Photo by Andrew Bydlon
The 550-plus campsites in Rocky Mountain’s five campgrounds fill up fast, but offer some of the most scenic and well-maintained camping in the national park system. Three of the campgrounds take reservations (Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, and Aspenglen), as does a separate group-camping area; to reserve a site, call (877) 444-6777 or go to recreation.gov. To download maps of the campgrounds, see photos, and get other info, go to nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/camping.htm. Campgrounds in the park generally open by Memorial Day. RV campers should note that there are no electrical, water, or sewage hookups at any of the sites. There is ice and water available at all campgrounds. Fee is $20 per night for a site, which accommodate anywhere from one to three tents, depending on location.
Aspenglen Campground
Located just west of the Fall River entrance station on US 34, this small, 54-site area has three loops (one is tent-only). Maximum RV length is 30 feet. Restrooms, showers, ice, and laundry are available, and campfires are permitted in grills/fire rings only.
Glacier Basin Campground
Closed in 2012 due to road construction, this 150-site on Bear Lake Road has four loops (two are first-come, first-serve). Maximum RV length is 35 feet.
Longs Peak Campground
The best staging area for hikers and climbers looking to summit Longs Peak and other nearby conquests, this tent-only, 26-site area is almost always full by midday in summer and early fall. Since it’s first-come, first-serve, we strongly recommend arriving by 10 a.m. to secure a site. Located at 9,500 feet about 30 minutes south of Estes Park on the Peak to Peak Highway, it’s the quietest, highest drive-in campground in the park. (The Boulderfield campground under Longs Peak is nearly 3,000 feet higher, but it’s for backpackers only.) The Longs Peak Campground is usually open year-round, with the water turned off in winter, but it will be closed this winter (2011-2012) for removal of dead trees. Water, ice, and firewood are available in summer.
Moraine Park Campground
The largest and most centrally situated area, this 245-site campground borders the Big Thompson River and elk-favored meadows, and thus offers great access to prime wildlife-watching, hiking, and fishing. Horse stables are within walking distance for those who want to ride. Maximum RV length is 40 feet, and despite the abundance of large trailers in this campground there are many fine sites for tent campers looking for more quiet and privacy. Reservations are almost a must in the high season (after July 4).
Timber Creek Campground
Situated on the Colorado River about 10 miles inside the park from the Grand Lake entrance, this 98-site campground is in an area with frequent moose sightings. It’s first-come, first-serve, so plan to arrive early in the day during summer for the best chance of getting a site.
Backcountry Permits
Strictly required for all overnight backcountry camping in the national park. In 2012, the park will begin making permit inquiries available online. Until then, follow these procedures to reserve yours: Go to nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm and download the PDF request form. Complete it and mail to: Rocky Mountain National Park, Backcountry Office, 1000 W. Hwy 36, Estes Park, CO 80517. You can call (970) 586-1242 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to learn about site availability and trail conditions. Permits cost $20, and are limited to 7 consecutive nights in the summer (14 in the off-season). Requests are accepted starting March 1 for that calendar; you can also get same-day walk-up permits in person, availability permitting.
Camping Outside the Park
Numerous options for tent and RV campers abound in Estes Park and communities on the west side of the park.
