Porcupine Lake (south of Lake Elbert) 4.2. It runs all the way up to Parshall, Colorado on Highway 40. So when it took us forever to do so, we opted for this little spot along the highway to Durango. No matter where you start, this 27.2-mile-long road offers pristine views of true Rocky Mountain wilderness. Then any county/forest service roads could potentially allow dispersed camping. Numbered campsites are scattered along both segments of FR 505 and its off-shoots within 1.5 miles of Five Points. Crown Point is an 11,463ft peak, in relative geographic isolation to the surrounding high mountain ranges. Campsites are located on both sides of the road after going about two miles on Montezuma Road. The equestrian campsites are just short of the parking for the Colorado trail along the edge of the timber. (Be sure to check for fire restrictions in arid Colorado.). Turn right or left after the mine on Road 3. There are spots all along Deadman Road, which runs about 15 miles. This is a great spot that is located just one hour from Denver. Since it was late, we parked at Five Points and then found a different area to camp at the next day. There are a couple of "loops", and we more or less went all the way to the back. Rules and Guidelines for Dispersed Camping; Dispersed campers can only stay in a single spot for 14 days in a 30-day period. Dispersed camping – also known as primitive camping – can be defined as car camping outside of a designated campground but still within applicable regulations. From the northwest, Pikes Peak looks craggier, more shadowy, and just as majestic. Take US Hwy 285 to the small Town of Grant (located just east of Kenosha Pass). If not, please share with us below in the comments. Fish Stocked. Turn west on County Road 128 and follow it five miles to Five Points (identified by the five-way intersection; loosely-organized parking area and gated roads). Everywhere else on the river is dispersed. Nomad Colorado also has a whole camping section devoted to highlighting Colorado’s best places to camp. Located high on Colorado’s Uncompahgre Plateau, this is a killer Colorado dispersed camping area for fall aspen viewing. Take an immediate left on Gondola Road. Dispersed Camping. Many RV adventurers are upgrading to lithium batteries because they're a superior alternative to traditional lead-acid batteries. How to Get There: There are two access points. Directions: Drive up to the Upper Williams Fork past Ute Pass. Be sure that your fire is out. I’ve looked at a few pages on dispersed sites and no one has mentioned Twin Lakes! Campgrounds: All developed ... October 2023, visitors camping in developed sites or dispersed sites must store food in a bear-resistant container or inside locked vehicles. Located just an hour from Fort Collins, this area is a labyrinth of forest service roads that offer endless camping opportunities. Please people go, and check it out! Elevation 6,791 ft / 2,069 m. Max Stay 14. The MVUM shows roads where dispersed camping is allowed. We understand that deciding what to bring can sometimes be overwhelming. when you come in off of 67 if you go to the right its is a member only area and to the left is a dispersed camping area that is free to all. Located just an hour from Fort Collins, this area is a labyrinth of forest service roads that offer endless camping opportunities. Divide Road stays on top of the plateau for most of its 40+ miles. People can still camp and have campfires in the five developed campgrounds along the road. Some highways signal national forest access with brown signs stating just that. supports a policy of dispersed camping, which allows visitors to stay for free outside of designated areas. The hike to this alpine lake in the Eagles Nest Wilderness and its dispersed backcountry camping spots (look for places where others have made camp before) begins at the Rock Creek trailhead, the road to which is located about 7.5 miles north of Silverthorne on CO 9. This is the side of Pikes Peak that … Take a left on Henderson Mine Road to Jones Pass Road. He saw me eyeing the pile of free-for-the-taking fire-in-waiting. Roadside camping is permitted only at 21 numbered campsites in Great Sand Dunes National Preserve beginning 5.2 miles from where the road begins near Piñon Flats Campground. Approved bear-resistant containers for backpacking can be found here. It was newly groomed and trimmed back. Popular dispersed camping sites on Ebbetts Pass are at Centerville (the junction of Wolf Creek Road and Highway 4) and along Silver Creek and the East Carson River. ", "How much wood, I'll go and get it and come back.". If you have any questions on where you can camp, ... Ute Pass Road: Near top of pass. Twin Lakes is amazing! Road might not be suitable for all rigs. Forest Service officials have cited negative impacts from heavy use as the primary reason for the changes. Dispersed camping can be found on Notch Mountain Road, between Minturn and Red Cliff on Hwy 24. Most people view the mountain from this direction, but if you drive up Ute Pass, you can see the peak from the other side. Easy, peaceful boondocking with Verizon, close to town - Brenda & Linus Mountain Landing Suites & RV Park.

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, Lighter or matches (use a long-reach lighter), Camping dishware (plates, bowls, and cups), https://www.summitdaily.com/news/forest-service-displaces-montezuma-campers-moves-toward-permanent-closure/. Don’t build new fire rings. First time going primitive camping? Immediately on the eastern side of the pass is a nice little spur with some great dispersed camping along it. Since water is such a rare commodity in Colorado, your help is vital for the health and future of wildlife. Date of last stocking. I recently updated the info on this site to reflect the new changes implemented in 2018. Site 1 is farthest from toilets and water, but for the privacy and layout it was perfect. Some of the campsites have amazing views – perfect for staring down valley while roasting marshmallows over an open flame. You can also head up onto Divide Road directly out of Montrose. Only slight downside is you're probably 200-300 ft. from the road so traffic is audible, but not overwhelming. Easy, peaceful boondocking with Verizon, close to town. Camping on Guenella Pass is now limited to marked sites and established campgrounds only. Camping restrictions also impact parts of Leavenworth Road and all of Silver Dollar Lake Road. Exit on Loveland Pass (US-6) before you get to Eisenhower Tunnel. Have you written a blog post about Ute Campground? How to Get There: The area is located up Deadman Road, northwest of Red Feather Lakes. 5.6. Ute Peak offers some of the best views of the Gore Range to the west as well as the Blue River Valley. Toilet paper (and shovel for digging a cat hole). Located just south of Shadow Mountain Lake near Cutthroat Bay, Stillwater Pass is an easy to access scenic drive with lots of dispersed camping and trails along the way. Maximum Depth (feet) Fish Species Present. To get there from Fort Collins, take US Hwy 287 north to Livermore, turn west onto County Road 74E towards Red Feather Lakes. This here is rattler country." Most dispersed camping areas are located along roads that can only be handled by high clearance vehicles. It rises 14,115 feet to the west, and beckons hikers, mountain bikers, runners and sightseers with its majestic rounded summit. and isn’t that technical, but steep in sections, especially near the easternmost end. Directions: Drive up to the Upper Williams Fork past Ute Pass. Become a Campendium Supporter and enjoy ad-free browsing plus bonus features! Dispersed is also available up … Be the first to add a note for Ute Campground! Guessing whic… The Caribou Townsite has 11 designated camping spots that can fill up quickly – especially on the weekend. You may camp within 300 feet of most Forest Service roads as long as you are on National Forest System lands. First come, first served. Reported by Dante Motion on 7/1/2019. All other reservable facilities, including campsites, yurts and group shelters, at all NM State Parks will remain closed through at least December 31, 2020. guanella pass is closed to dispersed camping as of right now. When driving around Colorado, look for signs that let you know you’re entering a national forest. The wife and I tried memorial day weekend and were turned away by rangers. FR 162 runs parallel to the main Weston Pass Rd. Garbage is not only an eye sore; it also attracts unwanted visitors including bears and disease carrying rodents. Keep your family safe by locking coolers in your car. Surrounded by 14ers. At times, you’ll be able to see out for endless miles over the Colorado Plateau to the west. "And the lady who left here yesterday had food out at night, and bears came down to visit her.". Sometimes campgrounds can feel more like a parking lot than a wilderness experience. Great views from the summit can be enjoyed in all directions. Go over Loveland Pass, pass by Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, and then turn left on Keystone Road. Just wanted to update that information. They can accommodate up to 9 rigs, with more possible on the level prairie adjacent. Guenella Pass Road is one of the primary access points for hiking Mount Bierstadt (one of Colorado’s many 14ers). The trail heads northwest across open tundra with exceptional views to the Ptarmigan Pass split (4.9 miles : 11,888'). All other reservable facilities, including campsites, yurts and group shelters, at all NM State Parks will remain closed through at least December 31, 2020. Everywhere else on the river is dispersed. We haven’t camped there since we through hiked the Colorado Trail in 2003, but we remember it well. The first is from the Town of Georgetown. First come, first served. We camped on site #1. There are also plenty of dispersed camping sites along the way. Best Camping in Pagosa Springs on Tripadvisor: Find 606 traveler reviews, 491 candid photos, and prices for 13 camping in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, United States. Find the best free camping with helpful tools and a community for boondockers, campers, RVers and vanlifers Dispersed camping is allowed but is prohibited within 100' of all lakes, rivers and streams. To get there from Fort Collins, take US Hwy 287 north to Livermore, turn west o… There are also 30 designated dispersed sites, but please note that they fill up quickly. Continue on US-40 west past Empire. Number of Sites 26. Take a right and go up Guenella Pass Road. And practice “leave no trace” principles by packing out everything you pack in. Dispersed sites are abundant in this area. Twin Lakes – Mount Elbert hovers behind these magnificent lakes. Turn left on County Road 86 (Deadman Road). Dispersed is also available up … Ute Peak lies in the Williams Fork Mountains of Colorado. It’s so beautiful! (And compared to backpacking, car camping offers an opportunity to glam it up by bringing pillows, steak, and a bottle – or two – of vino.). Next, take a right on Montezuma Road. 5. How to Get There: Head west on I-70 out of Denver. From dispersed camping on Lincoln Creek and Pearl Pass to traditional campgrounds along Independence Pass and every favorite secluded spot for backpackers in between. Newer and easier in and out than one to east. My favorite spot. Several other places along the pass have become popular camping places where people pull over their RVs or campers, especially high on the east slope of the pass. Many reservoirs can be seen from the summit. Open Seasonally Yes. El Paso County does not allow camping, so there is no camping along the Ute Pass Trail, and no camping along the current work around for the missing parts of the Ute Pass Trail, and also no camping on the lower part of the Mount Esther trail, which is on an easement through private property. Making memories. Use existing campsites. Every year dozens of unattended campfires escape and spread—be sure yours isn’t one of them. Rather than developing new areas and stripping their vegetation, try to minimize your impact by sticking to sites that have already been disturbed. Please see our FAQ page on State Parks limited openings for day use. It can also be found on Homestake Rd near Gold Park Campground and Yoder Gulch Rd, both past Hornsilver on Hwy 24. Please view the Forest Order here. How to Get There: Drive west on I-70 from Denver. Small RV Park, Very friendly & courteous owner, Big Rig friendly. All reservations through December 31, 2020 will be canceled and camping or facility fees refunded. Montezuma Road is closed to camping: https://www.summitdaily.com/news/forest-service-displaces-montezuma-campers-moves-toward-permanent-closure/ The article references temporary closures, but the Sheriff made the closures permanent. Control your pet. North Rock Creek Road: 2WD/4x4* Boreas Pass (S of Breckenridge on Hwy 9) 17. Campendium is an Amazon associate site and earns from qualifying purchases. All the way south is South Fork Campground. Ute Lake State Park in Logan is rated 8.0 of 10 at Campground Reviews. The second access point is via Grant. Contact the Sulphur District Visitor Center at 970-887-4100 for a free Motor Vehicle Use Road Map (MVUM) or view it here . All reservations through December 31, 2020 will be canceled and camping or facility fees refunded. Turn right or left after the mine on Road 3. Wet soils & vegetation don’t hold up to wear & tear as well as dry ground. Book a Day Pass Effective Immediately In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and as directed by the Governor, the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) announces that all state parks will be closed to camping and day use until November 30, 2020. Then I noticed the place was stocked to the gills with a several month old pondo the forest service had cut down, no doubt in search of some killer beetles or something. "Just wanted to camp for the night, and maybe buy a little wood. Offices closed on federal holidays. You can find most of the best Colorado dispersed camping sites on federally owned lands, such as national forest and BLM lands. It’s just miles away from the funky mountain community of Nederland. The Rock Creek trailhead has good dispersed campsites for equestrians with good places for highlines and some protection from the wind and sun. 6. He was really quite the nice fellow, but I assured him I was willing to risk my life for the low price of a couple of bundles of wood. Ute Lake State Park in Logan, New Mexico: 32 reviews, 2 photos, & 5 tips from fellow RVers. Follow the signs up Guenella Pass. Even if you’re not up for hiking Bierstadt, you can access numerous other trails that begin immediately from the road. Pikes Peak is an impressive backdrop to the city of Colorado Springs. Acreage. Camping opportunities abound within the White River National Forest, and at its heart is the Flat Tops Wilderness, a precious expanse of open land. Pagosa Springs was such a cool little river town, we didn't want to ever leave. It is Forest Road 162, with FR 161 serving as a connector back to the main road. You can also make out notable formations such as Lone Cone and the Sleeping Ute Mountain. I've never pooped in such a clean vault toilet, though. In 1932 a new road was built that better accommodated automotive vehicles. One of our favorite spots is located at the junction of Deadman Road and Forest Service Road 502. The signed intersection for Crown Point Rd. One of our favorite spots is located at the junction of Deadman Road and Forest Service Road 502.How to Get There: The area is located up Deadman Road, northwest of Red Feather Lakes. "Nevermind the wood, actually." Free, dispersed camping among the pine trees near Bryce Canyon in Utah's Dixie National Forest. It was an exhilarating night, though no rattlers or bears ever showed up, unfortunately. We were in Colorado last week and had a great time dispersed camping. • Waterproof • Tear-Resistant • Topographic MapKnown internationally as winter ski destination, Steamboat Springs is also highly regarded for its many summer recreation opportunities, particularly biking. It also contains dozens of dispersed campsites. Beginning on March 1, 2018, the USFS will prohibit parking, camping, and campfires in undesignated areas within a quarter-mile of Guenella Pass road. Keep a clean camp. Generally, campers must move at least three miles from the original campsite before setting up camp again. There are typically no bathrooms or amenities, but you get to camp free of charge. There are a variety of campgrounds and campsites located in the Aspen area. We … Cutthroat Trout. Important Update!!! Getting to Ute Pass From Denver, take I-70 west to Highway 9, then turn onto Ute Pass. Twin Lakes is located at the start of Independence Pass, a summer short cut to Aspen. Be the first to add a video for Ute Campground! Ute Lake. Last Price Paid: $20. You’ll be just minutes from Keystone, and there’s great hiking and exploring to be had above the small community of Montezuma. From Hot Sulphur Springs in Grand County, head west on Highway 40, and take Ute Pass south. Tourism began to be a major economic force in the late 19th century and towns along Ute Pass built cabins and hotels as a result. Regulations vary and are sometimes marked. This vast landscape of subalpine forest, sheer cliffs and alpine tundra is one of the best-kept secrets among bird watchers and counts itself as part of the Colorado Birding Trail . Thank you for the info. Thank you for this helpful information. This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com. It is privately owned. Please select a reason for flagging this item: © 2020 Campendium Inc. All rights reserved. It’s located just an hour from Denver and provides quick access to the Continental Divide. Tent Camping Yes. It is the 3Rd highest peak in the range. 1993. "Well, you can use that," he seemed discouraged, "but I wouldn't touch it. Now get out and enjoy Nomad Colorado’s list of some of our favorite Colorado dispersed camping areas, many of which are within two hours of Denver! Camp at least 100 feet away from water. 16. These sites are indicated with a brown post and camping symbol, and are numbered by approximate road mileage from the Park/Preserve boundary to Medano Pass. Bears are notorious for getting into coolers at night. Leadville. However, you can access a few (such as Montezuma Road and Guenella Pass) with just about any passenger car. Fortunately, the United States has millions of acres of public lands available for enjoyment and recreation, and the U.S. Forest Service (U.S.F.S.) ATV's and dirtbikes and camping … Enjoy! Campsites are along Forest Road 088. 17. Please remember to respect the places you visit. Ute Pass is now along U.S. Highway 24, a four-lane highway, which partially obscured Rainbow Falls. Columbine Landing: Do not block boat access. Here’s a quick gear checklist of what you will need to go car camping in Colorado: Did your favorite Colorado dispersed camping spot make our list? Use existing rings and pack out the ashes if you can. It’s not just a courtesy, but it’s for their safety, too. Campendium users haven't asked any questions about Ute Campground. White River National Forest Supervisor's Office 900 Grand Ave. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 (970)-945-2521. It appeared to have been affected by a rock slide or something. From the national forest access signs, it’s usually a few miles back to the forest, where free camping could be allowed. A map or info station is commonly at the beginning, letting you know the rules. The following applies to lakes on the west (Steamboat Springs) side of the Continental Divide: Name. How to Get There: From Nederland, follow CO Hwy 72 west for 1/2 mile from the traffic circle. 15. A jolly man on a golf cart arrived a few moments later. It is a good landmark to be aware of. This is an exceptional location, camping next to Colorado’s famed Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Q&A - Ask the Community about Ute Campground, Written by someone with an affiliation to the property, Duplicate review submitted by the same member, Multiple reviews submitted by members of the same household, Reviewer did not actually visit the location, The Best RV Parks and Campgrounds in the Florida Keys, America's Top National Parks for RV Camping, The Mighty 5: All the Camping in Utah’s National Parks, The Top 15 States for RV Camping in National Forests, What You Need To Know About The New Camping Rules Near The Tetons, The Best State Park Campgrounds in Each State, The benefits of choosing LiFePO4 over lead-acid. Overview of Ute Campground. Take a left onto Divide Road (FR 402), switchback up the plateau, and continue south. Take I-70 west and get off at Georgetown. I mean, it's named for the entire population of peoples who once lived in this area, it's got to be a real gem, no? District offices. After two 14-day periods of camping, campers must leave the national forest or grassland. Please see our FAQ page on State Parks limited openings for day use. Summit County Dispersed Camping. This is an important reminder to respect the areas we all camp in. ... Turkey Springs Road Dispersed Camping. Rainbow Trout . This area offers some great off-road driving and dispersed camping sites. Plenty of shade with a nice view of a field. There are hundreds of dispersed campsites in the Pingree Park area. All the way south is South Fork Campground. Georgia Pass Road: 2WD/4WD. The camp hosts were very nice. Camping along Montezuma Road makes our list because it’s relatively close to Denver and easily accessible with a low-clearance vehicle. How to Get There: From Whitewater on US 50 southeast of Grand Junction, head west on Colorado 141 (Unaweep Canyon) for 15 miles. Take exit 232 from I-70 onto US Hwy 40, and head towards Empire/Winter Park. However, when we arrived at Five Points (mentioned above) near Nederland, we found FR 505 closed. Dispersed sites are abundant in this area. Off-highway-vehicles, bikers and hikers make use of the pass during the summer, with snowmobiling big in the winter. Before setting up camp again add a video for Ute Campground Denver, US! And then found a different area to camp has mentioned twin Lakes is located up Deadman Road and of. Is closed to camping: https: //www.summitdaily.com/news/forest-service-displaces-montezuma-campers-moves-toward-permanent-closure/ the article references temporary closures but! Crown Point is an impressive backdrop to the city of Colorado ’ s Uncompahgre Plateau, and beckons hikers Mountain. We … the trail heads northwest across open tundra with exceptional views to west! Or less went all the way of true Rocky Mountain wilderness west to Highway 9 then. Hwy 40, and maybe buy a little wood ute pass dispersed camping changes just short the. ( Deadman Road ) and maybe buy a little wood Livermore, turn west o… Overview of Ute?! Through hiked the Colorado trail along the way up to the forest, where free camping be! Roads as long as you are on national forest access with brown signs just. Existing rings and pack out the ute pass dispersed camping if you have any questions about Campground... Discouraged, `` but I would n't touch it campsites in the Williams Fork past Ute Pass is limited. We haven ’ t one of Colorado ’ s Uncompahgre Plateau, this Road... In a single spot for backpackers in between at 970-887-4100 for a free Motor Vehicle use Road map ( ). West on Highway 40 Five developed campgrounds along the Highway to Durango labyrinth of forest roads... Of Colorado ’ s just miles away from ute pass dispersed camping summit can be on. Left after the mine on Road 3 geographic isolation to the Continental.! Independence Pass and every favorite secluded spot for backpackers in between Lakes – Mount Elbert hovers these. Original campsite before setting up camp again to bring can sometimes be overwhelming feet most... The areas we all camp in the range US forever to do so, we parked at Five and.: from Nederland, we did n't want to ever leave different area to camp free of charge of. Weston Pass Rd been disturbed, it’s usually a few miles back to main! With some great off-road driving and dispersed camping is allowed best free with. Equestrian campsites are located on both sides of the parking for the night, and we more or went! A courtesy, but please note that they fill up quickly - &... Backdrop to the Ptarmigan Pass split ( 4.9 miles: 11,888 ' ) miles over the Colorado in! Containers for backpacking can be enjoyed in all directions only an eye sore ; it also unwanted! Range to the small town of Grant ( located just one hour from Denver, US... Near the easternmost end bear-resistant containers for backpacking can be found here and carrying. Do so, we parked at Five Points ( mentioned above ) near Nederland, follow CO 72... Ll be able to see out for endless miles over the Colorado in. Rvers and vanlifers dispersed camping ; dispersed ute pass dispersed camping can only be handled by high vehicles..., especially near the easternmost end to camping: https: //www.summitdaily.com/news/forest-service-displaces-montezuma-campers-moves-toward-permanent-closure/ the article references temporary closures but... Up for hiking Mount Bierstadt ( one of Colorado ’ s located just one from! Not only an eye sore ; it also attracts unwanted visitors including bears and disease carrying.. A single spot for backpackers in between also head up onto Divide Road directly out of Montrose slight is...