Pingree Road Dispersed Camping, near Estes Park, Colorado, offers a rugged escape for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. This area is perfect for tent and RV camping, with plenty of spots to set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors.

Visitors rave about the variety of sites available, especially in the first couple of miles along Pingree Park Road. As one camper noted, “The first main area, and the top of the first hill is the best,” providing stunning views and access to unique rock formations that make for an unforgettable sunset experience.

The location is known for its well-maintained dirt and gravel roads, making it accessible for various vehicles, even a Toyota Prius. While there are no amenities like drinking water or electric hookups, the freedom to have fires and the absence of permits make it a laid-back spot for camping. Just be prepared to pack out your trash, as there are no trash facilities on-site.

For those who enjoy hiking, the area offers some trails, but you might need to drive a bit to find the best ones. The nearby Poudre Canyon is a great place to explore, though it can get busy on weekends. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with plenty of natural beauty, Pingree Road Dispersed Camping is a solid choice.

Free camping (dispersed) is allowed on most national forest lands except in highly developed areas - such as trailheads, campgrounds and picnic sites - and in some of our most visited places. Be sure to check for regulations in advance and look for signs in the area to indicate if camping is allowed.

Some areas allow camping in designated sites only.

Know Before You Go

Check the weather and road closures before heading up. 
Follow Leave No Trace principles. There are no facilities or trash receptacles. Pack out what you pack in. 
Make sure camping is allowed. Many lands within the national forest boundary are private or otherwise owned. Check that you’re on National Forest lands: maps.
Don't stay too long. Camping is limited to 14 days within any continuous 30-day period at any location within the same 20-mile radius. See Order
Plan on building a campfire? Campfire restrictions can occur any time of year. Check for fire restrictions and if you build a campfire, know how to extinguish it.

Pingree Road Dispersed Camping

Red Feather Lakes is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Red Feather Lakes, CO. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Red Feather Lakes

The Best Camping Near Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

A number of sites will dot both sides of the road on the way into Pingree (take the CSU mountain campus exit off of Poudre Canyon). Most are good, some are in burn scars. The good ones will require high clearance.

Better if you have 4WD

Poudre canyon near loveland
Sights right on Bennett Creek. Once you pass the first cattle grid, the sites start appearing on the left and side of the road. There are easily 10 sites as you head up Crownpoint Road. This is a place to stay from Monday to Thursday and then leave on a Friday as on Friday, we saw countless cars and campers pouring into Poudre Canyon. We were also disturbed by target shooters who came into the area on a Friday afternoon. There are also not many hikes in the area. You need to drive 30 - 45 minutes to find hiking trails. All the hikes seem to go up the mountains rather than along the river.
There is no cell service in Poudre Canton. 

Almost perfect

I came here labor day weekend. Busy af. Be careful driving  along the highway to the entrance here the roads are windy and the mountain rocks come pretty close to the road.

When i got to pingree road/forest service road it was dirt/gravel well maintained i drove my toyota prius.

Lots of drive in campsites and a bunch of shoulders where you can park and hike into the campsite which is what i do cause im not a glamping sissy

Hidden gems 

Great area all up Pingree Park Rd.  The spots you can stay in without being bothered are all in the first mile or two.  Good road, rather washboarded, but go slow and you'll be fine.  

The first main area, and the top of the first hill is the best.  Two areas of sites, and the one on the left as you go up has access to the rocks on the hill, which are from another world.  Best sunset spot by far.

Farther up, there's a road, 127, off to the left with even more spots.  The ones at the top of here have a veiw of the mountains on the north side of Estes park: Stormy, Evaline, the Mummy Range, etc.

Great area, tons of spots

-Moderate to heavy foot traffic
-Busy, mostly big groups staying at sites having their own fun but plan ahead for finding a site
-Friendly and respectful people
-Very well maintained sites, trails, signage, and other infrastructure
-I’d recommend at least AWD but 2wd should absolutely be able to go on the main road and access *most* sites (2-4) wil require awd/4wd

Photos of Pingree Road Dispersed Camping

Real photos from real campers