenty of hiking, beautiful scenery, and a creek that provides ample access to water. From Leadville, take US-24 E to CO-82 W toward Twin Lakes. From Twin Lakes Village, drive 8 miles west to South Fork Lake Creek Road (aka Forest Road 391), after 1.5 miles of private property, you'll begin to see camp sites along the creek. More Info

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Tucked away in the wilds near Empire is yet another spot with prime disperse-camping real estate, a plethora of trails, and the sublimely serene Bill Moore Lake. Take exit 235 from I-70 W, continue onto County Road 308, then turn right onto Mill Creek Road. There are plenty of options for camp sites along this road, as well as Forest Road 171.1 and 183.1. More Info

Photo by Reid Phillips

If you're looking for camping and hiking near Denver that affords stunning scenery but also offers official campgrounds, tent sites, and additional amenities, Golden Gate Canyon State Park is just the ticket. Click here for detailed information, which includes a map and directions.

Photo by Reid Phillips

The beautiful 17,000-acre James Peak Wilderness provides plenty of camping options, including dispersed camping, campgrounds, and cabin rentals. One particularly stunning area to explore is just west of Rollinsville on East Portal Road and Rollins Pass near the Moffat Tunnel. From the parking lot at the Moffat Tunnel, you can easily access trails to more than a dozen spectacular alpine lakes and a plethora of backcountry camp sites. More Info

Photo by Reid Phillips

Another hidden gem overflowing with dispersed camp sites is Peru Creek Road in Summit County near Montezuma. The area offers endless opportunities to explore the White River National Forest, including Warden Gulch, Chihuahua Gulch, and Cinnamon Gulch, with breathtaking views of Ruby Mountain, Grays Peak, and many others. More Info

Photo by Reid Phillips

Another prime camping location in the White River National Forest is the area around the Crystal Lakes outside of Breckenridge. A fairly rugged 4WD road leads to Lower Crystal Lake, but you also have the option of hiking up if you don't have a 4WD vehicle. From there you can also continue up the hiking trail to Upper Crystal Lake for unmatched vistas of the Ten Mile Range and beyond. More Info

For more sweet serenity, take a drive down these 10 Country Roads Near Denver That Are Pure Bliss In The Fall.