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Adams County, CO Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Overnight camping
Banned in all county parks, trails, open space
RV exception
Permit-only overnight parking at Riverdale Regional Park events
Fine
$100 civil infraction per violation
Enforced by
Adams County Sheriff's deputies and Park Rangers
Adopted
Resolution 2022-649, effective December 6, 2022

Summary

Adams County bans overnight camping, and overnight vehicle, trailer or camper parking for camping purposes, in every county park, trail and open space area. Adams County Park Rangers and Sheriff's deputies enforce the rule under Resolution 2022-649, and violators face a $100 civil infraction fine per occurrence plus possible ejection from the property.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Adams County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It is unlawful to camp overnight, or to park any vehicle, trailer, or camper for overnight camping purposes, in any Adams County park, trail, open space area, or facility. Exceptions to this Rule 1(a) may only be granted for overnight RV parking permits issued by Adams County staff in association with a contracted or official county event at the Riverdale Regional Park. All permits issued for overnight RV parking will be in accordance with established policies and procedures. ... Violation of any other Rule or Regulation adopted herein shall be a Civil Infraction as provided for in C.R.S. § 29-7-101(2), as amended, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00) per violation (as required by C.R.S. § 16-2.3-102(1)(a)), plus any applicable fees and surcharges, or as otherwise provided by law.

Full Breakdown

§ 18-9-117 and § 29-7-101(2), governs conduct on every Adams County park, trail and open space area, including Riverdale Regional Park. Rule 1(a) makes it unlawful to camp overnight, or to park a vehicle, trailer or camper overnight for camping purposes, anywhere in a county park, trail or open space area or facility. The only exception is an overnight RV parking permit issued by county staff for a contracted or official county event at Riverdale Regional Park, and those permits must follow established county policies and procedures.

Rule 1(b) separately bars tents, booths, stands, awnings and similar structures unless the POSCA Department Director has given prior consent, and Rule 1(c) bans stakes of any kind, requiring canopies, jumping castles and similar inflatables to be secured with weights rather than staked down. Rule 1(d) prohibits operating any sound-producing device in a manner that unreasonably interferes with another visitor's use of the area or disturbs the natural soundscape. § 29-7-101(2) and (3); the county courts of Adams County have jurisdiction over prosecutions. § 29-7-101(2), punishable by a $100 fine per violation plus fees and surcharges, and Rangers may also eject a violator from the property immediately.

Violations & Fines

Camping overnight, staking tents, or leaving noise-making equipment running in a county park, trail or open space area is a civil infraction under C.R.S. § 29-7-101(2). A Park Ranger or deputy can issue a penalty assessment notice or citation carrying a $100 fine per violation plus court fees and surcharges under C.R.S. § 16-2.3-102(1)(a), and violators can be ejected from the property immediately regardless of whether a citation is issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sleep overnight in an Adams County park?
No. Rule 1(a) of Resolution 2022-649 makes it unlawful to camp overnight or park a vehicle, trailer or camper overnight for camping purposes in any Adams County park, trail or open space area. The only exception is a county-issued overnight RV parking permit tied to a contracted or official event at Riverdale Regional Park.
What happens if I get caught camping in a county park?
An Adams County Park Ranger or sheriff's deputy can issue a citation or penalty assessment notice. Violating Rule 1 is a civil infraction under C.R.S. § 29-7-101(2), carrying a $100 fine per violation plus applicable fees and surcharges, and you can also be ejected from the park immediately.
Are tents allowed for day use in county parks?
Only with prior consent. Rule 1(b) prohibits tents, booths, stands, awnings and similar structures without approval from the Adams County POSCA Department Director, and Rule 1(c) bans staking anything into the ground, so canopies and inflatables must be held down with weights instead.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Adams County

All Adams County rules

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