Rand (Walden/Steamboat area), CO
Distance from Denver: 115 miles
GPS coordinates for dispersed camping: 40.392999, -106.148813, 40.430757, -106.033201
Area Amenities: not many, be sure to stop in Granby or Winter Park if you need groceries on the way in. Walden is about 25 miles away from the campsite and Granby is about 35.
Area Activities: Many (mostly outdoor) - Teller City, Dirt biking, hiking, Walden Sand Dunes, RMNP, great riding (single track and OHV routes),
Cost: Free! There is free camping on BLM land
Big Camper Friendly? Yes - can easily find spots that will accommodate a 40-foot + trailer with somewhat low clearance. There are some rocky spots on the road, but it was nothing the camper couldn’t easily manage. I recommend camping off of FR 740 (2nd GPS coordinate) if you have an actual motor home.
Ease of finding a spot? We arrived later in the day on Friday and there were plenty of empty spaces.
Liz Rating: 5/5. Beautiful area, not too busy, plenty of riding.
Cell service?: No Verizon service at the campsite the last time I was here. You’ll need to drive halfway to Walden to get any bars if you have Verizon.
I was pleasantly surprised by our stay in Rand! Typically, when we’re in this area, we would camp at Rabbit Ears Pass. However, with each passing year, it becomes more and more crowded. Because of the late snow we got this year, that was not possible. I’m so glad it wasn’t!
There are two main camping areas. The first is off of Hwy-125 on FR 50. This is where we stayed and the first GPS coordinates will take you there. The second (and where I recommend you go) is off of FR-740. The views are great off of 740 and you are almost guaranteed to see more than a few moose. There is great riding nearby for dirt bikes (single track can be accessed from the first GPS coordinate) and good quad and single track off 740 past Teller City/Gould.
