Camping in Colorado
Campfires, food storage, and wildlife at camp
How to check the current fire order, decide what cooking setup is allowed, and follow food and trash rules around Colorado wildlife.
Fire rules are place and date specific
- Identify the land manager and the county before searching for a restriction.
- Read the full order, not just a stage number or social post.
- Check campfires, charcoal, stoves, smoking, generators, parking, and shooting separately when they matter to the trip.
- Bring a cooking plan that still works if open flame or charcoal is not allowed.
Treat every camp as wildlife country
Food and scented items
Store food, trash, coolers, dishes, and scented items in the method the site or local order requires.
The sleeping area
Keep food and scented items out of the tent. Clean cooking areas and deal with spills before bed.
Trash and gray water
Pack it out or use the approved system. Do not leave food scraps or pour dishwater where animals will find it.
Pets
Keep pets under control and follow leash rules. Wildlife, cliffs, heat, and cold can change a normal walk quickly.
If conditions change, change the plan
Wind, smoke, lightning, dry grass, or an active wildlife problem can make a legal setup unwise. Change the cooking plan, move, or leave when the safer choice is clear.
Take this with you
Before lighting or cooking
- ✓ You read the current order for the exact campsite and date.
- ✓ Your stove, fuel, fire, and generator plan fit that order.
- ✓ Food, trash, scented items, and gray water have a storage plan.
- ✓ You know how to put a permitted fire fully out and make sure it is cold to the touch.
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: Fire restrictions and food-storage orders can change quickly and may differ across nearby jurisdictions. Confirm the exact current order before using flame or storing food.
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.
Backcountry camping
How to check permits and local rules, plan water and food storage, and leave a clear trip plan before an overnight route.
Reservations and passes
How to separate the campsite reservation from park entry, timed entry, vehicle passes, and local permits before a Colorado camping trip.