Looking for a unicorn (camp spot…)

[jdmblingn]

Hey all,

This is a weird one for me. I’ve been a gatekeeper for many amazing camp spots over the years. But, there is just so many great areas to explore here and I don’t have time to get to all of them to find my own favorite spots. I need some RS help!

Where is your favorite spot (just a general area is fine…) that has dispersed camping available near water?

Could be a quiet lake, a river, or creek. Can be a gnarly trail in, or a simple fire road. The only requirements I’ve got is water access, dispersed, and hopefully not a ton of people.

Thanks! Or, you know, if you don’t want to share, I get it.

 

[Corbet]

A wide open public forum is not the place I post these kind of locations.

 

[Crash]

A wide open public forum is not the place I post these kind of locations.

I think the OP should post up all if his favorite spots first. So, uh, we don’t have any overlap.

 

[jdmblingn]

Yeah, yeah, I understand. This why I was hoping to get suggestions on some general locations, it's such a difficult thing to figure out without going with a group, or years of experience in one area. But, I get it if folks don't want to share their best kept secrets.

 

[DanInDenver]

Yeah, yeah, I understand. This why I was hoping to get suggestions on some general locations, it's such a difficult thing to figure out without going with a group, or years of experience in one area. But, I get it if folks don't want to share their best kept secrets.

Your best option is to wander, seek and find. As you said there are so many spots. Follow the Rio Grande back to its source then up and over to Silverton. All along there are amazing spots and a great area to explore.

 

[Corbet]

Google Earth is a great way to wonder and find a handful of potential locations prior to arrival onsite. I do this all the time some turn out great others don’t pan out.

Areas like Silverton hold no OHV secrets. Just areas “less” traveled. Finding truly secluded seem to require exploring areas off the beaten and path. Then look for spots that are even further off.

 

[Runnin on E]

Yeah, yeah, I understand. This why I was hoping to get suggestions on some general locations, it's such a difficult thing to figure out without going with a group, or years of experience in one area. But, I get it if folks don't want to share their best kept secrets.

Why not flip this and go explore then report back here, to let people know that you found "your spot". General locations can be found on any map. I have one trail that I have never told ANYBODY about. Because I went exploring and found it and it was very difficult to get to. My avatar is a section of it.

 

[Doughboy]

Sounds like a post for the members only section

 

[HoneyBadger]

Are you new to the general area?

 

[jdmblingn]

Are you new to the general area?

Yes. Well, I’ve been here well over a year now. So, I probably can’t claim total newbie anymore…

I’ve found places that I like along the South Platte, above Cheesman. I’ve explored a bit around Leadville and found some decent spots. Some good spots near Buena Vista that aren’t even remotely close to water, and some so-so stuff near Taylor park reservoir (are there always so many side by sides out there? )

Last summer we did some campground spots that were fine. But, not what I would typically look for.

Fools errand asking on a public forum, I guess. Feels a bit like a police officer asking for a drug hookup or something.

 

[unimogguy]

There’s plenty of dispersed camping down by the Ark in BV/Salida. Or hop in a raft w/ your gear and raft halfway down Browns Canyon again numerous spots to choose from.

 

[cbmontgo]

Google Earth is a great place to start.

Sometimes what appears to be a current road is gated off when you get there, so have a Plan B and a Plan C.

 

[HoneyBadger]

Yes. Well, I’ve been here well over a year now. So, I probably can’t claim total newbie anymore…

I’ve found places that I like along the South Platte, above Cheesman. I’ve explored a bit around Leadville and found some decent spots. Some good spots near Buena Vista that aren’t even remotely close to water, and some so-so stuff near Taylor park reservoir (are there always so many side by sides out there? )

Last summer we did some campground spots that were fine. But, not what I would typically look for.

Fools errand asking on a public forum, I guess. Feels a bit like a police officer asking for a drug hookup or something.

Ok,
Well, I was going to recommend the Taylor Park Reservoir area. But, yeah...
The areas around Pitkin, Cumberland Pass, Tin Cup, Taylor Park Res, Tin Cup Pass, Mirror Lake, etc, have a lot of dispersed camping. And there is usually some decent water around. However, you are correct in the fact that the SxS cockroaches are an infestation in that general area. Unfortunately that's going to be the case for the majority of places these days. But Taylor Park, Tincup, and Pitkin are a particular traditional gathering place for out of state hoards. I wouldn't venture anywhere close on a holiday weekend.

I'd also suggest looking in the Flat Tops area. And also the Grand Mesa. Although those are significantly further west, but are still considered good weekend trip materials.
Crested Butte is also a good area to start exploring from.
And of course Creede and Silverton/Ouray are also good places. However, the out of state hoards rule still applies here, more so than ever these days, unfortunately.

Anyways, these are just some general areas to start exploring and to take note of good places you may encounter.
Typically the good places are shared around a camp fire with trusted cohorts. Or used in the moment as the need arises if a group is out and about and needs to pick a spot for the night.
I've been collecting decent camp sites in my Gaia app for years. Often times I just see them as I'm exploring, and mark them for future reference, and I've never actually used them.

Good luck out there.

 

[Corbet]

As someone who lives on the western slope I can’t imagine finding much seclusion until your at least west of the collegiates. That seems to be the natural barrier to day trips from the front range.

 

[jdmblingn]

@HoneyBadger and @Corbet. Thank you! This is exactly what I was after.