Camping in Colorado
Backcountry camping and backpacking in Colorado
How to check permits and local rules, plan water and food storage, and leave a clear trip plan before an overnight route.
Settle the route before packing
- Name the trailhead, route, camping area, and land manager.
- Check whether overnight use needs a permit, registration, assigned site, or designated zone.
- Read current alerts for trailhead access, seasonal gates, closures, fires, and weather.
- Check the local Wilderness or special-area page if the route enters one. Nearby public land can use a different rulebook.
Carry the systems the campground would provide
Water
Do not treat a clear stream as safe drinking water. Bring enough water or a treatment method that fits current CDC guidance.
Food and scented items
Use the storage method required for the exact area. A food locker, hard-sided canister, or approved hanging method may be named.
Human waste
Check the local rule before the trip. Some places allow careful burial; others require you to carry waste out.
Weather and navigation
Save the map and forecast before service drops. Know the high point, exposed ground, water crossings, and the route back.
A trip plan needs a return step
Give someone the route, trailhead, vehicle, group, campsite area, and expected return time. Tell that person when you are safely back. If the plan changes while you still have service, send the update.
Take this with you
Before leaving the trailhead
- ✓ The route, land manager, permit, campsite, and current closures are settled.
- ✓ Water, food storage, waste, weather, and navigation each have a working plan.
- ✓ The group has tested the gear and can turn around before a small problem grows.
- ✓ A trusted contact has the route and knows when to expect the all-clear.
Official sources and review
Check the current rule before you act
These links go to the agencies that control this part of the trip. Use the exact page, license, listing, map, order, or confirmation for your situation.
Use this carefully: Backcountry rules and conditions vary by park, forest, district, Wilderness area, route, and date. This page is a planning start, not a permit, live weather report, or promise that a route is open.
Keep going
The other parts of camping in colorado
Choose a campsite
How to choose between a state park, federal campground, national park, private site, or dispersed area and find the rulebook that fits.
Dispersed camping
How to find the correct Forest Service or BLM office, check where camping is allowed, and prepare for a site with no services.
Fire and wildlife
How to check the current fire order, decide what cooking setup is allowed, and follow food and trash rules around Colorado wildlife.
Reservations and passes
How to separate the campsite reservation from park entry, timed entry, vehicle passes, and local permits before a Colorado camping trip.