The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Throughout the United States, a variety of campgrounds, recreation areas, and other natural sites are under the protection of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM is an agency of the federal government charged with keeping these areas open to the public and in good condition. Many of the BLM-protected sites are popular destinations for visitors looking to camp, explore, and enjoy a variety of recreational activities. There may be several of these locations in your area. To discover the best spots, search online for "BLM camping near me."
One of these BLM sites is Wolcott Campground, which is located in northern Colorado to the west of the Rocky Mountains. The tranquil campground lies along the Eagle River and is a wonderful destination for remote camping. Many who visit the BLM campground also take the time to visit the nearby White River National Forest, which offers wonderful opportunities for activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
This out-and-back trail is located in White River National Forest near Glenwood Springs, CO. The route navigates the area's mountains along Dead Horse Creek and through Glenwood Canyon. If you choose to hike the trail during winter, keep in mind that the conditions may be icy. The route is very popular, and you'll likely see other people.
Length: 3.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This is another popular hiking trail found in White River National Forest. The trail tends to get very crowded, and the parking lot often fills up. If possible, it's advised that you visit on a weekday to avoid crowds. The loop trail features a lake as well as a waterfall, and there's really no bad time of year to visit. Dogs are also welcome and can be off-leash in certain areas.
Length: 4.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This out-and-back route is located east of the BLM campground near the town of Vail, CO. The trail offers great opportunities for backpacking, fishing, and camping. During your hike, you'll enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views of the lake. There's also very little elevation, making the route suitable for hikers of all fitness and ability levels. The ideal times to visit are between May and October.
Length: 7.0 miles
Intensity: Easy
Wolcott Campground is located right beside the Eagle River, which is a popular destination for fishing and boating. The most popular fishing in the river is dry fly fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout. Float fishing is also popular between April and July, and wade fishing can be enjoyed all year. There's a boat ramp located at Wolcott Campground, and non-motorized boating is a common activity in the river.
The nearby White River National Forest features several popular rock climbing routes. Many of these routes are difficult, including Ten Mile Peak to Peak, the Hadley Gulch Trail, and Quandary Peak via Blue Lakes Trail. However, if you aren't all that experienced or skilled, the Mayflower Gulch Grand Traverse route may be a good option for you. The region is exceptionally beautiful, so any of the rock climbing areas are sure to provide some unforgettable views.
While you're exploring the forests and mountains surrounding Wolcott Campground, there's a good chance you'll spot some large mammals. Species frequently seen in the area include lynx, moose, bobcats, mountain lions, mountain goats, black bears, elk, and white-tailed deer. If you watch the skies and treetops, you may also see various raptor species and waterfowl.
There are several picnic tables around Wolcott Campground. The area is known for being quite serene, making it a lovely place for a picnic lunch. The tables may be close enough to the Eagle River to see or hear the running water, but you may also want to take a blanket and pick a spot even closer to it. Eating beside the gentle stream will undoubtedly be a peaceful experience.
You're welcome to enjoy BLM RV camping at Wolcott Campground. There are no hookups or modern amenities offered, but some sites can accommodate RVs as large as 40 feet. All of the sites at the campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you prefer to camp with RV hookups, you won't find any other nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, but there are several RV parks within a reasonable distance of the site. One good option is the River Dance RV Resort, located west of the BLM site along the highway.
You'll have to pay a nominal fee to stay in any of the established campsites at Wolcott Campground. However, if your preference is Bureau of Land Management free camping, you can explore the surrounding area to find a suitable spot. The majority of the area is mountainous and forested, and there should be plenty of secluded locations where you can stake out your dispersed campsite.
If you plan to stay at Wolcott Campground, remember that the campground and boat ramp are only open between May 15 and November 15. During summer, and especially on weekends and holidays, the campground tends to fill up very quickly. If you're planning a trip during the peak camping season, it would be prudent to have a backup plan in mind. Try to arrive early enough in the day that you'll be able to pivot to another nearby campground if the BLM site is full. There is no potable water provided at the campground, so make sure to bring plenty for the duration of your stay. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
When visiting Wolcott Campground, please do your part to keep the area clean and in good condition. This will help ensure that the campground can stay open for many years to come. If you stay in one of the campsites, please keep the noise levels reasonable and be respectful of your fellow campers.
To reach the Wolcott Campground BLM site from Glenwood Springs, take I-70 E for approximately 30.5 miles, then take exit 147 toward Eagle. You'll quickly come to a traffic circle; take the first exit onto Eby Creek Rd. You'll soon come to a traffic circle, where you'll take the second exit to stay on Eby Creek Rd. After another 0.2 miles, you'll come to yet another traffic circle, and you'll need to take the third exit to merge onto US-6 E. After approximately 8 miles, you may see signs for the Wolcott BLM Campground. Take a left turn onto BLM Road 8498, and this will take you to the campground.
Ready to visit Wolcott Campground? 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 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.
