Around Gross Reservoir, camping means designated sites only

In much of Colorado’s national forest you can camp away from developed campgrounds, called dispersed camping. Around Gross Reservoir in southwest Boulder County, that is not the case, and the difference catches people off guard.

The Forest Service put an order in place for the Gross Reservoir and Winiger Ridge area in the Boulder Ranger District that limits camping to designated sites posted with signs. Camping anywhere else there is prohibited, and the order also restricts where you can park and bans fires except in the permanent metal or concrete fire rings at developed recreation sites. The agency uses these designated-site rules to protect the land and reduce wildfire and resource damage in a heavily used area close to the Front Range. Gross Reservoir itself, on whose western shore Winiger Ridge rises, is owned and managed by Denver Water, so its shoreline and recreation rules are separate again.

The practical takeaway: do not assume you can pull off and camp here. Look for posted designated sites, park only where allowed, and keep fires in established rings only.

These orders have effective dates and can change, and reservoir-area access can shift during construction work. Before planning a trip, check the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests’ current alerts for the Winiger Ridge and Gross Reservoir area.