High-elevation camping enthusiasts will find Five Points Dispersed Area positioned at nearly 10,000 feet along the challenging Caribou Road system. This National Forest dispersed camping area requires four-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance, as the rocky access road tests even well-equipped trucks and SUVs with aftermarket modifications.
The area combines both open terrain and forested coverage, giving campers flexibility in site selection based on weather conditions and privacy preferences. Wind exposure can be significant at the exposed higher elevations, while lower sites tucked among the trees provide more shelter. Several reviewers mention the limited number of primitive sites available, though the area typically has openings even during busy summer weekends.
Road conditions present the primary challenge here, with multiple campers noting that vehicles get stuck weekly and require assistance. Caribou Townsite Dispersed offers similar high-elevation camping nearby for those seeking alternatives. Cell service remains available despite the remote location, and campfires are permitted following forest regulations.
"Primitive spots which there are only a handful but beautiful, quiet and worth the drive," notes Dan W.. Campers should pack out all trash and come prepared for variable mountain weather conditions at this elevation.
Description
The Caribou Townsite is five miles northwest of Nederland. There are 11 numbered, designated campsites located along the National Forest System Road 505, which emerges to the north and west from Five Points. See the "At A Glance" section below for important information. A four wheel drive high clearance vehicle is recommended. There are no facilities in this area. Camping is permitted in designated campsites only (click here for a map). The Boulder Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map displays National Forest System routes open to motorized travel and is available online and at the Boulder Ranger District offfice. This road is open seasonally. For current information on road openings and closures, check the Road Status Table.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsFive Points Dispersed Area is located in Colorado near Nederland
Directions
From Nederland, follow Colorado Highway 72 west for 0.5 miles from the traffic circle. Turn west on County Road 128 and follow it five miles to Five Points (identified by the five-way intersection; loosely-organized parking area and gated roads). Numbered campsites are scattered along both segments of NFSR 505 and its off-shoots within 1.5 miles of Five Points.
Coordinates
39.98102722 N
105.57849 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/17/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/26/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/17/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/26/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- 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.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Five Points Dispersed Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 52 min from Boulder, CO
- 1 hr 16 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 41 min from Greeley, CO
- 1 hr 42 min from Fort Collins, CO
















