Gordon Gulch Dispersed Camping Area: Guide and Tips 2025

If you’re looking for a low-key, no-reservation camping experience near Boulder, Colorado, Gordon Gulch Dispersed Camping Area might be just what you need. Tucked within the Roosevelt National Forest, this spot offers a more rugged, self-sufficient style of camping—without the crowds and noise of developed campgrounds.

We recommend it if you’re comfortable going without amenities and want to enjoy fresh mountain air, scattered pine trees, and access to nearby trails. It’s especially appealing for those who want to be close to nature but not too far from civilization. You won’t find picnic tables or toilets here—just primitive sites scattered along dirt roads. But what you do get is a peaceful place to unplug, listen to the wind through the trees, and wake up to the sound of birds or the occasional elk.

---

How to Get There

Gordon Gulch is located off Peak to Peak Highway (CO Highway 72), just north of the small mountain town of Nederland, Colorado. From Boulder, it’s roughly a 40-minute drive, and the route itself is beautiful—winding through forests and climbing steadily into the Front Range foothills.

To get there:

• From Boulder, take CO-119 west toward Nederland.
• Just before entering Nederland, turn right (north) onto CO-72.
• After about 4.6 miles, watch for Gordon Gulch Road (Forest Road 226) on the right. It’s easy to miss, so keep an eye out.
• Turn onto Gordon Gulch Road and follow it to access the dispersed camping area.

The road into Gordon Gulch is unpaved and can be bumpy, especially after rain. In dry conditions, most vehicles (including small SUVs and sedans) can manage it with care, but a high-clearance vehicle is ideal. There’s no official parking lot, but most people pull off near their selected campsite along the road shoulders.

---

Permits and Fees

One of the best parts about camping at Gordon Gulch is that it’s free. There are no entry fees and no camping permits required for individual campers at the time of writing. That said, there are still a few things to know before you head out:

• You’re limited to 14 days of camping within a 60-day period in this area (as is standard for most national forest dispersed camping).
• You do not need a reservation or pass for private groups of under 75 people.
• If you’re planning a large event or organized group, a special use permit may be needed through the Boulder Ranger District.
• During wildfire season (usually late summer and early fall), fire restrictions or total bans can go into effect. Always check for current fire rules with the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests before your trip.

We’d also suggest writing down your vehicle plate number and contact info and leaving it visible in case of emergencies—there’s no check-in system, so it helps rangers if anything comes up.

---

Camping Rules and Regulations

This is true dispersed camping, which means you won’t find developed sites, bathrooms, or trash bins. That also means it’s important to follow the basic rules that help protect both the land and future campers.

Here’s what you should know:

• Camp only in designated numbered sites. Gordon Gulch used to allow fully open dispersed camping, but now there are only about 15–20 numbered campsites along the main forest road and side spurs. Camping is allowed only in these marked spots.
• Fires are allowed in metal fire rings only when restrictions are not in place. Always check the current fire danger level before you go.
• Group size is limited to a maximum of 12 people per site. This helps preserve the quiet, low-impact nature of the area.
• No facilities means no toilets, no water, and no trash collection. You’ll need to pack out everything, including your waste. For human waste, bring a trowel to dig a proper cathole or use a portable camp toilet.
• Stick to Leave No Trace principles: minimize your impact, avoid cutting branches, and never leave food or garbage behind.
• Quiet hours aren’t formally posted, but we suggest keeping noise down after dark—sound travels easily in the forest.

These aren’t just guidelines—they’re part of keeping Gordon Gulch open for public use. Rangers do patrol occasionally, especially on weekends.

---

Best Camping Spots and Recommendations

While there aren’t many “bad” spots in Gordon Gulch, some sites offer a bit more space, privacy, or better views depending on what you’re looking for.

As you drive in along Forest Road 226:

• Sites 1 through 6 are located fairly close to the highway and can fill up fast on weekends. These are easy to access but also tend to be dustier and noisier due to occasional passing traffic.
• Further up the road, sites 7 to 15 are a bit more spread out and tucked deeper into the woods. These are your best bet for a more peaceful stay, especially mid-week.
• There are also a few side roads branching off where additional numbered sites are found. If you’re up for exploring, these can be more secluded—but the roads are rougher.

If you’re camping with a small tent and don’t need much flat ground, nearly any spot will do. For car camping or rooftop tents, look for level sites with a bit of tree cover for shade.

A few more tips:

• Arrive early in the day, especially on Fridays, as sites fill quickly on weekends.
• Avoid camping in the lowest parts of the road where puddles or mud collect after rain.
• Bring your own firewood, since gathering deadfall is discouraged.

All in all, Gordon Gulch is a great choice if you’re looking for somewhere free, quiet, and surrounded by trees—not too far from Boulder, but still far enough to feel off-grid. Just come prepared to be self-sufficient, and you’ll likely want to return.

---

Hiking Trails and Routes

If you’re planning to camp at Gordon Gulch and also want to stretch your legs, you’ll be glad to know there are some solid hiking options nearby. The area itself doesn’t have marked hiking trails starting directly from the campsites, but there are several scenic routes a short drive away that are worth checking out.

Just a few minutes south toward Nederland, you’ll find the Sourdough Trail. This is a moderately challenging hike that runs roughly 12 miles total, but you can choose to just hike shorter sections out and back. The terrain includes pine forests, some open meadows, and occasional glimpses of the Indian Peaks in the distance. It’s peaceful, not heavily trafficked, and a good option for both hiking and trail running.

Another nearby trail is the Caribou Ranch Open Space, about 15–20 minutes from Gordon Gulch. It offers an easy-to-moderate 4-mile loop with interpretive signs and historic mining sites along the way. It’s great for families or a low-key day hike.

If you’re up for a more intense adventure, head to Brainard Lake Recreation Area (about 30–35 minutes away). There you’ll find access to trails like Mitchell Lake and Blue Lake, which are stunning and sit at higher elevations. These are best tackled earlier in the day to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and crowds.

You won’t find official trail maps posted around Gordon Gulch, so it helps to bring a paper map of Roosevelt National Forest or download offline trail apps like Gaia GPS or AllTrails before you go. Service is spotty out there.

---

Packing List and Gear Guide

Gordon Gulch isn’t exactly remote, but it’s rustic enough that you’ll want to pack smart. There are no amenities, no water, and no trash bins, so being self-sufficient is key.

Here’s what we recommend bringing:

• Tent with good ground stakes – It can get windy, so anchor it well.
• Sleeping bag rated for cold temps, especially spring and fall.
• Camp stove or portable grill – Fire bans are common, and you may not be able to build a campfire.
• Plenty of drinking water – Bring more than you think you’ll need.
• Water filter or purification tablets, in case you collect from nearby sources (though they’re not reliable).
• Food storage – A cooler for perishables and smell-proof containers for everything else.
• Headlamp or lantern, since it gets dark fast under the trees.
• Trowel and waste bags, since there are no toilets.
• Map and compass or GPS device.
• Layers of clothing – Temperatures swing wildly from day to night.
• Bug spray and sunscreen, especially in summer.

We also suggest keeping your car organized. Since you may not be parked right next to your tent site depending on how crowded it is, using bins or crates makes it easier to transport things if you have to walk in a bit.

---

Water and Food Tips

Water is probably the most important thing to plan for here. There are no potable water sources at Gordon Gulch, and while a few small seasonal streams sometimes appear nearby in spring, you can’t count on them.

We suggest bringing at least 2–3 gallons per person per day if you’re staying overnight. That includes water for drinking, cooking, washing up, and staying hydrated at higher altitudes.

If you do happen to find a stream, use a high-quality water filter (like a pump or gravity system) or boil your water before using it. Don’t rely on water just because you see it—most of the year, it’s dry.

When it comes to food, keep it simple and pack meals that don’t require refrigeration if you’re staying for more than a day. Things like dried pasta, oats, trail mix, nut butter, and freeze-dried meals are ideal. If you bring a cooler, keep it locked in your vehicle at night—bears and other wildlife are known to visit campsites here occasionally.

And never leave food or trash out. Even crumbs can attract animals, so clean up carefully after every meal.

---

Best Time to Visit and Weather Tips

The best time to camp at Gordon Gulch is between late May and early October, when the road is usually dry and the campsites are more accessible. That said, the weather here at 8,500+ feet can be unpredictable year-round.

• Late spring (May–June): Snow can linger on the roads into early June. Temps are cool, but the area is quiet and fresh.
• Summer (July–August): Warm during the day (70s to low 80s), but it can get chilly at night. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan hikes early.
• Early fall (September–October): Gorgeous fall colors and fewer bugs. Nights are cold, sometimes dropping below freezing. The road may get muddy after rain.

Bugs aren’t terrible here, but you might run into mosquitoes and gnats in early summer. A good insect repellent and a bug net for your tent can go a long way toward a better night’s sleep.

We recommend checking the local weather forecast before heading out, and always be ready for a quick change in conditions—layers and rain gear are must-haves.

---

Safety and Navigation

Since Gordon Gulch is a dispersed camping area with no facilities or check-ins, it’s easy to underestimate how “off-grid” it can feel once you’re there. Cell service is limited, especially once you’re more than a mile down the forest road.

To stay safe:

• Download offline maps before your trip. Most apps let you save sections of the national forest, which is helpful if you want to explore nearby roads or trails.
• Let someone know your exact location and expected return. Because there’s no ranger station on-site, help isn’t immediately available.
• If hiking, stick to visible trails or forest roads. Wandering off through the woods without markers can be disorienting.
• Bring a first aid kit, especially for minor scrapes, bug bites, or altitude-related symptoms.
• Wildlife is present—especially deer, elk, and sometimes bears. Keep food stored and trash secured, and never approach animals.
• In case of emergency, the nearest town with full services is Nederland, about 15 minutes away. There’s also a small medical clinic and gas station there if needed.

Gordon Gulch is one of those places that rewards preparation. The experience can be amazing if you show up ready—just don’t expect the comforts of home. With the right gear and a bit of awareness, you’ll enjoy some peaceful forest time without venturing too far from the Front Range.

---

Leave No Trace Principles

One of the things we strongly recommend when camping at Gordon Gulch—or anywhere in Colorado’s national forests—is to follow Leave No Trace principles. Dispersed camping offers a lot of freedom, but it also comes with responsibility.

Here’s how you can do your part to help keep this area beautiful and open to campers:

• Pack out all trash, including food scraps, toilet paper, and micro-trash like bottle caps or twist ties. There are no dumpsters here, so what you bring in, you bring out.
• Use existing campsites rather than creating new ones. You’ll see many pull-offs with rock fire rings—stick to these spots to reduce your impact.
• Dig a cat hole at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet away from any water source if you need to go #2. Then cover it well. Even better: pack out your waste in bags made for that purpose.
• Keep your distance from wildlife. Don’t feed animals or leave food unattended—they will learn quickly, and it often ends badly for them.
• Respect fire restrictions. Often there are burn bans during the dry season (especially late summer). Always check local fire status, and if you do build a fire where it’s allowed, keep it small and within existing rings.
• Stay on forest roads and durable surfaces. Driving or walking over grass and brush might not seem like a big deal, but over time it creates erosion and damages the landscape.

Gordon Gulch is still relatively accessible and free, and we’d like to help keep it that way by minimizing our footprint. It only takes a few extra minutes to do the right thing, and the long-term benefits are worth it.

---

Nearby Attractions

One of the great things about camping at Gordon Gulch is how close you are to some of Colorado’s coolest little mountain towns and scenic areas. If you’ve got a few extra hours or a full day, here are a few nearby spots we think are worth checking out:

• Nederland – Just 15 minutes south, Nederland is quirky, laid-back, and full of character. You’ll find a great little coffee shop scene, local restaurants, and even a small carousel the kids might like. The Wild Bear Nature Center is also a fun educational stop.
• Eldora – This small ski resort town is just past Nederland and has a peaceful alpine vibe. In summer, it’s a great place for hiking or biking.
• Brainard Lake Recreation Area – About a 30–35 minute drive west, Brainard Lake is absolutely stunning and offers some of the best high-alpine hikes in the region. Parking fills up fast, so get there early or reserve in advance.
• Boulder Falls – If you’re heading down toward Boulder, this quick roadside waterfall hike is a fun and photogenic pit stop.
• Gold Hill – A tiny historic mining town off the Peak to Peak Highway, with rustic charm and some incredible views. If you want to feel like you’ve stepped back in time, Gold Hill delivers.

All of these are easy to reach from Gordon Gulch and add a nice mix of culture and scenery to your camping trip.

---

Suggested Itineraries

1-Night Quick Getaway

If you’re just heading up for the night after work or need a quick escape from the city, here’s what we’d suggest:

• What to Pack: Tent, sleeping gear, warm layers, headlamp, water, easy camp meals or snacks, a camp stove or pre-cooked food.
• Where to Camp: Find a site along the main forest road about 1–2 miles in. These usually fill up later in the day but still offer quick setup and easy access.
• What to Do: Enjoy a relaxed evening by your fire ring (if allowed), stargaze (the night skies are incredibly clear), and maybe a short morning hike on the Sourdough Trail before heading home.

2-3 Night Adventure

Want to settle in and explore more? Here’s a fuller plan:

• What to Pack: Everything from the quick trip list, plus a cooler with meals for a few days, water jugs, a portable table, hiking gear, bug spray, and extra layers for the changing temps.
• Where to Camp: Go farther down the road (past 3 miles in), where it gets quieter and the sites feel more secluded. If you have 4WD, you can access even more remote spots.
• What to Do: Use Gordon Gulch as your base and take day trips to Brainard Lake, hike part of the Sourdough Trail, or visit Nederland for coffee and groceries. Even just hanging around camp and reading or napping in a hammock can be a perfect way to unwind.

---

Frequently Asked Questions