It is getting harder to find free camping in Colorado. Some of the National Forests have signs saying you can only camp in Forest Service Campgrounds, which all charge a fee. We just drove 300 miles on back roads and this was the first good camp we found that is free. There is a nice creek that weaves it's way through the camp. There are several spots to camp, the first camp is perfect except you're in full view of the road, the second camp you can still see the road but more hidden and out of range of headlights from any passing cars at night. The road continues a couple hundred yards with more campsites, but you'll need a vehicle with high clearance. A passenger could make it, but there is a risk.

DIRECTIONS: From Denver take I-80 West to Exit 228. Going over Guanella Pass and you'll find the camp area at the bottom of the hill. From the south you will pass Whiteside, Burning Bear and Duck Creek Campgrounds. Keep going another mile past Duck Creek and there are a couple spots you can camp. You are beneath a flight path into Denver, could hear a plane every 5-10 minutes at night, but they're at a high enough altitude that it's not too loud. WARNING: Check fire restrictions before lighting a match. Some counties are very strict, even lighting a cigarette during a fire ban is considered a 4th degree felony arson and reckless endangerment.

We stayed here August 7, 2005 CAMPGROUND INDEX CAMPING RECIPES CAMPING CHECKLISTS TOURIST PHOTOS www.eugenecarsey.com COLORADO CAMPGROUNDS GUANELLA PASS BYWAY ARAPAHO NATIONAL FOREST PIKE NATIONAL FOREST