Quiet settles in after dark on CR 47, but the days belong to mountain bikers, hikers, and the occasional dirt bike roaring up the road. This free dispersed area sits within Arapaho National Forest near Winter Park, where a gravel road off Highway 36 leads to a loose collection of primitive pull-offs tucked among conifers. The sites spread out across varying terrain, with higher spots offering open sightlines toward mountains and a distant lake. No facilities exist here at all: no toilets, no water, no power hookups.
The road is the defining factor. Early sections are passable for most vehicles, but the route grows rougher and rockier as it climbs, and at a certain point high-clearance four-wheel drive becomes necessary. Several reviewers note loose rock and significant bumps. Cell service is essentially nonexistent, so navigation and communications need to be sorted before arrival. Campers who push farther up tend to find more seclusion; Jamie L. describes camping "under large rock overhang" after pulling off on one of the gravel patches about a mile in, with a trail running up the hill on the opposite side.
Wildlife activity is worth noting. Mice have been reported in significant numbers at some sites, particularly in wooded areas closer to the trailhead. Chipmunks are common throughout. One reviewer moved their vehicle to a less wooded pull-off further down after mice investigated the engine bay overnight.
Cleanliness has been inconsistent across visits. Some sites have shown trash and broken glass left by previous users, which tends to be more of an issue at the more accessible lower spots. Campers willing to drive further in generally report cleaner conditions. Nearby dispersed alternatives include FR 128.1C Dispersed — Arapaho NF near Winter Park and FR 128 Dispersed — Arapaho NF near Winter Park for those exploring camping near Arapaho National Forest. CR 47 suits self-sufficient campers with capable vehicles who don't mind sharing the corridor with trail users during daylight hours.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCr 47 is located in Colorado near Winter Park
Public CampgroundCoordinates
39.90052764978214 N
105.76832052348239 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/21/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 8/21/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/21/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/21/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 8/21/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/21/26
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)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Cr 47 needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 42 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 52 min from Boulder, CO
- 3 hrs 24 min from Greeley, CO
- 3 hrs 27 min from Fort Collins, CO
