Fishing enthusiasts and lake lovers will find multiple reservoirs and dispersed camping sites scattered around Chinns Lake at 11,000 feet elevation in Arapaho National Forest. The area features two reservoirs with campsites positioned both directly on the water and in the surrounding forested terrain, giving campers options for lakefront access or more secluded spots among the trees.
Getting to Chinns Lake requires navigating approximately seven miles of dirt road, with the final four miles presenting significant challenges. Multiple campers emphasize the need for high-clearance vehicles, with Zack L. noting "you'll absolutely need a 4x4 or a high-clearance SUV to get up there. The road is rocky and steep in places." The route passes through private property for three miles before reaching the dispersed camping area, and Meg G. advises to "follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake" at the key junction.
The camping experience varies significantly between weekdays and weekends. Weekday visitors often find themselves with minimal company and abundant site selection, while weekend crowds can fill most available spots. Sites offer substantial spacing between campers, and many feature existing fire rings, though fire restrictions frequently apply. Cell service proves unreliable, with AT&T showing no reception and Verizon providing limited coverage.
Night temperatures drop considerably due to the high elevation, with September visitors reporting lows in the upper 30s. The area supports fishing in both reservoirs and includes hiking trails that connect the water bodies and climb the surrounding mountainsides. Day-use visitors on ATVs commonly arrive during weekends, though overnight camping remains relatively quiet once daylight fades.
Campers seeking places to camp near Empire can use this location as a high-altitude base camp, though the challenging access road limits this spot to those with appropriate vehicles and off-road driving experience.
Description
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd577265.pdf
With a few exceptions, dispersed camping is allowed on national forest public lands. Camping in the national forest at one location is limited to 14 consecutive days. The campsite must then be moved a minimum of three miles. Camping can then continue for an additional 14 days. Camping is restricted to a maximum of 28 days in any 60-day period. More than 40% of lands within the Arapaho National Forest boundary are private or otherwise owned. A map showing land ownership is recommended. It is YOUR responsibility to know if you are on private, city, county, state, national park or national forest land. Pack out all trash. There are no services. Practice Leave No Trace ethics.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingChinns Lake Dispersed Camping is located in Colorado
Coordinates
39.816612 N
105.692657 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/27/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/27/26- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/27/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/27/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/27/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/27/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
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 Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 20 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 30 min from Boulder, CO
- 2 hrs 2 min from Greeley, CO
- 2 hrs 5 min from Fort Collins, CO
