Camping in Colorado

fishEH

Well-known member
Jan 26, 2009
6,927
201
Lake Villa, IL
What's the general rule of thumb for where its OK to pull over and camp?

I'm planning on hauling the family(wife & 3 kids) out to Colorado for a week or two this summer/fall in the old D1. Yes, I'm a glutton for punishment.
I'd like to do a good amount of backcountry camping out of the truck.
Planning on hitting a lot of the more popular national parks/tourist destinations and link them with back roads, passes, trails.
A lot of these 4wd trails have great ending spots next to lakes. Is it cool to just set up camp there?
 

Leadvagas

Well-known member
Jun 10, 2010
232
2
Leadville CO
While it is your responsibility to know where you are, private or public land. Generally, just keep a couple hundred feet from the water.
 

chris snell

Administrator
Staff member
Aug 15, 2005
3,020
152
If you're looking for camping by a lake, here is one of my favorite spots. It's not really a "secret stash"; there's usually one or two other parties there, but it's great camping and totally legal:

https://goo.gl/maps/QpJPFu4f38H2

Another great area is the huge area south of Parlin, CO and US50. There aren't lakes but it's gorgeous and you can camp anywhere. I've never seen a soul out here:

 
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Tugela

Well-known member
May 21, 2007
4,754
562
Seattle
Brett, the answer to your question depends on jurisdiction. Leadvegas is right about needing to know who owns the land where you want to camp. If it's private, best to steer clear unless you contact the landowner and get permission.

If it's public, then in most cases you can set up camp anywhere. BLM land is the least restrictive, but also usually the least desirable land for camping. USFS is very flexible about where you can camp, but in many places you'll need a permit. For the trip you're planning it may be best to get an annual forest pass so you'll be covered no matter where you find yourself. National Parks are the most restrictive, you'll need to camp in designated campgrounds.

To have the most enjoyable (and lowest hassle) trip, it's best to do some homework in advance. You don't have to map out your entire route to the exact lat-long, but get a sense of the areas you'd like to visit and figure out what land management agencies are responsible for them.

And to second the previous point, camp 200 feet from water on durable surfaces. If you're an experienced, conscientious camper you already know this, but it's worth repeating as a general reminder:

The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace



  • Plan Ahead and Prepare
  • Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  • Dispose of Waste Properly
  • Leave What You Find
  • Minimize Campfire Impacts
  • Respect Wildlife
  • Be Considerate of Other Visitors
 

fishEH

Well-known member
Jan 26, 2009
6,927
201
Lake Villa, IL
Thanks guys. Ive been downloading GPS tracks from Traildamage.com and looking at a lot of the pictures they have in the process. A lot of the out-and-back trails have what appear to be awesome scenery for camping at the end of the trail. I was just kind of wondering what the deal on camping at such places would be. Once I get a route laid out I guess I'll look at the land jurisdiction/camping regulations for the areas.
Thanks for the spots, Chris!
 

chris snell

Administrator
Staff member
Aug 15, 2005
3,020
152
Most of the land is US Forest Service. Regulations vary from forest to forest so check the website for the forest you're going to and they will square you away. In general, you can camp so long as you're not close to a stream or river. Private land in Colorado is almost always posted and pretty obvious. Western Colorado is the exception: much is BLM land. If it's BLM, you can pretty much do what you want unless it's posted otherwise.
 

Leadvagas

Well-known member
Jun 10, 2010
232
2
Leadville CO
Brett, If you want feel free to post up here or pm me about the central and western parts of the state. I have been to just about everywhere. No as big of an expert on south central, say south of the San Louis valley or Pagosa spring area. And by the way, High Mountain Pies has the best pizza in Leadville and Gringos for cheese curds and soft tacos.
 

jim-00-4.6

Well-known member
Sep 30, 2005
2,037
6
61
Genesee, CO USA
I camp in the National Forest(s).
National Forest is NOT National Park.
Fire restrictions may be in effect.
Clean up your shit (which includes policing your brass), and don't park in the grass.
Leave the plants where they are.

In general, don't be one of those "environmentalists" who protested the dakota pipeline and left 50 tons of garbage behind.
 

AbnMike

Well-known member
Apr 6, 2016
1,218
117
Western Slope, CO
Most Forest Service (not parks) land is free and clear like posted above. Pick a forest service road, drive up it, find a spot to camp.

It gets very cold once the sun goes down, even in summer, at higher elevations. Pack accordingly.

Campgrounds (listed on NPS or Forest webpages) tend to fill up quickly. Some charge a nominal fee if they have water and portapotty things. If you are planning on wet camping (at a site) book far in advance.

If you want to head further north into Montana (western Montana, west of Bozeman) then your opportunities are endless...far fewer restrictions and camping galore (but it gets even colder at night). Nothing a fire and a decent sleeping bag won't fend off, but not rare to wake up to 30 degree temps before the sun comes up, and then it getting to 70 or 80. And 70 and full sun is hot. Nothing like the east coast.

Also at those higher elevations summer rain storms turn quickly to hail storms, but not usually big damaging hail...We had four storms in one day in Montana, 80 degrees and sunny between each of them, and each one dropped enough small hail to cover the ground, then it would melt - repeat 3 times.
 

fishEH

Well-known member
Jan 26, 2009
6,927
201
Lake Villa, IL
Thanks guys. I'm not new to camping. Been backpacking many times before and been doing Boundary Waters just about every year for 20 years. Leave No Trace / Pack in-pack out isn't new to me. I'm definitely not the type of guy to go mucking up the wilderness.

What's a good source for BLM mapping info? Do I really need to buy almost 40 paper maps for Colorado? There's got to be something better than that, right?
I plan on using a 7" Android tablet running AlpineQuest for most my mapping/navigation. Supplementing with TrailsIllustrated ones and the DeLorme Gazetteer.
 

Leadvagas

Well-known member
Jun 10, 2010
232
2
Leadville CO
Personally, being an old guy, I like the NatGeo topo series maps. They give a great overall coverage with out being to in depth. That and they are two sided. Should cover most of the state in about 10 maps.
 

Jimmy

Well-known member
Apr 10, 2006
740
64
Aurora, CO
As someone mentioned, be aware of fire bans. I think we're up to at least five counties in the area (Denver-ish and west into the mountains) which currently have them.
 

RhinoRover

Well-known member
Sep 13, 2016
54
0
Palmer Lake
What's the general rule of thumb for where its OK to pull over and camp?

I'm planning on hauling the family(wife & 3 kids) out to Colorado for a week or two this summer/fall in the old D1. Yes, I'm a glutton for punishment.
I'd like to do a good amount of backcountry camping out of the truck.
Planning on hitting a lot of the more popular national parks/tourist destinations and link them with back roads, passes, trails.
A lot of these 4wd trails have great ending spots next to lakes. Is it cool to just set up camp there?


You have multiple agencies to work with. The largest being the USFS. Then the BLM, NPS and State Parks. BLM is typically less regulated, followed by USFS, NPS and State Parks are tied. You really need to do your home work for travel in USFS and BLM lands. Fines are steep! I will help you as much as possible:

First, There are Forests that are subdivided into Districts. Check with each District prior to traveling as each one has it's specific regulations and special orders. Yes, there are federal laws and regulations that cover all Districts, but the individual Districts will be more specific.

Secondly, Obtain a MVUM (Motor Vehicle Use Map) for each District and read it carefully. Stay only to the trails and roads identified on the map (Stay the Trail). This is VERY important! And follow local signage. These maps are free and can be found at District offices, local shops and they should even mail them to you in advance. Just call the District and talk with the front desk. You can also find downloadable versions on each Districts website. Even better yet is using an app called Avenza. Download the app and then search for the individual Districts MVUM. It's free too! And you'll be able to track your travels as well as drop waypoints for the interesting stuff!

Thirdly, Camping is generally managed and regulated closely the closer you are to Denver and the front range. It relaxes the further West you go. There are three types of camping sites. 1. Dispersed 2. Designated Dispersed 3. Campgrounds. Again, refer to local signage, district regulations and the MVUM. I believe most MVUMs state that you can't park your vehicle more than a vehicle and a half length off of the road/trail. Fines are very steep for disobeying this order. Some areas only allow you to park (even for camping) in designated areas (Designated Dispersed).

We have a huge problem lately (with the population explosion) with people thinking that they can go anywhere and do anything on our public lands. It is leading to many of our roads and trails to be closed. I'm glad that you are asking in advance and want to do the right thing.

Please let me know if I can answer any other questions and enjoy our beautiful State! It's a treasure trove for Land Rover owners!
 

RhinoRover

Well-known member
Sep 13, 2016
54
0
Palmer Lake
Use Traildamage to find where you want to/can go and then check with the individual District. That's what many of us Coloradoans do. Traildamage started to charge for their service and in my opinion it's well worth it.