The park has more than 100 small backcountry campsites, which may be reserved in advance. Permits are required and are available at the Backcountry Office in park headquarters and the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. Once at the park you can get a permit in person on the day you plan to set out. Reservations can be made ahead of time by mail (write to Backcountry Permits, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO 80517) any time after March 1 for that calendar year. Phone reservations (tel. 970/586-1242) are taken only between March 1 and May 15, and again after October 1 for that calendar year.
To obtain a permit, you'll have to supply the park service with your name, address with zip code, and telephone number; your planned itinerary with dates indicating where you plan to camp; and the number of persons in the party. You'll also need to pay an administration fee of $20, payable by cash or check, upon issue of the permit.
There are from one to nine campsites in each backcountry area, and each campsite can accommodate up to seven people. Rangers say that small parties have less impact on the wilderness and generally experience more harmony on the trail. Parties of 8 to 12 people require special group sites especially set up to accommodate the greater impact.
In summer (June-Sept), backcountry use is highest, so camping is limited to 3 nights at any one site and 7 nights total. From October through May you may spend 14 nights total. An annual limit of 21 nights is also imposed. If you leave before you planned to, notify a ranger so your spot can be assigned to someone else.
Once you arrive at the park, check in with a ranger even if you already have the required permits. Rangers know the trails and camping areas well and are happy to discuss possible destinations with hikers. They can give you the latest information about the trail you plan to take -- whether there's still snow in the area, recent animal sightings, and so forth. Also be certain to check on the weather forecast; the weather can change abruptly in the mountains, particularly on summer afternoons. Winds are constant visitors to the mountain peaks and can be deadly when combined with rain; so take clothing that can be layered, and don't forget storm gear. Although mosquitoes may not be as plentiful as they are in more humid climes, they do exist here, so carry insect repellent in your pack. The bulletin boards at trail heads will also provide good up-to-the-minute information about the trails.
When you reach your camping area, follow the signs indicating the campsite locations. Don't simply put up your tent anywhere, and don't dig a trench around your tent. Keep a tidy camp: Place garbage in sealed containers to pack it out, and hang your food from a tree at least 10 feet above the ground and 4 feet out from the trunk -- this will keep it safe from bears and smaller animals. Scented items, including deodorant, should be kept out of your tent so they won't entice uninvited creatures inside. Many animals are attracted by the salt in sweat and urine, so place gear in a hanging bag and observe proper backcountry sanitation. Backpackers should carry portable stoves since wood fires are permitted only at the few sites with metal fire rings.
In addition to the designated backcountry campsites, there are about two dozen cross-country zones -- in some of the least-accessible sections of the park -- which are recommended only for those with excellent map and compass skills. Remember to leave an itinerary with someone at home in case of an emergency.
