There are four different types of backcountry camping sites in Rocky Mountain National Park. The special regulations pertaining to each are summarized here. In addition, there is one accessible backcountry site at Sprague Lake. See individual menu subheadings for a list of campsites.

Designated Sites:

• Pitch tent(s) as close to the indicated site as is safely possible out of potential hazard from standing dead trees.
• Use stoves only. Fires prohibited, unless staying in a wood fire site with visible metal fire ring (using dead and down wood only).
• Party size is limited to 7 at individual sites and 12 at group sites.
• Due to excessive impact, groups over 7 persons must use group sites or split up and camp at least one mile apart.
• If the designated site has more than 4" of snow, follow the "Winter Regulations" below.

Crosscountry Areas

• Camp must be established
  1. within the designated cross-country zone.
  2. at least 200' (70 adult steps) from water.
  3. out of sight and sound of trails and other campers.
  4. below treeline and out of meadows.
  5. and moved at least 1 mile each night.
  6. no more than 2 nights in 1 crosscountry zone
• Party size is limited to 7 people.
• Fires prohibited. Use portable stoves only.
• Stock prohibited.

Stock Sites

• Camp must be established in "stock camps" only.
• Party size is limited to 6 people and 8 stock at individual sites.
• Party size is limited to 12 people and 16 stock at group stock sites.
• Use stoves only. Fires prohibited, unless staying in a wood fire site with visible metal fire ring (using dead and down wood only).
• Grazing is prohibited. Carry complete feed.
• Loose herding is prohibited. Tie stock to hitchracks.
• Ask for the Stock Use brochure for more information.

Bivouac Areas

• A bivouac is defined as a temporary, open-air encampment.
• Permits are issued only to technical climbers.
• The climb must be 4 or more technical pitches and 3½ or more miles from the trailhead.
• Party size is limited to 4 people and all members must be climbing.
• A bivouac must be established.
  1. within the designated bivy zone, or at the base or on the face of the climb.
  2. at least 200' (70 adult steps) from water.
  3. with camp set up at dusk and taken down before dawn.
  4. without the use of erected type shelters, tents or supported tarps.
  5. on rock or snow only, not on vegetation, and out of meadows.
• Fires prohibited. Use portable stoves only.
• Stock prohibited.

Winter Areas

• If the designated site has more than 4" of snow, camp at least 200' (70 adult steps) away from the site. Do not camp in the site.
• Party size is limited to 12 people.
• Camps must be established.
  1. within the designated winter zone.
  2. at least one mile from the trailhead.
  3. at least 200' (70 adult steps) away from water.
  4. on snow or rock only -- never on vegetation or in meadows.
  5. out of sight and sound of other campers and trails.
• Fires prohibited. Use portable stoves only.