Some of the best areas to find free camping in Colorado are on
National Forest or BLM land
. Unless otherwise noted, camping in national forests is free, anywhere in the country.
Can you camp anywhere on public land in Colorado?
BLM land is the least restrictive of all public lands in Colorado. Mining and drilling leases can limit camping nearby, but beyond that,
you can legally camp on BLM land as designated
. It can often act as a great last-minute spot car or RV camping.
Can you just camp anywhere in Colorado?
Free camping is easy to come by, as long as you know where to look.
National forests hold most of the free camping in Colorado, followed up by BLM land (Bureau of Land Management)
. Camping for free is generally referred to as dispersed camping, which is camping in approved areas other than campgrounds.
Is it too cold to camp in Colorado in May?
May can be pretty cold
. Snow is not at all unusual in May. I am planning a camping trip for Memorial Weekend myself and am looking at Aspen or Steamboat due to the lower elevations. You might consider going further west to the Glenwood Springs area.
Can you camp in April in Colorado?
Camping in Colorado is available year-round, most common between May and September.
April and October are still prime times though to camp in Colorado
. If you're planning on early-season camping, want to extend the camping season later, or perhaps camp overnight in winter, consider renting a travel trailer near Denver.
When can you camp in Colorado?
If you are just getting your feet into the dirt, plan your Colorado camping trip between the months of
mid-June through mid-September
. Why? This is when you will find prime weather. Due to Colorado's high altitude, the peaks and campgrounds are often socked in with snow well through May.
What are the rules for dispersed camping in Colorado?
- Camp in existing campsites and use existing fire rings when available.
- Do not camp at trailheads.
- Park vehicles on bare and compacted areas within one vehicle length from the road.
What is dispersed camping Colorado?
Dispersed camping involves
camping in a National Forest or National Grassland outside of designated campgrounds
. No services are generally provided, such as trash removal. Popular dispersed camping areas may have toilets nearby and established fire pits, but often times don't.
Do you need a permit for dispersed camping Colorado?
Dispersed camping is free, private, and
does not require any permits
. Colorado is a great place to go dispersed camping because the National Forests cover millions of acres.
Can you camp anywhere in Colorado national forest?
Some of the best areas to find free camping in Colorado are on National Forest or BLM land. Unless otherwise noted,
camping in national forests is free, anywhere in the country
. Colorado is home to 11 national forests, covering 14.5 million acres.
Where can I camp in Colorado without a reservation?
- Belle of Colorado Campground.
- Elbert Creek Campground.
- Halfmoon East Campground.
- Halfmoon West Campground.
- Parry Peak Campground.
- Tabor Campground.
- Twin Peaks Campground.
- Timber Creek Campground.
What are public lands in Colorado?
These lands are in the form of
National and State Parks, preserves, monuments, national forests, BLM lands, wilderness areas
, and so much more. These open spaces are for everyone, no matter your race, gender, creed, or economic class. These areas offer everyone freedom.
What do you need to camp in Colorado?
- Tent. The most important part, especially considering Colorado's cool nights. …
- Sleeping Bag. A 40°F rated or warmer is necessary for Colorado summers. …
- Sleeping Pad. The ones that self inflate are great. …
- Light. Having a few lights around is always nice. …
- Clothes. Pack smart, but light. …
- Chair. …
- Table. …
- Fire.
Can you camp in Colorado in September?
Most campgrounds offer reduced amenities during the fall and into the winter
, but this doesn't mean you have to rough it. With a little creative planning and the appropriate gear, fall and winter camping in Colorado is just as enjoyable as camping in the summer.
Can you camp in March in Colorado?
Late March is a little risky for camping up high
. If your main destination is Moab…we think March is a better time to visit than July, for sure! There's good hiking available in and around Grand Junction, Montrose, and Moab, but nights will definitely be cold, and days probably will be, too.
Where is Chalk Creek Colorado?
Chalk Creek is a 27.3-mile-long (43.9 km) river flowing east from the Collegiate Peaks mountain range in
Chaffee County, Colorado
. Mount Antero borders the southern side of the river, while Mount Princeton borders the northern side. The headwaters of the river are located at the Continental Divide.
Can you camp in Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter?
Frontcountry and backcountry camping takes place in the winter too
! Longs Peak Campground and designated sections of Moraine Park and Timber Creek Campgrounds are open all winter; however, water is not available at the campgrounds. Permits are required for all backcountry camping and allowed in designated areas only.
What you need for winter camping?
- 4-Season Tent. Your tent serves as your shelter and protects you from the elements, which in winter, can be extreme. …
- Cold-Weather Sleeping Bag. …
- Insulated Sleeping Pad. …
- Stove and Fuel. …
- Stove Platform. …
- Headlamp. …
- Heavyweight Down or Synthetic Jacket. …
- Hardshell, Softshell, or Ski Pants.
Is it safe to camp alone in Colorado?
Never Camp Alone
Even if your goal is to get away from crowds and spend some quiet time with nature, it's always a good idea to find someone to go with you. If you should get injured or sick, another person would be able to get help.
How do you car camp in the summer?
- Get your bed off the ground. …
- Crack a window. …
- Make curtains. …
- Find a way to dry your gear. …
- Know where you can park. …
- Storage is the key to a happy (car) home. …
- Bring Toilet Paper. …
- Have a car kitchen setup.
Is there BLM land in Colorado?
The BLM manages 8.3 million acres of public lands and 27 million acres of federal mineral estate in Colorado
, ranging from alpine tundra, colorful canyons and sagebrush steppe to mountains rising more than 14,000 feet above sea level. Most of our public lands are concentrated on Colorado's Western Slope.
Can you camp anywhere in the Rocky Mountains?
Types. Unlike many national parks and forests,
Rocky Mountain National Park has a range of backcountry camping options
. Designated backcountry campsites are exactly that, while cross-country backcountry campsites may be set up anywhere so long as they are in compliance with certain regulations.
Can you make a fire dispersed camping in Colorado?
Dispersed camping in Colorado: The rules around campfires
When restrictions are in place, open fires are usually completely banned – such as campfires in a pit, or fire on a grill.
When there are no restrictions you are sometimes allowed to have campfires
– but it's best to check each region in which you plan to camp.
Can you set up camp anywhere?
The logical answer is that
yes, technically, you can camp anywhere if you have permission
. But campers needn't limit themselves to improved campgrounds. Dispersed campsites scattered across public lands provide an isolated place to pitch a tent.
What is stealth camping?
Stealth camping is
camping without being noticed
. Some people do this in urban areas, while some venture into wild locations. Sometimes the camping is considered legal, while other times it's illegal (which we don't recommend!). For many, it's done thinking it's easier to get forgiveness than permission.
Can you dry camp in Colorado?
A large percentage of the state is covered in land owned by the federal government, either through the National Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management.
Both allow for free boondocking in Colorado, so long as you don't stay in one place for more than fourteen days
.
