Roosevelt National Forest — Johnny Park Dispersed Camping

Johnny Park is a dispersed camping zone accessed via Forest Road 517 in the northern Roosevelt National Forest, tucked into the Laramie River drainage well away from the weekend Front Range crush. It’s the kind of spot where you share the road with more deer than people. Pull-offs among lodgepole pine and open parkland, no amenities, no fee, no designated sites. Bring your own water — there’s no developed source. Fire restrictions apply seasonally; verify with Canyon Lakes Ranger District. This is legitimate backcountry feel without needing a modified rig.

Getting here requires navigating a series of gravel and dirt forest roads north of the Poudre Canyon corridor — plan your route ahead, paper map recommended since cell signal is effectively zero. High-clearance 2WD is sufficient in dry summer conditions; avoid in mud season or after significant snow. A solid option if the Estes area camps are full and you want quiet. 14-day stay limit, pack out everything.

Wild Laramie River corridor dispersed