Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests
Pawnee National Grassland

Rules and Regulations

General

• Respect others on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland.
• Be aware of all posted regulations on the forest.
• Keep noise levels down to avoid stressing wildlife and livestock, as well as other visitors.
• Respect private property.
• Do not carve, chop, cut or damage any live trees.
• Check our safety page for other general guidelines.
  

Specifics

Alcohol

People under 21 years of age may not possess alcoholic beverages.

Boating

Motorized boats are allowed on Chambers Lake(wakeless speed only), Dowdy Lake (wakeless speed only), Long Draw Reservoir (electric only), Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Willow Creek Reservoir. There are many opportunities for non-motorized boating including Joe Wright Reservoir, West Lake, Brainard Lake, Meadow Creek Reservoir, and Monarch Lake.

Camping

Camping is limited to 28 days in a 60-day period on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee Grassland. Check ufc-01-06.

Developed campgrounds may not be used when posted closed. Developed reservation sites may not be used without a reservation, or permission from the campground attendant. Only designated group or oversized sites may be used by more than five people who are not all immediate family.

Quiet hours in campsites are between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am. Please be considerate of others.

No camping is allowed within 100 feet of all lakes, streams and developed trails except for designated campsites and other areas as posted. Special rules apply in the wilderness.

Closed Areas

Please check the closure orders in effect on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland.

Fires

Where campfires are allowed, they must be at least 100 feet from lakes, streams and trails. Remember that special rules apply within the wilderness. Be sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving. Do not leave your fire unattended. You are responsible for keeping fires under control.

Please check for fire restrictions before lighting a campfire anywhere on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland.

All engines and motors, including vehicles and equipment such as saws, must have spark arresting devices to help prevent wildland fires.

Firearms

Hunters must have the appropriate license issued by the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

The Code of Federal Regulations (title 36) states that discharging a firearm or any other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury or damaging property is prohibited:

• In or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area, or
• Across or on a Forest Development Road or adjacent body of water; or
• In any manner or place where any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge.

In other words, shooters must be at least 150 yards away from campgrounds, trailheads or any area already being used by other recreationists. This gives shooters a safety margin and prevents conflicts with other forest users. Do not damage property, including trees, telephone poles or signs. Any violations will result in a fine and/or court appearance.

• Shoot in an area with a safe background.
• Scout the area for other people or animals that may be in your shooting range.
• Select a safe backstop free from rocks or objects that could cause a bullet to deflect. It is the shooter's responsibility to know where their bullet impacts and not expose others to danger.
• Shoot targets that do not destroy or damage trees or wildlife.
• Bring your own target, shoot against a bale of straw or earthen bank, do not shoot at trees or place targets on trees.
• Shooting animals without a hunting license is illegal.
• Use targets that are easy on the land. Do no use glass containers as targets.
• Pack out what you bring into the forest, including spent shells and remnants from sport clays.

Fireworks

Possessing or using fireworks on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grasslands is prohibited.

Fishing

Anglers must have a valid fishing license issued by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. (See boating for additional information.)

Leave No Trace

Motor Vehicles

Motor vehicles must stay on numbered forest roads or designated travel routes. Motor vehicles are not permitted on closed forest roads.

Over-the-snow vehicles traveling on snow are allowed on roads where not specifically prohibited.

Motor vehicles must be operated in a safe and careful manner. They must obey posted speed, load, weight, height, length and width limitations.

Motor vehicles must have a current and valid state license plate, except for OHVs on forest development roads which have been designated off-highway vehicle routes or open roads, which must have a current and valid off-highway vehicle registration. Snowmobiles must have a current and valid snowmobile registration.

Motor vehicles may not be louder than 99 dba (decibels).

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs)

Travel only on designated off-highway vehicle routes. Travel slowly through water or mud. Do not make new tracks outside of the roadbed. Obey road closures and locked gates. Do not travel on steep inclines if damage will occur to the roadbed. Know the limitation of your ability and of your machine. Wear protective gear and drive safely. Obtain permission before driving on private land. Be aware of state vehicle laws. OHVs must be registered with Colorado State Parks. Make sure your OHV has an approved muffler and spark arrester. OHV use in campgrounds is not allowed.

Packstock

Saddle or pack animals are allowed unless posted instructions state otherwise. All hay, straw, forage and mulch used in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland must be certified weed-free.

In the wilderness areas, special rules apply.

Parking

Vehicles must obey posted parking regulations. Unless otherwise posted, one may pull off a road to park. If you are staying the night in a recreational vehicle, pull to the side of the road so you do not block traffic (but not far enough to cause damage to vegetation and wildlife habitat).

Pets

Pets must be on a hand-held leash no longer than six feet at all times in most the wilderness areas. Pets must be restrained or on a leash at all times while in developed recreation areas. Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas or sanitary facilities.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiles must be operated in a safe and careful manner. They must obey posted speed or other limitations. They must have a current and valid state snowmobile registration.

Motor vehicles may not be louder than 99 dba (decibels)

Over-the-snow vehicles traveling on snow are allowed on roads where not specifically prohibited.

Wilderness Areas

Many wilderness areas have specific rules and regulations that must be followed, including "leave no trace."

Contact Us

USDA Forest Service, Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, Pawnee National Grassland
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Last modified June 25, 2008