This free dispersed camping area sits along Rampart Range Road in Pike National Forest, accessible by passenger car though the final stretch can be rough depending on conditions. Campers navigate forest service roads that branch off the main route, with numerous sites scattered across both forested and open terrain at elevation.
The area draws a mix of RV and tent campers, with some sites offering clear views toward Pikes Peak. Wild Berries B. notes navigation challenges: "All went fine until we ended up in a dead end road with private residence." Apple Maps appears more reliable than Google for finding the correct access route. Weekend crowds mean early arrival helps secure preferred spots, though weekday visits typically offer more solitude.
Off-highway vehicle traffic creates dust along the main road, prompting experienced campers to explore connecting service roads for quieter options. Target shooting occurs regularly in the area, so gunfire sounds are common during daylight hours. Cell service works well for most carriers, making the location practical for those needing connectivity. Some sites include established fire rings, while others require creating new setups within Leave No Trace principles.
Road conditions vary seasonally, with spring weather potentially bringing snow overnight even when valley temperatures remain mild. The rough access road challenges low-clearance vehicles during wet periods. Several campers mention trash left by previous visitors, highlighting the importance of pack-it-out practices in this self-managed area.
For those exploring broader camping near Green Mountain Falls, this location provides a no-cost base camp roughly three miles from town services and supplies.
Description
Don't want to camp in a developed campground? There are many places on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands where you can pitch a tent and practice low impact camping techniques. Dispersed camping is primitive, undevleoped, frontcountry "car camping".
Remember: when dispersed camping, no toilets, trash service, or potable water, are available. Store all food and trash securely, and pack out what you pack in. Practice Leave No Trace.
Please observe the following requirements when dispersed camping:
In some areas, dispersed camping and parking is allowed in designated sites only. Do not create resource damage by driving off-road, beyond designated parking locations, or behind barriers. Parking should be within 30' of site markers where posted. Developed sites, including trailheads and picnic areas, are closed to overnight camping and allow for day use activities only. Tread lightly, and avoid trampling sensitive vegetation. Locate your camp at least 100' from any water source. Use catholes to properly dispose of human and pet waste; bury waste in a cathole at least 6-8" deep and 200’ from any water source. Packing out human and pet waste using self-contained waste disposal systems is encouraged. Campfires are allowed at overnight sites as long as fire restrictions aren’t in place. You may gather small amounts of down, dead wood for a campfire. Use existing fire rings; keep your campfire small and always make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving. No campfires outside of designated overnight sites. BEARS and other wildlife When you go to the mountains and forest, you are in bear county. Do not leave ANY food, trash or other animal attractant unattended. Store all food and trash securely and pack out what you pack in. Failing to do so can result in a fine. Also be aware that; where not otherwise restricted, camping or leaving camping equipment at any location more than 14 days within a continuous 30 day period, and/or occupying any campsite within three miles of any prior camping or equipment location for a combined total of more than 28 days within any continuous 60 day period, is prohibited. Also, leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours is not allowed. In addition; discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; or across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. Plan your trip; phone ahead for restrictions and special regulations. Contact your local Ranger District office for more information.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingRampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite is located in Colorado
Coordinates
38.97624760604753 N
105.01040025511212 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 184 usersLast on 4/3/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 54 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 184 usersLast on 4/3/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 54 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Rampart Range Area Dispersed Campsite needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 29 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 49 min from Pueblo, CO
- 1 hr 18 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 41 min from Boulder, CO
