If you don’t have a camper, vehicle, or trailer with a toilet, don’t worry, you have options. It’s what you really wanted to know, right? Where are we supposed to go number 2? Nearly all dispersed camping sites throughout Colorado will NOT have a vault toilet near your site. Where can you poop when you’re disbursed camping? And you should never drain your black water tank unless it’s at an authorized dump station. While dispersed camping it should be obvious… but you cannot build a permanent structure. When you find a great dispersed campsite you’re able to setup any of the following:Īccess is your limiting factor on what you’re able to lodge in. Dispersed Camping Shelter Options Early Spring Dispersed Camping in Colorado In the state of Colorado, you do NOT need a reservation or a permit to camp in designated areas open to dispersed camping. Overuse and poor use have closed down several disbursed camping areas in Colorado.

Meaning: you should never clear an area and setup a spot (even if you think it’s perfect). It’s best practice to NEVER “make” or “create” a campsite. So… your campsite will typically be along roads and larger “off road” trails that are accessible by your 4×4 vehicle. Dispersed Camping in Coloradoĭispersed Camping Colorado is a popular choice for many outdoor enthusiasts, and in this post, we’re not referring to backpacking. You’ll know a disbursed campsite because there’ll be a flat clearing, the ground will look worn, and there will most likely be a rock built fire-pit.

In fact, it’s sorta rare to find a campsite with a sign marked for camping. Some dispersed campsites (especially in heavily trafficked areas) will have numbers to indicate each campsite. How do you find an approved dispersed campsite? However, even with those conditions, anything can happen.Īnd here’s a page that shows ALL restrictions. Idea campfire conditions include: recently wet ground, a large fire pit, no wind, and a small fire. If you ever have a campfire in Colorado, please ensure the conditions are perfect. You’re also not allowed to stay longer than 30 days within a 20 mile radius. In most areas of Colorado you cannot stay in one location for longer than 14 days. These campsites require you to hike/backpack to them. RMNP does have MANY wilderness camping sites that require a permit. Rocky Mountain National Park, is considered public, federal land and does NOT allow dispersed camping. Maps are your friend, check out these map options to know where you can camp legally. Yes, there is private land within the designated state or national forests. You cannot camp on private land (unless of course you have the land owner’s permission). You’re not able to camp anywhere you want, there are criteria to finding an approved dispersed campsite in Colorado.ĭispersed camping is usually (almost always) forbidden near trailheads, by designated campgrounds, picnic (day use) spots, and popular, well trafficked areas.

Like anything related to public use, there are rules and this method of camping is no different. In essence, dispersed camping Colorado offers a unique and liberating experience for those who prefer solitude and the raw beauty of nature. This post does not focus on backpacking (that’s an entirely different method of camping).

It’s also possible to find a spot with no need for reservations by backpacking into the mountains and grabbing a spot. Setup your RV, tent, and/or sleeping hammock, this is now your spot. This could mean driving up a forest access road, finding a spot where you can park, and setting up camp. Dispersed Camping near Red Feather Lakes, Coloradoĭispersed camping allows you to camp without the need to find or schedule a designated camp site.

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