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Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest outside of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no toilets, no treated water, and no fire grates are provided.
Camping in dispersed areas on the Forest is allowed for fourteen (14) days in any thirty (30) day consecutive period. Campers must move off Forest after reaching the 14-day limit. The stay limit also applies to all camping equipment (tents, chairs, ATVs, ATV trailers, etc.), even if used by a different person or group. Camping equipment must be removed by the end of the fourteen (14) day stay limit or the equipment may be impounded. Stay limits are implemented to reduce impacts to vegetation and wildlife habitat, as well as provide access to popular campsite areas for other visitors.
There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It's your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience.
In most areas, dispersed camping is allowed up to 150 feet from a designated Forest Service Road, with some exceptions. Exceptions are based on protection of resources that may include water quality, soil conditions, and wildlife & fish habitat.
No Dispersed camping within 100 feet of water (we recommend 200 feet).
No dispersed camping where topography or existing vegetation limits vehicle travel (e.g. steep terrain, trees, brush).
No dispersed camping within wet meadows or in saturated soil conditions. In these areas, walk-in tent camping and picnicking are allowed, however vehicle travel into these areas may be restricted. The public is asked to use existing pull-outs off the main road and walk in to take advantage of these areas that help provide clean water, productive soils, and habitats for fish and wildlife.
Forest users can obtain Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM’s), that show where dispersed camping is allowed and roads and trails that are designated open to motorized vehicles
So beautiful. Easy to follow the trails when weather allows. So much to explore. Excellent location for professional photos to be taken! Fee area, research before going. There are free days.
Beautiful place. All trails were actually paved which was surprisingly nice. It was the perfect time of the year to be there (end of September) for the fall colors! Vibrant reds and bright yellows galore. The water was flowing nicely for the early fall. Go there and enjoy the views!
Beautiful area on the Alpine Loop! It has a few trails around it they are easily accessible and easy trails to take. Definitely worth a stop if you drive up the Alpine Loop! There is a small national Forrest fee you pay to park.
Perfect hike for the kids, paved path with facilities. Positioned throughout the path are planks for educational learning. Even pointing out specific birds and animals to play eye spy during the hike. Along the path is a wetland loaded with waterfalls. There are lilly pads everywhere housing beautiful fish surrounded by bridges and aspens. Perfect for taking the family photos or birding.
What a beautiful day to ride through this colorful and blue sky mountains range! The hills are filled with many beautiful views and colorful fall foliage. You can still see snow capped mountains above and streams flowing down with plenty of water from above… I highly recommend the the trip to anyone living within the vicinity.
