Are you looking for camping in Rocky Mountain National Park? Here’s the list of the best campgrounds in Rocky Mountain National Park with all the information.
Aspenglen Campground, Glacier Basin Campground, Moraine Park Campground, and Longs Peak Campground are the park’s most popular and scenic campgrounds. Whether you are looking for RV camping or tent camping, Rocky Mountain NP offers some of the best campgrounds in the United States.
Let’s plan your family camping tour.
1. Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park: Aspenglen Campground
If you’re planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, you may want to consider staying at Aspenglen Campground.
This popular campground is located near the Fall River Entrance. The park features craggy peaks and lush valleys. While you don’t need a GPS to find this campground, it’s best to plan your trip accordingly.
Aspenglen Campground is located inside the Fall River entrance of the park. This campsite has a variety of amenities and is accessible to RVs and tents.
You’ll find bighorn sheep and trees like Douglas fir and Engelmann spruce. The area is also dotted with wildflowers.
However, it’s best to book your campsite six months in advance.
In recent years, the Rocky Mountain National Park has experienced pine beetle problems, killing large stands of trees in the region. To avoid introducing these pests, you’ll need to purchase firewood in the park before arriving.
You can also pay the park entrance fees at the entrance station.
There are many other things to see and do in Rocky Mountain National Park. You’ll find something to suit your needs at Aspenglen Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park.
If you’re driving, you can quickly get directions to Aspenglen Campground via Moovit, a free public transit app with more than 930 million users. Moovit provides real-time schedules, maps, and driving directions to Aspenglen Campground Cemetery.
Many roads in the park close from October through Memorial Day.
Address: US-34 & Old Fall River Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517, United States Phone: +1 970-586-1206
2. Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park: Glacier Basin Campground
If you’re planning a camping trip in the Colorado Rockies, you’ll want to consider staying at the Glacier Basin Campground on Bear Lake Road.
This campsite is situated in Rocky Mountain National Park and offers over 150 campsites suitable for RVs, tents, and trailers. The campground features paved roads, drinking water, clean bathrooms, flush toilets, and a dump station.
In addition, the area near the campground features seasonal wildflowers, hiking trails, and fire rings. Most importantly, the panoramic mountainous view is breathtaking.
While the park has many great camping sites, you’ll need to plan ahead. Many of them are limited and can fill up quickly. During peak seasons, you’ll want to make reservations well in advance.
For example, you may want to make reservations six months in advance if you plan to stay in the park over the summer. Because of the popularity of this park, reservations can be hard to make.
The easiest entrance to the campground is via the Beaver Meadows park entrance.
Despite the loss of many trees to the Pine Beetle epidemic, this campground still offers excellent views of the Continental Divide. You can enter the park at Beaver Meadows and access the campground via Glacier Basin.
Glacier Basin Campground has a range of amenities, including firewood for sale, clean restrooms, and a ranger amphitheater. This campground even hosts summer ranger programs.
While camping in the Rocky Mountains, you might want to bring along a good book.
There are many hiking trails and bike trails within the park. Be sure to wear your bike helmet to avoid falling. The terrain can be rough, so check the weather before setting out. You might also want to take a dog along if you have one. And they must be kept on a leash according to the park rules.
Address: Highway 36 West, Estes Park, CO 80517, United States Phone: +1 970-586-1206
3. Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park: Moraine Park Campground
Moraine Park Campground is a large and developed campground located within Rocky Mountain National Park.
The area is home to many outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and rock climbing. You can also go hiking or horseback riding, caving, and enjoy the wildlife. Therefore camping is the best way to explore this area.
Moraine Park Campground is divided into loops. Loop A is the main road, while Loops B, C, and D branch off. Campsites are spacious and include fire rings and large boulders.
Many sites overlook the Beaver Meadows, a wide open area where elk and deer frequently graze. Longs Peak looms over the park’s eastern portion, making it a perfect location for photo opportunities.
Although there are no lights at Moraine Park, there are facilities for showers, potable water, and a dump station. You will need to make reservations six months ahead of time to secure a spot.
The park is planning on undergrounding electricity lines in the campground to reduce damage caused by the elements. The project also involves extending electrical service to all sixty RV campsites, adding a camp host’s site, and updating 15 campsites.
Ultimately, the new infrastructure will provide a more enjoyable experience for visitors to the park.
Address: US-36, Estes Park, CO 80517, United States Phone: +1 970-586-1206
4. Longs Peak Campground
If you’re looking for camping in Rocky Mountain National Park, consider staying at Longs Peak Campground.
This campground is located at the base of Longs Peak and features 26 tent-only campsites (first come, first served). Each site features fire rings, picnic tables, and ample space for tents.
You’ll find that you can rent more than one tent for your trip, which is convenient if you’re traveling with a large group. The campground is also equipped with vault toilets, firewood stations, and four bear boxes.
But there are no water and dump stations. So, bring your drinking water and other needs.
The campground is located in the lodgepole pine forest at 9,405 feet in elevation. The view is awe-inspiring, and the weather can change quickly. Therefore, it is open only during the summer season. However, surely check the National Park Service website to check the conditions.
Since you’re at a higher altitude, you should bring lots of sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. Longs Peak Campground is a popular destination for summer camping.
You can even bring a sleeping bag to keep warm in the mountains.
Address: Longs Peak Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517, United States Phone: +1 970-586-1206
5. Timber Creek Campground
If you are looking for a great campground in the Rocky Mountains, look no further than Timber Creek Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park.
This campground is situated right next to the Colorado River, where you can spend hours watching fly fishermen teasing the water with their lines. For a price of $26 per night, it’s an excellent place to stay on a budget.
You’ll find potable water (seasonal), vault toilets, trash recycling, RV dump stations, and an amphitheater in the campground.
While the park itself is relatively small, Timber Creek Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park offers 98 sites with flush toilets.
Timber Creek Campground is located on the west side of the park. Actually, it is the only campground located on the west side. Colorado River and Grand Lake are close attractions to this campground.
Since this is a reservation-only campground, secure your space through the recreation.gov website.
The area is also known as an excellent hiking destination. There are countless trails, ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging hikes that reach 14,000 feet in altitude.
With marked hiking trails, you’re sure to find one that will suit your fitness level and interests. Rocky Mountain National Park also hosts some of the park’s charismatic wildlife, including mule deer, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep.
The park’s most developed campgrounds are located on the west and east sides, so you’ll want to choose one near one of the two towns.
These are National Park Service-operated campgrounds, but you should expect a more rustic experience compared to the developed sites. Showers and hookups are limited, and water is often unavailable in winter. A camping guide is recommended, especially if you plan to stay longer than a weekend.
Address: Timber Creek Campground, Grand Lake, CO 80447, United States Phone: +1 970-586-1206
6. Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Park
For those looking for a comfortable and accommodating campground near the Rocky Mountains, the Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Resort in Estes Park, Colorado, is an excellent choice.
This beautiful campsite is one mile from the park entrance and offers 105 full hookup RV sites, cabins, and teepees.
The campground has WiFi, but it’s a joke, and the sites are gravel. The staff, however, were very helpful and friendly.
The Elk Meadow RV Resort is a smaller park located near the base of Rocky Mountain National Park. It has a central office building that used to be a brothel during the 19th-century Colorado Gold Rush.
Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Park is dog friendly and has two pet-friendly play areas. You can bring your pet along as long as it’s under 25 pounds. Click here to read the policies and reservations of Elk Meadow Lodge.
If Wi-fi is essential to you, check whether the campground provides it. Some have Wi-fi, but the signal strength may vary.
Some campgrounds have grass, while others have mountains surrounding them.
A good location is close to grocery stores and gas stations, so you can make your stay more convenient.
Address: 1665 State Highway 66, Estes Park, CO 80517, United States Phone: 970 586 5342
7. Manor RV Park
If you are looking for a scenic RV park in Rocky Mountain National, consider the Manor RV in Estes.
This popular park is close to the park’s east entrance and offers plenty of amenities. You will find 110 full hook-up sites (22 sites on Big Thompson River), fire pits, RV and camping supplies, restaurants, outdoor stores, grocery stores, gas stations, and more.
Located in Estes Park, Colorado, the Manor RV in Estes Park offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Many sites feature picnic tables and a camp store.
Guests can take advantage of free cable TV and Wi-Fi, and you will find propane refill stations here.
It is also just five minutes away from Rocky Mountain National Park. A visit to this RV park is a great way to explore the local area and take in the spectacular views.
While the Manor RV Park is a seasonal destination, it does offer all the comforts of home. It is open from May 15 to October 15. Its amenities include a supply shop, a recreation room, and recently renovated bathrooms.
Other amenities include picnic tables, patios, WiFi, cable TV, and a laundry room. You can also rent a space in the park if your budget allows it.
And it allows you to bring your lovely pets too.
Address: 815 Riverside Dr #14, Estes Park, CO 80517, United States Phone: +1 970-586-3251
8. Estes Park KOA
Whether you’re looking for a fascinating campground in the middle of nature or easy access to the national park, Estes Park KOA is the place to stay.
There are plenty of amenities to make your stay enjoyable. Estes Park KOA is only a 1.5-mile drive from Rocky Mountain National Park, and the campground features a trout pond and family amenities.
You’ll also be within walking distance of the park, making it a convenient choice for those who want to take advantage of the area’s outdoor activities.
There are several campgrounds in and near Rocky Mountain National Park. While there’s no designated campground for a large group, Estes Park KOA is convenient for larger groups and nearby attractions.
Booking a site online is possible, but most sites are available first-come-first-served. Whether you’re traveling with a group or a large family, you can enjoy the park’s many attractions and close proximity to city services.
Camping is a wonderful way to get closer to nature. Rocky Mountain National Park is only a few miles away, and the trails are excellent for a leisurely stroll or a more committed backcountry trek.
Guests of the Estes Park KOA can also consult with staff about day trips and find local outfitters and guiding companies. And for those with smaller RVs, the Estes Park KOA is a great option.
Address: 2051 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, United States Phone: +1 800-562-1887
9. Spruce Lake RV Park
If you’re looking for a peaceful spot in the middle of the mountains, try staying at the Spruce Lake RV Resort.
This private campground is located just a mile west of downtown Estes Park on Mary’s Lake Road and Lower Broadview Road. It has full hookup RV sites, a dog park, and laundry facilities.
You can also take advantage of the many amenities in the park, such as golfing, hiking, and whitewater rafting.
This campground offers 110 sites for RVs and a cottage. It also features a stocked fishing lake. It is a mile away from the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park and adjacent to the Big Thompson River.
You can take advantage of the heated pool and spa and enjoy the scenic views. However, you may want to check the park’s amenities before deciding. Spruce Lake RV Park in Rocky Mountain National Park is a great choice.
The campgrounds are designed to accommodate RV travelers of all sizes and styles. Some have WiFi service, while others offer wired connections. Some also have onsite pools open year-round or on a seasonal basis.
Some sites may also have cable TV, but it is essential to check the channels offered. In some cases, digital boxes may be required. Back-in sites are also available. All of these factors will determine how much you pay.
Address: 1050 Marys Lake Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517, United States Phone: +1 970-586-2889
10. Elk Creek Campground & RV Resort
Located just half a mile northwest of Grand Lake, Colorado, Elk Creek Campground & RV Resort is a popular spot for summertime family fun. Guests can enjoy fishing, hiking, shopping, playgrounds, and many other family-friendly outdoor activities.
In addition to the RV hookups and full hookups, the campground features a laundry facility and a general store. There is also a trout pond and arcade.
For those seeking a more upscale option, the Arapahoe Ski Lodge offers 11 rooms with queen beds, private baths, and wi-fi and data ports. The lodge also offers dining and a bar/lounge, and the friendly staff makes it easy to get around.
There are also plenty of activities in the area, including hiking, fishing, and mountain biking.
While Elk Creek Campground & RV Resort is located near the Grand Lake entrance, it offers tent and full-hookup RV camping. The campground’s natural shrubbery makes for great privacy despite its rustic appearance.
It also offers a playground, dump station, and dirt roads. Nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, this campground is close to the park, and Verizon 4G data is excellent. And yes, they even allow pets.
Elk Creek Campground offers RV sites on two sides of the Blue Mesa Reservoir for those who wish to camp in the backcountry. Walk-in tent campers can park one vehicle while driving the other way.
All other campsites allow two primary recreational camping units, including sleeping vehicles. Some sites may also allow tents and boat trailers. However, overnight parking is not permitted.
Address: 143 Co Rd 48, Grand Lake, CO 80447, United States Phone: +1 970-627-8502
11. Winding River Resort
If you are looking for an outdoor vacation, Winding River Resort in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, is the perfect place to stay. It is especially famous for horseback riding.
Located between Grand Lake, Colorado, and Rocky Mountain National Park, Winding River offers cozy cabins, covered wagons, and lodge rooms for your outdoor vacation.
In addition, the campground has RV and tent sites and guest horse corrals. There are laundry facilities, swimming pools, and fishing, hiking, biking, and off-roading activities.
This park offers endless recreation. Guests can enjoy fishing, horseback riding, or sleigh rides.
The resort offers organized chuck wagon dinners, ice cream socials, a Cowboy Church, and pickleball courts.
Families will love the glamping options, and it’s also close to Animal Farm. You can even rent snowmobiles or an ATV to explore the surrounding area.
Address: 1447 Co Rd 491, Grand Lake, CO 80447, United States Phone: +1 970-627-3215
12. Peaceful Valley Campground
If you’re looking for an ideal spot to stay in Rocky Mountain National Park, consider a stay at Peaceful Valley Campground.
Located 30 minutes from the park’s entrance, this campground is home to 17 first-come, first-served campsites. RV and tent campsites are available, and the campground is usually packed on weekends.
To avoid disappointment, you should book your campsite as early as possible.
Located 24 miles south of Estes Park, Colorado, the Peaceful Valley Campground is ideal for camping in the mountains. Surrounded by a glacial valley, it offers spectacular views. And also it is located adjacent to Middle St. Vrain Creek.
Peaceful Valley Campground features 17 tent and RV campsites, each with picnic tables, fire grates, vault toilets, water, and trash services. But do not expect to have electricity, hook-ups, dump stations, or showers.
You can also fish from the campsites, but be sure to check with Colorado Division of Wildlife regulations before you go.
The Wind River trail connects the campground with the nearby YMCA. This trail is excellent for mountain biking and is a quiet route to the park’s entrance. Nearby, you’ll find East Portal Reservoir.
You can also take advantage of the park’s many hiking trails and even enjoy the solitude of a remote spot.
If you’re a nature lover, Rocky Mountain National Park offers many outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, and mountain climbing.
When choosing a campground, remember to check the amenities. You’ll find fire pits, walking areas, and even restrooms.
Recreational trails may be multi-use paved or dirt hiking paths. Be sure to check local conditions and bring an umbrella. There are flush toilets and potable water, but no showers.
Whether you choose a tent site or an RV campsite, you’ll have the best outdoor camping experience in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Middle Saint Vrain Creek, Boulder, CO 80301, United States Phone: +1 303-541-2500
13. Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park: Olive Ridge Campground
Near Allenspark, Colorado, the Olive Ridge Campground is a lovely, primitive campground for RVs and tents. Located within the Roosevelt National Forest, this campground is an excellent getaway from the hustle and bustle.
Each site is equipped with a picnic table and food storage locker. You can also bring your pet. This campground is first come, first served. But it is better to reserve your campsite as early as possible, particularly if you plan to stay for a week or more.
Olive Ridge Campground also has a playground. So, kids may love it.
Each campsite is well-shaded, with plenty of space to set up a tent. All sites include a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. All sites have vault toilets and trash service.
There are also two oversized sites, which can accommodate up to 12 people. You can also choose a site with electrical hookups if you have a large RV. However, there are no dumping stations or firewood services.
This campground is one mile from the town of Allenspark, Colorado. It has trees and shaded sites. And it is easy to access Rocky Mountain National Park via County Road 84.
The park has challenging hiking trails, so be prepared to be out and about for a while. Whether hiking or biking, you’ll want to have enough energy to complete the challenges of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Address: CO-7 Scenic, Allenspark, CO 80510, United States Phone: +1 303-541-2500
14. Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park: Estes Park Campground at Mary’s Lake
If you’re looking for an overnight stay near the Rocky Mountains, Estes Park Campground at Mary’s Lake is the place for you. There are 128 scenic sites suitable for everyone.
Located a few miles from Estes Park, Estes campground at Mary’s Lake offers a quiet base camp for exploring the rest of Rocky Mountain National Park. Full hookup RV and tent sites are available; each has a campfire ring and picnic tables.
Some sites offer bear-resistant food storage lockers, and some are ADA-accessible. A full hookup site features 50-amp electricity, while water and the electric site have 30-amp service.
Guests staying in a full-hookup RV site are able to access drinking water, flush toilets, and showers. A coin-operated hot shower is available, as well.
The campground is a public park and is usually busy on weekends, so you should consider making an advance reservation if you’re traveling during the summer. It is usually open from mid-May to late September. If you’re traveling with a pet, you can bring it along; special rules may apply.
There are 128 campsites at Estes Park Campground at Mary’s lake, each with a different service type. Those requiring full hookups will have an extra-wide site, while back-in sites have a picnic table directly behind or in front of you.
The campground also has some shorter sites that have a great view. And don’t be afraid to call ahead to reserve a spot in advance.
On the other hand, this campground offers plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding, golfing, biking, boating, world-class fly fishing, go-karts, aerial tramway, and mini-golf.
Come on, plan your tour now.
Address: 2120 Marys Lake Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517, United States Phone: +1 970-577-1026
15. Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park: Meeker Park Overflow Campground
If you’re looking for a beautiful, quiet place to camp near Rocky Mountain National Park, you should try Meeker Park Overflow Campground.
This campground has spacious tent sites sheltered by ponderosa and aspen trees. The meadows are also lush and green, and you can easily spot Mount Meeker. The campground also offers firewood, which is a nice perk.
Meeker Park Overflow Campground is open seasonally from mid-June to Labor Day, and all 28 sites are first-come, first-served (suitable for tents, campers, trailers, and RVs), with less demand for the quieter sections of the park. (maximum eight people per site)
As such, arriving early is advised for a good campsite. Although this is not a full-service campground has potable water, tent pads, food storage lockers, and fire grates. The campground also has an RV dump station.
There are plenty of services at Meeker Park Overflow Campground, but it is recommended that you bring your own trash bags.
Meeker Park Overflow Campground offers a quiet atmosphere with hookups and firewood for sale. This campground is located right next to a beautiful lake and is great for small RVs. It’s easy to reach the town of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park from here.
This campground is your best option if you want to camp on the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park. You can’t go wrong with either.
Meeker Park Overflow Campground is very close to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Longs Peak Trailhead, and Wild Basin Trailhead.
There are many different types of RV parks and campsites. Some are on the side of a mountain, while others are in a park setting. While they all offer some amenities, be sure to check with the campground for rules and restrictions.
You can also choose a pet-friendly site or one that is just for tents. A few campgrounds offer back-in sites and pull-through sites for RVs.
Address: Forest Rd 121, Allenspark, CO 80510, United States Phone:
Best Time for Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park
The best time for camping in Rocky Mountain National Park is throughout the summer and early fall (from June to September). By mid-September, the aspen trees are beginning to turn golden, and the annual elk rut begins. So, all campgrounds in and near the park are open this season.
Early fall is cold and snow-free, but by November, regular snowfall is common. Trail Ridge Road is usually closed by mid-October. However, if you’re determined to camp during this season, it’s still a good idea to plan ahead.
The best time to camp in Rocky Mountain National Park is between late May and early September. While all of the campgrounds are open during these times, camping in the backcountry is also available.
You can get wilderness permits and backcountry camping permits to camp in the backcountry. But make sure to plan your trip early because most sites fill up quickly. You may want to plan your trip in advance to avoid crowds and warm temperatures.
The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is all year long, although peak summer months (May and August) are the busiest.
In May, wildflowers are in bloom, and conditions are perfect for hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Even though afternoon thunderstorms are common at higher elevations, the weather is still perfect for hiking and backpacking.
Other popular activities in the park during the summer include fishing, wildlife watching, scenic drives, and camping. You should plan your trip around these seasons, as some campgrounds may be first-come-first-serve.
There are several things to consider when planning your trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. The first thing to do is determine the type of camping you want.
Backcountry camping is the most popular choice and allows you to hike to the highest points of the park.
There are many opportunities to see elk and other wildlife. As the park is vast and varied, you might have difficulty choosing which type of camping will suit your needs.
Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Aspenglen Campground
- Glacier Basin Campground
- Moraine Park Campground
- Longs Peak Campground
- Timber Creek Campground
- Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Park
- Manor RV Park
- Estes Park KOA
- Spruce Lake RV Park
- Elk Creek Campground & RV Resort
- Winding River Resort
- Peaceful Valley Campground
- Olive Ridge Campground
- Estes Park Campground at Mary’s Lake
- Meeker Park Overflow Campground
- Best Time for Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park
Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park
