This free dispersed camping area sits along Forest Road 272 in San Isabel National Forest, accessible via County Road 270 from Highway 285. The dirt road system connects multiple camping zones with sites suitable for RVs up to 40 feet, though some leveling may be required on sloped terrain. Campers can access the area by vehicle or on foot, with most sites reachable by standard clearance vehicles.
The camping area spreads across open terrain mixed with forested sections, providing both sunny spots and shaded sites under mature trees. marine J. notes "We arrived around 5 pm on a Wednesday and most of the spots were taken but we were able to find one to fit our 40 feet toy hauler." Sites offer mountain views and enough space between camping spots that noise from neighboring campers remains minimal, even during busy holiday weekends when the area fills up.
Multiple hiking trails branch from the camping area, including direct access to the Colorado Trail. The road network also accommodates mountain biking on Forest Roads 272, 274A, and 273. Cell service reaches some areas, though coverage varies by carrier and location within the dispersed sites. No water sources flow through the immediate camping area, so visitors must bring adequate supplies.
The area tends to fill up on weekends and holidays, with arrivals after 5 PM facing limited site selection during peak times. Stacey F. found success "up and up past the trailhead and around the road to where there's a long pull off spot on the left." Road conditions vary seasonally, and some sections can become rough after weather events.
For visitors wanting developed facilities, Browns Creek provides an alternative with established sites nearby.
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 CampingRaspberry Gulch Dispersed Site is located in Colorado
Coordinates
38.69302924751395 N
106.13521391453963 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 4/3/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- 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 Raspberry Gulch Dispersed Site needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs from Pueblo, CO
- 2 hrs 22 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 32 min from Boulder, CO
