A Last-Minute Camper’s Guide to Northern Colorado

If you’re the type who plans vacations months in advance, you can stop reading here. Honestly—teach the rest of us how you do it.

This guide is for the spontaneous adventurers—the people who don’t know what they’re doing next weekend, let alone in two months. If the idea of reserving a campsite far ahead feels impossible, don’t worry. Northern Colorado has plenty of ways to camp without long-term planning—you just need to be flexible and a little creative.

Planning One to Two Weeks Out

Finding a campsite with only a week or two’s notice isn’t impossible. While the most popular spots may be gone, you can often snag a reservation if you’re open to different dates or locations. Weekdays in particular tend to have more availability.

Check these sites for options:

• Rocky Mountain National Park reservations: nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/camping.htm

• Larimer County campgrounds: larimercamping.com

• Colorado State Parks: cpwshop.com/camping.page

Each site allows you to search broadly, which helps when you don’t have a set destination.

For something a little different, try hipcamp.com. Think of it as Airbnb for camping—you might spend the night in a retro school bus, set up a tent in a goat pasture, or fall asleep by a tucked-away mountain stream. Prices are usually similar to traditional campgrounds.

Booking Just a Few Days in Advance

If you’re truly last-minute, “first-come, first-served” may be the magic phrase you need.

Many campgrounds on U.S. Forest Service land don’t require reservations and instead operate on this system. Head to recreation.gov to see listings for:

• Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests (closest to Fort Collins)

• Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests (a bit farther out)

When reviewing listings, note the campground’s use level: “heavy” means you’ll need to show up early; “light” means you might have more leeway. Calling the local ranger district office can also help.

Some solid starting points include:

• Jacks Gulch Campground – about an hour west of Fort Collins, with a hiking trail around the grounds.

• Kelly Flats Campground – right on the Poudre River, under an hour from Fort Collins.

• Pines Campground – a smaller, quieter spot about two hours away in the Medicine Bow-Routt Forest.

Rocky Mountain National Park First-Come Options

Two campgrounds here don’t take reservations:

• Timber Creek Campground – located on the park’s west side, without tree cover due to bark beetle damage.

• Longs Peak Campground – often opens later in summer; check nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/lpcg.htm for updates.

Both typically fill by early afternoon in peak season, so aim to arrive before noon.

Going Rustic: Dispersed Camping

For those who don’t mind roughing it, dispersed camping on Forest Service land is free and scenic. No reservations, no crowds—just wide-open nature.

The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests have many areas for dispersed camping, though you’ll need to come prepared. Bring water (or a way to treat it from streams), and make sure to pack out everything you bring in.

If you’re camping in the Canyon Lakes Ranger District, know the rules:

• Camp within 300 feet of a Forest Service road.

• Confirm you’re on public property.

Tips for Dispersed Camping

• Plan ahead: bring maps—cell service may vanish.

• Bathroom needs: carry a trowel and bury waste 6–12 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water.

• Fire safety: always check fire restrictions and follow them carefully.

• Wildlife awareness: keep food and trash secured. Bears are common, and Colorado Parks & Wildlife has detailed guides on staying safe.

👉 With a little flexibility and some preparation, camping in Northern Colorado is possible—even if you decide to go at the last minute.