Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Elk walking across mossy ground is the kind of sight that greets campers who push a quarter mile or so down FR 251, away from the highway noise that affects spots closer to the road. Situated within Routt National Forest at roughly 9,500 feet elevation, this free dispersed area gives access to dense conifer coverage and multiple sites spread along the forest road. No amenities here. Campfires are permitted when no ban is in effect, and Forest Service workers do make rounds to remind campers of active restrictions.

Vehicle clearance matters on this road. Low-clearance vehicles can find a few spots near the entrance, but those sites have limited tree cover and catch more road noise. High-clearance or 4x4 rigs have the run of the road past the gate, where sites open up with heavier shade and more separation from neighboring campers. Mosquitoes are active, particularly around evening hours, so bug spray is worth packing.

Campers exploring campgrounds near Steamboat Springs will find several options in this corridor, including Rabbit Ears Pass Dispersed — Routt NF FR-19 and Dumont Campground within a short distance. Cell service is listed as available. "We even saw elk walking around the mossy ground," noted one reviewer, underscoring that wildlife sightings are common enough to expect rather than hope for. This spot works best for self-sufficient campers with capable vehicles who want elevation, tree cover, and room to spread out without a fee.

Suggest an Edit

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsRabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 is located in Colorado near Steamboat Springs

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

40.38707057854657 N
106.63582318989495 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 8/1/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 25 users
    Last on 8/1/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 8/1/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 8/1/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 25 users
    Last on 8/1/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 8/1/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

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.

Drive Time


2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
33%
0%
0%
17%

4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 12, 2026

Beautiful

Nice spot. On this app it says it’s on the other side of the road which I think is true but there’s a big lot on the other side you can park on as well. Lots of mosquitoes right at 6pm

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Feb. 3, 2025

Beautiful views, many sites

If you have low clearance, you will definitely have to be careful and take the road slow. The sites are secluded, and wildlife is prevalent!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 by Lydia N., February 3, 2025
  • Review photo of Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 by Lydia N., February 3, 2025
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2024

Great fall spot!

Camp sites were plenty when I visited on a Thursday. Only people I saw were the forest service workers who were friendly and just out reminding people of the fire ban.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 by Dillon R., October 19, 2024
  • Review photo of Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 by Dillon R., October 19, 2024
  • Review photo of Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 by Dillon R., October 19, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2023

Good pull off spot

Lots of places to throw your tent out and get some rest, but if you’re close to the road you’ll hear cars. If your vehicle has a high center you’ll find nicer spots past the gate about 200 yards from the highway. Nice that it’s at about 9500 elevation too.

Mosquitos there, but not awful.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2023

Great forest camping spot

Recommend 4x4 high clearance to get to the campsites. If you have low clearance, there are a couple right at the start but they don't have much tree clearance. 

We drove about a quarter mile down the road and got a campsite that was lush with a ton of tree coverage. It felt like we were alone in the world, no other campsites in site. We even saw elk walking around the mossy ground. Bring bug spray!

Dog friendly, no amenities.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 by Catherine L., August 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 by Catherine L., August 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 by Catherine L., August 7, 2023
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is camping allowed at Rabbit Ears Pass?

Camping at Rabbit Ears Pass is primarily allowed along Forest Road 251 at the East Summit. There are several dispersed campsites located at different points along this road. Some sites are available right at the start of the road, while more secluded spots can be found further in, about a quarter mile down the road past a gate (approximately 200 yards from the highway). The camping area sits at around 9,500 feet elevation. Sites vary in tree coverage, with those further in offering more shelter and privacy. During fire bans, Forest Service workers may visit to remind campers of restrictions.

Is there cell phone service (T-Mobile) at Rabbit Ears Pass camping areas?

Specific T-Mobile coverage information for Rabbit Ears Pass camping areas is limited. Given the remote mountain location at approximately 9,500 feet elevation and the forested setting of many campsites, cell service is likely to be spotty or unavailable in many areas. Visitors should plan accordingly by downloading offline maps, bringing alternative communication devices if needed, and making important calls before arriving. For safety, it's best to assume limited connectivity while camping in this area.

What are the road conditions for accessing Rabbit Ears Pass camping areas?

The road conditions at Rabbit Ears Pass require careful consideration before arrival. High clearance vehicles are strongly recommended, and 4x4 is ideal for accessing the better campsites located further down the road. If you have a low clearance vehicle, you'll be limited to the few sites right at the beginning of FR 251, though these offer less tree coverage. The road beyond the first 200 yards (past a gate) becomes more rugged, requiring slow, careful driving even with suitable vehicles. Those with high-clearance vehicles will have access to more secluded, tree-covered sites further in.