Hikers and backpackers moving through the high country above Rollinsville will find East Portal Distributed Camping Area a functional overnight stop, with multiple small sites tucked off-trail among the trees and a river running close enough to provide easy water access throughout the stay. The area sits within Roosevelt National Forest, where places to camp near Roosevelt National Forest range widely in terrain and elevation. No fee applies here. Foot trails and off-road routes branch out from the area, giving campers reasonable options for day use beyond the campsite itself.
Noise is worth factoring into trip planning. Trains pass at all hours, and the tracks run close enough that the sound carries through the night. The road in is manageable for most vehicles, which keeps the site accessible without requiring high clearance or four-wheel drive. Cell service is listed as available, a useful detail for solo travelers or those coordinating meet-ups.
Cleanliness has been inconsistent. One visitor noted trash scattered across sections of the area and semi-permanent camp setups left behind, though Andrew S. still concluded he would "go back even with the trash." Campfires are not permitted despite what fire rings or ash pits may suggest on the ground. Nearby dispersed options include East Portal Trailhead Dispersed — Roosevelt NF and Rollins Pass (FSR 149 East) for those wanting alternatives in the same corridor. Bring your own water treatment, as the river nearby requires filtration before drinking.
Description
Campfires are prohibited year round. Campsites must be at least 100 feet away from water and trail. Group size is limited to 12 (people and livestock combined).
Water: South Boulder Creek; treat water for drinking
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsEast Portal Distributed Camping Area is located in Colorado near Rollinsville
Dispersed CampingDirections
From Nederland, travel south for 4.5 miles on Colorado Highway 119 to Rollinsville. Turn west onto the gravel Gilpin County Road 16 and continue eight miles to the Moffat Tunnel. A large parking area is available at the East Portal Trailhead.
Coordinates
39.90459737546266 N
105.63239082598437 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/11/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/11/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- 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 East Portal Distributed Camping Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 12 min from Boulder, CO
- 1 hr 35 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 1 min from Greeley, CO
- 2 hrs 2 min from Fort Collins, CO
