Strawberry
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
If you enjoy activities ranging from dispersed camping and mountain scenery to fishing and boating, then Colorado's Strawberry recreation area could be your next favorite RV destination. Venture into the wilderness and enjoy nature without being too far from developed services. This Bureau of Land Management area is located near Tabernash and Granby but offers primitive camping opportunities and easy access to the Strawberry Reservoir. It's a good destination for travelers who prefer flexible itineraries because reservations aren't required for dispersed campsites. During dry weather, most access roads are suitable for smaller and mid-sized RVs; however, road conditions can change quickly after rainy weather or during spring snowmelt.
Quick Facts About RVing in Strawberry
• RV Friendly: Yes • Max RV Length: Approximately 30 feet advised • Camping Type: Dispersed camping • Reservations: Not required • Hookups: None available • Dump Station: None onsite (nearest available in Granby) • Potable Water: Bring your own • Cell Service: Spotty coverage • Pets: Allowed • Roads: Primarily dirt and gravel access roads • Best Season: Late spring through early autumn
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Free dispersed camping opportunities • Excellent boating and fishing access • Tranquil mountain setting • Flexible first-come, first-served camping • Close to Tabernash, Winter Park, and Granby • Great base camp for exploring Grand County • Quiet evenings and dark skies
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Fraser River Trail
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
Mule Creek Trail
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
Fishing and Boating
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.
Climbing
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.
Wildlife Viewing
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.
Picnicking
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.
Winter Trail Use
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.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
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.
Dispersed Camping
Strawberry is mainly known for its primitive dispersed camping opportunities more so than developed campgrounds. Visitors to designated BLM lands can camp in previously established sites on a first-come, first-served basis. Most visitors can stay up to 14 days within a 28-day period, unless local regulations require differently. The campground-style amenities you might be accustomed to at traditional RV parks aren't available here, so come prepared with fresh water, portable waste solutions, and enough supplies for your stay. Many RV travelers interested in boondocking in Colorado appreciate Strawberry's balance of solitude with the relatively convenient access of nearby communities. If you visit, always use existing campsites and follow Leave No Trace Principles, including avoiding the creation of new fire rings.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
Most RV travelers can visit Strawberry comfortably, but you need to understand that you're entering a primitive camping area without hookups or paved campsites. Road conditions are typically manageable during dry weather, but spring runoff and any recent rain can create muddy sections that make travel harder for larger vehicles. • Camper Vans: Their maneuverability on forest roads and ease of fitting into dispersed campsites makes them a great fit for Strawberry. • Travel Trailers: If you're an experienced camper, these can be solid options. Smaller trailers are typically easier to position in primitive campsites than larger models. • Fifth Wheels: These can be suitable in some locations, but larger rigs might have difficulty navigating tighter turns or uneven camping areas. • Class A Motorhomes: Check road conditions before driving one of these off the highway, as they're better-suited to dry conditions and larger dispersed campsites. • Class B Motorhomes: Their compact size and flexibility make them some of the easiest RV types for exploring Strawberry. • Class C Motorhomes: These are a good balance between comfort and accessibility, especially in smaller models.
Free Camping 
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.
RV Rentals Near Strawberry Plan your next adventure
Planning your Strawberry BLM trip
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.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
Before heading to Strawberry, stop in Tabernash or Granby for everything from fuel and propane to groceries and drinking water. Cell service gets unreliable in many portions of the recreation area; downloading maps ahead of time is a smart move. Plan to be self-sufficient throughout your stay since there aren't any dump stations or potable water facilities onsite. Weather can change fast in the Colorado mountains, especially in the afternoon. Before you leave camp each day, check out the current fire restrictions and monitor local forecasts for any heavy rain that might impact road conditions. Also, pack out all your trash to help preserve the area's natural character.
Leave No Trace 
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.
Strawberry Location
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.
Plan Your Day at Strawberry
• Morning: Start your day with breakfast at your RV campsite before exploring the nearby forest roads, casting a line from shore, or launching your boat. Early mornings usually offer calm water conditions and cooler temperatures for hiking or wildlife viewing. • Afternoon: Spend the afternoon kayaking, fishing, or exploring additional public lands throughout Grand County. If you need a meal or supplies, Tabernash or Granby are both a short drive away before you return to camp. • Evening: Head back to the campsite for dinner and a quiet evening under Colorado's mountain skies. With limited development nearby, Strawberry has excellent opportunities for stargazing and relaxing around the campfire when the conditions are right.
Nearby Attractions
• Granby Ranch: Granby Ranch is about 20 minutes away, featuring hiking, mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, and skiing. Extend your RV vacation with this convenient stop for year-round recreation. • Lake Granby: One of Colorado's biggest reservoirs is approximately 20 minutes from Strawberry. It's a popular destination for visitors interested in camping in Colorado and offers fishing, boating, and paddleboarding. • Rocky Mountain National Park: Around 45 minutes away via Grand Lake, this national park is a place of wildlife viewing and unforgettable mountain scenery from both alpine hiking trails and scenic drives. • Winter Park Resort: Winter Park is around 30 minutes south and offers everything from mountain biking and scenic gondola rides to festivals and winter sports, depending on the season. • Hot Sulphur Springs: Around 25 minutes away, this historic community is renowned for its natural mineral hot springs. It's an excellent opportunity for relaxing after a day of outdoor recreation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp overnight at Strawberry? Yes. Strawberry is primarily a destination for dispersed camping, meaning RV travelers can stay in designated primitive campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. Most visitors can camp for up to 14 days within a 28-day period, unless local restrictions apply. Are hookups available? No, there aren't electrical, sewer, or water hookups anywhere within the Strawberry recreation area. Plan to arrive with enough drinking water, a portable waste solution if needed, and sufficient battery power or a generator for your stay. Because services are unavailable onsite, many RV travelers stock up on supplies in nearby Granby or Tabernash before heading into the recreation area. Is Strawberry suitable for large RVs? Many larger RVs can access this area during dry weather, but smaller rigs generally have an easier time navigating the dirt and gravel roads and fitting into dispersed campsites. Before arriving, check current road conditions and recent weather, as heavy rain or spring snowmelt can make some routes difficult for longer or heavier RVs. Can I have a campfire? Campfires are typically permitted unless temporary fire bans or seasonal restrictions are in effect. Always verify the current fire restrictions before lighting a fire, and use existing fire rings whenever possible. Following local fire regulations helps protect public lands and reduces the risk of wildfires during dry conditions. Where can I stay if the campsites are full? If you can't find an available campsite, consider developed campgrounds nearby. Alternatively, review this guide to free overnight parking to help identify additional legal overnight options during your Colorado road trip. Arriving earlier in the day can also improve your chances of finding an open campsite. When is the best time to visit? Late spring through early fall generally offers the best conditions for RV camping, fishing, boating, and other outdoor recreation. Summer provides the warmest weather but is also the busiest season. Spring and fall typically bring cooler temperatures, fewer visitors, and a quieter camping experience, although changing mountain weather can affect road conditions.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
Strawberry is an excellent RV travel destination if you're looking for primitive camping that's not too far from nearby services. Smaller travel trailers, Class B motorhomes, and camper vans offer the greatest flexibility on forest roads, but many larger RVs can also enjoy the area under favorable conditions. Whether you're planning a long mountain getaway or a weekend of fishing, the right RV makes exploring Strawberry even more comfortable. Browse the ideal RV rental in nearby Fraser, CO.