Eldorado National Forest

Recreational Activities: Dispersed Camping

If you like to camp "away from it all", but you like to drive there in your car, the National Forests have just what you are looking for.

"Pick Your Own Spot"

Most of the land in the National Forest is open to camping, free of charge, just for the choosing. You may camp practically anywhere that camping is not specifically prohibited. Simply find the place that suits you, pick your own spot, and camp.

When you pick your spot, make sure that it is

• On National Forest land. A Forest map may be purchased at most Forest Service offices.
• At least 100 feet away from streams and lakes, to help protect streamside vegetation, and prevent pollution.
• Above the high-water mark on all lakes and reservoirs.
• In a location that does not require you to travel cross country through the woods in your vehicle. Keep your vehicle on the road.
• Treated well. The beauty of the natural vegetation around your campsite is probably why you chose it. Keep it healthy and beautiful by not cutting anything down, not putting nails into trees, and treading carefully in meadow-like areas.

Restricted Areas - Dispersed camping around the following lakes is restricted because of heavy visitor use and the presence of summer homes: Ice House Reservoir, Gerle Creek Reservoir, Wrights Lake, Echo Lake, Silver Lake, Kirkwood Lake, Woods Lake, Caples Lake, and Stumpy Meadows Reservoir.

Not being in a campground means that there will be:

• No piped water - Boil any lake, stream, or spring water for 5 minutes, or bring your own water.
• No restrooms - You will need to make your own toilet area. Pick a place well away from camp, meadows, or any water. Each time, dig a small hole at least six inches deep, but not much more, and cover it well when you are through.
• No garbage service - Pack out all of your trash. Look around your camping area and pick up all the trash even if it was left behind by someone else. Leave the area looking better than when you arrived.

Boat- In Camping - If you like boat-in camping, it is permitted on Bear River Reservoir, Union Valley Reservoir, Loon Lake, and Hell Hole Reservoir.

Campfires - You may want a campfire for cooking, enjoying its warmth , and roasting marshmallows. For campfires, stoves, lanterns, or barbeques used outside of a recreational vehicle, you are required to have a Campfire Permit. Your responsibility for building and extinguishing your fire safely is explained on the permit and on the Campfire Permit web page. Be aware that as fire danger becomes greater, campfires may be prohibited.

Wood - You are welcome to gather dead and down wood to use for your campfire, but you cannot take it home without a personal use fuelwood permit.

Roads - There are many fine camping spots you can reach on paved and well-graded dirt roads, but there are some rough, steep, or narrow roads that are dangerous for the family car or for bulky recreational vehicles. Make sure the road you plan to take is safe for your kind of vehicle by first talking it over with Forest Service people. Please note that your favorite spots may be accessible only from late spring to early fall due to rain and snow.

Pets - Pets are allowed, but must be kept under control at all times.

LOW IMPACT CAMPING

Do your part in helping to preserve the natural setting and quality of your favorite forest areas by practicing low impact camping techniques.

For more information about outdoor ethics, visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website:

SAFE CAMPFIRES

Camping often involves a toasty warm campfire. Be safe and legal with your fire. Check out our Campfire Permit page for more information.

CURRENT CONDITIONS

Before you leave for your adventure, check the current conditions for campground status, road status and fire restrictions to ensure a safe and fun trip!

USDA Forest Service - Eldorado National Forest
Last Modified: Wednesday, 08 April 2009 at 14:29:05 EDT