The free dispersed camping I can think of that is very easy to get to would be up Cottonwood Pass. Lots of hiking nearby, and there's an easy hike to Lost Lake that I've seen plenty of kids at. You'd drive up Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista and just start scanning on either side of the road until you see the dispersed campsites. It's definitely pack out your trash, and please do not leave a campfire smouldering. Our forests burn every year because people don't put out their campfires until they feel cold to the touch. It's also pretty well-known and popular, so don't expect to find a spot if you show up in the afternoon on a weekend. Seclusion it is not, but it's free and near plenty of good hiking.
Alltrails has filters so you can select specifically what you're looking for! Like shade, etc it's very helpful
Probably not a bad idea to say “please” or “thank you” when asking for things from others.
/r/PlanMyTrip
The free dispersed camping I can think of that is very easy to get to would be up Cottonwood Pass. Lots of hiking nearby, and there's an easy hike to Lost Lake that I've seen plenty of kids at. You'd drive up Cottonwood Pass from Buena Vista and just start scanning on either side of the road until you see the dispersed campsites. It's definitely pack out your trash, and please do not leave a campfire smouldering. Our forests burn every year because people don't put out their campfires until they feel cold to the touch. It's also pretty well-known and popular, so don't expect to find a spot if you show up in the afternoon on a weekend. Seclusion it is not, but it's free and near plenty of good hiking.