Camping in Colorado
Dispersed camping on Colorado public land
How to find the correct Forest Service or BLM office, check where camping is allowed, and prepare for a site with no services.
Find the local office before the pullout
- Confirm the parcel is managed by the Forest Service or BLM and that camping is allowed there.
- Use the current motor-vehicle map or travel plan for roads and parking.
- Look for a local order on stay limits, designated sites, distance from water, food storage, or seasonal closures.
- Check the current fire restriction for the exact district or field office.
No services means you bring the system
Water
Bring enough or carry a reliable treatment plan. Do not assume a stream is safe or flowing.
Waste
Follow the local human-waste rule and pack out trash, food scraps, toilet paper, and pet waste.
Food storage
Use the container, vehicle, locker, or method required by the local order. Keep food and scented items out of the tent.
Navigation
Download maps and the local order before service disappears. Avoid making a new road or campsite.
A used campsite is not automatic permission
An old fire ring or flat pullout can sit inside a closure, restoration area, private parcel, or no-camping corridor. The current map, order, and signs decide whether it is usable.
Take this with you
Before leaving pavement
- ✓ The parcel and route are open to your vehicle and camping date.
- ✓ You found the local stay, site, fire, food, and waste rules.
- ✓ You can be self-contained for water, trash, toilet, weather, and communication.
- ✓ Someone knows the road, area, and return time.
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: Dispersed-camping rules are local. The forest, ranger district, BLM field office, county, and current closure order can all change what is allowed.
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.
Backcountry camping
How to check permits and local rules, plan water and food storage, and leave a clear trip plan before an overnight route.
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.