Dispersed Camping near Jefferson, CO
Dates: July 25-27, 2025
Distance from Denver: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes
GPS Pin: 39°20’52.3″N 105°42’29.6″W
Site Availability: Many. The road is long with many different options and turn-outs. Some spots are more open with clear views of the mountains and some are slightly more secluded in the trees.
Nearby:
- Hungry Moose Caboose – burgers, fries, ice cream
- Jefferson Lake Recreation Area
- Bailey, Colorado – 26 minutes
- Buena Vista – 54 minutes
What we loved: the ease of finding a spot, the mountain views, the size of the campsites, proximity to home
What we didn’t love: not a lot of shade
Trip Review: This dispersed camping trip to Jefferson was extra special because it was the first time with our then 3 year old daughter. Prior to this, we took her one night camping at a nearby state park and had stayed in cabins. Needless to say, she thrived and is now a certified dispersed camper.
We arrived on a Friday evening with another family and found a lovely, large spot, with stunning mountain views. To the credit of our friend, we put up a third tent which was the “play tent” for the kids (please steal this idea!) We each brought some extra toys to put in the play tent so the kids were preoccupied while we set up camp, cooked dinner, and prepped smores. We also brought bikes so the kids could ride around the camp site.
On Saturday the kids loved “hiking” around camp. We did a couple of nature walks where they adored picking and making bouquets with the wildflowers. For lunch, we decided to drive into Jefferson and grab burgers, fries, and ice cream at the Hungry Moose Caboose. There is also a little shop and farmer’s market to pop into if you need anything.
In the afternoon, we drove to Jefferson Lake Recreation Area. Heads up, if you do not have a National Park Pass, there is a $11 per vehicle fee and they ONLY TAKE CASH. There is one ATM in town near the Moose Caboose. Despite having to run around finding cash, this excursion is highly recommended. The lake is beautiful and the kids loved splashing around and throwing rocks. There is also a boat launch (if that’s your thing) or have a SUP.
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