Estes Park | Wild Camping
United States
Details
- Verified:
- 7 months ago
- GPS:
- 40.31822, -105.48795
- Altitude:
- 2631.4 masl
- Website:
- None
- Contributor:
-
jon_1085
Amenities
- Electricity:
- No
- Wifi:
- Yes - Fast
- Kitchen:
- No
- Restaurant:
- No
- Showers:
- No
- Water:
- No
- Toilets:
- No
- Big Rig Friendly:
- No
- Tent Friendly:
- No
- Pet Friendly:
- Yes
Something not right?
Description
iOverlander cannot verify if wild camping is permitted at this location. It is your responsibility to verify local laws or obtain consent before staying the night.
I came to Estes Park and stayed in the National Park for one night, then I decided I wanted to find something a little more off the beaten path especially since the tourism in Rocky Mountain National Park is a little overwhelming. So I talked with some locals and they directed to me at this site. It’s on a Forest service road and fairly well established campsites along the road/trail. Still close to town but away from everything.
Why? By checking in after you’ve visited a place you let others know this place is still functional. You can also add or correct any information.
Latest Check-Ins
Super fun drive up the mountain. Especially enjoyable if you’re into off-road as there is a little bit of bumpiness coming up which was a great time in my Xterra. Quiet, peaceful, a couple other car campers in pull outs along the drive up but this is definitely the best, coziest, and most secluded spot. Plus there’s great cell service (I have t-mobile). Enjoy!
Report Check-InThere was a gate I passed once the road got real gnarly that mentioned something about “this gate opens on June 18th” (well, it was either the 18 or 15- can’t remember exactly.)
So be aware that before the middle of June- this place is off limits apparently.
My 1995 E350 2wd made it up alright. Scariest thing was ground clearance, but there’s currently a Subaru Outback up here too which definitely sits lowers than my van. Take that information as you will. Also, if you’re picky about having your vehicle or tent on level ground: there’s not much level ground going on.
Really quiet area. Occasionally will see dirt bikes & horses head up the mountain. Overall I’m v pleased w this place!
Report Check-InNight Construction was happening when we attempted to stay. It was closed to entry so we had to keep driving down the highway. Not a lot of places to find near by in Estes park. Try one of the highway pull outs until it reopens.
Report Check-InA few prettt good camp spots, but you definitely need 4wd to get up the road. We were in a Honda Civic so we parked along the main road (kind of sketchy though) and then hiked our stuff up to a campground (probably about 0.25 miles). There were a good handful of sites along the FR.
Report Check-InWe pulled off at a relatively flat larger pull off on the right as you go through the rock funnel and before you get to Lily lake. Had the most room compared to the other pull offs. Worked great! Road noise died down after 9ish and wasn’t a problem.
Report Check-InClosed gates during the winter off season. Lots of no camping and no hiking / tourism signs all up and down the main road but I assume the fire road when open is okay to camp.
Report Check-InRocky road for sure. Better have high clearance - I had a rwd van and made it but Lordy was it a bumpy ride :)
Report Check-InThe gates were open with the first camp on the left (w beautiful view of Estes) being taken, so continued up the road. JKU was used but have seen plenty of 4x4 suvs/trucks pass by at our site. Plenty of campgrounds along the road and hiking trails to explore and watch the sunset. Forest rangers marked all the fire rings due to CO's statewide fire ban in effect. LTE available.
Report Check-InGates are now open but I would not recommend going pass these coordinates. Road is rocky and we punctured our oil pan further up the road. However if you do get stuck, call monarch towing in Longmont. Might take a while but few others would probably even consider takings the tow job getting down.
Report Check-InThe forest service road is closed today (June 12th, 2020). We had to turn around.
Report Check-InBeautiful spot very high up dirt road that I think only 4x4 will make it to. Made it in 4x4 Sprinter.
Report Check-InI came to Estes Park and stayed in the national Park for one night, then I decided I wanted to find something a little more off the beaten path especially cents the tourism in Rocky Mountain National Park is a little overwhelming. So I talked with some locals and they aim to me at this site. It’s on a Forest service road and fairly well established campsites along the road/trail. Still close to town but away from everything.
Report Check-In