Elk Hunting and Trailers.....

[dave19113]

Wanted to get some opinions on the subject. I am planning a big hunt next year to Co to hunt elk. Ill post something later on getting ppl together for that. But right now Im looking to find out is it feasable to use a travel trailer as a base camp at the public land areas rather than going the hotel route? I was planning on purchasing a small trailer to be towed by my jeep. I figured I could camp out away from the trailer when going into the backwoods and having the option of going back to the trailer to wash up and relax when needed. I was hoping to spend the entire month of Sept there if possible....

Anybody do it? What fees are involved if any as far as camping is concerned?

ETC


Thanks All,

D

[Orion]

I don't do it, but lots of people do.  Usually there no fees unless you camp in a formal campground.  On most public land, you can just pull off the side of the road where there's enough space for your rig.

[skilonbw]

No fees but if you are coming to co for public land otc hunts there can a be a fair amount of pressure in the units where there is readily accessible camping. I know in one of the units I have hunted in that a lot of people show up with campers to do this.

[dave19113]

I dnt mind hiking in a bit just bc I have a base camp to come back to.......

[awbowman]

People do it all the time

[sagebrush]

I think it would work out great. Ditto what Orion said. It can get crowded in some areas in CO. But if you have a spike camp and are not afraid of walking long distances you can lose them. You will have to pack it out on your back though. I just spend a lot of time breaking them down and only take what I will eat. Gary

[jhg]

A trailer is only as good as how far in you can get it. All that means is the longer a trailer is the less options you will have.

Many trailers have crappy clearance too and long overhangs off the back. Very limiting on the access traces that lead to great campsites. And a lot of really nice campsites are just beyond where the above limited trailers can go.

And remember, you have to find a place that you can turn them around. Not so simple when the whole rig is over 30 feet long with the vehicle. Been there, done that. 16 foot max, single axle, hard side or pop up camper.

Base camping using a trailer or camper is a fantastic way to hunt. Use your judgment and common sense and you will do well.

Joshua

[dave19113]

Thats what I was thinking, using it as a base camp. I really was looking to save $ on hotel fees and to have the option to move if needed.

[David Mitchell]

I personally would opt for a nice tent camp--more options on where you can go and getting turned around is not so challenging. Cheaper on the gas bill as well.

[LKH]

I've got an '81 about 20 feet long with very high clearance and dual axles.  I love it and since I'm not able to pack an elk out 4-5 miles any more, it works great.  The Missouri Breaks country I hunted was ideal for using a trailer.  I gave up on the wall tent out there due to wind and mice.  

I'm retired and have plenty of time so I like living a little more comfortably and can always pack in light for a day or two if needed.

You try taking a snooze in a tent on a hot sunny day and you will know why the trailer is better.

[karrow]

just a few things to think about...i would make sure i had plenty of towing power for what ever size trailer you get, and coming down the mountain is just as hard as going up.

[dave19113]

Im hoping to get a small pop up style 13'

[The Night Stalker]

If I was close to me truck, I would opt for a large Kifaru tipi. If I had plenty of money, I like those little pyamid type campers. Never really cared for the pop-ups. I would want something to keep the draft out.

[z-man]

How about converting a cargo trailer to sleep in? I would think a 10 or 12'er would do. With a little bigger tire you could prob. get a little further off the beaten path. Designed right and there would be plenty of room for the atv as well.

[Ragnarok Forge]

I am looking into a trailer for the wife and daughters to help them be happier hunting in our wet late season weather.  I think you are definately on the right track.  You can hunt longer and harder knowing you have a warm soft bed to sleep in.  The older you get the better that soft bed feels every night.

[Gatekeeper]

If you keep your hunting party small, then Scamp makes a great little camper. I bought one last spring and I'm in the process (although I'm quite slow about my progress) of refurbishing it.
Here is a link to show you what they look like.

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=089443;p=2  

A few people on here have this type of camper and they really like them. Big advantage to them is their weight and size. Mine is 13'long. That length is from bumper to hitch and the weight is somewhere around 1200#. They're all fiberglass and the interior can be modified to suit your needs. They have everything you need for comfort water, frig, cook top, place to eat, sleep, lights and heat. With the help of a generator you can add, microwave, toaster oven and AC.

One disadvantage is ground clearance, but that can be changed by putting a different axle under the camper. The older models, like mine, have a ground clearance of only 8". I'm working on changing that to at least 12".

These campers (13') show up on eb*y often and depending on their condition can cost in a range of $3000 - $7000. Scamp makes a 13' , 16' and 19'.

For more information on these campers go to Fiberglass RVs. There is a little cult following of these little campers and Fiberglass RV is a dedicated site to all types of small fiberglass campers.

Good luck.

[Traddicted]

Knowing the country you are heading into is key.  Like some have said above, dragging a big trailer into the backcountry can get a little hairy if you aren't sure about where you are going.  That being said, after too many years of sleeping in a tent on the cold, hard ground, the last 10 years or so of elk hunting for me have been out of a self contained trailer.  I either take my 29 ft. pull behind, or my dad brings his 30 ft. fifth wheel, and elk hunting becomes real cushy.  Warm meals, showers, and beds make a 10-15 day hunting trip in the hills a lot more comfortable.  I know a lot of guys like to get out into the timber and "rough it", but we see plenty of elk every year and don't have to feel completely beat up every day doing it.  If I knew how to post pictures, I would show you what camp looked like for us last year.  Just my 2 cents.

[Steertalker]

Dave,

Not trying to be a wet blanket, but personally, I think you'd be money ahead to forget about buying a trailer and instead use that money to hire an outfitter to haul you into a drop camp situated in elk country.  

Base camps, spike camps yada yada yada all sound good until you've done it.  Elk hunting is hard work especially when you get one down.  And the way the last few years have been in Colorado with the heat....you get one down 5 miles from base camp.....you're gonna have a problem getting the meat out before it is ruined.  I am very cold blooded, but nevertheless, last year it was so hot I just wore a T-shirt the whole time....even at night.  And that was the last full week of archery season.

Anyway...just something to think about.

Brett

[Gvan]

My buddies pull behind a decent sized enclosed car hauler with all their goodies, atv's, etc. When they arrive, they unpack, brick up the back door to be level with the trailer and have osb walls and ceiling that they put up around the rear end. That part is used as the kitchen. They have frames that quickly bolt together to make bunk beds and little tables for inside the trailer. By the time they are done, it sleeps 6 guys and is used as a base camp for elk trips in Colorado. It's very slick and can be used the rest of the year for other stuff, it doesn't just sit there. It's also built very tough and handles the rough roads better than most campers do.

[jhg]

Yes the last week was warm. Warmer than most of the preceding weeks. But if you count on it being  that warm you might be surprised. It can be, might be, probably will be, but it can also be wet and cold. I hunted all month and there were some cold nights and chilly days.

Regarding self-made base camps, for some its not a good fit. I agree with that. But anyone with basic skills and even a little bit of independence will love doing it themselves. Plus a trailer is a gateway piece of equipment. You can use it for all manner of adventure, from fishing trips to jamborees. I for one will never hire an outfitter for anything, having worked for a couple. Once you learn to do it well yourself, its hard to pay someone else to do it for you. The trailer is also going to hold its value for awhile if you buy used and buy smart. You can usually get your money back out of it if you decide to sell it later.
I think Brett makes a good point. I just don't agree with it. ;0)

Joshua