Upper Piney Dispersed Camping | Wild Camping

July 3rd, 2023 by clemthecampervan

This spot could have been better. Up a very steep dirt Rocky Mountain trail. 4x4 definitely recommend however I made it slowly in my 2wd ford connect. We found out day three there are only 4-7 camping sites so they are always taken. During our stay as well we witnessed a group of 4 drive off the trail head into a protected meadow and set up a party where 12 more cars and 40+ people arrived. All disrespecting nature so please be aware of the yuppies Vail has. To get away from their “party” we hiked 8 miles into the eagles nest wilderness trail to bear witness all of Colorados beauty it has to offer! From lots of wildflowers, the olden aspen grove, cabin ruins, and white water I couldn’t recommend the #1890 trail more! Just please pack it out and leave no trace. After talking to a local guide it’s people like the Vail natives that are going to get this place shut down for good as they already limited their camping timeframe.

June 20th, 2023 by caminogal

Turnout on FR700 near trailhead to Lost Lake. Don’t even attempt this road in the dark. It is riddled with big potholes! I made it in my Promaster, but VERY slowly & carefully. That said, the other options near Vail were closed due to road closures, so I feel lucky to have a peaceful, safe, legal place to sleep. No bars Verizon where I’m parked, but up the hill 200 yards I got a bar & was able to tell someone where I am.

August 2nd, 2022 by oakleyw.stocks

Cute little place, lots of camping areas, gets really busy on the weekends so get there early! Currently there’s some construction but really not a problem. Some cute hiking trails!! Lots of bugs pretty dam!! Make sure you go up and walk across! Gorgeous view!

August 31st, 2021 by Empty Nester's Epic Adventure

Right along Piney Lake Road next to the Piney Lake Ranch. Site 6 has two camping sites with fire rings. Great views of the mountains and you can walk to the lake. It’s about a 35 min drive from the hardball road in Vail but worth it. A bit of daytime traffic since this is an active resort area.

August 22nd, 2020 by travelandfuntv

Don’t waist your time. Way to far 45 minutes and very limited number of dispersed slots available. We arrived there and were asked to leave if we wanted to sleep because a group of people were clos to us and said they would be partying all night. We left and found anoitecer space on the road. Nothing great.

August 20th, 2020 by coriann49

Didn’t stay at this exact location, but we found a pull off much closer to Vail. Still about a half hour into the dirt road. Very rocky & wash boarded.. we won’t be back again in the van because everything rattled more than we liked. Beautiful spot though!

July 9th, 2019 by ioverlander ben

Several flat sites with fire pits along Piney River Rd. This location is the one I stayed at, about half a mile before the Upper Piney Lake trailhead. This areas has lots of privacy, access to several hiking trails, river access, and beautiful scenery. Amazing wildflowers in the spring and early summer. Road is a little bumpy/washboarded but easily doable with any vehicle. Some mud after the rain.

It can get crowded so it's a good idea to get here early.

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