The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Colorado is home to approximately 8 million acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campgrounds and recreational land open to the public. BLM land is government owned and maintained and provides campers and outdoors people public property to enjoy. Using the sites is typically free, but you must adhere to the signs regarding what type of vehicle or admission is stated for each path and camping site.
The Strawberry area consists of multiple non-motorized pathways for your biking and hiking pleasure. With over seven miles of trail, you will find beautiful flowers and wildlife to admire. This specific set of paths is locally known as The Phases. Seasonally, you are welcome to hike, bike, hunt, camp, and horseback ride on and around Strawberry. Rocky Mountain National Park is also nearby and provides plenty of other outdoor adventure opportunities.
Take a leisurely walk down the gravel path or bike across the scenic bridges along the way. Eight feet wide, the trail allows you to easily stay with your partner or bring your dog (leashed) along for a hike without fear of getting in the way of others.
Length: 13.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
This historical trail was used by mine workers in the 1900s and continues to be a popular hiking trail. Camping along the trail is available in spots, but pack your water, as availability is sparse.
Length: 7 miles
Intensity: Moderate to difficult
Take a quick drive north and head 14 miles up to Lake Granby to fish, paddle board, boat, and canoe in the summer. In winter, the lake offers ice fishing as well. From the Fraser River Trail, you can access the Fraser River to enjoy some kayaking, fishing, or the scenery. The river is also accessible from the town of Fraser, just five minutes from the trailhead.
Jump in the RV and drive 45 minutes northeast to Rocky Mountain National Park. There stand peaks for all climbing levels, such as Lumpy Ridge, Batman, and the Pear, to name a few. The mountains also provide climbs for the winter sports enthusiast.
Elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and more roam in the valleys and mountainsides. Smaller wildlife such as lizards, birds, rabbits, and even porcupines are closer to the trail. Take a side path into the meadows to check out the wildflowers, particularly the Colorado columbine, which is native to the area.
The Strawberry area allows for camping along its pathways; however, there are no picnic-specific areas, tables, or clearings. Not to worry, there are various recreational spots to park, picnic, and clear away human evidence nearby. Head to the Hurd Peak, Mule Creek recreational area, or the Pine Beach Picnic Site in the Arapaho National Recreation Area for a lunch break.
Depending on the amount of snow each winter, most walking trails close for safety, but there are trails in Rocky Mountain National Park for snowmobiles and skiing. Snowshoeing is another winter activity available on any open trails near the various camping sites.
The trail does not accommodate BLM RV camping, but nearby options exist to park and set up before heading out for a day hike. Rocky Mountain National Park is just 45 minutes from the Strawberry area and offers a vast selection of private and public campgrounds. Check out each specific site for fees and available hookup options. The Arapaho National Recreation Area is another option just a 32-minute drive from the trailhead. The Elk Creek Campground comes equipped with 16 full-hookup sites and 34 sites offering water and electricity only. It also includes clean bath and shower rooms, a rec room to hang out and watch tv or play arcades, and a trout pond.
Tucker Flat offers free Bureau of Land Management campgrounds located just down the road from the Rogue River Ranch. The Fraser River Trail also allows primitive camping. Closer to Arapaho National Forest, there are free first-come, first-served designated sites along Arapaho NF - Road 454. This gravel forest service road leads to five available spots. Another place to sleep for the night is Meadow Creek Reservoir near Granby.
Even though RV and primitive camping on BLM land is more popular than ever, the amenities are still vastly varied depending on where you choose to stop. Plan your trip accordingly by following the advice from one camper to another.
DON'T assume there will be bathrooms or running water.
DO pack bottled water, a small shovel, or a bathroom substitute to prepare for all locations.
DO pack cooking equipment and a fire-starter option. You need to be ready to cook over a fire or find a way to heat your food if no fires are allowed.
DON'T forget to check the weather and location before packing the necessary gear.
DO a quick search for "BLM camping near me" before heading out. One of the highlights of BLM camping is no Wi-Fi reception, so you can enjoy nature instead.
DO enjoy your trip! Prepare for basic survival needs, but don't set a schedule. Stop and enjoy the no 9-5 feeling and the freedom to lounge at the campsite, hike, or fish whenever you want.
Regardless of your adventure plans, check out our blog for everything you need to know about BLM camping.
Taking out what you brought in is probably the most crucial part of the Bureau of Land Management free camping or RV camping at a national park. You are a guest in the natural area and should treat your camping site as such. Don't purposefully engage with wildlife or pick the flowers. Enjoy them from a safe distance and take pictures and memories along with your trash and debris. Doing this will keep the natural area clean and ensure future use for you and fellow BLM campers.
The Strawberry area is about a half-mile north of Tabernash. From Winter Park, take I-40 North through Fraser. Turn right (east) onto CR 83, driving for a half-mile mile. Turn left (north) at the intersection onto CR 84 for three-quarters of a mile. Turn left (west) onto Strawberry Road (BLM 2751), and drive for three-quarters of a mile to the Hurd Peak Trailhead parking area.
Ready to visit Strawberry? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day of exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
