Carson (FR 518) in CO -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Colorado
Carson (FR 518) in CO
A 28.9-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Hinsdale County, CO. The road is open seasonally, May 16 to March 14.
Rio Grande National Forest, Divide Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days. Camp at least 150 ft from water.
17.3 of the 28.9 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. 24.4 of the 28.9 miles in are dirt. Climbs 5,500 ft over 28.9 miles -- sustained grades near 16%, with pitches to 29%. Winds through 19 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. Cattle guards 21.1 and 28.5 miles in. Water crossings 22.2 and 22.3 miles in.
Bent Peak stands 1,056 ft above the site, 0.8 miles northwest. Secluded here -- the nearest through road is 3.3 miles off. A body of water lies 0.9 mi off. Travellers have camped along here. The nearest town, Ouray, is 21 mi off.
September normals 30–54°F, 3.5″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Rio Grande National Forest, Divide Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov