Free Camping Near Rocky Mountain National Park (Longs Peak, Bear Lake, Wild Basin)
No dispersed camping inside the park itself, but the surrounding National Forest allows free no-permit dispersed camping on both the east and west sides.
- Land manager
- Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest (USFS)
- State
- Colorado
- Free campsites listed
- 4
Campsites
-
Ceran St. Vrain Trail Dispersed Camping
No permit required National Forest
Sites along a stream, relatively easy vehicle access.
Stay limit: 14 days · Amenities: None
-
Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area
No permit required National Forest
Mix of numbered and unnumbered sites, varying privacy/views.
Stay limit: 14 days · Amenities: None
-
Pole Hill Road Dispersed
No permit required National Forest
One of the closest free options to RMNP; high-clearance 4WD required.
Stay limit: 14 days · Amenities: None
-
Stillwater Pass Dispersed (near Grand Lake)
No permit required National Forest
West-side option near Grand Lake entrance to RMNP.
Stay limit: 14 days · Amenities: None
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to camp near Rocky Mountain National Park (Longs Peak, Bear Lake, Wild Basin)?
No permit is required for any of the free campsites listed in this region.
Is camping near Rocky Mountain National Park (Longs Peak, Bear Lake, Wild Basin) free?
Yes — all 4 campsites listed here are free dispersed camping near Rocky Mountain National Park (Longs Peak, Bear Lake, Wild Basin), with no reservation or fee.
What's the stay limit near Rocky Mountain National Park (Longs Peak, Bear Lake, Wild Basin)?
The stay limit is 14 days at all campsites listed in this region.