Ditch Creek (FR 383) in CO -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Colorado
Ditch Creek (FR 383) in CO
A 3.6-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Custer County, CO. The road serves Round Top Mountain.
Pike and San Isabel National Forests, San Carlos Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days. Camp at least 100 ft from water.
0.1 of the 3.6 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. 3 of the 3.6 miles in are dirt. Climbs 580 ft over 3.6 miles -- sustained grades near 12%, with pitches to 25%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~140 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 8 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.
Round Top Mountain stands 999 ft above the site, 1.0 miles northeast. Night skies measure Bortle 3 -- a dark rural sky. The nearest town, Colorado City, is 19 mi off.
September normals 41–66°F, 1.6″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Pike and San Isabel National Forests, San Carlos Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov