Joe Gerrans Dispersed Camping

We were hoping to stay here on our way to Rocky Mtn NP, but took one look around and kept driving. Some really sketchy people have taken up permanent residence here and there is a really weird vibe (like you stumbled into a meth community). Clearly not being regulated or maintained at all. Do NOT recommend - especially for solo and/or unarmed travelers!

All the walk in sites were full around Granby so we found this place! Low clearance vehicles and large trailers will have trouble getting around due to big muddy pits on the drive around. You enter going West just before the bridge the Colorado River flows under. There are only 10 or so spots. The ones closer to the highway are tree covered and on the water. Farther back is grassland but larger spots with little to no neighbors. There are porter potties and appeared they are cleaned weekly. Nothing else: no water, electricity, table, or fire pit. Beaver Creek is not fishable but the Colorado is close. The Milky Way is unbelievable here.

This camping area is found as two different names. If you search on Google Maps, it will show up as Gilbert Campground. On Campendium, it shows up as Joe Gerrans. Either way, it’s a decent place to stay. There are about 10 sites where you can fit a 30’ trailer or RV along a 1/2-mile long area on the Colorado River and Beaver Creek. The majority of the sites are open for good solar exposure. During wet conditions, it probably gets quite muddy. It’s primary advantage is that it is only 3 miles west of Hot Sulfur Springs town and resort. There is also a very nice public gun range about one mile west, but the sound is not disturbing.

This is also called Gilbert campground. There are no numbered sites. We have one along the Colorado. There are many sites and two roads so easy access and exit. Fishing is good by the number of fish people were catching. Sites further back would have less noise. Hot Sulphur Springs is a few miles down the road. We checked out the campground there but it was full. Two port a potties and a trash dumpster. Nice shooting range across the highway for both rifle and handguns, free.