CAMPING INSIDE ROCKY MOUNTAIN

Here at MyRockyMountainPark.com we believe there is no better way to experience the outdoors then by spending a night out under the stars. Campfires, ghost stories, wildlife and freedom for little kids are just a few of the perks. So why not give it a shot during your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park and see for yourself how great camping can be?

East Side – Estes Park

All but one of the Park’s front-country campsites can be found on the eastern side of the Divide. The largest campground, perfect for RV’s, groups, and tents, is Moraine Park Campground, located just a few miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance. The campground is huge—245 sites—and sites can be reserved up to six months in advance. If you’ve got a tent try to snag a site between 143 and 166. The views are spectacular and the RV’s far away.

Other options on the eastern side include: Glacier Basin Campground, and Aspenglen Campground. Both sites are perfect places to access some of the Park’s most popular trails, while being able to campout in a smaller more intimate setting than Morain Park. Glacier Basin is first-come, first-served; so prepare to get there early, while Aspenglen accepts reservations up to six months in advance.

Finally, if you plan on hiking Longs Peak make sure to check out Longs Peak Campground located 9 miles south of Estes Park on CO-7. No reservations can be made and it’s tent camping only, but the spot is ideal for starting your hike up Longs since all you need to do is wake up and hit the trail. ((Please see top ten things Hiking Longs Peak))

Grand Lake Entrance (West side)

If you plan on staying on the Park’s western edge all but one front-country campsite is located just outside the Park’s boundaries in Grand Lake and surrounding regions. Green Ridge, Cutthroat Bay, and Sillwater Campground are a few of our favorite places. But if you want to stay inside head to Timber Creek Campground located just a few miles up Trail Ridge Road. (Note: Due to a sudden infestation of Pine Beetles, the campsite has closed down several sites, but a small number remain open. No reservations just first-come, first-served so plan on showing up early to snag a spot.)

Backcountry Camping

There are several backcountry campsites inside the Park for hikers and backpackers to enjoy. Campers need to secure a permit from the backcountry office before staying the night. Some of our favorite sites include Ouzel Lake, the Boulderfield and Spruce Lake. Of course with so many available we no doubt missed a few.