Summer Activities
Camping
Whether you are with family or friends, camping in the Rocky Mountains is amazing! With over 80% of Eagle County being wilderness , there are so many places to pitch a tent or your vehicle. You can choose secluded places in the trees or be near a lake. Either way, it is an experience to be appreciated!
During the day you may choose to sit back, relax and take-in the breathtaking scenery. You also may choose to explore the nearby trails for a vigorous hike. In the evenings, you will be in awe as you lay back and stare at the thousands of sparking stars. If astrology interests you, you will love what you discover in the sky!!
If you prefer developed campgrounds, both Eagle and Minturn have specified locations. In some locations there may be fees to access the campgrounds. Here you may find picnic tables, restrooms, treated water and fire grates. At these sites, cutting of live timber, shrubs, and other vegetation is prohibited.
Our area also offers camping away from developed camping. The US Forest Service call this type of camping “dispersed” camping. If you want more of a “back to nature” experience, then this type of camping may be perfect for you! However, it is important to respect nature. The Forest Service has come up with rules for dispersed camping so that everyone can keep enjoying this wonderful experience. If you have questions, please feel free to call this number. (970) 328-6388
Rules for dispersed camping:
Access - Please select your route and destination carefully. You may park your vehicle on the side of any Forest designated road, and hike to the site you have chosen. Off road travel is not permitted.
Human Waste - Use toilets where provided. In other areas select suitable screened spots at least 100 feet away from open water. Dig a small hole 6-8 inches deep. After use, fill the hole with loose dirt and stamp in the sod with your foot. Nature will dispose of the waste rather quickly.
Trash - All dispersed areas are managed on a “pack it in – pack it out” basis. Cans, bottles, aluminum foil, and anything that will not burn should be carried out. Paper and other burnable items can be burned in your campfire. Please do not bury garbage or trash.
Water - For short trips, take a supply of drinking water from home or from another domestic source. For longer trips, boiling water for a minimum of five minutes is the most effective treatment for giardia cysts and other water-borne disease organisms. A longer boiling time may be recommended at higher elevations.
Fire - Select a site away from low limbs and clear away any needles, twigs and other ground litter to mineral soil. Dig a shallow pit and line with rocks. Keep your fire only as large as is needed to cook or heat with. Never leave the fire unattended. When you are through with your fire pit make it sure the ashes are dead out then bury the pit and disperse the rocks. Whenever a stove is available, we recommend its use. This is especially true at higher elevations where it is more difficult to cook or above the timberline, where wood for fuel is scarce.