Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park: Top Campgrounds to Explore

Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts looking to experience Colorado’s rugged beauty. The park offers a range of camping options, from scenic mountain views to riverside sites, catering to different camper preferences. With five established campgrounds, each with unique features and amenities, it’s essential to plan ahead, as many sites require reservations. Here is nationalparkshops.com‘s guide to camping in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Contents

1 Longs Peak Campground
2 Aspenglen Campground
3 Glacier Basin Campground
4 Moraine Park Campground
5 Timber Creek Campground

Longs Peak Campground

Located near the Longs Peak trailhead on the park’s eastern edge, Longs Peak Campground is perfect for tent campers who prefer a first-come, first-served option. The 26 tent-only sites are nestled within a forested area, creating a peaceful and private setting ideal for hikers.

Fee: $30 per night
Amenities: Vault toilets, potable water, fire grates, food storage lockers
Not Available: Showers, cell phone reception, Internet, store, ice, firewood, electrical hookups
Directions: From Estes Park, head south on Hwy 7 for 9.5 miles, then turn onto Longs Peak Road and follow it for one mile.

Aspenglen Campground

Aspenglen Campground is located near the Fall River entrance, offering easy access to the park’s attractions and nearby trails. The campground features 52 sites, including 13 tent-only sites, many of which are nestled within a ponderosa forest. Visitors can enjoy nearby activities, such as horseback riding and hiking in Horseshoe Park.

Reservation Required: Book through Recreation.gov
Fee: $30 per night during the summer season
Amenities: Flush toilets, fire pits, potable water, food storage lockers, amphitheater with ranger programs
Not Available: Showers, cell phone reception, Internet, store, electrical hookups

Glacier Basin Campground

Known for its open, scenic views, Glacier Basin Campground is situated off Bear Lake Road. Due to the impact of pine beetles, many sites have little shade, but the open space provides expansive mountain views. There are 150 sites, including 73 tent-only sites. The campground’s proximity to the Bear Lake shuttle makes it convenient for exploring popular trails.

Reservation Required: Book in advance as sites fill up quickly
Fee: $30 per night
Amenities: Flush toilets, fire pits, potable water, a dump station, food storage lockers, ranger programs at the amphitheater
Not Available: Showers, cell phone reception, Internet, store, electrical hookups

Moraine Park Campground

Located off Bear Lake Road, Moraine Park Campground is a favorite among campers for its tree-covered sites and panoramic views of Longs Peak. The campground is undergoing renovations and is set to reopen at the end of autumn 2024. During the off-peak winter season, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reservation Required (in summer): Book early, as this is one of the park’s largest campgrounds with 244 sites
Fee: $30 per night
Amenities: Flush toilets, fire pits, potable water, a dump station, food storage lockers, amphitheater with ranger programs
Not Available: Showers, cell phone reception, Internet, store, electrical hookups

Timber Creek Campground

On the park’s western side, Timber Creek Campground lies in the scenic Kawuneeche Valley next to the Colorado River. Following a pine beetle infestation, the campground currently lacks tree cover, but it makes up for this with spectacular mountain views. It’s also one of the best places to spot elk or moose wandering near the campground.

Reservation Required: Book early, especially in peak seasons
Fee: $30 per night
Amenities: Flush toilets, fire pits, potable water, a dump station, food storage lockers, amphitheater with ranger programs
Not Available: Showers, cell phone reception, Internet, store, electrical hookups, shade

Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park is an unforgettable experience, with each campground offering unique settings and amenities. Longs Peak is ideal for spontaneous campers, while Glacier Basin and Moraine Park provide easy access to the park’s most popular trails. For campers seeking wildlife encounters, Timber Creek in the Kawuneeche Valley is a perfect choice.

Planning ahead is essential, especially for campgrounds requiring reservations, so make sure to book early and check for seasonal updates to enjoy a seamless camping experience. Whether you prefer secluded forest sites or open mountain views, Rocky Mountain National Park has a campground for every kind of nature lover.

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