Free Camping in Colorado’s National Forests

More information on free camping in Colorado's national forests: www.campendium.com/camping/fr...
From forested deserts to snowcapped peaks, Colorado has nearly unlimited options for free camping, even in the height of summer.
Campsites mentioned in this video:
Madden Peak Road - San Juan National Forest
www.campendium.com/madden-pea...
County Road 34 - BLM
www.campendium.com/county-roa...
Sultan Camping Area - San Juan National Forest
www.campendium.com/sultan-cam...
Sultan Creek - San Juan National Forest
www.campendium.com/sultan-cre...
Anvil Camping Area - San Juan National Forest
www.campendium.com/anvil-camp...
Last Dollar Road - Uncompahgre National Forest
www.campendium.com/last-dolla...
Washington Gulch Road - Gunnison National Forest
www.campendium.com/washington...
Slate River - Gunnison National Forest
www.campendium.com/slate-rive...
Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area - BLM
www.campendium.com/oh-be-joyf...
Escalante Canyon Road - Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area
www.campendium.com/escalante-...
Miracle Rock - BLM
www.campendium.com/miracle-ro...
25 Road - BLM
www.campendium.com/25-road?ut...
Salida North BLM - BLM
www.campendium.com/salida-nor...
County Road 48 - Pike & San Isabel National Forest
www.campendium.com/county-roa...
South Mount Elbert - Pike & San Isabel National Forest
www.campendium.com/south-moun...
Vasquez Ridge - Arapaho National Forest
www.campendium.com/vasquez-ri...
Stillwater Pass - Arapaho National Forest
www.campendium.com/stillwater...
West Magnolia Campground - Arapaho National Forest
www.campendium.com/west-magno...
#rving #rvliving
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Created by campers for campers, Campendium lists over twenty-eight thousand places to camp, from swanky RV parks to free camping and boondocking destinations, vetted by a team of full-time rvers and reviewed by over one hundred seventy thousand plus members. Our KZbin channel highlights the best places to camp and will change the way you find a place to call home for the night.
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#campendium #boondocking #freecamping
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[@jdeso3]

One thing I would like to see all of the KZbin people that are RV, van dwellers and tent campers should all include as part of their videos. “When we go to a campsite especially a free one we should leave it cleaner than we found it”. We are losing campsites because some people won't clean up after themselves.

[@Campendium]

Absolutely, better to leave it cleaner when you leave and take care of these amazing places. I believe that was tip number 2 in our Boondocking video.

[@franzwagner8964]

Maybe a cougar will eat those who leave trash behind lol or maybe a bunch of birds will poop on there heads for leaving garbage. Lol One can only Hope.

[@chrisbarclay6127]

It's really annoying to be told this because I for one always leave the spot better then I found it.... I will actually clean up after those bastards..... and the people that need to be told will still do whatever they feel like doing so stop wasting your breath.

[@highlonesome-coloradobluegrass]

This band moved to Colorado and it was because of this video! What an adventure! Thanks Jared!!!

[@billycox5725]

I have grown my whole life in the colorado bush.the thing about wilderness and the calling to it, is that if your alive ,there is nothing that is negative, John Muir is tatted on my soul, and if the mountains call you, than you will effect people in a way that is only positive, and with soul.

[@jacktyler7599]

I always enjoys these, Jared. One suggestion: It would be helpful to the viewer if you were to visually position each set of sites you will be reviewing geographically, right at the beginning of the reviews. So e.g. it could be in this case a graphic of Colorado with the sites starred & labeled on it. Or another approach would be to offer a geographic logic to the reviews ("We'll be moving from west to east..." or "First, on the western slopes there is...") I'm thinking this would then help folks zero in on the links you helpfully provided to those sites that 'fit' for them geographically. Keep 'em coming, please. Really good stuff!

[@StevieKnight]

Jack Tyler Excellent suggestion

[@Ricster52]

I don't think he wants to make it TOO easy to find these areas. He does mention the roads etc, just do a little homework!

[@godscommandmentsaretruthis2837]

I live in SW Virginia, but I used to live in Delta, CO and I've never heard of these campsites. Thanks for sharing.

[@dmpme951]

Oh Man Don't tell everyone .. the peeps will come and ruin it.. lol!

[@outdoorenthusiastenl4907]

I just found your videos. Thank you for posting such amazing information.

[@Campendium]

Glad you like them! - Liz

[@tguthrie1121]

Please include rules of camping in wilderness, and respecting the land and other life around

[@Campendium]

Hi PM Guthrie, that's a great suggestion - we'll include Leave No Trace principals in our future videos. Meanwhile, all of our boondocking locations link to those important guidelines: www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101

[@virginiaeasterling4347]

I'm watching from my camper home in Clanton Alabama were I live by myself with my 2 dogs

[@kennethjones8621]

O wow I'm in Alabama also. But have been to Colorado and love it. Moving there in 4 years.

[@druidangel5754]

The dream

[@janicepeck4828]

Thank you. Very helpful

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Wow, can’t wait to see them firsthand

[@harrynickel8691]

Many Thanks. Stay Calm and RV On.

[@draymilo9522]

Great Job man thanks!

[@Campendium]

Glad you liked it! :)

[@columbia_gourmet3388]

a really beautiful place

[@virginiaeasterling4347]

Thanks for your update

[@theoutdoorsinist]

Useful info! Thanks for the leads.

[@Rufin_A_]

Love Anvil! Anything around Silverton is great!

[@alienhivemind7121]

Very nice video thank you

[@jimc.6127]

A Benchmark Atlas is part of my travel awareness package.

[@viking_4rok385]

We TOTALLY loved camping on Notch Mountain Road!! We camped at 10,008 ft elevation, it was quiet,secluded, and the view was AMAZING. Not recommended for camper trailers unless they’re small, and off-roadie, but it was PERFECT for our rooftop tent!

[@neethadesilva5747]

Thank you so much information

[@Campendium]

You're welcome! Happy camping! - Liz

[@sgt.pepper4274]

lol. I can't wait to camp in the Madden Peak Road area. My border collie will have lots of fun with those cows. It'll be a like a kid in a candy store.

[@mayinnlin1879]

Thank you 😊

[@tomaustin4526]

Wow. very cool 😎 thanks for the great video 👍🌎🚌🎶🎥🎬🏔🚴🏻‍♂️🎈♥️thanks for sharing and safe travels

[@steveallen5282]

Colofornia.

[@carmelopappalardo8477]

New subscriber here.

[@leestork8997]

Lovely video.

[@debrandw246]

Awesome. Thank you

[@TriptoCo]

I camp and dirt bike every weekend in our Colorado Rockies. Love living here

[@TriptoCo]

@Al Kaseltzer Every guy in our group brings a trash bag to pick up others crap that we pass. Also have put out many other smoldering, unattended camp fires. Us Natives actually care about our state. So suck it.

[@TriptoCo]

@Al Kaseltzer Agreed.

[@lauramoor7730]

I love u thank uuuu

[@suelaprise]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Reaper6207]

Pack it in, pack it out, Police your campfires well, Secure your food and trash, DO NOT SHOOT TREES, and STAY THE TRAIL. These simple and easy rules are the golden ticket to allow future generations to enjoy what we enjoy.

[@jodileben694]

Who the hell shoots trees? I'd just be happy if people who visit here stop trashing the place. I've gone to some of my usual places in the mountains, only to find that tourists have left their trash all over the place. It's absolutely ridiculous and makes me so angry.

[@Reaper6207]

@@jodileben694 I feel your pain. There are many places in Pike National Forest I used to go to until shitty people started shooting down the trees in areas that were once great to camp at because of the shade those tree(s) were providing. Then some idiots felt the need to mindlessly cut down the trees that are not dead or shoot em down because you know....'MERICA 🤷‍♂️ You can tell the trees are shot down because if you look close enough, you can find bullets in those stumps.

[@tytomlinson7831]

I live in Colorado and I've never heard of these places. Sure hope to try a few places sometime

[@jblaction]

Wow, there is so much more in Colorado. I am actually watching this while at a free campus called Turtle Rock in the Four mile area outside Buena Vista. I travel around Colorado with my business and always looking for free or inexpensive places to stay. I also have stayed in many paid campgrounds while working for a month or more in one place. Good video.

[@bryanlong6888]

I’m going to the San Juan mountains in 3 weeks tent camping does anyone have any good suggestions?? Amd also can pets stay as well??

[@JurgensJourneys]

I have never been there, but whenever I get to go to Colorado I will definitely consult this video and Campendium. Those look like great places to camp! Thank you for the review!

[@libertyforamericanow]

Theres a spot not far out of leadville. Not quite as senic but has a place to use the bathroom and you can stay two weeks free. Its right on the main road

[@dmpme951]

Man Don't tell everyone .. the peeps will come and ruin it.. lol!

[@erikamundson2507]

@Al Kaseltzer such ignorant comments. Move to Alaska if you don't want people

[@fbarba23]

People mad at this comment cause they’re the ones ruining it. Why tell him to move to Alaska when he’s probably one of the few natives left here in Colorado. Obviously you haven’t been camping in the last few years because people are ruining these awesome camp spots by leaving all their trash and cutting trees down that shouldn’t be cut.

[@gsp49]

Who are peeps?

[@jodileben694]

Too late! I can't even count how many places I've gone, only to find it trashed out by tourists who leave all their trash. Such lack of respect.

[@JeremyB8419]

I was looking at this the other day, because I was considering going “wilderness camping” in Rocky Mountain National Park, but then there’s spots just right outside the park (and on trails) where you can camp without any of the restrictions?

[@Campendium]

You'll want to research the management, rules, and restrictions of the land you're intending to camp on before proceeding - and always keep conservation and sustainability in mind when utilizing public lands: www.campendium.com/camping/category/sustainability/ - Liz

[@JeremyB8419]

@@Campendium it’s mainly for the campfires. Former Eagle Scout.

[@peterbedington4414]

Wow,!!! John Denver was right!

[@xcv1io2v]

do they do security checks upon entering?

[@Campendium]

Most dispersed camping locations are unstaffed at the immediate location. Some do incorporate a camphost. - Liz

[@staceyhensley91]

Grand Mesa?

[@chris74ify]

Any spots off any rivers or lakes for fishing and boating ...

[@Campendium]

Lots of spots near water all over the country 🎣 Head over to www.campendium.com and apply the MORE FILTERS --> FISHING and/or WATER ACCESS or BOAT RAMP filters to find a great camping spot 🚤

[@RayT70]

Thanks 👍

[@msfaithwarrior]

Do you need permission for these spots? Thanks in advance.

[@moriscondo5511]

some updates: the camping around Crested Butte has been clamped down on since this vid was made and Stillwater pass burned in a forest fire. I am not sure, but it's possible you can't camp there anymore.

[@simonjones7674]

Unfortunately county road 4 camping didn’t survive the East Troublesome fire. There are still spots, but only about half.

[@PhenomenalWorld]

Simon, where is county road 4? Or do you mean 34? I ask because I was gonna head there right now. Thanks.

[@HighCountryRambler]

Thanks for the video. 5th Generation Coloradan here for 68 years and appreciate you covering these. One thing we strive for in Colorado is making people aware that our public lands are under attack by specialized interest lobby groups and being closed down from public access at a alarming rate. When we go vote, only vote for people with track records of keeping public lands open to the public, not monuments or wilderness study areas BUT OPEN TO MOTORIZED ACCESS. Some of us might have disabilities that limit access so it's important we fight the trend.

[@turleytho]

So, I was in the Colorado Springs, Denver, Greeley area during February and March. There was NO FREE CAMPING ON ANY NATIONAL FOREST LAND..

[@Campendium]

Sure there is! Check it out: www.campendium.com/colorado/free-camping

[@TheDjcarter1966]

Most areas are closed for your safety, only the most experienced and prepared should even think about this. You can't get a vehicle in and you don't want to be exposed to the elements. I have friends that do it but they doing avalanche mitigation and are trained in rescuing people that aren't prepared, plus all the right equipment to include GPS trackers and sat phones, etc.

[@JboBakey]

That's not true, most of the dispersed camping is on 4x4 roads, dangerous roads are usually private or blocked

[@Go_Play_Outside]

You're speaking my language. 😊 Subbed! Heading out there in my Class A from TX.

[@russellashburn6268]

Turn around, we have reached max capacity on Texans.

[@mywhorled]

@@russellashburn6268 says the Californian turned Coloradoan.

[@mywhorled]

Debbie I'm from TN. Moved to Colorado years ago for several reasons, one being more open minded people. As you can see from the previous post, you won't find many decent people here. I'm leaving soon.

[@55afishead]

@@mywhorled adios!

[@russellashburn6268]

@@mywhorled Nope, born and raised in Durango.

[@Eric12358]

I can't find your website or app.

[@Campendium]

Hi Eric, Website: www.campendium.com iOS app: apps.apple.com/us/app/campendium-rv-tent-camping/id1191380095 Android in the Play Store under Campendium!

[@alexlee3787]

The Rocky Mountain or the Rocky Mountains doing the summer is cold overthrown doing the summer

[@alec4672]

Are you going to release an android version?

[@Campendium]

Great news! The Campendium Android app is now ready! Head to the Google Play store and search for Campendium to download the new app. Happy camping!

[@drinxs505]

Slate river looks like Alaska

[@tannermcconnell9344]

You look like Jacoby on Jalen and Jacoby on ESPN.

[@threedogsandacamper503]

Nice video, but the locals sound really irate. I’ve heard this in person too from Coloradans camping in NM to get away from the crowds.

[@stanleyjenkins9543]

I live in boulder Colorado and you forgot to mention nederland blm land disperse camping its beautiful there.

[@devdecker7812]

I already know how to camp with a camper. It’s easy. I need a channel that gives me the small deets and tips of backwoods tent camping. Still looking

[@jeffreyallen1290]

Not for much longer. The FS is closing down and running people out of places that have been open to camping for years. The state is so full of residents now and we have so many visitors I'm sure camping outside of designated places will be a thing of the past before too many more years.

[@IndigenousPathways]

Just curious. Can you specify any forest service CO campgrounds that have been closed due to overuse and/or abuse by campers?

[@cnetate]

I'm a co native and have been camping for 20 years. I've seen more and more people come and destroy Boondocking sites. A lot of homeless leaving needles now. I was at Stillwater pass a few weeks ago and talked to a ranger who said they had to kick out the homeless people who've been staying in these site for weeks. I had to clean up needles and they trash these sites. I wouldn't say specific areas are closed but they do close down several site by putting up signs. Spots Ive been camping at since I was a kid are now closed off. I'm not sure what the real reason the forest service closes these sites but I really pisses me off. More and more people move here and visit and they close down sites instead of make more accessible. I used to go to crested butte all the time and atv and now there's just too many people and the forest service doesn't make anymore spots. Then you'll have people with one tent taking up a big area several trailers could fit in. No etiquette or consideration for others these days.

[@altitudeiseverything3163]

Indigenous Pathways - It isn’t campgrounds that are closing, but undesignated FS areas where camping has been allowed for decades. Many of those have been developed into more formal campgrounds requiring reservations and fees; others have been restricted from camping altogether. I live in the CO mountains and abuse of informal camping areas has increased steadily over the past couple of decades: transients camping long term, trashing the areas and even sparking wildfires that destroy homes and threaten lives.

[@niks983]

@@altitudeiseverything3163 yup I think redfeathers is next I'm talking about the free spots in Roosevelt national Forest. Everytime we go we end up cleaning for a couple hours before we settle in. It just wasn't like this when my parents took me there growing up, and actually it wasn't this bad when my son was born 9 years ago. I love my state but it's being overrun by undesirables.

[@altitudeiseverything3163]

thor odinson - I agree that it can be frustrating to deal with crowded roads, trails, and campsites, but I try to remember how lucky I am to live up here, and how the mountains are a much needed respite from the stress of the Denver metro area for many, and a rare, much anticipated vacation for many more. I take a deep breath and give tourists a welcoming smile, happy that they have an opportunity to enjoy what I’m privileged to experience every day. The only “undesirables” are those who lack respect for nature, and for others, and don’t clean up after themselves, who cause damage to natural areas, and who are careless with fires (including cigarettes!)

[@chandlerrozas1661]

No we don't it's terrible over here 😁

[@patrickgragg5602]

Come up here and visit, and then go home spend your money, and then go home thank you for visiting Colorado and not settling here!

[@antonjackson71]

I am wondering if the word local in Colorado is another word for inbred.

[@alec4672]

What is wrong with the locals in Colorado? Don't they understand there's just as many terrible people that live in there state then visit. This is supposed to be the United States we're all supposed to be able to travel freely in it. They act like they're there own country

[@dco8886]

Alec Ver Bunker 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@CaliKid87]

If you're coming to CO, please drive in the RIGHT LANE unless you're passing. Do not try to take pictures while driving and please try to know where your turn is BEFORE you're actually supposed to turn! Pack out your trash and don't be a dick! Respect our lands and laws. Especially fire restrictions. Know before you go. Come, enjoy, respect, go home. Cheers.

[@lpr5337]

Any bathrooms?

[@mywhorled]

There's one next to the rock, by the tree.

[@armedjester81]

Fallen trees work great. Just scoot your butt off one side and let it go. But be a decent person and bury it.

[@dabear7335]

If you want bathrooms ie pit toilet, then its 10 - 20 a night. But they may have water too.

[@threedogsandacamper503]

BYOB (bring your own bathroom 😃)

[@AceGoodheart]

@@mywhorled But that's the women's bathroom. I'm looking for the men's. 😉

[@KingLoopie1]

Nothing but crowds and more crowds of people here. The whole state has been overrun. Very expensive state for "free" camping. Don't bother coming...

[@davbradley23]

I started staying in the "paid" tent places. They got one just north of Black Hawk. It's called Base Camp. Started winter camping due to crowds. I work in Brighton. Live in Texas.

[@02051970sonny]

Lol where are you talking about I'm a native and it's hot as hell here. Grand junction is a drug infestation. There are no free camp sites. I guess if you want to park at a Walmart.

[@Campendium]

Hey Sonny, here's a map to all the free spots in Colorado: www.campendium.com/colorado/free-camping#price-range=0-0 including some that get good reviews in the Grand Junction area! (You'll need to zoom in on the are of the map you're interested in to see pin points)

[@prestondenby68]

"Camping." 😂😂😂😂😂

[@luvlife8277]

Beware of wildlife...

[@soundthealarmjesusiscoming8112]

RV's have ruined camping. Don't forget your microwave popcorn RVers! If you want to really get out in nature and get away from the noise of RVers and their generators, you gotta put on a backpack!

[@Tiktokmashupsandcompilations]

All the crusty locals talking about don’t come... there’s only 5 million in your state. Pipe down. There’s plenty for everyone.

[@Hyperchaosbringer]

only people with campers and have money get to camp in these locations look at all of these expensive campers.

[@Campendium]

Hi Hyperchaosbringer - anyone can camp in these locations. We see tent and car campers all the time.

[@jamesshaw3230]

PLEASE DON'T FEED THE BIGFOOT. HE IS NOT SIGNING AUTOGRAPHS AT THIS TIME.OH,, OH WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ALIEN DAMAGES... ADAA.😁😉😁

[@mankokennewick5802]

Free camping? Who the hell would pay to camp?

[@jeremyvaldez6375]

People with money

[@mankokennewick5802]

@@jeremyvaldez6375 glampers

[@rsrollins72]

Please stay away!

[@godscommandmentsaretruthis2837]

Robert... be nice. Just tell visitors to stay off I-25 during rush hour.

[@bugnfront]

Stay away

[@annabelle2361]

Please don't come - you have already destroyed most places.

[@jag55getbit]

So your local businesses that rely on travelers suffer?

[@annabelle2361]

@@jag55getbit Once everything is destroyed we have no tourists. Growth is not always a good thing.

[@aarongudahl9632]

@@annabelle2361 sharing is good

[@jag55getbit]

@@annabelle2361 cool, I get it. I'm actually from Northern AZ, so you people actually aren't welcome at the Grand Canyon anymore cause it's ours. You keep leaving trash and starting wildfires. Enjoy never leaving Colorado.

[@annabelle2361]

@@aarongudahl9632 Destroying my home is not good...

[@brybrun]

RVing is not camping.

[@Campendium]

Whatever terminology you prefer to use, we hope you find a great campsite to enjoy! 🌳

[@mikelatta484]

There's not enough air. The weather sucks. We're always in a drought. Fire danger is always extreme. Nothing but crazed pot heads. You're better off in The Dominican Republic.

[@godscommandmentsaretruthis2837]

C'mon Mike. Colorado got twice the normal snowpack this year. Not much risk of a wildfire. And didn't your Mamma teach you to share the air we all have to breathe? lol

[@birdiebrain9120]

Bible profecy we dont want any more people here they've destroyed it enough

[@godscommandmentsaretruthis2837]

@@birdiebrain9120 I understand where you are coming from. I'm tired of picking up other people's trash at campsites I visit. It's a nationwide problem. Sad to see what has happened to America.

[@omnicopynotfooled5973]

People are pretty much trashy anywhere you go now. They just throw stuff down and no one hired to pick it up.

[@antonjackson71]

Don't know about the potheads, but you seem pretty bat $hit crazy.

[@antonjackson71]

I am from California and I am moving to Colorado to retire, and I will vote the same way I did in California.

[@jimmarquez-medina9543]

I'm sofa king hungry! I’m sure you will 🤦🏽‍♂️ Just tell me your not a Socialist Democrat...

[@antonjackson71]

@@jimmarquez-medina9543 just kidding, I moved to Arizona from Mendocino, then to Colorado. Sorry to disappoint, I don't vote.

[@dco8886]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mixedmediaartgirl300]

​@@antonjackson71 voting is pointless in a rigged system

[@jimwhite3096]

Please don't put out any more of these vids Colorado is seriously over crowded . the three to eight hours of jam packed highways is not worth your time "for free" trouble , over loaded and overwhelmed !!!!!! Here in Colorado!!!! Go anywhere else !!!!!!

[@godscommandmentsaretruthis2837]

This video was mostly about dispersed campsites on the Western Slope. As you might know, there are only a few free campgrounds (with vault toilets) in the Front Range. But yes, the Front Range has gotten very crowded. I got stuck in rush hour traffic on I-25 while visiting Denver back in June of 2018. It's an experience you don't forget.

[@antonjackson71]

I don't think so, it's America. You can go elsewhere if you don't like it.

[@karlajensen3708]

You sure do like their tourist money though don't you. And guess what you don't have to watch these videos. Watch any other video!!!!!!

[@jimwhite3096]

@@karlajensen3708 I do watch to comment and speak to the reality of conditions in Colorado . As for your tourist money , it's never used were it's needed or promised just like legal weed was going to pay for new schools and repair Colorado roads haven't seen any of that happening . I'm sorry reality and truth aren't for everyone

[@sabramontano836]

We people in Colorado would appreciate it if you would stay away ! We like it to ourselves. Btw the spots he shows are nothing compared to the spots people that are from Colorado know.