Free Camping Collection
Dispersed Camping
Caribou Townsite Dispersed
Caribou Townsite Dispersed is located near Nederland, Colorado, within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. The area features forested terrain with elevations that can lead to cooler temperatures, ranging from 30°F to 70°F depending on the season. Nearby attractions include the Indian Peaks Wilderness and the historic town of Nederland, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring local history.
Description
The Caribou Townsite is five miles northwest of Nederland. There are 11 numbered, designated campsites located along the National Forest System Road 505, which emerges to the north and west from Five Points. See the "At A Glance" section below for important information.
A four wheel drive high clearance vehicle is recommended. There are no facilities in this area. Camping is permitted in designated campsites only. Map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3814279.pdf
Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in one location. After 14 days, the campsite must be moved a minimum of three miles. Camping can then continue for another 14 days. Camping is restricted to 28 days in any 60-day period. A significant amount of private property is located within this area. Do not trespass. Read the kiosks in the area for rules & regulations, fire & shooting restrictions and Stay the Trail information. High clearance four wheel drive is recommended. Stay on the well-marked designated routes. Do not drive off the roadways or into any of the high alpine meadows. The Eldora side is a technical, narrow and steep route. The shelf road is just barely wide-enough for even small SUVs. Pack out what you pack in. Do not litter. Bury human waste in catholes 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water. Practice Leave No Trace principles. Camp only at clearly marked campsites within 50 feet of a numbered marker. All campsites are first come, first served. Do not cut standing trees, living or dead. Check on current fire restrictions before having a campfire by contacting the Boulder County Sheriff. Campfires must be out cold to the touch when leaving the campsite for any length of time
Sites 1 – 2 are easily accessible and clearly marked off the FS 505 headed towards Eldora.
Sites 3 – 5 are located off of the same route but across the creek in thick vegetation, narrow, rocky terrain and are clearly marked.
Sites 6 & 7: located off of that route across the creek up high in the thick timber. Access to those two sites is narrow, steep, and rocky.
Sites 8 – 11: located along the route between Rainbow Lakes and the Caribou townsite.
Location
Caribou Townsite Dispersed is located in Colorado
Directions
NFSR 505 is seasonally open from around late June or early July through late October or November in most years. Directions: From Nederland, follow Colorado Highway 72 west for 0.5 miles from the traffic circle. Turn west on County Road 128 and follow it five miles to Five Points (identified by the five-way intersection; loosely-organized parking area and gated roads). Numbered campsites are scattered along both segments of NFSR 505 and its off-shoots within 1.5 miles of Five Points.
Coordinates
39.98046710193207 N
105.57801042854955 W
Detours Nearby
Devils Thumb Lake
42 min away
Caribu Lake V.I.A Arapahoe Pass Trail
1 hr 4 min away
Drive Time
- 52 min from Boulder
- 1 hr 16 min from Denver
- 1 hr 41 min from Greeley
- 1 hr 42 min from Fort Collins
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
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 Caribou Townsite Dispersed needs a permit.
