Longs peak camping

[schumi248]

I know there isn’t supposed to be camping at the actual trailhead, but what is the best place nearby just to pull in somewhere, and sleep in the back of your car??

[Scott P]

As far as I know, there are no places in the vicinity where you can do this legally.

There is a campground near the trailhead, but I don't know if it is still open. I'd check with the NPS.

[chicagostylehotdog]

There is dispersed camping along Middle Saint Vrain Road past the boyscout camp (Camp Dick). That puts you 20 minutes or so from the TH.

[JaredJohnson]

We pulled in to olive ridge campground about 10 minutes from the TH the sunday before labor day and of course it was full. We happened to talk to the campground host who said that it's okay to park at the roundabout at the entrance to olive ridge for the night, and that it's also okay, and free, to set up a tent and camp in the very good camping spots nearby. No campfires allowed. Next time I'm back that way I'm not going to bother with the paid sites, the free site was perfect. It appears that it used to be a proper site and is just missing the picnic table and fire pit.

[peter303]

Longs Peak campground is closed, right after Labor Day. Its one of the highest altitude campgrounds in the system and opens late too.

[dwoodward13]

I believe dispersed camping is allowed along Cabin Creek Road (County (?) Rd 82) on the east side of Hwy 7 after you get past the houses and onto FS land. Would put you within like 10 minutes of the TH.

[Jokerst44]

Might not be what you are thinking of, but you could hike in a mile and camp at Goblins Forest...you do need a permit however. Just an option.

[sheller]

I talked to the ranger and the road leading up to the Longs Peak TH from hwy 7 is out of RMNP jurisdiction, so you could possibly sleep in your car there, but would want to see if there are any county laws against it.

[cbrobin]

I believe dispersed camping is allowed along Cabin Creek Road (County (?) Rd 82) on the east side of Hwy 7 after you get past the houses and onto FS land. Would put you within like 10 minutes of the TH.

I think that's where I camped a couple of October's ago. The ranger ("Volunteer"?) at the trailhead told me bout it. He was very helpful.

[cougar]

Cabin Creek Rd is probably the best bet, not too many good sites close to hwy 7, but a pullout here and there. I think the first one would be at the Pierson Park Rd junction - there's a pullout there but it's on a bit of a hill. Some other spots farther back, but there's a lot of private property and homes mixed in with forest service land first couple miles.

Meeker Park CG is closest to the trailhead, but also close to the highway and may close early. I stayed there once for Longs.

there's a couple other forest roads/trailheads around Allenspark and Estes Park (St Vrain TH, Allenspark TH) - technically posted no camping but I've seen people sleeping in cars and don't think it's enforced, far enough away from the park and other areas.