Don’t worry if you can’t find a spot to camp in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Park is bordered by the Never Summer Wilderness, Arapahoe National Recreation Area, Indian Peaks Wilderness, Roosevelt National Forest, and Comanche Peak Wilderness. No matter which one you visit there is usually always a place to pitch a tent, park an RV, or hike a few miles into the backcountry.
When planning to stay near the Park it’s best to consider what side of the Continental Divide you are wanting to explore most. If looking to climb Longs Peak or explore the Mummy Range, we highly recommended staying near the eastern side of the Front Range. Just south of the park lies the Indian Peaks Wilderness, a spectacular group of mountains stretching down the divide and dotted with more than 40 lakes, cirques, and a spider web of trails. If planning on camping consider Brainard Lake or backcountry camping near the Fourth of July mine near Nederland. Another great option is the Roosevelt National Forest extending southeast of the park. Several rustic campsites are accessible near Allensville and Estes Park and though popular with the locals, typically remain quiet during the week.
On the western side of the Park check out campgrounds in Grand Lake and the Never Summer Mountains, both close the Park’s Grand Lake Entrance. If you have an RV then make sure to head into the town of Grand Lake where several RV parks with full amenities and hookups are located.
Extending a bit further out from the Park, Arapahoe National Forest stretches nearly two-thirds of the way to Steamboat Springs to the west. South of Grand Lake near Granby, Green Ridge Campground and Sunset Point Campground are ideal places to spend the night. The national forest also has an extensive network of trails and backcountry campsites. Eager hikers looking to enter the Park through the wilderness use this as a major access point west of the divide.
Across the rest of Colorado it is nearly impossible not to find a place to crash. There are 15 national forests and 42 state parks to chose from. Add in four national parks and private campgrounds and it’s hard to miss a place to crash. Some of the best statewide campsites include Lost Lake Campsite near Crested Butte and Echo Park in Dinosaur National Monument. Both sites are some of the most scenic in Colorado and provide access to a range of activities include boating, fishing, and hiking.
When visiting Colorado from the south plan on camping in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Great Sand Dunes National Park. Summit County also located south of the park near Breckenridge, is a popular and truly scenic destination.
So before heading out just remember to grab a camping guide and don’t worry too much about finding a spot. Oh yea, and we really shouldn’t tell you this since we love it, but what the heck. One of the best campsites in Colorado is near the St. Vrain River and town of Jamestown, just a few miles north of Boulder. We’re not sure if it has a name but if you can find it, you’ll love it, and won’t be disappointed.
