Backcountry Camping Colorado

Get away from the daily grind; plan a camping trip to the White River National Forest. East, west, north or south, Glenwood Springs is surrounded by the nation’s most visited forest for recreation. The White River National Forest spans 2.3 million acres in Colorado and includes eight wilderness areas, 12 ski resorts, four major reservoirs, ten fourteener peaks, approximately 2,500 miles of trails and 1,900 miles of roads!

With all this open space, there are abundant places to backpack and go backcountry camping, with each location offering backcountry visitors the opportunity to experience the magnificent natural beauty of Colorado. Set up camp near a lake, at the edge of an aspen grove or at a site with panoramic views of the sunset.

The White River National Forest is a year-round outdoor playground. The trail and road systems allow for numerous activities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, as well as motorized recreation like dirt biking, ATVing, jeeping, and snowmobiling. Hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing are other popular pursuits. However, visitors to Glenwood Springs should be aware that many of the White River National Forest activities, including camping, are  accessed via unpaved roads that often require four-wheel drive. Visitors wishing to backcountry camp should not expect to find quick access to campsites in the immediate Glenwood Springs area.