Buena Vista and Nathrop are great areas for boondocking and free camping during the late spring and early summer months. The valley is typically warm and the camping areas are free of snow by late April. While you’re camping in Buena Vista I recommend you visit the ghost town of St. Elmo, off-road or dirt bike up Mt. Princeton, and relax at the end of the day in the hot pools of Mount Princeton Hot Springs. If dirt biking or off-roading isn’t for you, there are many beautiful hikes nearby.