Camping for Red Rocks?

Hey guys, looking to see if there's a way to use the park and/or camp for free (going over President's day weekend). Any other tips to make the weekend an awesome experience appreciated.

If you have a NPS park pass it'll allow you to enter the scenic loop free of charge. That being said I don't think there is free camping anywhere and the cops do stop and search cars that parked along the sides of roads. Don't be "that" climber that ruins our relationship with the BLM, and other land managers because you are too cheap to pay the $15 a night it costs to stay at the campground.

Years ago (late 90s), there was an "overflow" campground not too far from the scenic loop. It was basically a gravel pit that got the noise and lights from the gypsum plant all night. Is it still there?

The overflow is long gone. You can camp for free in Lovell canyon. I advise being armed, and don't leave anything.

Has anyone ever talked to Bonnie Springs about paying to camp there?

If you're really trying to go "on the cheap" I believe the best two options for a weekend would be...

Make friends/ask around with other climbers at the campground to share a site. (Aprox $3.50 a day per person with 4 people in one site. Less with more people obviously)

Climb outside of the loop in Calico Basin for free. Or share a ride into the loop.

This is probably the least stressful way to save a few bucks. All other camping/sleeping options require a decent drive and will cost more in gas alone.

I also will be heading to Red Rock for a week of climbing. My plan is to get there late the night of Tuesday March 26th. Any help with the following questions would be appreciated.

1) Is it a problem rolling into the campground very late at night?

2) Is Lovell Canyon really that bad? If I left my crappy little pop-up camper there while climbing, would it still be there when I got back?

3) My partner and I are both solid 5.9/Easy 5.10 Trad leaders and we enjoy long routes. We'll climb short sections of harder stuff as long as it protects well & can be french freed if needed. It will be our first multi-pitch climbing of the season, so we won't be terribly fit or fast. After a Montana winter we're looking to be warm when we climb. We definitely prefer uncrowded routes. Any Tic list suggestions?

4) Do I need to buy the guide book?

Thanks!