Free camping near Estes Park/Lumpy area.

Anyone know of free camping in that area? As in free camping where I won't be dodging shotgun shells fired by drunk rednecks?

Pole Hill Rd./CR 122 has access to free Forest Service camping.
There's also a great low cost forest service campsite in the Meeker Park area which is usually empty.

One caveat w Pole Hill Rd: you'll either need a (somewhat) high clearance vehicle or be ready to hike a bit. I think a normal pickup or SUV would be fine.

You can find free, primitive camping in some spots south of Estes Park, off CO Hwy 7 in the National Forest.

People have camped primitively on Storm Mountain. There is National Forest up high. Some partiers have camped at the Monastery parking are, but it's not recommended.

For $25 a night, the Colorado Mountain School has a hostel-style lodge, and rarely are there more than a couple of people staying there. It's very comfortable, and nearly the same price as a campsite.