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Rules and Regulations
General
- Be aware & follow posted regulations on national forest lands.
- Keep noise levels down to avoid stressing wildlife and livestock, as well as other visitors.
- Respect private property.
- Do not carve, chop, cut or damage any live trees.
- Check our safety page for other general guidelines.
Specifics
Boating
Motorized boats are allowed on Chambers Lake(wakeless speed only), Dowdy Lake (wakeless speed only), Long Draw Reservoir (electric only), Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Willow Creek Reservoir. There are many opportunities for non-motorized boating, including Joe Wright Reservoir, West Lake, Brainard Lake, Meadow Creek Reservoir, and Monarch Lake.
Camping
Camping is limited to 14 days.within any continuous 30-day period. at any location within the same 20-mile radius. See Order
Developed campgrounds may not be used when posted closed. Developed reservation sites may not be used without a reservation, or permission from the campground attendant. Only designated group or oversized sites may be used by more than five people who are not all immediate family.
Quiet hours in campsites are between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Please be considerate of others.
No camping is allowed within 100 feet of all lakes, streams and developed trails except for designated campsites and other areas as posted. Special rules apply in the wilderness.
Closed Areas
Please check the closure orders in effect on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland.
Fires
Where campfires are allowed, they must be at least 100 feet from lakes, streams and trails. Remember that special rules apply within the wilderness. Be sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving. You are responsible for keeping fires under control. Please check for fire restrictions before lighting a campfire anywhere on the forests and grassland.
All engines and motors, including vehicles and equipment such as saws, must have spark arresting devices to help prevent wildland fires.
Firearms
Hunters must have the appropriate license issued by the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
The National Forests and Grasslands have many places to enjoy your favorite recreation activities —including target shooting
Recreational shooting has been a longtime use of National Forests and Grasslands. There are no designated shooting areas on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland (ARP).
Target shooting is allowed as long as you:
- Follow the shooting regulations and restrictions.
- Use only approved targets. On the ARP approved targets are: cardboard targets, paper targets, manufactured metallic targets (metal targets specifically designed for firearms), or manufactured thrown-type clay targets (clay pigeons). Please note: exploding targets are not permitted.
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Follow the four fundamental rules of firearm safety:
- Treat every gun as if as if it is loaded.
- Never let the muzzle of a firearm point at anything you do not intend to shoot.
- Keep your finger off of the trigger until your sights are on the target and you are ready to shoot.
- Always be sure of your target and what is beyond.
- Make sure that you are not in an area specifically closed to shooting. Visit Target Shooting Restrictions & Closures.
Fireworks
Possessing or using fireworks on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grasslands is prohibited.
Fishing
Anglers must have a valid fishing license issued by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. (See boating for additional information.)
Leave No Trace
Motor Vehicles
Motor vehicles must stay on numbered forest roads or designated travel routes. Motor vehicles are not permitted on closed forest roads. Check the motor vehicle use maps for more information. Over-the-snow vehicles traveling on snow are allowed on roads where not specifically prohibited. Motor vehicles must be operated in a safe and careful manner. They must obey posted speed, load, weight, height, length and width limitations. Motor vehicles must have a current and valid state license plate, except for OHVs on forest development roads which have been designated off-highway vehicle routes or open roads, which must have a current and valid off-highway vehicle registration. Snowmobiles must have a current and valid snowmobile registration.
Motor vehicles may not be louder than 99 dba (decibels).
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs)
Travel only on designated off-highway vehicle routes. Travel slowly through water or mud. Do not make new tracks outside of the roadbed. Obey road closures and locked gates. Know the limitation of your ability and of your machine. Wear protective gear and drive safely. Obtain permission before driving on private land. Be aware of state vehicle laws. OHVs must be registered with Colorado State Parks. Make sure your OHV has an approved muffler and spark arrester. OHV use in campgrounds is not allowed.
Packstock
Saddle or pack animals are allowed unless posted instructions state otherwise. All hay, straw, forage and mulch used in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland must be certified weed-free.
In the wilderness areas, special rules apply.
Parking
Vehicles must obey posted parking regulations. Unless otherwise posted, one may pull off a road to park. If you are staying the night in a recreational vehicle, pull to the side of the road so you do not block traffic (but not far enough to cause damage to vegetation and wildlife habitat).
Pets
Pets must be on a hand-held leash no longer than six feet at all times in most the wilderness areas. Pets must be restrained or on a leash at all times while in developed recreation areas. Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas or sanitary facilities.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiles must be operated in a safe and careful manner. They must obey posted speed or other limitations. They must have a current and valid state snowmobile registration. Over-the-snow vehicles traveling on snow are allowed on roads where not specifically prohibited.
Motor vehicles may not be louder than 99 dba (decibels)
Wildernes
Wilderness areas have specific rules and regulations that must be followed in order to protect these areas from our collective impacts. Always follow Leave No Trace principles.