A parent recently asked on r/paintball a question we hear a lot: is there anywhere left to play woodsball in Colorado? He had just gotten back into paintball after an eight year break because his kids tried it and loved it. They were already playing at a local field, but now the boys were begging for the woods, the way he used to describe it in his old stories.
Here is the honest answer. Large scale, traditional woodsball fields are hard to find in Colorado right now, and we wish there was one too. But that does not mean the woods are off the table. With a little planning, you can build your own woodsball day for your kids, family and friends.
The Honest Answer About Woodsball in Colorado
There are plenty of ways to play paintball in Colorado, including indoor fields with themed bunkers and obstacles. What is missing is the big, wooded, traditional woodsball experience that longtime players remember. No field in the state quite matches what some of the older ones offered.
The good news is that woodsball is really just paintball on natural terrain with natural cover. You do not need a giant field to get that feeling. You need a good spot, a few friends and a plan.
Start With the Land: National Forest and Your Local Ranger
National forest land often looks accessible, but there is no clear guidance on playing paintball there. That means you should not assume it is allowed. The best move is to pick the area you would like to play in, then contact the local Forest Ranger and ask about permission to play for an afternoon of games.
Expect a drive. That could mean a trip up into the mountains or south toward Colorado Springs. The legwork is worth it for the memories.
Questions to ask the ranger
- Is paintball allowed in this area, and who can approve it?
- Do we need a permit or written permission?
- Are there group size limits?
- Are there seasonal closures, fire restrictions or areas that are off limits?
- Where do other visitors usually hike or camp, so we can stay well away from them?
Rules vary by area and can change, so get an answer from the ranger district before you go. This is a practical starting point, not legal advice.
What You Need for a DIY Woodsball Day
You do not need much to get started:
- A couple boxes of paintballs
- Filled air tanks (borrow a few from friends if you need extra)
- A roll of caution tape
- Paintball markers for everyone playing (see rentals below if you need gear)
- A properly fitted paintball mask or goggles for every player and anyone standing near the field
- Long sleeves, light gloves and a change of clothes
- Trash bags to pack out everything you bring
Paintball fill is food based and comes out in the wash, but you still want to pick up any stray debris before you head home.
Mark Your Field With Caution Tape
Caution tape is how we mark the borders of a field when we run offsite paintball events in Colorado. It gives everyone a clear boundary, and it is easy to take down so you leave no trace. Fields do not have to be massive to be a great time. A smaller playing area also keeps games fast and makes it easier to keep an eye on younger players.
Walk the boundary with everyone before the first game, and set up a staging area outside the tape where markers stay pointed down and masks stay on until the game is over.
You Only Need 6 to 10 People
You can have plenty of fun with 6 to 10 people. Invite other family members and local players. Chances are you will find more interest than you expect. Simple formats work well on a small woodsball field: elimination, capture the flag or defend the base.
Keep It Safe, Clean and Memorable
A good DIY game is safe for the players, clean for the environment and fun enough that everyone asks when the next one is. A few ground rules make that happen:
- Masks stay on any time you are inside the playing area
- Go over the boundaries and rules before the first game
- Do a final sweep for hikers or campers before you start
- Pack out all tape, trash and gear
- Leave the spot exactly how you found it
Need Gear? Rent Paintball Markers From APC
If you do not have enough equipment for everyone, American Paintball Coliseum has paintball gun rentals for offsite use. Contact our team to ask about availability for your group, and if you are scouting spots and want ideas, we are happy to talk it through.
Want to shake off the rust before you head out? Our themed paintball fields in Aurora and Colorado Springs are filled with buses, airplanes and bunkers, and paintball at APC is open to ages 8 and up. Check current rates on our Aurora pricing and Colorado Springs pricing pages.
Woodsball in Colorado FAQ
Is there a large woodsball field in Colorado?
Large scale traditional woodsball fields are hard to find in the state right now. A DIY game with a small group is the best way to get that experience, and indoor themed fields are a great way to practice.
Can I play paintball on national forest land in Colorado?
There is no clear guidance specific to paintball, though many areas are accessible. Contact the local Forest Ranger for the area you picked and ask about permission before you play.
How many players do I need for a DIY woodsball game?
Six to ten people is plenty for a great afternoon.
What gear do I need?
A couple boxes of paintballs, filled air tanks, markers, masks for everyone, caution tape to mark the boundary and trash bags to pack out what you bring.
Does American Paintball Coliseum rent paintball guns for offsite use?
Yes. Reach out to our team to ask about availability for your group.
What ages can play paintball at APC?
Paintball at APC is for ages 8 and up. For a DIY game, use your best judgment and make sure every player has a properly fitting mask.
Make the Memory
You may not find a giant woodsball field in Colorado, but a few friends, some caution tape and an afternoon outside can get you surprisingly close. Need rentals or a warm up game first? Contact us or reserve online for Aurora or Colorado Springs.
