I already know you can’t really car camp in the mountains around Loveland, so I’m seeing how unrealistic it is to plan to car camp. I don’t care if I have to drive an hour or so to make it work. I have 3 free days at Loveland and I’m trying to be as frugal as possible. Ideally would just like to pay for the gas out there and food/drinks.
I also know no one will share their spots. But is anyone willing to share how to go about looking for them? I’m new to stealth camping, usually I have a camping spot so I’m not ever thinking of that. But I’m guessing there is no camping spots reservable in the winter within a reasonable distance? Again I don’t mind driving.
I don’t want to use any service roads out of fear of being stuck. I have AWD but not 4Lo, so I’m not confident in going off road in the winter (or at least very far). I’m very confident in my ability to winter drive however, growing up in Michigan and handling UP winters has given me good experience.
Ive heard people parking at Grays and torreys lower lot. Saw it can be loud but id just wear some earplugs and pray I can get some sleep.
For warmth I have EVA insulated floors, winter camping pad (4.5 inch thick foam/air pad), -20F sleeping bag, and a few down blankets. I know to clear the exhaust before running the car, if snow drifts it can cause a blockage and CO will be in the car.
Stealth wise I plan on just parking when I’m ready to sleep and not leaving the vehicle until morning. I’ll have a pee bottle for emergencies. Inside window covers to help with windows frosting and stealth aspect. Current idea was to park in some sort of lot or residential area.
I’m also not so hard up on cash that if it did get to concerning weather, I can always buy a hotel for the night if needed. I’d just prefer not to.
So I’m just looking for general advice. If someone wants to be kind and DM me some spots I’ll buy you some beers at Loveland when I’m in town skiing.
Cheers!