Free dispersed camping along FSR-296 puts campers directly off US Route 40, with sites accessible within a minute or two of the highway turnoff. The forest road winds through a mix of firs, pines, and conifers, and as Haydn L. puts it, the "dirt road winds through the forest with many options." Campers can pull in near the entrance, where there is a gravel lot with grassy camping just behind it, or push deeper into the road for more separation from other sites. No fees, no reservations.
Road conditions are worth noting before arrival. Parts of the route show washouts and ruts, though most vehicles can navigate slowly through them. Reviewers have confirmed that a 25-foot travel trailer and a 30-foot rig both made it in without trouble, though wet weather may limit how far in drivers are willing to go. The terrain is forested throughout, and the area sits within Routt National Forest.
Noise is the main trade-off here. Some campers report highway sound from Route 40 as a minor background presence, while others find the proximity to the road more disruptive, particularly for tent camping at night. The campground tends to draw multiple groups at once, so expect neighbors. Cell service is available. Nearby alternatives include Falls Road Dispersed Campsite and Meadows Campground if more separation from the highway is a priority. This site works best for self-contained rigs or campers making a quick overnight stop along the Route 40 corridor.
Description
The Steamboat Springs area is east and north of Steamboat Springs, Colo. It is managed by the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District with a Ranger Station/Visitor Center in the town of Steamboat Springs. Recreation sites along Buffalo Pass and Rabbit Ears Pass are located within this area to include the popular waterfall hike, Fish Creek Falls. The area lies against the western ridge of the Continental Divide and the Routt National Forest. Multiple wilderness areas are nearby. The area is bountiful with recreation opportunities such as mountain biking, hiking, camping, and fishing, as well as winter sports such as skiing and snowmobiling, just to name a few. Setting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed on most of the national forests. From getting away from it all to just enjoying a weekend with friends, dispersed camping can make for a great story. Across the forests, opportunities range from dispersed camping miles into wilderness or just off a forest road in designated dispersed areas. Make sure to bring everything you need when dispersed camping, as water, restrooms, and fire rings may not be available nearby, and always remember to follow Leave No Trace principles.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsFSR-296 is located in Colorado near Steamboat Springs
Coordinates
40.37695791 N
106.73068955 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 user
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 7/30/26- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/30/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 user
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 7/30/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/30/26
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)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- 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 FSR-296 - Dispersed Campsite needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 27 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 37 min from Boulder, CO
- 2 hrs 47 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 3 hrs 9 min from Greeley, CO
