Where + For How Long Can You Legally Camp in Colorado?

With Colorado's undeniable status as an outdoor playground, it's not surprising that one of the most popular ways to experience the state's natural beauty is camping.

While renting a campsite or even a glampsite is fairly easy and, depending on the site, comes with a number of amenities as fancy as bathrooms and even wifi, most outdoorsy types prefer to skip the fee and "rough it."

This method of experiencing nature is known as dispersed camping and while it may seem like total freedom, there are rules.

What Are the Rules for Dispersed Camping in Colorado?

Dispersed camping is typically allowed on BLM, or Bureau of Land Management, land, as well as National Forest land. Luckily, nearly 1/3 of the state of Colorado falls under this distinction.

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However, National Forests and BLM lands often have their own specific rules regarding dispersed camping, so it's a good idea to ensure that you're allowed to be there before pitching a tent.

In addition, while your dispersed camping trip can tempt you into wanting to stay permanently, you're only allowed to stay on Colorado's National Forest and National Grassland sites for up to 14 days at a time.

While BLM and National Forest lands are typically pretty easy to identify, one surefire way to tell if you're in an area in which dispersed camping is permitted is the presence of fire rings and parking spots.

These are typically installed by the National Forest Service and are usually available for non-paid dispersed camping.

Click here to check out more information about dispersed camping in Colorado.