Best Camping In Rocky Mountain National Park

They made their way through the campground and into the field in the photo above. Eight bull elk were together with one of the most scenic backdrops in America behind them, the snow capped Rocky Mountains. In June and September, park campgrounds tend to fill on the weekends. A 4.9-mile hike in, Ouzel Lake is located in Wild Basin, a more rugged area of Rocky Mountain National Park.

I have made it happen for five summers in a row and then the economy got the best of me. Real estate has been in the pits in case you haven’t heard! In 2010 I wasn’t able to go, and I was literally heartbroken. During the summer months, firewood is sold at all campgrounds.

Estes Park has a variety of accommodations ranging from hotels to Inns and Motels which offer you services at different prices. In this town, you will also find shops, restaurants, and bars for your food and drinks. One best thing about Estes Park is that the Thompson River cuts through the town and hence you find a Riverwalk where you can take a post-dinner stroll. Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Park has resort-like amenities and is suitable for families. This campground has 7 cabins, more than 40 tent sites, and 169 RV sites which have full hookups. Furthermore, this campground has a playground, outdoor swimming pool, showers, mini-golf, hot tub, horseshoes, and many more.

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The first means to reach Estes Park is to rent a car then drive yourself 80-something miles Northwest from the airport. The other option is to use Estes Park Shuttle and pay $85 for a round trip or $45 for a one-way. There will be temporary closures in some wilderness campsites. Please contact the Wilderness Office for updated information on the status of wilderness sites. There are a wide range of wilderness camping experiences available in Rocky Mountain National Park. Those new to wilderness travel have ample opportunity to break their boots in slowly, while those with many miles under their belt can find new areas that test their mettle.

The way to this campground is very harsh, which is why you need to be fully prepared to get here. This is another dispersed camping area near Rocky Mountain National Park where no reservations are acknowledged. The closest town of any size was Granby, and it isn’t so huge however, there is a major supermarket there and furthermore the least expensive gas nearby. This site is about Boondocking, it is also called Dispersed Camping, and Wild Camping. I have been camping for many years and did not know it was called boondocking.

Unfortunately, the hiking accessibility to higher elevations is difficult. A lingering snowpack and treacherous conditions present a situation only the experienced backpacker should attempt. In higher subalpine and alpine elevations, you basically guarantee snow through June. It is recommended to stick to hikes in the lower montane ecosystem. Wildland Trekking offers multi day snowshoe tours through the month of April.

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This station, which is one mile west of the park’s headquarters and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, usually receives the highest volume of visitors. This 98-site campground is open from late May until early November on a first-come-first-served basis. As the only camping option on the west side of the park, you’ll be treated to quiet, pristine views, and wilderness. There are 98 campsites , and it costs $30/night for each stay.

I was lucky to see a group of about fifteen or so and even luckier to get some really good pictures. On the east side of the park, Estes Park is located 3.5 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park’s eastern entrance, Beaver Meadows. Paradise on the River, located just one mile from downtown Estes, offers full hookups, free wifi and cable and shower and laundry facilities. Wildlife are abundant here, so keep your eyes out, especially for moose. You’ll also see a number of peaks, including Mount Meeker at 13,911.

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This is the highest I have ever gone and it was painfully obvious by the lack of oxygen! The short climb up a relatively benign hillside to get near these goats was a killer. This is one of the best places in the United States to see mountain goats.

Tundra is very rare in the lower 48 and Rocky Mountain National Park has some of the best examples still left. It’s very fragile, so they insist you stay on the path to avoid damaging the tiny plants. This is a really unique experience that you will probably never get the chance to have anywhere else. And the views from up there near the top of the world are stunning.

Three require advance reservations during peak season, and they are often booked months in advance. Camping reservations are available up to six months in advance. The park’s two remaining campgrounds, Longs Peak and Timber Creek, are first-come, first-served. Visitors with campground reservations will use those permits as their Timed Entry Permit Reservations.

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If using a Golden Age or Access Pass for a camping fee discount, the pass must be presented upon check-in by the pass holder. Park entrance fee of $35/vehicle is required; This fee covers entrance to the park for the date of purchase and the next 6 days. There are several great longer, full-day hikes that trailhead near here. Note this is a gravel road with tight hairpin curves so not suitable for campers. You can get your permit online through the Wilderness Office starting in March of each year.

But, crowds are common, so book your campsite well in advance. Meeker Park Overflow Campground, located just outside of the park’s eastern edge, is a first-come, first-served campground with 29 car camping spots. There is no potable water in the campground, and few other amenities. However, it is a beautiful place to camp, with large sites and nice views of the surrounding mountains. Longs Peak Campgroundis operated entirely on a first-come, first-served basis.

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All campgrounds in the park are $26 per night, and visitors are limited to camping a total of seven nights in the park per visit. America the Beautiful Senior and Access Pass holders receive a 50 percent discount on camping fees. At all campgrounds no more than eight people, and two tents OR one vehicle and one camping unit (i.e., tent, RV, or trailer/tow vehicle) may occupy each site. During July and most of August, expect the campgrounds to fill every day by early afternoon.

Check in at the Visitor Center for the latest information on campground availability. Each campground with RV sites has its own limits on size, so be sure the one you’re reserving can accommodate the length of your vehicle. The Manor RV Park is a seasonal destination that stays open from May 15 to October 15.

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It’s a beautiful park and every RMNP campground has amazing views. As the only campground located on the west side of RMNP, Timber Creek Campground is pretty popular. It’s just off Trail Ridge Road about 8 miles from the Grand Lake entrance. Currently, Timber Creek is a wide open field, lacking any shade.

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The campground contains three main buildings at its entrance, which are open seasonally during the summer (May-October). Reservation information and check-in should be completed at the kiosk. Across the way, the Ranger Station provides information and services pertaining to all of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rangers are able to answer questions, provide Junior Ranger program booklets and badges, as well as give insight on planning your hike.