As we spent the summer in the mountains of Colorado, we jumped around to several dispersed camping areas in the region. One of which was the Gordon Gulch Dispersed Camping Area outside of Nederland, CO.
Like our stay at Deep Creek, Gordon Gulch Dispersed Camping Area is limited to numbered spots. Most of these spots are down super sketchy and deeply rutted roads only suitable for high clearance off-road vehicles. There may be other access points that are more approachable, however. While hiking around the area we found camps with RVs that would not have survived the roads we saw. We did not take the time to locate these roads.
We almost had to contend with setting up in the parking lot/staging area. However, the occupants of the only accessible site asked if we wanted to join them. It turns out it was the same couple we met back at Deep Creek and had invited them to park next to us when they had difficulty finding a spot there! Proving that kindness always pays itself back.
When we arrived in early July, the place was absolutely trashed. Everywhere we looked, there was abandoned gear, torn open bags of trash, as well as miscellaneous junk. Due to all the trash, the squirrels and bears were extremely bold! We had to put pool noodles under the drive bay door to keep the squirrels from getting into the living area of the bus. One night, a bear played with The Girl’s bike helmet, chewed up our diesel jerry can, and punched a few holes in our gas can as well. Our neighbor, with the help of the kids, spent the better part of two days bagging trash and taking it to the local transfer station.
Trouble with Law Enforcement
The worst part about our trip to Gordon Gulch Dispersed Camping area was law enforcement. Only one other time had we had any interaction with law enforcement while boondocking and that was back at Gunderson Park in South Dakota. That was a simple knock and friendly interaction. Our interaction at Gordon Gulch was not so much.
On our 8th day there, a county sheriff knocked on our door and told us that it was time to move on. I calmly explained that we had only been there 8 days. He insisted we were lying and he’d seen our rig in the spot two weeks before. The whole time the officer treated us like liars. He eventually backed down when I repeatedly, and calmly, explained to him that we weren’t there. I explained that we were in a completely different area, even offering to show him our Google map history. The officer also harassed our neighbor, who had only been there a day longer. While we didn’t have to move, it did significantly sour our opinion of the location and we’re very unlikely to come back.
Amenities near Gordon Gulch Dispersed Camping Area
One thing we’ve struggled with while living on the road is trash management. We’ve done everything from taking our trash with us and depositing it in receptacles at rest stops, gas stations, and even Walmarts. This always feels a little sketchy, and we try not to hit the same place more than once. While camping at Gordon Gulch, we didn’t have to worry about that guilt, as less than seven minutes away was a small waste transfer station that was extremely affordable. You can drive in and drop off your trash for just $2 a bag.
As for groceries and RV facilities, the location is just 30 minutes from Boulder, Colorado, opening up that whole area for exploration. We didn’t need to dump or refill our fresh tanks on our way there, so we didn’t scout any locations.
