Bear Activity Prompts Tent Ban at Colorado Campground

When you think about camping in Colorado, many would assume that the best way to rough it in the mountains is in a tent. Being able to unzip the tent and crawl out to start the day seems like a very refreshing way to start the day.

Colorado Campground Bans Tents After Bear Activity

Believe it or not, tents and other soft-sided campers and trailers are being banned in one area of Colorado. The U.S. Forest Service has issued new requirements for hard-sided campers in order to protect health and human safety.

The ban on soft-sided campers and tents affects the Gore Creek Campground in the White River National Forest. The restriction comes as there has been increased bear activity in the campground located near Vail.

READ MORE: Colorado Bear Safety Tips You Need to Know

Bear activity in areas such as these is nothing new; however, one bear that shows little fear of humans has damaged two unoccupied tents in separate incidents at Gore Creek Campground.

As a result, the ban on these camping structures has been enacted from June 9, 2026, through October 4, 2026.

Food Storage Rules Also Apply in White River National Forest

There is also another restriction at this Colorado campground. The White River National Forest also has a food-storage order in place for all developed campgrounds and many other dispersed camping areas to help deter black bears and other wildlife from obtaining food from humans, which could result in the wildlife becoming a nuisance or a danger.

READ MORE: Colorado Wildlife Officials Warn Residents About Baby Animals

More information on the soft-sided camper and tent ban can be seen at fs.usda.gov.