How much does camping cost at Caribou Dispersed Camping Area?

Camping fees at Caribou Dispersed Camping Area range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Caribou Dispersed Camping Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Caribou Dispersed Camping Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come-first-served, and no reservations can be made.

What is the best time to visit Caribou Dispersed Camping Area?

Caribou Dispersed Camping Area is open Open seasonally, but specific dates are not provided.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Caribou Dispersed Camping Area?

Caribou Dispersed Camping Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Caribou Dispersed Camping Area?

Cell phone service at Caribou Dispersed Camping Area is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Caribou Dispersed Camping Area have?

Caribou Dispersed Camping Area has 11 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Caribou Dispersed Camping Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Caribou Dispersed Camping Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Caribou Dispersed Camping Area?

Caribou Dispersed Camping Area offers: Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Caribou Dispersed Camping Area?

Popular activities at Caribou Dispersed Camping Area include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Caribou Dispersed Camping Area

Q: Can I have a campfire at Caribou Dispersed Camping Area?

Fire policies at Caribou Dispersed Camping Area: No cutting standing trees. Fire bans may be in place; campers should check local fire conditions.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.98

287 reviews

Top 22% in COFall

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Colorado

Quick Facts

9,997 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open seasonally, but...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,997 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open seasonally, but...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Caribou Dispersed Camping Area

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping at Caribou Dispersed Camping Area is free, as it is a dispersed camping site. However, campers must strictly adhere to the site markings and...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Caribou Dispersed Camping Area

39.9803, -105.5781

Nearby places

Nederland - 5 miles NW

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies can be found in Nederland, which is 5 miles away.

Driving directionsFrom 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.

High clearance four-wheel drive is recommended. Eldora side is a technical, narrow and steep route. The shelf road is just barely wide enough for small SUVs.

Weather at Caribou Dispersed Camping Area

Best Time to Camp at Caribou Dispersed Camping Area

Fall is the sweet spot. September and October bring stable weather, daytime highs in the 40s to 60s, and nights in the 20s to 30s. The aspens turn, the bugs disappear, and afternoon thunderstorms mostly stop. Elk and deer are visible and active. Summer draws the biggest crowds along with mosquitoes and daily storm risk. Winter is accessible for those prepared for it, but January temperatures drop to single digits at night and barely break 20°F during the day. The 4x4 road becomes significantly harder in snow and mud.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in CO

Fall is described as the 'sweet spot'—stable weather, aspen color, fewer bugs and quieter sites.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open seasonally, but specific dates are not provided.

About Caribou Dispersed Camping Area

Caribou Dispersed Camping Area sits at nearly 10,000 feet along National Forest System Road 505 in Roosevelt National Forest. The 11 numbered sites are free and first-come, first-served, but you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to get here. This is true dispersed camping: bring your own water, pack out everything, and expect to share the forest with ATVs, target shooters, and the occasional bear. It's raw, rugged, and increasingly popular despite the rough access.

The campground offers dispersed camping with 11 numbered sites. Primitive camping is strongly emphasized, with no structures or facilities.

Historical Significance

The area sits near the ghost town of Caribou, a silver mining camp that boomed briefly in the 1870s before the ore played out. Nederland, just down the mountain, started as a supply town for these mining operations. Boulder Canyon's routes, now used by hikers and climbers, were originally carved by prospectors hauling equipment into the high country.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the sweet spot. September and October bring stable weather, daytime highs in the 40s to 60s, and nights in the 20s to 30s. The aspens turn, the bugs disappear, and afternoon thunderstorms mostly stop. Elk and deer are visible and active. Summer draws the biggest crowds along with mosquitoes and daily storm risk. Winter is accessible for those prepared for it, but January temperatures drop to single digits at night and barely break 20°F during the day. The 4x4 road becomes significantly harder in snow and mud.

ElevationPerched between 8,000 and 10,000 feet in Colorado's thin air, Caribou Dispersed Camping Area offers genuine high-altitude adventure. At this elevation, where eagles soar at eye level and the air carries a perpetual crispness, campers experience the true essence of alpine camping. The altitude brings both rewards and challenges – spectacular views stretch for miles, but temperatures can plummet unexpectedly, even on summer evenings. This rarified atmosphere creates an environment where stars seem close enough to touch and sunrise paints the peaks in shades of gold and rose.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground spreads across a mix of lodgepole and ponderosa pine forest broken by rocky meadows and granite outcroppings. At this elevation, the trees are dense enough for shade but open enough for views across the surrounding ridgelines. Rocky terrain dominates many sites, with pockets of flat ground where soil has collected. Wildflowers fill the meadows in summer, and scattered aspens light up gold in fall. Moose, elk, mule deer, and black bears move through regularly. The landscape feels raw rather than manicured: you camp among boulders and roots, with natural rock formations framing the forest.

Geological RegionSet within the magnificent Roosevelt National Forest, Caribou showcases the raw geological drama of the Colorado Rockies. This rugged landscape tells a story written in stone – ancient granite formations thrust skyward, weathered by millennia of wind and ice into dramatic sculptures. The terrain challenges and rewards in equal measure, with rocky ridgelines giving way to pristine alpine meadows where delicate ecosystems thrive in pockets of soil. Pine forests cling to steep slopes, their roots finding purchase in the thin mountain soil, while exposed bedrock reveals the powerful forces that shaped these mountains. It's a landscape that demands respect while offering unparalleled beauty to those who venture into its embrace.

Scenic ViewsGuests have noted breathtaking sunrises and expansive views of the surrounding alpine areas.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style accommodations or lodges available at the site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are specified.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in one location. After 14 days, the campsite must be moved a minimum of three miles.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests must camp within 50 feet of numbered markers but specific limits on numbers are not mentioned.

Groups

Group sites are not explicitly mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe 11 sites scatter along NFSR 505 and its side spurs within about 1.5 miles of Five Points junction. Spacing is moderate: you can see neighboring camps, though trees and rocks provide some screening. Most sites have some flat ground, but rocky terrain and roots are common. Fire rings mark the established spots.

Reservation PlatformsCamping is first-come, first-serve. Reservations are not available.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come-first-served, and no reservations can be made.

AccessibilityThe campground requires high-clearance vehicles for most sites due to rough terrain. There is limited accessibility for those with mobility challenges.

Site SizeSites are moderately sized, with flat ground in some areas but rocky terrain in others.

PrivacyHigher numbered sites tend to offer more privacy, though audible privacy is limited due to proximity.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesCampers recommend bringing high-clearance vehicles and avoiding weekends or peak seasons to secure a site. Earlier arrivals ensure availability.

Best CampsitesSites 10 and 11 see less traffic and work better for RVs according to campers. Site 5 has been praised for scenery but also noted for trash left by previous users. Site 2 is reportedly accessible without 4x4, though that's not typical. Higher-numbered sites tend to offer more visual separation from neighbors, but you'll still hear ATVs and gunfire across the area.

Amenities available

The Caribou Dispersed Camping Area offers a rugged and primitive camping experience, with no facilities such as restrooms or potable water. The area has 11 designated campsites accessible via National Forest System Road 505, which is open seasonally. High clearance four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended due to rough terrain. Campers must strictly adhere to rules such as camping only in designated sites within 50 feet of numbered markers and burying human waste in catholes.

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Activities available at Caribou Dispersed Camping Area include hiking, wildlife viewing, and off-road vehicle use. Many campers also engage in photography and quiet relaxation amidst its scenic beauty.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity has been reported; proper food storage is essential. Rugged terrain makes travel challenging for low-clearance vehicles. Wildlife and inclement weather can pose hazards.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyNo cutting standing trees. Fire bans may be in place; campers should check local fire conditions.

Emergency ServicesBoulder Ranger District is nearby for emergency or ranger assistance. Hospitals and police stations are located in the nearby town of Nederland.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash facilities are available. Campers are required to pack out all trash. Reviews frequently mention abundant trash left by previous visitors, necessitating clean-up efforts by new campers.

Water FeaturesNo direct access to lakes or rivers; the nearby Barker Reservoir in Nederland offers water-related activities.

Cell CoverageUsers have reported cell signal availability, which can be useful for emergencies. However, coverage quality and reliability are not detailed.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

287 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Caribou Dispersed Camping Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are mixed, with highlights of scenic beauty and free camping but frequent complaints about trash, noise from ATVs and gunfire, and overcrowding. Wildlife sightings are common, but some visitors report safety issues such as bears and suspicious activity.

Review Summaries

Based on 287 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 287 reviews.

Site 5Loved
Site 5 is noted for garbage left behind but offers scenic surroundings.
Site 10Mentioned
Site 10 is recommended for tents due to less traffic, and site 11 for RVs.

What Campers Love

Positive reviews often note the area's beauty, wildlife like moose and chipmunks, and opportunities for rustic camping close to Boulder. Some users appreciate the large campsites and natural...

Based on 287 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include excessive trash left behind by previous campers, loud noises from ATVs and firearms, overcrowding, and poor road conditions requiring high-clearance vehicles.

Based on 287 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure a spot due to limited availability, packing out trash, and bringing high-clearance vehicles. Secure food and scented items as it's bear country.

Based on 287 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer tends to be crowded, with complaints about noise and trash. Early spring and late fall are quieter but may have cold temperatures. Bear activity is reported more frequently in summer.

Based on 287 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Amazing camping and great views. Just please pack in pack out, don't leave your trash.' 2. 'Bear country—secure your smellies/food and cook away from where you sleep.' 3. 'If you love waking up...

Based on 287 reviews

Accessibility Features

Access is limited due to rough roads requiring high-clearance vehicles. One reviewer stated only one spot is accessible without such a vehicle.

Based on 287 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but users caution securing dogs due to wildlife activity such as bears and moose sightings.

Based on 287 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Fall campers who can handle a 4x4 road and don't mind digging a cathole will find this place at its best in September and October: aspens gold, bugs gone, elk moving through, and Site 10 or 11 worth grabbing early.

Skip if

Summer weekends bring ATVs, gunfire, scattered trash, and occasional sketchy behavior from other campers that multiple reviewers flagged as genuinely uncomfortable, and some visitors have found the social atmosphere here less welcoming than expected.

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Rainbow Lakes Campground

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Rainbow Lakes Campground sits at 10,000 feet in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests near Nederland, offering 18 first-come, first-served sites managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The high alpine setting provides direct access to hiking trails into the Indian Peaks Wilderness, with spacious sites, vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. A rough 5-mile dirt road leads to the campground, rewarding those who navigate it with wildflower displays, crisp mountain air, and proximity to alpine lakes.

Caribou Dispersed Camping Area

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Caribou Dispersed Camping Area

Campground Map

Weather at Caribou Dispersed Camping Area

Best Time to Camp at Caribou Dispersed Camping Area

Planning Tips

About Caribou Dispersed Camping Area

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Caribou Dispersed Camping Area

Best Time to Camp at Caribou Dispersed Camping Area

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns