Anglers and wildlife enthusiasts will find abundant opportunities along Forest Service Road 103, where Laramie River Road Dispersed offers free camping throughout Roosevelt National Forest. This dispersed camping area operates on a first-come, first-serve basis from June through August, with sites scattered along the dirt road at approximately 9,000 feet elevation.
Campers can choose spots near Chambers Lake, along the creek, or on drier ground away from water sources. The well-maintained county road accommodates most vehicles, including RVs and toy haulers, though some reviewers recommend 4WD for sites further from the main road. Fire restrictions apply seasonally, and camping is only permitted where existing fire rings are present. Several areas show fire damage from past wildfires, but numerous intact sites remain available.
Wildlife encounters are common throughout the area. Marasha L. found "a solid spot by the river that even had a few primitive structures built," though noted that neighbors often occupy nearby sites during summer months. Moose, elk, deer, and black bears frequent the area, particularly around dawn and dusk. Cell service is unavailable, but emergency call boxes and ranger patrols provide safety backup.
The closest resupply options are in Rustic or toward Walden, 10-20 miles away. Plan for cold nights even in summer due to the high elevation.
Description
Located on the southern end of the Medicine Bow Mountain Range in north central Colorado, Rawah Wilderness was designated by the Wilderness Act of 1964 and now contains 73,868 acres. "Rawah" is a Native American term meaning "wild place."
Elevations in the Rawah Wilderness range from 8,400 to 13,000 feet. The high peaks were carved by glaciers, resulting in spectacular cirque lakes and moraines. There are twenty-five named lakes, ranging in size from five to 39 acres. This high alpine area contains the headwaters of the McIntyre, Rawah, and Fall Creeks, as well as the Laramie River.
The Rawahs are host to mammals such as elk, moose, mule deer, black bear, bighorn sheep, marmot and beaver. There are many species of birds including the red-tailed hawk, white-tailed ptarmigan, golden eagle, raven, Steller's Jay and a variety of warblers. Lakes and streams are inhabited with lake, cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout. Graylings are also found in this area.
The Rawah Wilderness is very popular with summer backpackers, hikers and anglers. It is also popular with hunters in the fall. To encounter the fewest people, plan your trip for mid-week and use less popular trails.
Always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep this area wild, clean and pristine.
Motorized equipment, or mechanized transportation is prohibited, including motorcycles, chain saws, bicycles or carts. Wheelchairs are exempt. Group size is limited to 12 people and/or livestock combined. Camping and campfires are prohibited within 200’ feet of all lakes, streams and trails to protect water quality, sensitive vegetation and to help assure solitude. Thin soils and mountain vegetation are easily damaged by fire and fires scar rocks and soil. Use a stove, a fire pan or an existing fire ring when and where fires are allowed. Campfires are prohibited in the alpine areas above 10,800 feet. Campfires consume scarce vegetation and leave permanent scars on the fragile soils of the area. Pets must be on a handheld leash at all times if hiking. Equestrian riders can have dogs under voice control.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingLaramie River Road Dispersed is located in Colorado
Coordinates
40.69767912 N
105.85993797 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Cabins
- Yurts
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Laramie River Road Dispersed needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 41 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 1 hr 56 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 2 hrs 7 min from Greeley, CO
- 2 hrs 25 min from Boulder, CO
