Thorpe Gulch Dispersed Camping

We stayed at the northern end of this area, where CR-31 meets the town of Tarryall. We spent one night in the area described by another reviewer, off FR 275 which is labeled as “Stargazers” on the MVUM. These campsites are huge and would all accommodate large groups. We had no problem getting our 38’ motorhome back in there. We had 2 bars of Verizon 4G. The area was very flat and open but also with pretty good tree cover. It’s right by China Wall, a series of popular off-roading trails, so I imagine this area gets lively on the weekends but midweek it was serene.

The second night we moved across CR-31 along FR 230. This area was more visually appealing, overlooking a valley. Taking our rig up the road was “interesting” but doable. We saw another class A up here too. Plenty of campsites along this road as well as 231 just to the north. Because this road is right behind a ridge, signal was intermittent, up to 2 bars of 3G.

Both camp areas were beautiful and we’ll definitely be back.

CR 31 was a wide and decent road but heavily wash boarded so we had to drive pretty slowly. Others went tearing up the road with their trailers at 30+ mph...

We had found the intersection of Forest Road 231 and CR 31 on campendium, but turned onto Forest Road #275. There is a wire cattle gate as soon as you turn on it. There are about 5 campsites (all are big enough for a few tents/trailers/RV's). The sites are very private as in you can not see your neighbors. The first few sites are also suitable for bigger rigs. We were tent camping and got there on a Thursday and were the second campers there (by the time we left there were 9 rigs/tents - some set up in groups). We checked out all the sites, before setteling on the last one. During our stay we had a few off road bikes and atv's come by, but they all turned as soon as they realized the site was occupied. There was a bit of noise from them, but most of them seemed to be riding on the other side of CR31 😎. We heard the cows, saw some older cow patties, but never actually saw the cows. I spend my days hiking in the Lost Creek Wilderness (a bit further North on Hwy 77) and along the dirt roads on the other side of CR 31. I think the camping sites of Forest Road 275 were easier to access then the ones of 230 OR 231. But no matter which side of CR 31 you prefer I suggest, if you are coming into the area from US Hwy 24, use the tar topped Hwy 77 along the Sounth Platte river (nice views) and then turn from the North onto CR 31 (just before the settlement of Tarryall) since there is only a bit over a mile on the dirt road left. We went south on CR 31 to Hwy 24 (on a visit to Lake George) and there were some longer wash board like areas and about 7 miles or so of it. I would go the extra miles, enjoy the views along the river and skip some of the wash board jaring even so I drive a pick-up truck and I am not towing anything at this time....

Many campsites located to the East and West of CR 31 North West of Lake George, CO. Site(s) in the pictures were taken of the first loop off FR 230 to the EAST of CR-31. To get here you must drop the fence across the road, enter, the close the fence. Travel 100 yards South East to the first loop on your right.
Lots to do in the area, unless you are city-fied.
While there are at least 5 sites on this loop, it is against boon-docking etiquette to camp in an occupied area. Most people stay about 100 yards apart. ASK before you pull into an occupied loop.
Great view of the surrounding mountains in these sites.Established fire rings in the loops, mostly level sites, usually go pretty quick on a weekend, but few people out here during the week.
Need firewood or water? Spruce Grove NFS campground is about 3 miles away. Great place to swim, pan for gold, tube or go for a great hike above the surrounding area. We refilled our water here and dumped garbage.
China Wall, a favorite off road draw is nearby. Cell service is spotty, nearest free wifi is at the Lake George Public Library about 10 miles away. Never turn on the TV, don't know if there is any stations.
TIPS: Looking for a site, drive SLOWLY along the forest roads and look for established sites or roads leading to sites. Park your car/rig off the road and walk in to see if vacant.
Don't want to be bother by others looking for a site? Post a sign at the entrance of the road where you are camping. This indicates to other boon-dockers the site is taken.