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Map showing campground location near Fraser, Colorado
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NatureMap showing campground location near Fraser, Colorado

Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping

5 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Free dispersed camping along Rollins Pass Road draws a steady mix of mountain bikers, hikers, and off-road enthusiasts to this stretch of Roosevelt National Forest above Fraser. Access varies depending on which gates are open: the road can be reached from the Lakota Trail neighborhood or from Highway 80, but upper sections with more established fire rings are only accessible when seasonal gates are unlocked, typically between mid-June and mid-September. Campers should check the official Rollins Pass website before heading up, as designated spots are marked on the county map and the area is considered sacred land with strict leave-no-trace expectations.

Road conditions are a real factor here. Approaching from Winter Park, the route involves sharp rocks and deep ruts that challenge even four-wheel-drive vehicles. The spots with fire rings fill quickly, especially on weekends, so arriving early matters. Alex S. sums up the atmosphere as "beautiful and busy," which captures the tradeoff well: open sightlines toward the surrounding peaks, but consistent off-road traffic and weekend crowds that bring noise and, at times, fires during active burn bans.

Tent space is limited due to dense tree cover, making hammock setups more practical in many spots. Cell service exists but runs spotty. The pass sits at the start of single-track trails descending toward Winter Park, and James Peak and St. Mary's Glacier are reachable from nearby trailheads. Campers who want a different setup nearby can look at East Portal Trailhead Dispersed, Roosevelt NF or Corona Pass Road (FR 149) Dispersed, Arapaho NF for comparable dispersed options along the divide.

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Map & DirectionsRollins Pass Dispersed Camping is located in Colorado near Fraser

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Directions

From Winter Park, CO, drive south on US Highway 40 approximately one mile to County Road 80 (Forest Road 149) and turn left. Drive 15 miles to the Continental Divide. No motorized route connects across the Continental Divide. One may hike or bicycle across and around the collapsed Needle's Eye Tunnel to Forest Road 149 that leads to Rollinsville, CO.

Coordinates

39.93512838 N
105.68208582 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    No Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • 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.

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping

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5 Reviews

Campers regularly cited stunning mountain views and free camping as major draws. Several reviews mentioned challenging road conditions and weekend crowds, though most found the location worth the effort for outdoor activities.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jun. 16, 2025

Great spot close to Winter Park

Went up Rollins pass road (you can access it from the Lakota Trail neighborhood or down the road a bit on 80). The first gate was open but not the second or third to get to the top where there are def more spots and fire rings. You can only camp places where there are dots on the side of the road on the official county map. Check the Rollins pass website it’s very informative and a sacred land so leave no trace. We got one of the like 3-4 spots we saw with a fire ring that wasn’t taken yet. (No fire ban 6/14/25 I check don’t worry :).. Some back trails are very hairy, pretty busy with motor vehicles but a lot of the new electric dirt bikes which don’t make much noise, probably 10-15 ppl the entire night riding by only once. Got great weather and the main trail is pretty easy up to the second gate which is supposed to be open June 15-Sept 15 I think.

SiteFirst left site after first gate per map
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping by Frank B., June 16, 2025
  • Review photo of Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping by Frank B., June 16, 2025
Reviewed May. 7, 2023

Beautiful, but a bit busy

We backpacked here from Hessie Trailhead. Gorgeous hike, and absolutely beautiful views from up here. There are a fair number of folks going through the area with different activities, but it settles down in the evening.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2021

Beautiful but not worth it

The only good thing about this is the view. If your coming from winter park the road is horrible. The road is thin and full of sharp rocks and deep ruts. Even in a 4x4 the road was rough, i saw some guys walking dirt bikes past a overly rough area. It was just not worth the effort.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2020

The Double B’s

You know, beautiful & busy. Fantastic stretch with plenty of dispersed camping and nothing too close together. As far as camping goes off the divide this is one of the better areas. As usually it gets pretty busy with a lot of weekenders so expect the noise, trash, fires during fire bans, and lots of off road traffic, etc but it doesn’t take away from a great weekend up in the mountains. Lots of hiking and adventuring to be found all over

Cell service is up here but spotty and it is dispersed so plan accordingly.

Reviewed Mar. 26, 2020

Free but busy

We had a great time staying for free at Rollins pass. We had a large group of bikers so we all hammock camped since there isn't much space for tents (lots of trees but not enough space to set up a tent). We were there for mtn biking and a show in Winter Park and it was an easy ride to and from town from the pass. There are lots of campers along the road since the top of the pass is the start of all the single track trails heading down into the town. 

I also stayed an extra night so I could leave early in the morning to hike James Peak and St. Mary's Glacier. It is easy access from here too. You will need to drive to the trailhead but it is less than a mile to the glacier and only a couple more miles to the peak. 

Even in Summer it is cold so be away and prepare yourself accordingly.

  • Review photo of Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping by Hayley K., March 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping by Hayley K., March 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping by Hayley K., March 26, 2020
  • (10) View All
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping spots along Rollins Pass?

Dispersed camping spots at Rollins Pass are located along the sides of the road where there are established fire rings and clear pullouts. Look for dots on the side of the road that indicate designated camping areas. While the first gate may be open seasonally, the second and third gates that lead to the top often remain closed. The top area offers more camping spots with fire rings. There's limited flat ground for tent camping among the trees, but hammock camping works well due to the abundance of trees.

What are the best seasons for dispersed camping at Rollins Pass?

Summer and early fall are the best seasons for dispersed camping at Rollins Pass. The high elevation means winter conditions can persist into late spring, and snow returns early in fall. July through September typically offers the most reliable weather and road access. Weekends tend to be busier with more noise and activity, so weekdays provide a more peaceful experience. Always check current conditions before heading up, as mountain weather can change rapidly.

What permits are required for dispersed camping in the Indian Peaks Wilderness near Rollins Pass?

When dispersed camping in the Indian Peaks Wilderness near Rollins Pass, you need a wilderness permit during peak season (June 1 to September 15). These permits can be obtained through the USFS and have limited availability. For camping outside designated wilderness boundaries along Rollins Pass Road, no permits are required for dispersed camping, but you must follow Forest Service regulations including camping in established sites. If backpacking from Hessie Trailhead into the wilderness area, be sure to secure your permit in advance as they can fill up quickly.

How do I access Corona Pass Road for dispersed camping?

Corona Pass Road (also known as Rollins Pass Road) can be accessed from multiple points. From the east side, you can enter through the Lakota Trail neighborhood near Rollinsville or slightly down Highway 80. The road conditions are challenging, with sharp rocks and deep ruts making 4WD and high clearance vehicles necessary. The western approach from Winter Park is even more difficult with particularly rough sections that some visitors find impassable even with appropriate vehicles. The first gate may be open seasonally, but prepare for gates farther up to be closed.

Is dispersed camping allowed near Yankee Doodle Lake?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed near Yankee Doodle Lake, which is in the Rollins Pass area. Look for established sites with existing fire rings and clear signs of previous use. The area around the lake can be popular, so arrive early during peak season to secure a spot. Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, especially near water sources, by camping at least 200 feet from the lake and properly disposing of waste.

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