Fall River Reservoir has free Colorado camping without reservations

I have a secret to share with you.

• An old friend recently turned me on to a camping spot at Fall River Reservoir, near Idaho Springs and Georgetown, that I decided to check out with my fiancé and the pups over the weekend.

Why it matters: It's increasingly difficult to camp in Colorado without a reservation, especially at a place offering prime mountain views and ample privacy just an hour from Denver.

• This area not only offers plentiful camping spots — many of which are next to the fast-flowing Fall River —but also boasts a beautiful lake perfect for kayaking and kicking back with a beer. And it's all free, with no need for advanced booking.

Details: Fall River Reservoir on national forest public lands, meaning dispersed camping is permitted at no cost, with a few exceptions.

• The site also allows bicycling, off-highway vehicle riding and RV campers.

Of note: If you go, be sure to check out the 1-mile dog-friendly loop around the reservoir, a popular trail for birding, hiking and fishing.

• For those looking for even more adventure, consider climbing several thirteeners nearby, including Parry Peak and Mount Bancroft.

Be smart: After turning left on Rainbow Road, be prepared for it to be rough and super rocky the farther you go.

• Make sure you're traveling in a four-wheel drive vehicle with high clearance, and pack a solid spare tire just in case.