North Cottonwood (FR 365) in CO -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Colorado
North Cottonwood (FR 365) in CO
A 3.2-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Chaffee County, CO. The road serves 3 Elk Dam.
Pike and San Isabel National Forests, Salida Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days. Camp at least 100 ft from water.
All 3.2 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (3.2 miles). Climbs 850 ft over 3.2 miles -- sustained grades near 12%, with pitches to 15%. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.
Mount Columbia stands 4,409 ft above the site, 3.2 miles northwest. A body of water lies 0.2 mi off. Travellers have camped along here. The nearest town, Buena Vista, is 6.9 mi off.
September normals 39–66°F, 1.6″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Pike and San Isabel National Forests, Salida Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov